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Atayde bats for moratorium on student loan payments during emergencies, calamities

March 17, 2023 9:00 p.m.

STUDENTS won’t have to worry paying their loans during times of calamities and emergencies, as Quezon City first district Congressman Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde has introduced a moratorium on the payment of student loans administered by higher educational institutions (HEIs).

The House Bill 7279, which Atayde filed last Feb. 21, headed into its first reading six days later in the Committee on Higher and Technical Education, chaired by Baguio City Rep. Mark O. Go.

He said the bill — once it turns to a law — will halt the payment of all the fees, charges, and costs relating to student loans and technical-vocational training institutions (TVIs) or by the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UNIFAST) during emergencies.

It will cover all students residing in areas declared to be under a state of calamity or emergency — those who are enrolled in state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), private HEIs, and public and private TVIs.

“We have to find a way to help our students and their families, when natural or even these man-made calamities hit them hard. We just have to make everything easy for them including a moratorium on the payment of student loans,” Atayde said. “It is a burden on a student and their family especially in difficult times like aftermath of typhoon, fire and earthquakes, among other disasters.”

“In the order of spending, student loans will be their least priority since spending will go mostly to basic necessities for survival,” Atayde added.

The moratorium shall be effective for the duration of the state of calamity or emergency and for 30 days after its lifting. No penalties shall be collected on the deferred payments.

“To provide adequate relief and protection to our students in times of calamities and emergencies, this measure shall allow the deferral of student loan collections for a reasonable period during and after the onset of disasters.”

The Quezon City lawmaker cited also the availability of the moratorium, which shall not adversely affect the status of the students concerned with regard to their eligibility for re-enrollment on the succeeding semesters or terms, or their eligibility for graduation.

“The proposed legislation doesn’t prevent public and private HEIs from implementing more favorable forms of payment relief or assistance to students affected by disasters, prohibiting students from voluntarily waiving the moratorium on student loan payments, or availing subsidies and assistance from the government,” Atayde concluded.

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Join the league of retail leaders: Why top brands call SM home

7:47 p.m. September 30, 2034

As consumer expectations evolve, SM Supermalls continues to lead the way, not just in expansion but in completely reimagining the mall experience. Partnering with global and local industry leaders, SM creates an unmatched platform for brands to thrive in the competitive Philippine retail market.

Why Brands Choose SM: The Perfect Partnership for Growth

More than just a shopping destination, SM Supermalls offers retailers strategic advantages that extend beyond leasing space. With millions of visitors each year and a comprehensive approach to marketing and customer engagement, SM gives brands the tools they need to succeed. Here’s why top global and homegrown retailers prefer SM:

  1. Unmatched Visibility and Foot Traffic
    SM Supermalls are strategically located in key cities across the Philippines, ensuring high foot traffic and exposure to diverse consumer demographics. For brands looking to break into the Filipino market, this visibility is critical for building awareness and driving sales.
  • Integrated Marketing Support
    SM partners benefit from extensive marketing initiatives, including in-mall promotions, digital innovations, and social media campaigns that extend the reach of new store openings, product launches, and events. SM ensures that each new partner gets the spotlight it deserves.
  • A Hub for Innovation and Global Firsts
    From first-in-the-country experiences to unique retail concepts, SM consistently attracts pioneering brands that shape the future of retail. For example, the first Disney Store in the Philippines has opened its doors at SM Mall of Asia, providing an immersive retail experience for families.  In the culinary space, two viral sensations have chosen SM to be their first home in the country. Burger & Lobster, a London-based favorite, is opening soon at SM Aura, offering an exciting new dining experience. Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyuhas fired up its stone grills, bringing authentic beef-style katsu to Filipinos at SM Mall of Asia.
  • Collaborative Business Ecosystem
    SM Supermalls offer more than just retail space—they foster an ecosystem where businesses can thrive. SM provides brands access to a robust support network, enabling collaborations, strategic partnerships, and a future-focused approach to business growth.

What’s New at SM? Experience the Best, First

SM’s dynamic retail portfolio continues to grow, bringing globally and locally loved brands to Filipino consumers. Some of the latest additions include:

●      Disney Store at SM Mall of Asia – The first of its kind in the country.

