The Intersections & Beyond

Call for Entries: Sine't Dokyu Festival 2026

2026-10-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

Sine’t Dokyu Festival 2026 is calling for entries of short films and documentaries. The event is a nationwide student film festival celebrating emerging voices in short films and documentaries from ACROSS THE NATION.

Whether you tell stories through narrative, documentary, experimental, animation, hybrid cinema, or other moving-image forms, this is your space to bring your stories beyond the classroom and into a wider community of filmmakers and audiences.

SINE — Short Film Competition

DOKYU — Documentary Competition

Bring forward the stories of your community, culture, identity, memories, and lived realities.

Look beneath the surface.

Tell the stories that need to be seen.

Presented by Sinesisid Film Collective

by Astrolikha Creative Spaces

CALL FOR ENTRIES

NEW DEADLINE: OCTOBER 31, 2026

Student Film Competition: https://forms.gle/ET1nZ73pmoCzwyGR

Open Film Competition:

https://forms.gle/qpBruWQv4FdKaXX7

Be part of Sine’t Dokyu Festival 2026.

SCAN THE QR CODE or CHECK OUT THE LINKS.

Call for Fellows: 1st Parañaque Writers Workshop (2026)

2026-10-10T22:35:00.000-07:00

The Parañaque Writers Workshop opens its first-ever call for fellows. We are looking for emerging writers who already have a body of work and are ready to put it under close, generous, and rigorous reading by peers and mentors.

About the Workshop

The 1st Parañaque Writers Workshop brings writers together to share drafts, receive thoughtful critique, and grow their craft in a supportive community. Fellows will present their work for discussion, learn from fellow writers, and leave with revised pieces and lasting connections.

Workshop proper: November 21, 2026

Number of Fellows

Six (6) to seven (7) fellows will be selected for this inaugural workshop.

Applicants must:

• Be at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of application.

• Have existing literary works. Applicants must already have written pieces (such as poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, drama, or other literary forms), whether published or unpublished.

• Be able to attend the workshop session

Application Guidelines

Please submit the following in a single PDF or Word document:

• Writing sample: 3 to 5 poems, or a short story or essay of up to 3,000 words

• Short bio: [100 words

◦ Statement of intent: A brief note on why you want to ioin the workshop and what you hope to gain from it (100 words)

• Contact information: Full name, age, address, email, and mobile number

How to Apply

Send your application to epadillo@up.edu.ph with the subject line "PWW Fellowship Application - [Your Name]" on or before October 20, 2026.

Important Dates

• Deadline for submissions: October 20,2026

• Announcement of fellows: October 30, 2026

Filipino fantasy epic ‘Namwaran and the Golden Tara’ launched after a 10-Year literary journey

2026-09-15T02:08:00.000-07:00

Drawing its historical foundation and inspiration from two of the most exceptional and culturally significant pre-colonial artifacts discovered in the Philippines — the Laguna Copperplate and the Golden Tara of Agusan — Filipino author, corporate leader, and tech entrepreneur Atty. Darwin De Jesus Mariano has unveiled his debut novel, an epic historical fantasy spanning centuries of Southeast Asian history, Namwaran and the Golden Tara.

After 10 years of writing and meticulous research, Atty. Darwin officially launched the novel at the Manila International Book Fair 2026 on September 12, followed by a special book launch and historical tour at the National Museum of Anthropology on September 13 which was supported by the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) and attended by notable guests, including Senator Risa Hontiveros and British Ambassador to the Philippines and Palau Sarah Hulton OBE. National Museum of the Philippines Director-General and Agency Head Jeremy R. Barns, who is also the Chairman of UNACOM’s Committee on Culture, expressed his support for the book launch and warmly welcomed guests in his opening remarks.

The presence of Philippine Memory of the World Committee representatives, led by UNACOM Secretary-General Ivan Anthony Henares, PhD, underscored the importance of preserving the country’s pre-colonial heritage, particularly as the Laguna Copperplate undergoes evaluation for possible inclusion in the Memory of the World (MoW) Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) Regional Register, with results expected in November.

