For Everything You Do: A Mother's Day Celebration That Transcends Tradition

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Some wear crowns, others capes. But the true heroes of our lives? They wear everyday clothes, carry tired eyes, and walk with grace that defies the chaos around them. This May 10 and 11, Vista Mall and Starmall are turning that quiet, relentless heroism into a spectacle of gratitude with a nationwide celebration unlike any other: For Everything You Do – a tribute to mothers in all their strength, softness, and silent power.

The Heartbeat of Our Homes, Honored Like Never Before

Across every corner of the Philippines, from bustling city malls to quieter provincial branches, Vista Mall and Starmall will be transformed into havens of appreciation. This two-day festival is not just a shopping mall event—it is a love letter to mothers, written in music, moments, and memories.

“As a mother, you don’t ask for a parade,” said Alma, 53, a mother of four from Pasig. “But when someone stops to say thank you, even in the smallest ways, it means the world.”

This weekend, it won’t just be a thank you. It will be a celebration worthy of queens.

Immersive Moments, Made to Be Remembered

Imagine walking through a mall and hearing the gentle swell of violins echo through open spaces—timeless classics mingling with modern melodies as string musicians serenade the mothers seated below. For a moment, the noise of daily life fades, replaced by harmonies that speak directly to the heart.

In these same spaces, families can join hands at interactive workshops, learning together in culinary masterclasses or unleashing creativity in guided art sessions. Children, young and grown, will craft more than just gifts—they’ll create shared experiences etched into the heart.

Every smile, every embrace, every tear of joy will be captured by professional photographers stationed at custom-designed photo installations, ready to preserve these fleeting, yet unforgettable, seconds in timeless keepsakes.

“Our goal,” said Christian Marcos, Senior Marketing Officer for Vista Mall, “is to create moments where moms can stop being everyone’s everything—and just be honored, loved, and held.”

Surprises from the Heart

As if this wasn’t enough, Vista Mall and Starmall are keeping some of their most touching moments a surprise. Attendees will stumble upon carefully curated experiences that will spark joy, ignite nostalgia, and, perhaps, draw a few happy tears.

“We wanted to leave room for wonder,” Marcos added with a smile. “Mothers spend their lives surprising us—with birthday cakes, life advice, quiet strength. This time, we’re returning the favor.”

A Collaboration of Love

The celebration is made even more meaningful through the support of like-minded brands who recognize the boundless value of motherhood.

Co-presented by wellness advocate Moringa-O2, kitchen favorite Masflex Cookware, the culinary spice of Hot Dak Philippines, and authentic flavor leader Namkwang Food Philippines, this event is as nourishing to the heart as it is to the senses.

The Bistro Group brings a touch of gourmet flair to the festivities, while leading media partners like Wazzup Pilipinas, Edge TV Philippines, EntrepNegosyo, ASTIG.PH, and TechKuya ensure that every magical moment is shared across the nation.

A Celebration Without Borders

This isn’t just an event. It’s a movement—one that reaches mothers everywhere, from Metro Manila to the provinces, from urban centers to quiet towns. For Everything You Do will unfold simultaneously in every Vista Mall and Starmall nationwide, embracing mothers from all walks of life.

“A mother’s love knows no geography,” Marcos emphasized. “It crosses mountains, oceans, generations. Our celebration must do the same.”

Because Every Mother Deserves the World

As Mother’s Day draws near, Vista Mall and Starmall extend an open invitation to every family: bring the woman who raised you, supported you, loved you fiercely and unconditionally. Give her an experience that matches the depth of her devotion.

For the quiet sacrifices, the late-night lullabies, the unspoken courage, and the infinite love—this weekend, let us say the words that mothers rarely hear loud enough: thank you, for everything you do.

Stay Connected:

📆 Event Dates: May 10–11, 2025

📍 All Vista Mall and Starmall Locations Nationwide

🔖 Hashtags: #ForEverythingYouDo #ComeExperienceVistaMalls #ItsAlwaysAGreatDayAtStarmalls

Vista Mall

🌐 Website: vistamalls.com.ph

📘 Facebook: VistaMallOfficial

📸 Instagram: @vistamallofficial

🎵 TikTok: @vistamallofficial

Starmall

🌐 Website: starmalls.com.ph

📘 Facebook: StarmallOfficial

📸 Instagram: @starmallofficial

🎵 TikTok: @starmall_official

Uniting Cultures, Forging Memories: UP Tomo-Kai’s “Buklod” Interactive Exhibit Bridges Filipino and Japanese Traditions

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a resounding celebration of its 35th anniversary, UP Tomo-Kai, the University of the Philippines’ premier socio-cultural organization dedicated to Philippine-Japan friendship, ignites its series of commemorative events with Buklod: An Interactive Exhibit. Taking place on May 13, 2025 at Alcantara Hall, Student Union Building, UP Diliman, this cultural showcase promises an immersive experience that brings together the beauty of two vibrant cultures in one dynamic, hands-on display.

Buklod: More Than Just an Exhibit

“Buklod” — a Filipino word meaning to bond or unite — lives up to its name by becoming a powerful emblem of cultural convergence. Open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, the exhibit invites students, faculty, alumni, and guests beyond the campus to explore the best of Japanese and Filipino traditions, brought to life through interactive booths, live performances, and workshops.

Hosted by UP Tomo-Kai in collaboration with Filipica and other cultural partner organizations, Buklod is more than a static gallery. It is a living, breathing cultural encounter — a celebration of heritage where every guest becomes a participant, not just a spectator.

Visitors can try on authentic kimonos, have their names written in kanji calligraphy, fold intricate origami, and play timeless Filipino childhood games. Lovers of Japanese flavors can also sample and purchase popular items like matcha products, adding a flavorful twist to the journey.

