Monday, June 15, 2026

When Life Happens Fast: How I Got Through an Unexpected Loss with Maya Lending

Cedric Lucero and Yelle | CebuStreetJournal.com


Honestly, I don’t know where to start. There are moments in life you never really prepare for. 


Not the planned milestones like trips or goals. I mean the sudden ones. The kind that shows up without warning and leaves you trying to catch up emotionally and financially at the same time.


For me, that moment came with my dog, Yelle.


If you are a pet owner, you will understand when I say they are not just pets. They are family. They become part of your daily routine, your comfort on stressful days, your joy in the simplest of moments. Yelle was all of that for me.


So, when she got sick, everything changed.


The Moment Everything Shifted


Yelle


It started like any normal day. Nothing felt off at first. But within a short time, her condition got worse. What I thought was something minor quickly became serious.


Vet visits followed one after another.


Consultations. Lab tests. Medicines. Emergency care.


And if you have ever gone through something similar, you already know how fast the costs can increase.


There was no time to sit down and think about finances. The only thing on my mind was what she needed at that moment.


That is the reality of situations like this. You do not have time to prepare. You respond.


Emotions Meet Financial Pressure


Vet bill after lab test


This is something people do not always talk about. When you are dealing with something emotional, financial stress hits differently. You are already overwhelmed and trying to stay strong, then suddenly you are also figuring out how to cover unexpected expenses.


I had savings, but like most people, they were meant for specific plans and responsibilities. Using everything all at once was not ideal, especially since I did not know how long the situation would last.


That was when I realized I needed something quick and reliable. No waiting time. No complicated process. I needed access to funds right away.


Finding a Faster Way to Manage Expenses


This is where Maya made a real difference in my life. For immediate expenses like vet bills and medication, I used Maya Easy Credit. What stood out right away was how fast and simple everything felt.


Maya Easy Credit gives eligible users access to a revolving credit line of up to ₱50,000, which they can use directly through the Maya app for urgent or everyday expenses. It’s designed to give quick, on-demand access to funds—no paperwork or collateral needed—so users can move fast when life calls for extra budget support. 


Maya Credit | CebuStreetJournal.com

(Photo of Maya Easy Credit)


Inside the app, I was able to access a credit line without dealing with paperwork or long approval times. There was no need for collateral and no complicated steps to follow.


Everything was straightforward.


Because it is a revolving credit line, I did not need to take out a large amount all at once. I could borrow only what I needed, depending on the situation, without feeling locked into a long-term commitment like bigger loans. That flexibility helped more than I expected.


That flexibility helped more than I expected.


Managing Bigger Financial Needs


(Photo of Maya Credit/Maya App)


As the days went on, the expenses continued to increase. Follow-up visits, additional treatments, and ongoing care became part of the routine.


At that point, I needed something that could help me manage a larger amount more structurally.


That was when I explored Maya Personal Loan, which offers loan amounts of up to P250,000 for bigger financial needs and longer repayment terms that can help make expenses more manageable.


This option gave me access to a higher loan amount with longer repayment terms. What I appreciated most was that everything was still done digitally. I did not have to go anywhere or deal with physical paperwork.


The process was smooth, and the approval was quick. Having that extra support gave me room to breathe. Instead of constantly worrying about the next expense, I was able to focus on being present for Yelle.


Saying Goodbye


(Last photo of Yelle)


Despite everything, Yelle eventually passed.


No matter how much you try to prepare for that moment, it still hits hard. But when I look back, one thing I am grateful for is that I never had to hold back on her care because of money. I never had to choose between what I could afford and what she needed. I did everything I could for her. And during moments like that, that kind of peace matters more than anything.


Why Fast Access to Funds Matters


Loans are usually only for big life plans like travel or major purchases. But real life is not always planned. Sometimes it is about covering emergency expenses. Sometimes it is about handling sudden medical needs. Sometimes it is about getting through a difficult moment. And when those situations come up, speed matters.


Having access to something like Maya means you are not left waiting or figuring things out under pressure. You can act right away.




A More Practical Way to Handle the Unexpected


What I appreciated most about using Maya was how simple everything felt. Everything happens inside the app. You get quick access to funds. You see clear repayment terms. You avoid complicated requirements. You skip long waiting periods.


For short-term needs, Maya Easy Credit works as a quick safety net.

