Vista Land, the Philippines' leading integrated property developer, continues its commitment to regional development and real estate expansion through a stunning spectacle of its newest residential developments in Pagadian City, Zamboanga City, and General Santos City. Titled Exquisite: Refining Modern Lifestyles in Mindanao, the event gathered Vista Land executives, employees, and business partners for an immersive presentation of culture and communities that embody the evolving achievements and aspirations of the Filipino way of life.

Hosted by the reigning Hiyas ng Pilipinas and Miss Tourism World Philippines, Marela Juaman, whose poised and polished presence guided the proceedings of the afternoon, the occasion opened with an outstanding performance by Step One Dance Company. Their interpretive interlude also echoed themes of movement and Mindanaoan cultural motifs, mirroring the Vista Land mission of nurturing neighborhoods that resonate with the distinct character and contemporary design of the region. Complementing the residential offerings was a presentation from Strategic Commercial Assets Group, offering a glimpse into upcoming commercial opportunities across Mindanao.

Exquisite highlighted Camella Courtyard, Andaluz Villas, and Altaria by Crown Asia, reflecting the diversity of the region while anticipating the demand for elevated and enriching lifestyles. With its strategic positioning across emerging business districts in Mindanao, Vista Land crosses the threshold of this real estate frontier, delivering refined, resilient, and regionally attuned communities for pioneering professionals, growing families, and Overseas Filipinos. 

In his keynote address, Engr. Ric Pallesco, Group Head for South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, emphasized the rising trajectory of Mindanao as an economic powerhouse. "Mindanao is now firmly at the heart of progress and prosperity," he shared. "Vista Land is proud to support this shift by introducing housing solutions that honor both tradition and transformation—created for present-day lifestyles while built for the needs of tomorrow."

Rooted in refinement

Exquisite unveiled three residential developments that demonstrate Vista Land’s signature strengths, including premium locations, accessibility to essential establishments and services, and amenities that enrich the overall quality of life of its residents. 

Camella Courtyard in Pagadian City is a secure and stylish enclave featuring spacious layouts, expansive open spaces, and linking greenways that harmonize sanctuary with shared spaces. Strategically located near transportation hubs, local institutions, and essential establishments, it supports multigenerational living in one of the most promising provincial capitals.

Andaluz Villas at Vista Estates returns for a sophomore salvo in Zamboanga City, offering lot-only properties within a Spanish-inspired enclave that values space, security, and regional identity. Whether securing a parcel of land for a family home, a minimalist retreat, or mixed-use settings that accommodate hybrid setups, it empowers homeowners and investors to build according to their preferences. 

Altaria by Crown Asia introduces an upscale lifestyle experience within its themed development in General Santos City, positioned as the preferred address for discerning homebuyers and investors seeking refined everyday living in the southernmost city.

To learn more about Vista Land and its developments nationwide, visit www.vistaland.com.ph and follow @VistaLandAndLifescapesOfficial for news and offerings.

The spotlight is back, and it’s brighter than ever!

SM Little Stars 2025 has officially launched its nationwide search for the next wave of talented and charming young performers — and the stakes are higher than ever with over ₱15 million worth of prizes waiting for this year’s brightest stars!

This much-awaited competition is open to kids aged 4 to 7 who love to sing, dance, act, or showcase any special talent that can wow an audience. But SM Little Stars isn’t just a talent show — it’s a celebration of confidence, creativity, and character, giving children the opportunity to shine on stage and beyond.

✨ What’s in store for this year’s winners?

Prepare to be amazed! The grand prize lineup includes:

This is not just a moment in the limelight — it’s a leap toward a future filled with opportunity and potential.

📍 Catch the CDO Screening!

The final preliminary screening in Cagayan de Oro will take place on:

🗓 July 5, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
📍 Mall Atrium – Ground Level, SM City CDO Uptown

Parents, this is your moment to let your little ones shine and be part of a life-changing journey! Whether it’s their first time on stage or they’re born performers, SM Little Stars 2025 is the perfect platform to nurture their talents and boost their confidence.

🎤 Ready to Sign Up?

Register and learn more by visiting:
👉 https://smmalls.com/SMLittleStars 
Or sign up directly via:
👉 https://smmallsonline.page.link/EBqYZ1C7MZ3ZPAr69

Let your child sparkle in front of a live audience and esteemed judges — and who knows, they might just be the next SM Little Star!

SM Foundation activated its disaster response program, Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), to assist residents affected by recent fire incidents in Cagayan de Oro and Bacoor, Cavite.

On June 3, the foundation distributed over 130 Kalinga Packs to families affected by a fire in Barangay 24, Cagayan de Oro.

A separate OPTE initiative was conducted on June 9 in Barangay Talaba III, Bacoor, Cavite, following another fire incident. The foundation provided assistance to 200 affected families.