A Dance of Unity: Sōran Bushi in Motion

A major highlight of the exhibit is the live performance of the iconic Sōran Bushi, a traditional Japanese fisherman’s dance known for its powerful rhythm and expressive movements. Performed by UP Tomo-Kai’s own Dance Troupe, the presentation will not only entertain but also educate.

After the showcase, attendees will be invited to join a Sōran Bushi workshop, giving them the rare opportunity to learn the cultural story behind every movement — a celebration of unity, hard work, and resilience. The shared rhythm of dance becomes a metaphor for the shared values between Filipino and Japanese identities.

A Prelude to Something Greater: The Road to Halina

While Buklod serves as a cultural cornerstone, it is also a prelude to UP Tomo-Kai’s grand culminating event: Halina: A Cultural Night, scheduled on May 16, 2025 at the Sunken Garden, UP Diliman.

Buklod isn’t just a standalone event — it’s a passionate invitation. As UP Tomo-Kai continues to honor decades of friendship and cultural exchange, Buklod stands as the heartbeat of Amakyō: Festival of Memories, this year’s two-week anniversary celebration. Every kimono fitted, every game played, every dance move learned is a step closer to the grand finale where Filipino fiesta meets Japanese matsuri in an explosive celebration of identity and camaraderie.

A Celebration Rooted in Legacy

Founded in 1990, UP Tomo-Kai has grown into more than just an organization — it is a cultural bridge, nurturing mutual understanding between the Philippines and Japan. From assisting Japanese exchange students and hosting educational seminars, to curating exhibits and organizing grand cultural nights, the organization’s mission has remained steadfast for 35 years: to unite, to educate, and to celebrate.

And in Buklod, that mission is crystal clear.

Join the Celebration

Whether you're a lover of culture, a student seeking new experiences, or someone simply curious about the ties that bind nations together — Buklod is a must-visit. For only P20, you get to journey through cultures, traditions, games, and performances that not only entertain but also inspire.

Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to explore heritage in its most interactive form.

Contact & Stay Connected

For more information on Buklod and the rest of the Amakyō events, follow UP Tomo-Kai’s official social media pages or reach out via the following:

Email (Executive Committee): uptkmatsuriadhoc@gmail.com

Email (Partnerships): uptomokai.linkages@gmail.com

Facebook: facebook.com/uptomokai

Instagram: instagram.com/uptomokai

In Unity, We Celebrate

Buklod is not merely an exhibit — it is a movement. A dance of cultures. A festival of shared stories. A living tribute to the enduring connection between Japan and the Philippines. As UP Tomo-Kai takes this leap into its next chapter, it calls on us all to remember the power of unity — in rhythm, in tradition, and in spirit.

See you at Alcantara Hall. Let us celebrate, connect, and be one — sa Buklod.

SSS Brings Services Closer to the People with Dramatic Launch of New Taytay Service Office

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a momentous leap toward public service transformation, the Social Security System (SSS) unveiled its newly relocated and modernized service office in the heart of Taytay, Rizal—marking a powerful symbol of government commitment to uplift the lives of Filipino workers and entrepreneurs in one of the country’s fastest-growing towns.

Gracing the inauguration were SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph Montes De Claro, Social Security Commissioner Eva B. Arcos, and Taytay’s own Mayor Allan Martine S. De Leon. Their presence underscored the critical significance of the relocation—not just as a physical move, but as a dynamic shift in accessibility and efficiency for the residents of this bustling municipality known nationwide as the Garments Capital of the Philippines.

Nestled within the Taytay Municipal Government Complex, the new SSS Taytay Service Office now occupies a strategic space on the 3rd floor of the Manila East Arcade II Building in Barangay San Juan. Open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, the office stands ready to deliver vital services with renewed energy and an elevated sense of purpose.

A New Era in Public Service

In a rousing speech, CEO De Claro declared that this office launch is more than just a relocation—it’s a declaration of intent.

“This is about bringing government services closer to the people,” he said with conviction. “SSS is no longer just a name—it’s a commitment. We are transforming into a more responsive, service-oriented institution dedicated to the needs of our members and employers.”

With Taytay’s economic landscape teeming with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the new service office is a critical resource, especially for business owners who rely on timely and efficient SSS transactions to comply with government regulations and ensure the social protection of their employees.

Empowered by Local Partnership

This achievement was made possible through an extraordinary collaboration between the SSS and the local government of Taytay. Mayor De Leon and his administration provided the office space free of charge, covered the full renovation costs, and even ensured stable internet connectivity—an unprecedented gesture that reflects Taytay’s deep-rooted support for national initiatives.

“What you see today is the product of a shared vision,” De Claro acknowledged, praising the municipality’s proactive approach. “This is how real public service is done—with cooperation, compassion, and concrete action.”

Engineered for Efficiency and Accessibility

Spanning 75 square meters, the SSS Taytay Service Office is a compact powerhouse capable of handling more than 300 transactions daily. Designed to serve both individual members and employers, the office offers a full range of services, including:

Membership registration

Submission of requests for record updates

Employer compliance certificate issuance

Beneficiary additions and member corrections

Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) processing

Adding to its versatility is the e-center, where members can access My.SSS services—registering online, recovering login credentials, and even updating employer profiles—all under one roof.

Service Where It Matters Most

For the people of Taytay and its neighboring towns, the opening of this new office is a long-awaited relief. No more long journeys to distant branches. No more frustrating queues in crowded offices. This is SSS showing up where it matters most—in the everyday lives of working Filipinos.

As the ribbon was cut and applause echoed through the hall, it wasn’t just a celebration of a new office. It was the heralding of a renewed chapter in public service—where government agencies listen, respond, and rise to meet the needs of the people.

Because for SSS, this isn’t just an office.

It’s a promise delivered.