For larger financial needs, Maya Personal Loan offers more flexible repayment terms.


It is not about borrowing without purpose. It is about having support when life does not go according to plan.


Final Thoughts


(Photo of Yelle and me)


Losing Yelle was one of the hardest experiences I have gone through. And while nothing can take away that loss, I am grateful that I did not have to deal with financial stress on top of everything else. Because sometimes what you really need is not just money. It is time. It is clarity. It is the ability to focus on what matters most. And having fast access to support can make all the difference.

SM Cebu Malls Celebrate 128th Philippine Independence Day


SM Cebu Malls Celebrate 128th Philippine Independence Day

SM Malls in Cebu joined the nation in commemorating the 128th Philippine Independence Day through simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies and a lineup of activities that celebrated Filipino pride, heritage, community spirit, and the joy of making the most of the holiday through exciting maxed-out experiences at your most-loved SM Supermalls. 

SM Cebu Malls Celebrate 128th Philippine Independence Day

The day began with flag-raising ceremonies attended by SM employees, mall partners, local government officials, and members of the country's friendly forces. At SM J Mall, the ceremony was graced by Mandaue City Councilors Hon. Carlo Pontico Fortuna and Hon. Raul Cabahug V, while at SM City Consolacion, Consolacion Mayor Hon. Teresa Alegado and Vice Mayor Joannes Alegado joined the celebration. Meanwhile, personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine Army participated in the ceremonies at SM Seaside City Cebu and SM City Cebu. As the Philippine flag was raised and the national anthem resonated across participating malls, attendees reflected on the sacrifices of the nation's heroes and the enduring values of freedom, unity, and patriotism.

SM Cebu Malls Celebrate 128th Philippine Independence Day

Beyond the ceremonies, SM Malls in Cebu transformed the Independence Day celebration into a meaningful community experience through various activities that highlighted opportunities for Filipinos and showcased local talent.

SM Cebu Malls Celebrate 128th Philippine Independence Day

At SM Seaside City Cebu, job seekers were connected to employment opportunities through the Kalayaan Job Fair, organized in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The initiative brought together employers from various industries, supporting the shared goal of empowering Filipinos through meaningful work and livelihood opportunities.

The malls also featured performances, cultural presentations, and community-driven activities that highlighted Filipino creativity and talent, creating spaces where families and shoppers could celebrate the occasion together.

Through these celebrations, SM Supermalls reaffirmed its commitment to fostering community engagement while honoring the country's rich history and cultural identity. More than a commemoration of a historic milestone, the activities served as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and collective aspirations of the Filipino people.

Thursday, June 11, 2026

SM Supermalls in Zamboanga amplifies Gen Z’s voice at Super Pinoy Vibes

Experience our roots, remixed!

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 11th June 2026 — Filipino culture continues to evolve, and today’s generation is shaping it in exciting new ways.


From the way Gen Z speaks and expresses themselves online to the music they stream, the food they crave, and the trends they proudly own, being “Pinoy” today is all about creativity, connection, and self-expression.

This June, your most-loved SM City Zamboanga and SM City Mindpro bring all of that together through Super Pinoy Vibes, a fresh celebration of modern Filipino identity where culture, community, food, music, and style collide in immersive experiences made for today’s generation.

Whether you’re bonding with your barkada, hunting for your next food obsession, or showing off your own Pinoy vibe online, SM Supermalls is the place to Gala To The Max this Independence Day.

Express your Pinoy vibe

Super Pinoy Vibes goes beyond food, turning your most-loved SM Supermalls into spaces where today’s generation can celebrate Filipino creativity, identity, and community in fresh and exciting ways.


From June 1 to 12, shoppers can explore the Pinoy Vibe Photo Spots and Sari-Sari Bazaar, located at the Lower Ground Level Event Center of SM City Zamboanga and Level 4 Activity Area of SM City Mindpro – where colorful installations, local finds, fashion pieces, accessories, and unique products create the perfect space to show off your own Pinoy style. Whether you’re snapping content for your feed or discovering locally made finds, every corner becomes part of the experience.


Celebrate culture with the community

The celebration officially kicks off with special Flag Raising Ceremony on June 12 at your most-loved SM City Zamboanga, setting the tone for a day filled with Filipino pride and youthful energy.