OPTE is a social good program of SM Foundation, implemented in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Markets, aimed at delivering immediate relief to communities during calamities and emergencies.

The SM Foundation distributed over 130 Kalinga Packs to families affected by a fire in Barangay 24, Cagayan de Oro.

SM Supermalls employee-volunteers led the distribution of the Kalinga Packs.

The foundation distributed Kalinga Packs, containing food and other essential items to the fire victims.

Okay, let's be real. We all love Cagayan de Oro, right? The "City of Golden Friendship," the gateway, our home. But lately, walking around some parts of our beloved city, it’s hard not to notice something… smelly. Overflowing bins, plastic bags clinging to fences like unwelcome decorations, and that general feeling that we're losing the battle against our own garbage. It's frustrating, and frankly, a little heartbreaking.

We’ve got this law, Republic Act 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. It's been around since 2000 – that’s 24 years, people! This law is actually pretty comprehensive. It talks about separating your biodegradables from your recyclables (you know, the whole "malata, di-malata" thing), setting up Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in every barangay so we can actually do something with the segregated waste, and proper disposal. It’s all there.

So, what’s the problem? Is it that we Kagay-anons don't know about it? I don't think so. We’ve seen the posters, heard the announcements. The problem, as the editorial rightly pointed out, isn't the law itself. It’s that it feels like nobody’s really making sure it's being followed. It's like having a really good recipe, but the cooks in the kitchen – in this case, it seems our local government unit (LGU) – aren't quite following all the steps, or maybe they're not ensuring everyone else in the kitchen is doing their part.

Think about it. How many of us diligently segregate our waste, only to see it all get chucked into the same garbage truck? Or how many barangays actually have a functioning MRF that makes a real difference? When rules aren't consistently enforced, when you see people openly dumping trash by the roadside or in empty lots without so much as a warning, what message does that send? It tells everyone else that it’s okay, that the rules are just suggestions. And the result? Well, we’re living in it.

It's not just about making our city look bad, though that’s part of it. This mess affects our health. Clogged canals because of garbage mean worse floods when the rains come – and boy, do they come. And where do you think a lot of this trash eventually ends up? Our rivers, the very same ones that are part of CDO’s pride, and then out into Macajalar Bay. It’s a cycle of neglect, and it's simply not sustainable for a city that’s booming and aiming to be a model for Mindanao.

Look, awareness campaigns are great, but they’re only half the battle. We need to see some real teeth behind RA 9003. The LGU needs to get serious about this. That means proper, visible enforcement. Penalties for those who just don't care. Support and incentives for barangays that are actually trying to make it work. Maybe even some training for our hardworking waste collectors so they're part of the solution too.

This isn’t just a call-out post. This is a plea from a fellow Kagay-anon who believes we can do better. We have to do better. It's time for our city officials, our barangay leaders, businesses, and yes, every single one of us, to get serious about implementing RA 9003. Let’s not wait for a health crisis or an even bigger environmental disaster to jolt us into action.

The law is there. The framework is sound. What we're missing is the consistent, unwavering will to make it happen. Let's demand it. Let's participate in it. Let’s clean up our act, Cagayan de Oro. Our home deserves it.

As of May 13, 2025, 5:02 AM, partial and unofficial results show that 80.26% of election returns have been transmitted nationwide. In Cagayan de Oro City, the senatorial voting results reveal a trend that once again puts voter awareness under the spotlight.

While the names leading the senatorial race might not surprise many, it does raise a critical question: Are we voting wisely, or are we simply voting for who we recognize?

The Influence of Familiar Names

In the current tally, most of the top-ranking senatorial candidates are either returning senators, celebrity figures, or part of prominent political dynasties. It’s not new. In fact, it has become a recurring theme in Philippine elections—fame often overshadows merit.

Voters across the country, including those in Cagayan de Oro, tend to gravitate toward names they have seen on TV, heard on the radio, or spotted frequently online. For some, it’s a vote based on nostalgia, for others, it’s a lack of access to information about other qualified candidates.

This cycle of voting based on popularity rather than policy hurts our democracy in the long run. It sidelines competent and lesser-known candidates who may have more progressive or practical platforms but simply don’t have the same exposure.

The Need for Informed Public Discourse

The root of this issue? A serious lack of voter education and exposure to unbiased candidate information. Without debates or public forums that allow voters to hear directly from the candidates about their platforms, visions, and values, voters are left with jingles, slogans, and surname recognition to base their decisions on.

This is why there is a critical need for informational debates and public forums—not just in Metro Manila, but especially in localities like Cagayan de Oro. Local debates can bring national issues into a local context, helping voters see which candidates truly align with their needs and advocacies.

More Than Just a Vote

Voting is a sacred right—and a powerful responsibility. Each shaded oval on that ballot represents a voice, a future, and a decision that affects not only us today, but generations to come.