Dating as far back as April 21st 900 CE, the Laguna Copperplate is the earliest known historical document of the Philippines, offering a glimpse of the country’s deep connection with Southeast Asia before the Spanish colonization. It is among the documentary heritage submissions put forward by UNACOM MoW Technical Secretariat for the 2026 Cycle of the MOWCAP Regional Register alongside the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group Audiovisual Archive and Baybayin Documents in the Archivo de la Universidad de Santo Tomas.

Meanwhile, the Golden Tara of Agusan, another key inspiration for the novel, is a 21-karat gold statue from the 9th-10th century discovered in 1917 along the banks of the Wawa River in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. It is currently housed at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, United States of America.

These pieces of heritage come to life in the fictional world of Namwaran and the Golden Tara, which follows three siblings — Namwaran, Angkatan, and Bukah — all named in the Laguna Copperplate and whose lives change after their mother, Pandi, disappears and the priceless golden statue is stolen.

Given three black-stone amulets that grant long life, the siblings embark on a centuries-long journey across the Srivijaya and Majapahit Empires and into the Spanish arrival in Luzon, following the trail of the Golden Tara and searching for their mother. Through its centuries-spanning story, the novel explores family, grief, identity, survival and the cost of living far beyond one’s own time.

Set across the Philippines and Southeast Asia, the novel also brings together creative voices from across the region, with art and illustrations by Filipino comic book artist Miko Pica, cover art coloring by Indonesian colorist Fauzi Nugraha, and a custom typeface by Singaporean artist John Poh.

For Atty. Darwin, the book is borne from a decade-long effort to build a Filipino historical fantasy rooted in the region’s past while telling a deeply personal story of family and loss. His years of working across technology (as the founder of Ticket2Me), entrepreneurship, public policy, government affairs (as a current UNACOM Commissioner), and the creative industry have all found their way into Namwaran and the Golden Tara. His background in Psychology, Law, and Science Communication, plus his experience working across the Asia-Pacific gave him a unique perspective in bringing together the research, history and human stories that shaped his third book and first novel.

Step into a centuries-spanning story of family, survival and Philippine heritage with Namwaran and the Golden Tara, now available at CentralBooks, nationwide. To order and for more information, visit the CentralBooks website.

Call for Entries: 3rd Gawad Luntian NABPLO LGU Awards (2026)

2026-09-13T13:02:41.069-07:00

The National Association of Business Permits and Licensing Officers (NABPLO) invites all City and Municipal BPLOs to showcase their outstanding initiatives, innovations, reforms, and best practices in business permitting and licensing.

3rd Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival | September 23 - October 4, 2026

2026-09-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 officially kicked off its third edition, running from September 23 to October 4, 2026 happening in 7 locations in Metro Manila: Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Market! Market!

John Eriq Bonifacio (Philippines) is Mister Cosmopolitan 2026

2026-09-12T11:17:34.000-07:00

John Eriq Bonifacio of the Philippines was crowned Mister Cosmopolitan 2026, marking a historic victory as the first Filipino titleholder in the competition’s history.

Call for Entries: Wellcome Photography Prize 2026

2026-09-11T14:50:56.806-07:00

Celebrating extraordinary photography and scientific imagery that bring to life the ways health and science influence our lives, communities and futures.

As the Prize approaches its 30th anniversary, it continues to showcase powerful perspectives from around the world.

Starry Starry Group calls for Visual Artists to submit works for upcoming “Alab ng Puso” Exhibition

2026-09-11T14:20:35.298-07:00

Starry Starry Group is pleased to announce an open call for submissions for its upcoming group exhibition, “Alab ng Puso” (Flame of the Heart). Visual artists across all mediums—including painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and digital art—are invited to submit their works for consideration.