Feel the energy of modern Pinoy culture

Music lovers can vibe to the sounds of local talent at Pinoy Jam: Viral Ang Tunog, where live performances transform SM City Zamboanga and SM City Mindpro into a celebration of Filipino music, energy, and youth culture, creating a maxed-out experience filled with homegrown talent, community spirit, and Pinoy pride.

This Independence Month, celebrate what makes today’s Filipino generation unique through experiences that feel proudly local, fresh, and uniquely yours. 

Experience modern Filipino culture and make memories only at your most-loved SM Supermalls.

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 About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is evolvingshaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.

Sunday, June 7, 2026

Communities Unite at R.T. Lim Boulevard for SM-Led Coastal Cleanup Drive

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 07 June 2026 — Demonstrating a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and ocean conservation, SM City Mindpro and SM City Zamboanga successfully led a large-scale Coastal Cleanup Drive on June 7 along R.T. Lim Boulevard in celebration of World Oceans Day, bringing together communities, government agencies, academic institutions, and environmental advocates in a united effort to protect the city's coastal ecosystem.


A total of 925 volunteers participated in the activity, collecting 988.5 kilograms of waste from the shoreline. The initiative highlighted the power of collective action in addressing marine pollution and preserving the health of local waterways.


The cleanup was conducted in partnership with the City Government of Zamboanga and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) – Zamboanga City, reinforcing a shared vision of creating cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable communities.

The coastal cleanup drew enthusiastic participation from volunteers representing government offices, educational institutions, civic groups, uniformed personnel, and private organizations. United by a common goal of environmental protection, participants worked hand in hand to help preserve the city's coastline, showcasing the spirit of volunteerism and collective responsibility in caring for the oceans and the environment.


The event commenced with a brief orientation emphasizing proper waste segregation, volunteer safety, and the importance of protecting marine environments. Participants then spread across designated cleanup zones, collecting plastic waste, discarded packaging materials, bottles, fishing debris, and other pollutants that threaten marine biodiversity and coastal communities.


“This initiative reflects the bayanihan spirit that unites our communities in caring for the environment,” said Aileen Ann Villa-Enriquez. “By working together, we not only clean our coastlines but also raise awareness about the critical role each individual plays in protecting our oceans for future generations.”


The Coastal Cleanup Drive forms part of the SM Green Movement, SM Supermalls' long-term sustainability platform that encourages environmental responsibility through programs focused on waste management, climate action, resource conservation, and community engagement.


Together, SM City Mindpro, SM City Zamboanga, and its partners reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding coastal resources and advancing sustainable practices that contribute to the well-being of present and future generations.

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About SM Green Movement

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come.

Friday, June 5, 2026

SM Zamboanga Malls Bring the Spirit of Bayanihan in Bolong


ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 05 June 2026 – Demonstrating its commitment to education and community development, SM City Mindpro and SM City Zamboanga joined Brigada Eskwela 2026 through a meaningful outreach activity at Mangga Elementary School in Bolong, bringing employee-volunteers and security personnel together to help prepare the school for the opening of classes.


With sleeves rolled up and hearts dedicated to service, volunteers from both SM malls worked side by side with teachers and school personnel, embodying the true spirit of bayanihan. The volunteers participated in various school improvement activities, helping create a cleaner, safer, and more conducive learning environment for students.


As part of the initiative, SM Zamboanga malls also turned over essential school materials, including books, paints, electric fans, and cleaning supplies, to support the school's preparations for the upcoming academic year. The activity reflects SM's continued commitment to empowering communities and supporting quality education through volunteerism and meaningful partnerships.


“Education is a powerful tool for building stronger communities. Through this activity, we are given the opportunity to contribute in our own way by helping create a better learning environment for our students,” said Jodie Durens, SM City Zamboanga Assistant Mall Manager.


More than the physical improvements made during the activity, this initiative serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility shared by stakeholders in nurturing the next generation. Through volunteerism and collaboration, SM City Mindpro and SM City Zamboanga continue to champion initiatives that create positive and lasting impacts in the communities it serves and remain steadfast in supporting programs that uplift education, strengthen communities, and inspire the spirit of service among its employees and partners.


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About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.

