PAGCOR Photography Contest 2026

by Info @Brand Zone | June 26, 2026

About the contest

The PAGCOR PhotoCon 2026

The PAGCOR Photography Contest is a nationwide photography competition for professional and amateur photographers.

The theme of PAGCOR Photography Contest 2026 is Kids at Play(Kids@Play).

This year’s theme celebrates the essence of grassroots and community play; those moments when children chase one another in dusty fields, jump rope in village streets, or invent games from simple things.

Simple as they may seem, these games shape values such as discipline, persistence, sportsmanship, and resilience; the same virtues that turn children into champions long before they enter any arena.

Through active play, dreams begin and their future is shaped.

Photocon 2026 has three (3) categories:(1) Conventional which is for photos taken using all types of traditional or conventional cameras like Single Lens Reflex or Digital SLR, compact cameras and the like;(2) Mobile for photos taken using mobile devices like smartphones, tablets; and(3) Drone for images taken using drone-mounted cameras.

Out of all the entries submitted and qualified, finalists will be chosen by an esteemed panel of judges - 16 for conventional, 16 for mobile and 16 for drone.

These will be narrowed down further to the grand winners - 8 for the conventional category who will each receive Php100,000 cash, and 8 for the mobile category who will take home Php50,000 cash each and 8 for the drone category who will be awarded Php50,000 cash each. The 24 non-winning finalists will get consolation prizes – P35,000 each for the conventional while P20,000 each for the mobile and drone categories. A special cash prize of P10,000 will also be given the “People’s Choice Award” photos for each category.

Contest duration is from February 1 to June 30, 2026.

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Show us what makes the Philippines stand out from the rest of the world.

"Your extraordinary talent shows us that Filipino creativity is world-class. While PAGCOR's primary duty is regulation, revenue generation, and tourism promotion, we are equally proud of advocacies like this that nurture talent and give Filipinos the platform they deserve."

Alejandro H. Tengco, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO.

Bringing Hope to Mindanao: COSOVA Partners with Angat Buhay for Earthquake Relief Efforts

by Info @Brand Zone | June 23, 2026

In the difficult days following the recent earthquake in Mindanao, COSOVA took immediate action to support affected communities by donating a full truckload of single mattresses and pillows through Angat Buhay, a trusted organization known for its transparent and efficient disaster response efforts.

The donation, officially turned over on June 13, 2025, was carefully prepared at COSOVA’s warehouse in Bulacan with the help of employees and volunteers. Each mattress and pillow was packed with one goal in mind: to bring comfort and relief to families staying in evacuation centers and temporary shelters.

As a brand centered on rest and home comfort, COSOVA believes that meaningful support goes beyond products. In times of crisis, something as simple as a clean mattress and pillow can provide families with a safer, more comfortable space to rest and recover.

Through this initiative, COSOVA reaffirms its commitment to creating a positive impact beyond business. By partnering with Angat Buhay, the company hopes to help bring hope, comfort, and support to Mindanao as communities continue rebuilding after the disaster.

#Cosova #Bayanihan

Over 21,000 Filipinos Access Job Hiring and Upskilling Opportunities Through SM Supermalls and DOLE's Nationwide Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs

by Info @Brand Zone | June 19, 2026

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.

(L-R) Pasig Coun. Hon. Angelou De Leon(in black); Dennis Martel; Dannah Majarocon, Jobstreet by Seek;  Martin Jesse Hererra, SM Regional Operations Manager; Pats Dy, Senior Asst. Vice President for SM Communities Marketing; Ronald Allan Brosas SM Senior Asst. Vice President for Operations; Royce Cabunag, Asst. Vice President and Lead for SM Communities; Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto; Pasig Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski; Councilor Simon Tantoco(in black); Councilor Boyie Raymundo; Councilor Ryan Enriquez; Councilor Warren Incencio; and Councilor Paul Senogat with representatives from SM, the Pasig city LGU, and Government sectors

“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." 

Their stories were among the many success stories that unfolded during the SM Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs, mounted nationwide by SM Supermalls and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

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.

JOB FAIR SCHEDULE IN JUNE:

• 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

Note: Schedule may change without prior notice. For updates, visit SM Supermalls Job Fair Page or follow SM Supermalls on social media.

About SM Supermalls – Job Fairs

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.