Verde Creatives Launches 'Rainbow Voices' Campaign this Pride Month

June 23, 2026


In this recent launch of Verde Creatives' "Rainbow Voices: Mga Mukha at Boses ng Bahaghari," Ms. Bemz Benedito along with Ms. Gigi Marie Garcia (STRAP), Mr. Patrick Espino (Ladlad Partylist), Ms. Venus Ancheta-Lane (STRAP) and Atty. Julian Paul Tabarang, had discussed a lot of angles and brief history of how the celebrationof the "Pride Month" started in the Philippines.  

(L-R): Atty. Julian Paul Tabarang, Ms. Venus Ancheta-Lane (STRAP), Mr. Patrick Espino (Ladlad Partylist), Ms. Gigi Marie Garcia (STRAP) and Ms. Bemz Benedito (Verde Creatives) 



I was a just a mere expectator and witness to this very meaningful forum. I have clearly understood all the narratives, their struggles, their hopes, the laws and the rights that the LGBTQIA+ community is facing. And they're right, if nobody would ever talk about this anymore or nobody would be pushing and following up about the SOGIESC Equality Bill, it will just be dumped in the trash and everything will be forgotten and put into waste. Thus, the celebration of "Pride Month," had begun. 

This is not just a simple celebration of life, love, hopes and dreams... it's a celebration of unity, mutual respect, disparity and to eliminate discrimination among us. 

Happy Pride Month!!! 🏳️‍🌈🌈❤️ 

The following videos were recorded during the
"Rainbow Voices" launch: 



 










The Lingering Pride Initiative of Verde Creatives and the Radical Non-Political Stance of Ms. Bemz Benedito

Verde Creatives, a leading cultural coordinator and public relations powerhouse in the Philippines, has officially commenced its landmark June 2026 digital Pride initiative, RAINBOW VOICES: Mga Mukha at Boses ng Bahaghari. Building upon its long- standing collaboration with key public-private institutions, including joint human rights advocacy frameworks established in late 2025 with the Commission on Human Rights, Verde Creatives continues to integrate systemic socio- -political advocacy directly into its corporate communications and cultural programming.

 The campaign is being coordinated under the visionary leadership of Ms. Bemz Benedito, ts Founding Managing Director, who remains an iconic domestic and global figure within the rainbow movement.






The launch of the project was marked bv a comprehensive press briefing last 11th of June 2026, 1:00 PM, at the Dark Roast Coffee House along Maginhawa Street in Diliman, Quezon City. This strategic location, historically situated within the intellectual and activist hub of Metro Manila, provides the baseline for the campaign's execution on Verde Creatives' official digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

For over three decades, Ms. Benedito has utilized her platform to serve as a relevant, authentic voice for the attainment of structural gender equality and human rights protections in the Philippines, a struggle propelled into national focus during the early 1990s.

Through her leadership at Verde Creatives, as well as her previous guidance of organizations Ladlad Partylist and STRAP, "Ms. Benedito has consistently championed the lived dignity of transpinays and LGBTQIA+ community as a whole. This is exemplified by the agency's recently highly successful forum and film showing, "BABAE  KAMI: Lakas, Laban, at Likha," which reclaims the pre-colonial, gender-diverse spiritual legacy of the babaylan and asog to empower modern transpinay narratives.


Addressing critics who view her persistent advocacy and Pride-related cultural initiatives as a strategic stepping stone toward electoral politics, Ms. Benedito issued a definitive and powerful statement prior to the campaign's launch:"I don't have any plans of joining politics anymore; not even as a representative of any party-list. I have been doing this as an organic part of Verde Creatives core advocacies, because our struggle for human dignity and structural equality cannot be reduced to an electoral tactic or a seat in Congress."

By intentionally divesting from the highly gridlocked and transactional legislative arena, Ms. Benedito's stance marks a significant shift in local LGBTQIA+ strategic philosophy Her trajectory from serving as the primary congressional nominee for the Ang Ladlad party-list in the 2010 and 2013 midterms to focusing entirely on creative corporate responsibility (CSR) and cultural coordination suggests that genuine political agency is increasingly located outside the state apparatus. "The victory of our movement will be secured when our most vulnerable masses- the working-class transgender individuals, the impoverished service workers, and the neglected elder queer citizens-are protected from both physical violence and economic erasure in their daily lives, " Ms, Benedito stated firmly, underscoring her reorientation as a calculated response to a compromised national political landscape. As Verde Creatives marks its ninth successful year in the industry she chose for her team to shine in, Ms. Benedito remains steadfast in her commitment to advancing Pride advocacy through the cultivation of sustainable community counter-power. Her resolve to push the movement forward is evident in every initiative she undertakes.

