SM Foundation Celebrates Success of over 1000 College Alumni

The SM Foundation recently celebrated the achievements of over 1,000 college alumni from its scholarship program.

Founded by SM Group Founder Henry Sy, Sr., the SM Foundation scholarship program has provided quality education to deserving students from vulnerable communities. Since its inception in 1993, the program has nurtured 4,214 college graduates and currently supports 2,550 scholars pursuing degrees in various fields.

SM Scholars ignite ripple of positive change

The foundation's commitment to holistic development extends beyond academic excellence. Through part-time job opportunities, internships, general assemblies, and alumni homecomings, SM Foundation shares its core principle of "people helping people"—a philosophy deeply embedded in the foundation’s values, guiding scholars as they make their mark on the world and inspiring them to spread social good in their communities. 

The recent alumni homecoming brought together over 1,000 graduates from different batches and fields, providing a platform to celebrate their collective achievements and the positive impact they have made in their families and communities.

During the event, SM Foundation Executive Director Debbie Sy emphasized the importance of giving back. "As SM Scholar Alumni, you have been given a gift—an education, opportunities, and a brighter future. Now, it's your turn to pay it forward and inspire others to spread good in the world," she said.

The homecoming served as a reminder that the SM Foundation scholarship program is not just about individual success but also about creating a ripple effect of positive change in Filipino communities.

A Showdown to Remember: Red Bull Dance Your Style Spotlights Top Filipino Dance Talents, Names Klockwise as National Champion

Christopher Sy / Red Bull Content Pool

Manila, Philippines — The energy was electric as the nation’s top dancers gathered to compete in the highly anticipated Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines National Finals. This year’s competition, which took place at the Kilometer Zero - Rizal Park in Luneta last September 28, was a thrilling spectacle of talent, skill, and passion that left the crowd at the edge of their seats. 

Red Bull Dance Your Style is a renowned global 1-on-1 street dance competition where dancers show off their freestyle and improvisation skills. Unlike typical dance competitions where a panel of judges is present, with Red Bull Dance Your Style, the audience wields the power to decide the winner. This makes for a more intense dance battle, where dancers unleash their prowess to captivate the audience.

Following a successful series of regional qualifiers, the Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines National Finals brought together 16 crème de la crème of dance talents from all over the country. The competition was fierce, with each dancer pushing the boundaries of talent and creativity. 

After several rounds of intense battles, it was down to the top 4 finalists: Klockwise, MSTR PIECE, JXYB, and Nemesis to compete for the top spot. In the end, it was locking master Klockwise (Kenneth Martinez), who emerged victorious. He danced his way to the top, captivating the audience throughout the competition. He masterfully injected theatricality with his “campbellock” or “locking” freestyle performances, showcasing a masterclass in style and skill, earning him the well-deserved trophy and a ticket to the World Finals as the exclusive representative of the Philippines.

“I’m so happy,” said the elated National Champion of his win. “I’ve gone through a lot from the Manila qualifiers, to the finals. I’m so grateful that I got to experience this. Thank you, Red Bull. Thank you to the whole dance community.”

Hailing from Valenzuela, Klockwise has continuously honed his craft with unlimited determination through countless rehearsals and competitions, always pushing to grow his talent and learn new skills.

Christopher Sy / Red Bull Content Pool

Klockwise disclosed that his personal competition highlight was his battle round with Ponla during the Top 8 battle round. He said, “That time, I felt lighter and my nerves were calmer because it was already the middle of the competition.”

He added, “I was getting fired up. I could hear the music so clearly, and I really just wanted to dance.”

On his upcoming journey to the World Finals, Klockwise shared, “I can’t think about it just yet. It might take some time (for it to sink in). But the opportunity is mine, so I will fully grab it. I will happily represent the dance community, and the entire Philippines in the World Finals.”

This year’s National Finals was powered by Xiaomi, 7-Eleven, and New Era as the official event partners. The crowd was treated to a car showcase by Stance Philippines and a truly pinoy-themed performance by Team Tera PH. Morobeats also performed a set, bringing the sounds of Manila’s streets to the stage. Homegrown dance icons, A-TEAM, and the legendary Philippine Allstars also fired up the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals stage, making the night even more unforgettable. 

