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July 7, 2026

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Making New Dreamers Inc. empowers youth at ‘Dream Big, Shine Bright Recital 2026’

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BY ARIEL JAMES P. MERO AND LINDON L. ABAPO | DSSC Interns

MAKING New Dreamers Inc. (MND) successfully hosted its “Dream Big, Shine Bright Recital 2026” on July 4 at the Holy Cross of Davao College Theater, marking a milestone in its ongoing mission to empower local youth through the arts.

The recital served as the grand culminating celebration for residents of Padre Pio Children’s Home for Children, who underwent weeks of intensive learning and preparation through MND’s “Dream Big Workshops.” 

The event provided a vibrant stage for the young participants to confidently showcase their newly developed skills in storytelling, hosting, singing, dancing, and various creative arts.

Making New Dreamers Inc. is an SEC-registered non-profit organization dedicated to changing lives, one dream at a time. By utilizing creativity, education, and self-expression as core pillars, the organization actively works to help children discover their inherent talents, build lasting self-confidence, and dream far beyond their immediate circumstances.

Juvy, one of the dream makers, hoped that the experience would “give them hope and the courage to be creative,” serving as a “starting point for making their dreams a reality in the near future.

The initiative underscores the critical importance of providing children with meaningful opportunities to learn, express themselves, and believe in their potential.

By sharing these inspiring stories of growth and resilience, Making New Dreamers hopes to rally wider community support for grassroots initiatives that uplift children through the transformative power of education, creativity, and hope.

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News

DSWD rolls out expanded feeding program, targets over 91k children 

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BY ARIEL JAMES P. MERO, LINDON L. ABAPO &  JERRYHL LOQUINARIO | DSSC Interns

THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is expanding its Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) in the region, targeting  91,516 child beneficiaries this year to combat early childhood malnutrition and stunting aggressively.

Larraine T. Villaver, DSWD SFP unit head, said the agency is stepping up its efforts for 2026 by increasing the feeding cycle to guarantee that no young child goes hungry.

“Ang feeding natin ay magsisimula from 1 to 120 feeding days as to the maximum dati, pero ngayon meron po tayong additional—magiging 180 feeding days na po ang feeding ng ating mga bata sa Child Development Centers,” Villaver said.

The program specifically caters to children aged 3 to 4 years old enrolled in Child Development Centers (CDCs) and toddlers aged 2 to 4 years old under the Supervised Neighborhood Play (SNP) program.

Villaver clarified that, unlike other targeted health initiatives, the DSWD implements a “blanket feeding” policy, meaning all enrolled children receive meals regardless of their initial nutritional status.

“Hindi po natin pinipili yung undernourished lang na papakainin, kundi lahat po ng mga bata basta enrolled po sa Child Development Center, whether underweight, normal, or overweight,” she pointed out.

The 2026 target of 91,516 beneficiaries marks a steady increase from the 89,879 children served by the agency last year. To fund this, the government has allocated a budget of ₱25 per meal, which already covers a full meal of rice and a viand (ulam).

Before the actual feeding operations commence, the DSWD is strictly enforcing health measures, including mandatory deworming and anthropometric measurements (height and weight) to monitor stunting and wasting trends among the youth.

To ensure sustainable food supplies, the DSWD is partnering with local community farmers through the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty to act as primary food suppliers.

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Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor and Raffles Makati partner in exclusive bar takeovers

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SIEM REAP, Cambodia – Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor and Raffles Makati are coming together for a special two-part bar takeover series, ‘Philippines to Cambodia x Cambodia to Philippines’.

The exclusive events are being held in collaboration with Maison Ferrand, Moonshine Cambodia, Citadelle, and Planteray.

On July 18, Kristian Torres, head bartender at the legendary Long Bar at Raffles Makati, will take over Siem Reap’s iconic Elephant Bar at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. Renowned for his technical precision and narrative-driven cocktails, Torres will reimagine classic drinks using vibrant Filipino flavours and Philippine-inspired ingredients.

The exchange continues on Aug. 14 in Manila, where the Elephant Bar team will take over Long Bar at Raffles Makati. Leading the evening is Nisha, the dedicated Raffles Gin Butler at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor whose deep expertise in gin, creative mixology and passion for Cambodian heritage have earned her national recognition, including a finalist placement in the 2025 Campari Red Hands Cambodia Competition.

Nisha will present a series of sophisticated gin-based cocktails that weave together Cambodian traditions, local ingredients and Maison Ferrand spirits, bringing the distinctive character and storytelling of the Elephant Bar to the Philippines.

“It is an honor to represent Elephant Bar and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor at Raffles Makati,” said Nisha. “Through gin and the rich flavours of Cambodia, I look forward to creating moments that connect our two vibrant cultures – one cocktail at a time.”

Nisha will prepare her acclaimed “Berry Suspicious” cocktail, which features Citadelle rouge gin, cremé de fraise, Kampot pepper syrup (a Cambodian specialty), strawberry and basil puree, and a dash of magic foam, along with a small surprise for guests.

This takeover series celebrates the shared legacy of Raffles hotels while showcasing the unique drinking cultures of Cambodia and the Philippines through the artistry of their bartenders and the excellence of Maison Ferrand spirits.

For more information on Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, or to make a booking, please call +855 23 982 598 or visit www.raffles.com/siem-reap/.

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