Dylan Palmerini (France) is Manhunt International 2026

2026-09-09T15:58:06.354-07:00

The 24th Manhunt International 2026 world final took place on September 9, 2026, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Dylan Palmerini of France took home the main title, securing a back-to-back victory for his country following Adonis Renaud's win in 2025.

Broadway & Disney legend Lea Salonga honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

2026-09-05T16:34:36.000-07:00

Broadway legend and Disney Legend Lea Salonga made history on September 4, 2026, when she was honored with the 2,855th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Nominated by the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) and dedicated under the category of Live Performance, Salonga became the first-ever Filipina performer to receive a star on the world-famous boulevard.

Angelo Dripin (Pasig City) is Mr. Philippines 2026

2026-09-03T14:45:56.000-07:00

Pasig City’s Angelo Dripin emerged triumphant at the Mr. Philippines 2026 coronation night, besting 46 candidates from across the country and overseas Filipino communities. Held on August 31, 2026, at The Crossroads in Quezon City, the grand finals concluded after a dynamic display of Philippine culture, fitness, wit and advocacy.

Negros Trade Fair marks 40 years of championing MSMEs with SM Supermalls

2026-09-03T04:05:00.000-07:00

Unveiled during the media launch, the official BÚTLAK video sweeps across Negros—its landscapes, landmarks, fashion, and artistry—bringing the island’s creative spirit to life.

Your EDSA commute is getting an upgrade at My SM

2026-08-27T03:55:00.000-07:00

For millions of Filipinos navigating EDSA, the daily commute could soon become safer and more seamless as SM improves connections between its malls and major transport hubs.

SM City Baguio shares the love of learning through AI, connecting generations in the digital age

2026-08-25T03:44:00.000-07:00

Learning knows no age. At SM City Baguio, children and senior citizens came together to discover the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) during an interactive learning session held in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DICT-CAR).

Award-winning circularity: SM Waste Free Future transforms Closed-Loop Systems

2026-08-22T03:33:00.000-07:00

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) received the Gold Award in the Transformation Category at the 2026 ESG Edge Impact Awards for its SM Waste Free Future initiative. The Transformation Category celebrates businesses and organizations that have significantly improved and evolved overall sustainability performance and operational models over time.

The New ‘My SM’: How the Filipino Consumer Is Redefining the Mall Experience

2026-08-18T02:31:00.000-07:00

Customers continue to be the transformation driver for SM Supermalls.

Following undisrupted foot traffic and positive business performance in the first half of 2026, the mall operating arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. has noted three key factors that maintained market interest despite scaled consumption patterns earlier in the year.

SM Little Stars crowns its first-ever Grand Shining and Dazzling Stars

2026-08-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

Gratiela Thresse M. Urmeneta of SM City Manila and Amiah Kaea Yzobel Quimzon of SM City Butuan capture SM Little Stars 2026's highest honors

The Grand Shining Star, Grand Dazzling Star, and runners-up pose with the SM Little Stars 2026 judges and organizers following the Grand Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

SM expands ‘Green Recycling Machine’ network to boost nationwide recycling

2026-08-12T02:17:00.000-07:00

What if your used plastic bottle could become part of something much bigger? Through the right machine it can!

SM Cares, through the SM Green Movement, has partnered with recycling technology company Sparklo to deploy SM Green Recycling Machines to 30 SM Supermalls across the country. Through the nationwide deployment across SM’s network of most-loved malls, responsible waste disposal becomes easier, more engaging, and more rewarding for mallgoers.

Top News Asia holds magazine signing event at Philippine Readers & Writers Festival 2026

2026-08-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

Top News Asia, in strategic partnership with National Book Store and Komikon Inc., is hosting a special magazine signing event today, August 14, 2026, as part of the highly anticipated Philippine Readers and Writers Festival 2026.