Monday, June 1, 2026

SM Malls in Zamboanga Unite Communities for Coastal Cleanup in Celebration of World Oceans Day on June 7

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 01 June 2026 — In celebration of World Oceans Day, SM City Zamboanga and SM City Mindpro are inviting volunteers, environmental advocates, students, organizations, and community members to take part in a meaningful Coastal Cleanup activity on June 7, 2026 at R.T. Lim Boulevard, as part of the SM Green Movement, SM Supermalls' sustainability platform that encourages communities to take collective action for the environment.

The activity will kick off with a short program and volunteers' orientation at 5:00 AM, followed by the coastal cleanup along one of Zamboanga City's most iconic waterfront areas. The initiative aims to bring together individuals and groups who share a common goal of protecting marine ecosystems and preserving the beauty of local coastlines for future generations.

Interested participants may register on-site during the event or pre-register through the following links:

SM City Zamboanga: https://bit.ly/SMCoastalCleanUp1
SM City Mindpro: https://bit.ly/SMCoastalCleanUp2 

Participants are encouraged to arrive early, wear comfortable clothing, and bring reusable water containers as part of the event's sustainability efforts.

Join your most-loved SM malls in making waves for a cleaner, healthier ocean. Together, let's protect our shores, preserve marine life, and create a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

For updates and more information, follow the official social media pages of SM City Zamboanga and SM City Mindpro.

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About SM Green Movement

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come.

SM Malls in the Visayas Win Silver at Prestigious ICSC MAXI Awards


CEBU, Philippines, 26th May 2026 - SM malls in the Visayas,  continue to gain global recognition for sustainability and community-driven innovation after winning a Silver Award at the prestigious International Council of Shopping Centers MAXI Awards for “Art From All: Turning Community Action into Public Art,” a sustainability campaign mounted at your most-loved SM City Cebu and SM City Iloilo, that transformed environmental responsibility into an engaging and immersive mall experience. The ICSC MAXI Awards are regarded as one of the world’s most respected recognitions for excellence in marketing and innovation in the retail and shopping industry.


Launched in May 2025, Art From All encouraged shoppers and mall communities to donate plastic waste, which was later repurposed into large-scale eco-art installations displayed inside the malls. Through the initiative, a total of 31,634 plastic items were collected and transformed into meaningful public artworks, turning recycling into a highly visible and participatory activity that allowed communities to directly contribute to artworks carrying both cultural and environmental significance.


At SM City Cebu, collected plastic bottles were transformed into a massive whale shark or “butanding” eco-art installation titled “The Gentle Giant,” symbolizing Cebu’s rich marine biodiversity and coastal heritage. The artwork served as both a visual centerpiece and a reminder of the importance of protecting marine ecosystems through collective environmental action.


Meanwhile, at SM City Iloilo, donated plastic waste became part of the “Mangrove Memory Tree,” a life-sized eco-installation created by Ilongga artist Margaux Blas in partnership with Rezbin. Inspired by the role of mangroves in protecting coastal communities and marine ecosystems, the installation symbolized resilience, sustainability, and the collective power of community participation in environmental conservation.


Art From All was designed to make sustainability more engaging and accessible for everyday shoppers, transforming ordinary mall visits into opportunities to create positive environmental impact. Through the campaign, guests were invited to donate recyclable materials and see these items reimagined into inspiring public art installations,  proving that small actions from the community can come together into meaningful experiences, all for you and for future generations.


The recognition from the ICSC MAXI Awards reflects SM Supermalls’ growing commitment to championing initiatives that create positive environmental and social impact across the communities it serves.

The Art From All campaign also reinforces the company’s broader sustainability efforts under its long-running green initiatives focused on waste management, plastic reduction, environmental education, responsible development, and community engagement.


Alongside Art From All, SM Supermalls also earned Silver recognition for “The SM Green Movement: Sustaining Communities Through Responsible Design,” further affirming the company’s vision of creating greener and more resilient communities through sustainable mall operations and environmentally conscious practices,  continuously delivering innovative and purposeful experiences.


Starting this May, SM Supermalls continues to strengthen its sustainability and community-driven initiatives with Art From All expanding this time across SM malls in the Visayas region. The featured artworks will be unveiled by each participating mall in June 2026 in celebration of World Oceans Day.

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Philippines’ Best 3x3 Teams Battle for Global Glory at the Red Bull Half Court National Finals

Photos provided by Red Bull
Photos provided by Red Bull

Manila, Philippines, May 26, 2026 — The Philippines' top three-on-three teams have spent months grinding through regional qualifiers. On June 13, they find out who among them is built for the world.


