Subic Sun

LET YOUR CHILD STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT AT SM LITTLE STARS 2026
The home of the next generation of icons

MANILA, 4th June 2026 — Calling all kids and parents! SM Supermalls’ search for the brightest young talents is back.

SM Supermalls invites kids aged 4 to 7 to join SM Little Stars 2026, where they can sing, dance, perform, and confidently take the stage.

Now in its 17th year, the program has helped launch the journeys of some of the country’s promising young performers.

"Every child deserves a chance to discover what makes them shine.Through SM Little Stars, we want to give kids a fun, encouraging space where they can express themselves, build confidence, and create unforgettable memories,” said Hanna Carinna T. Sy, SM Supermalls assistant vice president for marketing and leasing.

"SM Little Stars has always been about more than talent, it's about helping children believe in themselves, step out with confidence, and enjoy being on stage,” Sy said.

SM Little Stars 2026 will crown two Grand Winners: the Grand Shining Star, for outstanding talent that lights up the stage and wins hearts, and the Grand Dazzling Star, for charm, confidence, and stage presence that captivates audiences.

"This year, we are making SM Little Stars more inclusive by celebrating how children shine, through their talent, personality, and presence, because every child’s light is unique and worth celebrating,”Sy added.

Beyond the competition, SM Little Stars is a journey of discovery where kids can explore their talents, build confidence, and share meaningful experiences with fellow young performers.

The SM Little Stars 2026 preliminaries will run on weekends from May 30 to July 5, followed by regional rounds on July 11, 12, 18, and 19. The Grand Finals will be on August 8, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

As part of the Gala To The Max campaign, the program will be staged across 68 SM Supermalls nationwide, with SM City La Union and SM City Zamboanga joining as new participating malls.

This year's Grand Finals judges include singer and host Karylle, filmmaker Antoinette Jadaone, OPM hitmaker Jonathan Manalo, choreographer Angel Datanagan, and Marcus Cabais, SM Little Stars 2016 Grand Winner.
Last year, Xian Echo Zamora of SM City Cabanatuan impressed audiences with his drumming and singing performance, continuing the legacy of standout young performers discovered through SM Little Stars.

Over the years, the program has helped nurture talents such as Star Magic artist Esang de Torres, boy group member Marcus Cabais, UNIS member Elisia Parmisano, and musical theater performer Sheena Bentoy.

"At your most-loved SM Supermalls, we believe every child deserves a stage where they can express themselves freely, have fun, and be celebrated for who they are," Sy said.

From first-time performers to future stars, SM Little Stars 2026 invites kids nationwide to join a maxed-out experience filled with fun, friendship, discovery, and unforgettable moments.

Schedule of audition at SM City Olongapo Central will be on June 7 and June 28, 2026.

Parents can register via the SM Malls Online App, www.smsupermalls.com/smlittlestars/, or at the Mall Administration Office.
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Aussie ambassador sees Subic's role in Luzon Economic Corridor

Subic Bay Freeport – Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown visit with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials on June 2, 2026, as part of a high-level discussion regarding the role of Subic Bay Freeport in the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño welcomed the ambassador and his delegation at the SBMA Administration Building to discuss a strategic partnership to expand Australia's economic footprint in the Philippines, alongside initial trilateral partners such as the United States and Japan.

According to a presentation by Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao, the SBMA infrastructure plans for the LEC would boost the economy of the Freeport zone, as it is the best option for companies investing in the said economic corridor.

Yambao also presented the railway project that will connect Subic Bay Freeport to the rest of the LEC, providing seamless cargo handling to and from the Freeport.

Innes-Brown recently announced that Australia officially joined the LEC partnership in May 2026 as a new major partner. Australia is backing the massive infrastructure initiative to boost economic ties, enhance regional connectivity, and support resilient global supply chains.

Originally launched as a trilateral project between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan, the corridor connects four strategic hubs in Luzon: Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.

Australia, alongside several other international powers, joined a broad expansion to accelerate investments across these areas.

Among the commitments and contributions of Australia for the LEC partnership, one significant and highly doable initiative is the country- led financial mobilization strategy, wherein investments will be directed towards critical projects, through Australia’s dedicated Manila Deal Team.

The country has offered framework support and expertise under Australia's specialized Partnerships for Infrastructure program, and has committed AUD 45 million (PHP 1.9 billion) for the bilateral economic initiative named PROGRESS to fuel sustainable regional growth. (30)

PHOTO CAPTION:
[1] Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown meet in a high-level discussion regarding the Subic Freeport’s role in the Luzon Economic Corridor at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom on June 2, 2026.

[2] Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown flashes, with a delighted smile, a couple of mangoes from the box gifted by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño.

SM OBSERVES NATIONAL FLAG DAY 2026

On May 28, 2026, SM City Olongapo Central and SM City Olongapo Downtown held a solemn morning flag-raising ceremony to officially mark the start of National Flag Day and Independence Day countdown.

Mall management, tenant partner and security and agency personnel, gathered at the perimeter area and ground level to witness the standard unfurling of the Philippine flag.

The ceremony honors the historic 1898 anniversary of the flag first flying in battle, signaling the community's shared pride, heritage, and unity.

The national colors will remain on display throughout the mall until Independence Day on June 12.