To this end, she harnesses the strengths of her powerhouse team in the creative media and public relations industry, strategically leveraging media representation to deliver direct mutual aid to the most vulnerable sectors of the LGBTQIA+ community. Rather than seeking validation from an increasingly hostile legislative landscape, she continues to invest in grassroots empowerment, solidarity, and tangible community support.
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The Pambansang Litson Manok Is Finally Back on foodpanda

June 20, 2026



Pista ng Sarap marked the arrival of Andok's on the platform, bringing its signature favorites closer to Filipinos nationwide.
MANILA, Philippines — Some Filipino cravings never go out of style, and Andok's is one of them.



After years of anticipation from customers, Andok's officially relaunched on foodpanda, making its signature litson manok, liempo, Dokito meals, and other crowd favorites available through the everyday app Filipinos already know and use.
The relaunch followed years of strong consumer demand. Despite not being available on the platform for eight years, Andok's consistently remained one of the most searched merchants on foodpanda. Customers continued looking for the brand on the app, turning the search bar into an unofficial wish list and proving just how much Filipinos wanted easier access to their favorite meals.


Excitement surrounding the partnership grew even before launch day. Teasers released by both brands sparked widespread conversation online, generating thousands of reactions, shares, and comments from eager fans who quickly speculated about a possible collaboration.



The anticipation culminated in Pista ng Sarap, a celebration that marked the official launch of Andok's on foodpanda. Inspired by the Filipino tradition of gathering around good food, the campaign highlighted the role both brands play in bringing convenience and enjoyment to everyday moments, family celebrations, and spontaneous salo-salo occasions.

Patricia Jacinto, Marketing and Growth Director of foodpanda Philippines.


"At foodpanda, we're always looking for ways to bring customers closer to the brands and meals they love. The excitement surrounding Andok's launch reflects the strong connection Filipinos have with familiar food favorites, and we're happy to make those everyday cravings more accessible through the platform," said Patricia Jacinto, Marketing and Growth Director of foodpanda Philippines.


Maverick Leonardo T. Javier, President of Andok's Litson Corporation


For Andok's, the collaboration is about meeting customers where they are while continuing to deliver the familiar flavors they know and love. “As modern lifestyles keep Filipinos busier than ever, the partnership bridges the gap between nostalgic comfort and modern convenience,” said Maverick Leonardo T. Javier, President of Andok's Litson Corporation. “By integrating a beloved household name into foodpanda’s nationwide network, satisfying a sudden craving for familiar favorites is now just a few taps away.”


The partnership reinforces foodpanda's strategy of broadening its merchant network to better serve evolving customer preferences. By bringing more household-name brands onto the platform, foodpanda continues to deliver greater value, variety, and convenience to Filipinos nationwide.





To keep the celebration going, foodpanda users can enjoy special offers on their Andok's favorites for a limited time. Just in time for Father's Day, customers can get 50% off Andok's signature Litson Manok, with discounts of up to ₱250 on June 20 to 21. The festivities continue until June 30 with 30% off selected bestsellers, including the Spicy Dokito Burger, BBQ Liempo Meal, Dokibab Rice Meal, BBQ Liempo Stick, and Litson Manok, with discounts of up to ₱150. Both with no minimum order value.
Hungry for Andok's? Open the foodpanda app today and order your favorite litson manok, liempo, and Dokito meals. With more branches continuously going live nationwide, enjoying the Pambansang Litson Manok has never been easier.




About foodpanda:
foodpanda Philippines currently operates in 192 cities and municipalities across the Philippines and is continuously expanding. foodpanda is a subsidiary under Delivery Hero, a worldwide leader of the food delivery industry. For more information, visit www.foodpanda.ph. 


Through the foodpanda website or via the new iOS and Android apps, customers can enter their address and view a curated list of restaurants and shops serving their neighborhood. Once they have found their choice, they can place an order in the comfort of their home or office, paying online through foodpanda’s secure platform or via cash-on-delivery The order is then carefully prepared by the restaurant or shop, picked up by the foodpanda rider and delivered straight to their doorstep.



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Over 21,000 Filipinos Access Job Hiring and Upskilling Opportunities

June 29, 2026


Through SM Supermalls and DOLE's Nationwide Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs

SM in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) hosted the Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs throughout SM’s nationwide network of most-loved malls.