The Red Bull Half Court Philippines National Finals takes over Bigger Pictures, Mandaluyong, in a single-day, winner-takes-all showdown where speed, skill, and offensive power determine everything. Following a series of qualifiers across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the country's best streetball teams now converge for a single goal: to earn the right to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Half Court World Finals in Manila.


Red Bull Half Court delivers the fastest version of three-on-three basketball, where games are capped at 10 minutes, and the first team to reach 21 points wins. What sets it apart from any other 3-on-3 format is the two unique rules that keep the pressure rising. First, the Own the Court Bonus, where six points are awarded to the highest-scoring squad in a cumulative team tally. In some cases, this bonus makes all the difference in the teams' final standings.


Next is the three-point shots rule. Introduced in 2024, this rule features two three-point spots marked by circles drawn two metres behind the arc. Once a player takes a shot with their foot on the circle, it counts for three points.


Spotlighting the Philippines' Rich Basketball Culture


Photos provided by Red Bull


More than a championship, the National Finals is a collision of stories, styles, and stakes. Emerging victorious from their respective regional qualifiers, the following regional teams now face off for one women's slot and one men's slot at the global court:

  • Manila

    • Uratex Tibay (Women's Team)

    • Lady Maroons (Women's Team)

    • SGF Kings (Men's Team)

    • Filipino Mixtape (Men's Team)

  • Cebu

    • Gimcuad-Ninz (Women's Team)

    • Team BOKKI (Men's Team)

  • Davao

    • Three-time winner Coaches Corner (Women's Team)

    • Two-time winner Davao Agilas (Men's Team)


Some arrive with established reputations, others as rising contenders who fought through tightly contested brackets, but all teams have earned their place through decisive performances under pressure.


"Earning a chance at the World Final isn't only about winning games. It's about proving that the path from local community courts to the international stage is possible through discipline, resilience, and belief in the team," said Mart Redyn Arellano of Davao Agilas.


During the regional qualifiers, each winning team brought a distinct brand of play shaped by its local basketball culture. Manila's game was fast and calculated with reads and reactions built on years of urban court culture. Cebu brought relentless offensive energy, a high-scoring mentality that thrives in the format's pace. Davao arrived with confidence, grit, and chemistry, turning their regional qualifier into a showcase of total dominance.


Having dominated on home courts, teams must now adapt to a format where scoring output is just as critical as winning, pushing them to balance control with agility in every possession.


"Getting a spot at the World Finals means the world to us. As players from the province, we've spent years dreaming of sharing the court with the stars we look up to—the ones who inspire us every day to elevate our game. This opportunity is more than just a tournament; it is a moment we will carry with us forever," expressed Lorelaine Pulido Gestopa of Coaches Corner.


The Road to the World Stage


Photos provided by Red Bull


"It's about time to bring the Red Bull Half Court World Finals here. Filipinos have improved and have been preparing for this kind of platform. 3-on-3 Basketball is well represented here in every street and every corner. As long as we can shoot a hoop, Filipinos will play basketball. All I'm saying is, welcome to the Philippines, where basketball is a part of being a Filipino," said Nathan Heinrich Egea of Filipino Mixtape.


The National Finals mark a defining moment for the competing teams and for the continued rise of streetball in the Philippines. Since 2021, Red Bull Half Court has built a platform that has taken streetball athletes across the globe from local courts to iconic international stages. Two Filipino teams will once again wear their country's pride as they perform on home court.


"If our team makes it to the World Finals, I would want the world to see that we, Filipinos, not only play with so much heart and passion, but we also play with great sportsmanship and integrity," expressed LJ Miranda of Uratex Tibay.


"If there's one thing that I'd want the world to see as they watch Filipino streetball, it's our heart. Everyone here in the Philippines plays with their whole heart," shared Mary Angela Abejar Alcos of Gimcuad-Ninz.


Witness Manila, Cebu, and Davao's best streetballers battle it out at the Red Bull Half Court Philippines National Finals on June 13 at Bigger Pictures, Mandaluyong. Doors open at 3PM. 


Find out which squads will earn the right to carry the Philippine flag to the Red Bull Half Court World Finals in Manila this December. Visit Red Bull Philippines' official website and social media channels (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok) to learn more.