●      Burger & Lobster at SM Aura – A world-renowned London eatery.

●      Venchi at SM Podium – Italy’s famous chocolatier and gelateria.

●      Allbirds at SM Megamall – Opened its first store at SM.

●      National Geographic Store at SM Aura – The first in the Philippines.

●      Maison Margiela, Le Labo, Aesop, and Victoria’s Secret at SM Mall of Asia – Top luxury and lifestyle brands.

●      Sunnies World at SM Mall of Asia  – An experiential concept store of the local cult favorite brand.

These brands have chosen SM for the strategic opportunity to grow their presence in the Philippines, where they can access an ever-growing and diverse consumer base.

Partner with SM: The Future of Retail Awaits

There’s more to come at SM Supermalls as we continue to push the boundaries of retail, transforming our malls into thriving communities where businesses and consumers alike can grow. Whether through flagship stores, exclusive partnerships, or innovative retail concepts, SM is the partner of choice for brands that want to make an impact in the Philippine market.

Stay connected with SM Supermalls and discover more about how we’re reshaping the future of retail. Visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow us on @SMSupermalls for exclusive previews and updates.

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Paradise Dynasty now open at Greenbelt 5

September 29, 2024

Paradise Dynasty’s #WorldsFamous 8 colored Xiao Long Bao Now Open at Greenbelt 5, 3rd Level, Ayala Center, San Lorenzo, Makati City.

Follow their socials:

Social media accounts:

fb: @paradisedynastyph

IG: @paradisedynastyph

Web: http://paradisedynasty.ph

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Jordan Brand’s New Tatum 3 delivers lightweight feel, adaptable performance

1:41 p.m. September 25, 2024

A gold medal. A championship ring. A hunger for more.

After winning on the greatest stages in the game this summer, Jayson Tatum is back for another NBA season — ready to rise to the occasion in his latest signature shoe, the Jordan Tatum 3.

The new, court-ready silhouette has all the features fit for a champion while delivering unmatched style and continuing the Tatum series’ reign as the lightest in the Jordan Brand basketball collection.

“I don’t take having a signature shoe for granted,” Jayson says. “I’m grateful to be in a position where I can co-create with Jordan Brand and have fans connect with me through my shoe. My favorite part of the 3s is the way they take on color, so my hope is that we inspire and energize a lot of people through the colorway storytelling.”

The Tatum 3 is the result of Jayson’s extensive collaboration with Jordan Brand’s footwear designers, who met his needs with a shoe that feels broken in right out of the box, and adapts to the foot without restrictions or pressure. A new upper incorporates insights from athletes’ on-court moves in the Nike Sport Research Lab, layering materials where they matter most for power and comfort, creating a supportive, conforming fit without feeling bulky or stiff. 

Cushlon 3.0 foam and a Zoom Air insert work alongside the upper’s firm frame to promote lateral movements that feel smooth and secure, and a herringbone traction pattern propels a superior first step and quick cut while helping hoopers stop on a dime.

The smoothness of Jayson’s play and his commitment to his family are built into the Tatum 3, reflected in fluid lines that represent his uninterrupted approach to the game and the foundation of his family tree. Like the Tatum 2, the name of Jayson’s son, Deuce, is featured on the inside of the tongue, opposite his signature JT logo, and his number 0 is included on the heel along with unique sayings on the heel tabs, specific to each colorway. His popular “Find A Way” quote from his 2023 “humbly” interview is also included on the medial side of the shoe.

The launch colorway, Welcome to the Garden, showcases growth in all areas of Jayson’s life — his family, his game and his pursuit of greatness — in a floral pattern that nods to his home and personal garden, where he’s surrounded by family, friends and loved ones.

Jayson first unveiled the new silhouette via the NBA 2K25 cover and during his summer tour of China, where he teamed up with fellow Jordan Brand athletes Luka Dončić, Zion Williamson and Paolo Banchero to connect with local youth and foster their love for the game.

The Tatum 3 will be available globally on jordan.com and select retailers October 10. 

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