SM Supermalls in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) strengthened their long-standing partnership to once again transform malls into venues of opportunity, hope, and new beginnings through the nationwide Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs mounted across 20 SM malls nationwide, bringing together over 800 employers and over 21,000 job seekers, with more than 1,900 hired on the spot—highlighting the continued impact of accessible, community-based employment initiatives that help Filipinos move forward. 


Enhanced Community Opportunities: On top of connecting over 21,000 jobseekers to 800 employers all over the country, the SM-hosted Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs also shared future-ready skills to attendees through upskilling opportunities.

From fresh graduates and first-time job seekers to career shifters and experienced professionals—Filipinos gathered at SM malls this June 12 in search of meaningful employment opportunities, many of whom were interviewed and hired on the spot.

From fresh graduates and first-time job seekers to career shifters and experienced professionals—Filipinos gathered at SM malls this June 12 in search of meaningful employment opportunities, many of whom were interviewed and hired on the spot.

“Samantalahin natin ang lahat nang programa ng pamahalaan lalo na’t habang nandito tayo. Sa SM maraming salamat–ang importante nagtutulungan po tayong lahat at ginagawa natin ang lahat nang ating makakaya,” said Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.

By combining DOLE’s extensive labor network and employment programs with SM’s accessible community spaces, the collaboration succeeded in empowering local communities—bringing jobs, crucial government support services, and future-ready skills directly to the doorsteps of everyday Filipinos. This year’s Independence Day Job Fair also continued SM’s growing focus on workforce readiness and future-ready skills.

"By partnering with the private sector, mas naging convergent ang ating approach para mas maibigay ang serbisyo ng pamahalaan sa ating mga kababayan. Maganda ang pakiramdam na makita ang ganitong turnout at pagkakaisa lalo na ngayong Araw ng Kalayaan," shared Ryan Roberto Delos Reyes, Supervising Labor Employment Officer of DOLE NCR.

For Patrick Tamayo, who secured a position as a Mobile Promoter, the opportunity meant being able to help his family.
"Masaya po ako na hired-on-the-spot ako. Matutulungan ko na po ang pamilya ko. Hindi ko po inaasahan na mabilis po ako matatanggap," he said.

For Ma. Jamaica Pabunan, Independence Day became more than a celebration—it became an answered prayer. "Naghahanap po talaga ako ng trabaho kaya pinagdasal ko po talaga na matanggap ako and answered prayer po," she shared after being hired on the spot as a Pharmacy Assistant. "Pangalawang job fair ko po itong napuntahan, pero iba po dito sa SM, organized po talaga." 


A Partnership That Creates Opportunities
The success of the initiative reflects the enduring partnership between SM Supermalls and DOLE, united by a shared mission of making employment opportunities more accessible to Filipinos.
By combining DOLE's labor programs and employment network with SM's nationwide presence and community reach, the partnership continues to bring jobs, government services, and workforce development opportunities closer to where people live. 

Across participating malls, applicants explored opportunities from industries such as retail, banking, IT-BPO, hospitality, logistics, food service, education, healthcare, and customer service. Through face-to-face interviews, employers were able to connect directly with qualified candidates while applicants gained immediate access to job openings.
For participating employers, the event also provided an opportunity to support a larger cause. "We joined the job fair not just to fill available positions but also to be part of SM's advocacy this Araw ng Kalayaan. We know there are many Filipinos looking for opportunities," shared Hermie, Talent Acquisition Specialist of Home Credit.


Lisa, Assistant Human Resource Manager of Mesco, Inc., echoed the importance of bringing multiple employers together in one accessible venue. "It's an opportunity for jobseekers to see and apply to different industries in one place. Mas malaking chances for jobseekers," she said.

From Job Fair to Career Growth Hub
This year's Independence Day Job Fair also continued SM's growing focus on workforce readiness and future-ready skills. In partnership with TESDA, DICT, Jobstreet, and other stakeholders, selected venues featured learning opportunities in AI prompting, cybersecurity awareness, Canva basics, digital skills, and livelihood development programs.

Upskilling for the future: With the support of stakeholders like TESDA, the DICT, and Jobstreet Philippines, selected venues offered digital learning opportunities.


"Here at SM Job Fairs, we promote the freedom to grow, the freedom to upskill, and the freedom to find the job that suits you," said Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK. The impact of these learning opportunities extended beyond employment.