Michael Perfecto / Red Bull Content Pool

With the Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines officially wrapped up, all eyes now turn to the upcoming Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finals in India where the best of the best dancers from around the globe will face off in what promises to be an epic showdown. Klockwise is bound for Mumbai, India as the Philippines’ sole representative to go up against the best dancers from 50 other countries. 

The energy, the excitement, and the stakes will be even higher as fans await to see who will come out on top.

Ready for the ultimate street dance showdown? Keep an eye out on Red Bull Philippines’ social media for more updates. Support Klockwise and follow his journey as he makes his way to the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finals, happening on November 9 at Dome, NSCI, in Mumbai, India. 

For more information and updates regarding this year’s season of Red Bull Dance Your Style, visit the official Red Bull website and the following social media pages (Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok )

Collectors of Vintage Cars and Motorbikes come together in Filinvest Mimosa Plus, Clark Pampanga

A sense of nostalgia and the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air of Acacia Drive in Filinvest Mimosa Plus with the Wheels & Brews event held last September 28-29. Co-presented by Gulf Oil Philippines, Golf Ridge Private Estate, and supported by EastWest Bank, the event showcased automotive history and craftsmanship in a retro-themed celebration of community.

The expansive outdoor space of Acacia Drive was transformed into a vibrant open-air gallery, perfectly complementing Mimosa Plus' scenic surroundings. This setting allowed attendees to fully appreciate the iconic vintage cars and motorcycles showcased against a picturesque natural backdrop. Car enthusiasts were in for a treat as groups like the Pampanga Classic Car Club, Angeles Hot Rod Association, and Burnout PH Crew proudly participated, showcasing their prized collections and adding a rich layer of automotive culture to the event.

Attendees marveled at some of the standout vehicles on display, which included the Mini Cooper Classic, a 1967 Mustang Convertible, a 1953 MGTD, and a 1955 MG MGA. Motorbike enthusiasts were treated to the sight of an Indian Scout Bobber 20, a Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer, and a Husqvarna Svartpilen 401—creating an exciting contrast between the classic and modern, the timeless and the bold.

“Wheels & Brews transformed into a vibrant gathering that brought together a variety of communities. Vintage car and motorcycle enthusiasts mingled with automotive and biking clubs, while coffee lovers savored the rich flavors of artisanal brews. Visitors from nearby accommodations were drawn in, eager for a new adventure. This event provided a unique opportunity for these diverse groups to connect, reminisce, and unwind in a relaxed setting. Surrounded by classic vehicles and the gentle caress of a cool breeze, everyone enjoyed an afternoon filled with shared passions and delightful experiences,” said Don Ubaldo, First Vice President for Filinvest Townships.

Indeed, Wheels & Brews brought together a variety of communities: the vintage enthusiasts who love classic cars and motorcycles, the car and motorcycle clubs dedicated to automotive and biking culture, the coffeeholics who appreciate deep variations of coffee, and the visitors from nearby accommodations who were looking for a new adventure. It provided an opportunity for these diverse groups to connect, reminisce, and enjoy a relaxing experience surrounded by classic vehicles, while savoring artisanal coffee in the cool breeze.

As a premier leisure destination, Filinvest Mimosa Plus continues to host events for those seeking a new type of adventure. Its strategic location also makes it a convenient go-to place for leisure as it’s a 90-minute drive from Manila via major highways like NLEX. Acacia Drive then provides a tranquil and scenic retreat for the attendees as they take a break from the road and get to unwind and enjoy nature.

Filinvest Mimosa Plus at Clark, Pampanga is perfectly curated to hold immersive events that celebrate the beauty of nature, open-air leisure, and shared experiences. It allows the community to come together and build a connection as they make new memories and discover what Mimosa has to offer.

To learn more about Filinvest Mimosa Plus, visit the official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FilinvestMimosaPlus.