We cannot afford to make choices based solely on what’s familiar. It’s time to start voting based on principles, platforms, and performance. As a city known for its heart, culture, and progressiveness, CDO must rise to the challenge of shaping a more informed electorate.

It's Time to Level Up Our Vote

CDO's senatorial results are not just numbers—they’re a reflection of how we engage with our democracy. If we want real change, it starts with us. Let’s encourage more dialogues, demand transparency, and most importantly, let’s never stop learning about the leaders we choose.

Let’s vote not just with memory, but with meaning.

In every election season in the Philippines, a familiar and disturbing pattern resurfaces: the rampant practice of vote buying. While many already consider it part of the “normal” political routine, it remains a glaring wound in our democracy—a short-term gain that leads to long-term suffering.

What is vote buying?

Where does the money come from?

And yes, it could very well be taxpayers’ money. Funds meant for roads, hospitals, schools, or social services could be misused and laundered through shady channels until they land in small brown envelopes distributed during campaign season. When politicians see public office as a return-on-investment venture, that’s when democracy truly begins to fail.

What happens after the election?

Public offices become profit centers, and those who once gave out money during campaigns are now the same ones denying budget allocations for health care, infrastructure, or education—because their priority is to recoup what they "invested."

So, who really loses?

Vote buying keeps the cycle of corruption alive. It creates a political culture where money matters more than merit, and where the poorest are manipulated into choosing leaders who only remember them during campaign season.

In the end, that small envelope is not a blessing—it’s a bribe. And every time we allow it to continue, we’re selling our future for spare change.

Vista Land is making significant strides in expanding market presence with the launch of 23 new projects across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This landmark expansion underscores its dedication to delivering master planned developments and house-and-lot communities in key locations, further solidifying its leadership in the real estate sector. 

North and Central Luzon: Unlocking growth in thriving residential hubs

Vista Land is strengthening its presence in Northern and Central Luzon, where rapid urbanization and infrastructure advancements fuel real estate demand.

In Isabela, Solvale introduces a premium neighborhood catering to middle- and upper-income homebuyers.  Nueva Ecija welcomes Amaviana, a house-and-lot enclave fostering a strong sense of community, along with Lumina Cabanatuan, offering value-for-money starter house models for aspiring buyers. In Tarlac, Lucelia and Soleado provide thoughtfully designed residences ideal for growing families seeking long-term value.

Pampanga plays host to Sorrento, designed for upwardly mobile individuals. Solenza in Bataan integrates sustainability-focused design with residential spaces in an eco-friendly setting. Bulacan unveils the newest nodes of Provence, a French-Mediterranean-inspired mega-estate, as well as Chateau Nissa, which offers an upscale lifestyle. 

South Luzon: Strengthening real estate offerings in economic corridors

As gateways to the National Capital Region and southern provinces, Cavite and Quezon remain premium real estate hotspots.

Astor and The Borough in Tanza feature expansive layouts for those seeking secure and dynamic lifescapes. Amara Lane in Dasmariñas, ensures accessibility to business and commercial districts, while Viridian offers spacious residences emphasizing exclusivity. Ventaña in Silang provides an elevated residential experience near the crisp air of Tagaytay, while Segovia combines highland living with contemporary design. 

Finally, the launch of the newest residential enclave within Monteia in Quezon, featuring the latest model home called Ariana, reinforces the foothold of Vista Land in the Southern Tagalog heartland.

Visayas: Pioneering residential developments in high-growth areas

Continuing to develop high-value residential developments in the Visayas region, Vista Land is capitalizing on strong economic momentum and growing investor confidence. 

Cebu presents Fiesole in Azienda, a house-and-lot community thoughtfully curated for discerning buyers. In Iloilo, Brookwood Lane complements the biggest lifestyle destination of the province while the Crest offers premium residential offerings. 

Mindanao: Expanding real estate frontiers in key cities

Recognizing the demand for residential developments in Mindanao, Vista Land is rolling out multiple projects in metropolitan centers.

In Davao City, Atarah establishes a premium real estate enclave, ideal for individuals looking for long-term appreciation. Piera in Davao del Norte offers a well-planned neighborhood that accommodates residents within an emerging regional economic hub. 

Cagayan de Oro, is home to Amicelli, which introduces lot-only investments in an integrated community. Further south in General Santos City, Solana provides house-and-lot options in a rising metropolis. 

Impact on the Philippine real estate industry

The landmark expansion of Vista Land cements its position as a market leader with a forward-looking approach to real estate development. By addressing the needs of both emerging and established markets, the company is redefining industry standards, accelerating value appreciation, and driving economic progress through employment generation, infrastructure enhancement, and increased commercial activity.

These developments align with national infrastructure priorities, with many Vista Land neighborhoods strategically located near transport networks, major thoroughfares, tourist destinations, and upcoming urban hubs. 

To learn about Vista Land developments nationwide, visit www.vistaland.com.ph and follow @VistaLandAndLifescapesOfficial.