For Rhodora Felipe of Pasig, learning how to create doormats and potholders opened new possibilities to support her family. "Malaking tulong po itong skills na ito sa amin dahil pwede kong gamitin ito para makatulong sa gastusin at baon ng mga bata," she shared. Linalyn Calingasan, another participant, hopes to turn her newly learned skills into a livelihood opportunity with support from local partners.

More Than a Job Search
To make the experience more convenient, SM Job Fairs also featured a One-Stop Government Service Express through participating agencies such as SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, NBI, PESO, and other institutional partners.
Applicants were able to process employment requirements, seek guidance, and access support services in a single venue—saving both time and resources.

Jobseekers access over 800 employers in a convenient venue that assembles employment and upskilling opportunities with one-stop government services for crucial employment requirements.


This integrated approach reflects the continuing evolution of SM Job Fairs from traditional recruitment events into community platforms that connect Filipinos not only to jobs, but also to skills, services, and opportunities for long-term growth.

Creating Real Impact Nationwide
Mounted simultaneously across SM malls nationwide, the Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs demonstrated the power of public-private collaboration in creating meaningful opportunities for Filipino communities.
Behind every application submitted, every interview conducted, and every job offer extended is a story of determination, hope, and aspiration.

Power in public-private partnerships: Through the SM Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs, SM supports the DOLE’s efforts to extend employment opportunities to Filipinos all over the country through ease and convenience
1,900 jobseekers were hired-on-the-spot in one day nationwide–adding to the growing pool of employed Filipinos thanks to strong collaborations between employers, government agencies and essential documents and upskilling services.


For some, it meant securing their first job. For others, it meant starting over, supporting a family, or discovering new skills that could open additional sources of income.
These are the stories behind the more than 1,900 hired-on-the-spot applicants—and the reason why SM Supermalls and DOLE continue to strengthen their partnership year after year.


"Pagmalasakitan ninyo 'yung obligasyon ninyo sa kumpanya, nang sa gayon ay sila ay lumago [...] at patuloy silang maghahanap ng trabahante. [And] that is my goal. That is our vision. That is our program. To provide as many jobs as we can — jobs for everyone,” said Manila city Mayor Isko Moreno.

Because freedom is not only celebrated—it is empowered through opportunities. And when opportunities are brought closer to communities, lives are changed, families are uplifted, and the nation moves forward.
Jobseekers experience fast application to employment in just one day.

More Opportunities Ahead
For those who were unable to attend the June 12 Independence Day Job Fair, SM Supermalls continues to mount job fairs year-round across malls nationwide—bringing opportunities closer to communities every month




















 

































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SM and DOLE Bring Freedom Through Opportunities this Philippine Independence Day

June 19, 2026


Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs happening at SM Malls nationwide

Successful hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) applicants proudly pose after securing jobs during the Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fair last year.


As the nation celebrates the 128th Philippine Independence Day, SM Supermalls and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) continue their long-standing partnership to bring meaningful employment opportunities closer to Filipinos.

This June 12, SM and DOLE will simultaneously mount Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs across 20 SM malls nationwide, bringing together employers, government agencies, and thousands of jobseekers in one of the country's largest coordinated Independence Day hiring initiatives.

For decades, SM and DOLE have worked hand in hand to make jobs more accessible to communities nationwide. The strength of this partnership was evident during the Labor Day Job Fairs last May 1, when DOLE organized simultaneous job fairs in 15 SM venues, supporting more than 17,000 jobseekers and resulting in over 1,000 hired-on-the-spot (HOTS).

DOLE representatives join forces at the Labor Day Job Fair, helping bring employment opportunities and essential services closer to Filipino jobseekers nationwide.


Job seekers participate in on-the-spot interviews with leading employers at the Labor Day Job Fairs nationwide last May 1.

The momentum continues in 2026. From January to May alone, the SM-DOLE partnership has already mounted 66 job fairs, served more than 57,000 jobseekers, which led to over 6,000 hired-on-the-spot, helping thousands of Filipinos take meaningful steps toward employment.

Jobs Today, Skills for Tomorrow
Beyond hiring, this year's Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs will also feature upskilling opportunities in partnership with DICT, TESDA, Jobstreet, and industry partners. Job seekers can explore learning opportunities in AI, cybersecurity, digital marketing, data analytics, virtual assistance, and other in-demand skills designed to improve employability and prepare them for the future of work.  

SM, DOLE, and partners cut the ribbon to open the Labor Day job fair last May 1.