SM Job Fair empowers Filipinos this August with nationwide hiring, free upskilling, and one-stop government services

2026-08-01T02:45:00.000-07:00

As the world of work continues to evolve, finding employment is no longer the only goal—staying competitive means continuously learning new skills and having easier access to services that support one’s career journey.

SM brings Bayanihan to schools

2026-06-16T04:14:00.000-07:00

SM Supermalls joins Brigada Eskwela 2026 to help create cleaner, safer, and more welcoming learning spaces

Through SM Cares, SM Supermalls supported the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela 2026 as part of its continuing commitment to youth empowerment, nation-building, and community service. In time for the start of classes, participating SM teams from its most-loved malls nationwide worked hand in hand with partner schools to help create learning environments that are cleaner, safer, and more inspiring for students and teachers.

SM Supermalls expands nationwide push for cycling through bike-friendly facilities and active mobility initiatives

2026-06-11T03:26:00.000-07:00

Since the energy crisis, many Filipinos have been exploring alternative modes of transport and rediscovering the benefits of cycling—whether for daily commutes, quick errands, or weekend leisure rides. All for cyclists across the country, SM is making it sustainable to choose two wheels over four at their most-loved SM Supermalls.

Solar panel project helps both customers, communities nationwide

2026-06-10T04:06:00.000-07:00

Amid the current energy state of emergency and as demand for electricity rises during the summer months, SM Supermalls reinforces its energy efficiency practices to serve its customers and surrounding communities undisrupted, on top of sustaining its operations.

SM Group operates the country’s largest rooftop solar panel network nationwide among property developers. Its investment in renewable energy started in 2014 with the very first installation of solar panels in SM North EDSA—long before government mandates on sustainability and the current pressures on alternative sources of power amid the energy crisis.

With over 200,000 panels installed across 59 mall properties, covering 65 hectares, this expansive system powers SM’s most-loved malls through a hybrid energy strategy, helping them run more efficiently and sustainably.

Impact to communities

Collectively, these panels generate 106 MWp of solar power, meeting over 50% of the mall operator’s electricity needs and helping ensure stable operations—from lighting to elevators.

By integrating solar energy, SM reduces costs, improves efficiency, and delivers a more reliable, comfortable experience for tenants and shoppers.

This hybrid energy strategy, paired with its adjusted mall operating hours reduces SM’s reliance on the national grid, helping ease pressure on the overall energy supply and free up capacity for households, schools, hospitals, offices and essential services, in its surrounding communities particularly during peak hours.

SM’s reinforced energy efficiency thrust amid the energy crisis is its latest effort in pursuit of transformative sustainability, action that results in impactful, tangible value to customers and its surrounding communities.

Successful job fair at SM Dasmariñas builds momentum for nationwide ‘Araw ng Kalayaan’ event

2026-06-08T03:58:00.000-07:00

SM Supermalls and its valued partners successfully mounted the SM Group Job Fair at SM City Dasmariñas last May 27, bringing together aspiring applicants, employers, and career opportunities under one accessible venue.

The one-day hiring event drew strong participation from jobseekers across Cavite and nearby areas, connecting applicants to career openings from some of the country’s most recognized retail and service brands. Participating employers included Ace Hardware, Watsons, SM Store, SM Supermarket, SM Appliance Center, Sports Central, Toy Kingdom, Savemore, Alfamart, Goldilocks, National University, and many more under the SM Group.

Where winning begins: Inside SM Supermalls' largest sports playground

2026-06-05T02:58:00.000-07:00

SM Active Hub powers the Philippines’ largest sports playground with 3,500 events across 90 malls nationwide

Across the country, a growing community of runners, pickleball players, skaters, bowlers, cyclists, fitness enthusiasts, and aspiring athletes are embracing more active lifestyles at SM Supermalls. Through SM Active Hub, millions of Filipinos have found opportunities to move, compete, learn new sports, and connect with like-minded communities, turning SM malls into the country’s largest network of active lifestyle destinations.