Real Opportunities. Real Stories.
Behind every successful job fair are stories of hope and transformation.
One hired-on-the-spot applicant shared, "Nung sinabi po sakin na Hired on the Spot po ako sobrang saya ko po. Kasi magkakaroon na po ako ng trabaho para sa anak ko."

Another successful applicant said, "Ngayon natanggap na po ako sa Hypermarket, magiipon lang po, para ‘pag nakaipon na po pwede na po ulit makapag-aral."


For SM Supermalls, the impact goes beyond filling vacancies. "Through our Job Fairs, we create access to jobs, skills, and brighter futures. Every applicant hired and every opportunity created reflects our commitment to helping Filipinos move forward," SM Executive Vice President Joaquin San Agustin shared.

More Than a Job Fair
The Independence Day Job Fairs are designed as a one-stop employment hub. Beyond job opportunities, applicants can access government support services from NBI, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, DOLE and PESO offices, and other partner agencies, helping streamline employment requirements and make the application process faster and more convenient.
Jobseekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resume, valid IDs, a ballpen, and relevant credentials. Many participating employers will conduct on-the-spot interviews and may offer immediate hiring opportunities.

DOLE and SM Supermalls strengthen collaboration to bring job opportunities closer to Filipino communities.  



Find the Nearest June 12 – Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs near you:
• SM Megamall
• SM City Marikina
• SM Center Sangandaan
• SM City East Ortigas
• SM City San Lazaro
• SM Center Las Piñas
• SM City Sucat
• SM City Rosales
• SM City La Union
• SM City Laoag
• SM City Tuguegarao
• SM City Bataan
• SM City Telabastagan
• SM City San Jose Del Monte
• SM City Dasmariñas
• SM City Legazpi
• SM City Bacolod
• SM Seaside City Cebu 
• SM CDO Downtown Premier
• SM City Davao

Thousands of jobseekers gather at their most-loved SM malls nationwide for the Labor Day Job Fair 




More Opportunities Throughout June
The nationwide effort continues with 17 additional SM Job Fairs scheduled across the country throughout June, including special industry-focused and sector-specific hiring events.

• June 3 - SM City Tuguegarao
• June 7 - SMX Davao - SM Lanang Premier (Tourism companies)
• June 9 - SM City Baliwag (STI job fair)
• June 9 - SM City Davao (ICT companies)
• June 11 - SM City Valenzuela
• June 11 - SM City Bacoor
• June 11 - SM City San Mateo
• June 11 - SM City Iloilo
• June 16 - 17 - SM City Novaliches (QC University job fair)
• June 16 - 17 - SM City Iloilo (ICT companies)
• June 17 - SM City Calamba
• June 18 - SM City Bacolod
• June 18 - SM City Daet
• June 19 - SM City Baliwag (NU Job Fair)
• June 25 - SM City Trece Martires
• June 27 - SM City Bataan (Trabaho at Negosyo)
• June 30 - SM Center Muntinlupa

Schedules and participating malls are subject to change without prior notice. For updates and the latest list of participating malls, visit the SM Supermalls Job Fair Page or follow SM Supermalls’ official social media pages.

Whether you are a fresh graduate, graduating student, first-time job seeker, career shifter, or experienced professional, there is an opportunity waiting for you.

A Continuing Partnership for Nation-Building
This Independence Day, SM and DOLE continue with their shared mission: creating opportunities, developing skills, and helping more Filipinos build better futures. More than matching jobs with talent, the partnership empowers people to support their families, strengthen their communities, and contribute to national progress. Together, SM and DOLE continue to prove that when the public and private sectors work hand in hand, opportunities grow, communities thrive, and the nation moves forward.

Visit the nearest SM Job Fair this June and take the next step toward your career journey. 

A day filled with hope, handshakes, and hiring. 



About SM Supermalls – Job Fair
SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s leading mall developers—continues to maximize the job fair experience by bringing employment opportunities closer to Filipinos through accessible job fairs in malls nationwide. As the country’s most preferred and loved retail destination, SM designs job fair experiences that respond to the evolving needs of different job seeker tribes—from fresh graduates and first-time job hunters to career shifters and experienced professionals seeking their next opportunity. More than a venue, SM serves as a platform where talent meets opportunity—connecting job seekers with employers, strengthening workforce development, and supporting inclusive economic growth through strong public and private partnerships. Because meaningful opportunities should be within reach—designed with every Filipino’s future in mind. All For You.


























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