The Vinta Market: A Vibrant Celebration of Heritage and Hope Sails into Zamboanga

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — On March 20, 2026, as the doors of the brand-new SM City Zamboanga swung open, a kaleidoscope of color and culture took center stage, signaling more than just a retail opening. It was the official launch of the Vinta Market, a high-energy marketplace inspired by the iconic traditional sailboats of Mindanao, designed to propel local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) toward a brighter horizon.

A Convergence of Culture and Commerce

The Vinta Market is not merely a shopping destination; it is a living tribute to the Zamboanga Peninsula’s deep cultural roots. Launched through a powerful partnership between SM Supermalls, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 9, and the SM for MSMEs program, the marketplace serves as a dedicated platform for 20 local entrepreneurs.

From the rhythmic patterns of traditional weaves to the aroma of heritage delicacies, the market offers mallgoers an immersive experience that celebrates the spirit of community.

Empowerment Through Opportunity

For the artisans and business owners involved, the Vinta Market represents a transformative shift from local craft to mainstream success. The impact is best heard through the voices of the entrepreneurs themselves:

Sustaining Heritage: Evelinda Otong, a 4th generation Yakan weaver, expressed profound gratitude for the platform, noting that SM has become a "kasangga" (partner) in promoting and preserving her ancestral craft for future generations.

Scaling Operations: Shaun Alavar of Alavar Food Products highlighted how DTI seminars and SM’s market access have allowed his products to reach customers across the entire Philippines.

Building Loyalty: Maria Donna of Marya Soaps and Scents shared that the visibility provided by SM City Zamboanga has already resulted in a rapidly growing customer base.

"When MSMEs succeed, communities grow stronger—and every opportunity created is part of SM’s commitment to building a future designed All For You." 

A Global Stage for Local Talent

Visitors to the Vinta Market can explore a curated selection of products that showcase the artistry and perseverance of Mindanao’s talent:

Artisanal Goods: Handcrafted items, unique souvenirs, and intricate fashion pieces.

Culinary Delights: A taste of Zamboanga’s rich heritage through local delicacies and artisanal food products.

Capacity Building: Beyond the stalls, MSMEs benefit from mentorship and training designed to help emerging startups flourish.

The Future Sails Forward

As SM Supermalls continues to expand—now operating 89 malls nationwide—its mission remains rooted in championing Filipino innovation. The Vinta Market stands as a vibrant symbol of this mission: a place where tradition, creativity, and opportunity sail forward together.

To discover more about how SM is supporting the next generation of Filipino entrepreneurs, visit msme.smsupermalls.com.

𝐒𝐖𝐊-𝐖𝐕𝐒𝐔, 𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐰𝐚 𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐥𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐚 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐲𝐚 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐲𝐚𝐥

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Isinusulong ng Sentro ng Wika at Kultura ng West Visayas State University (SWK-WVSU) ang pagpapataas ng antas ng paggamit ng wikang Filipino sa pamamagitan ng Panlalawigang Seminar sa Korespondensiya Opisyal (PSKO) na sinimulan noong 19 hanggang 20 Marso 2026 sa WVSU Center for Teaching Excellence Hall, Lungsod Iloilo.

Layunin ng aktibidad na hasain ang mga kawani at kalahok na dumalo sa tamang pagsulat ng mga opisyal na dokumento, gaya ng liham, memorandum, at kapasiyahan alinsunod sa mga pamantayan ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF).

Sa unang araw, binuksan ang programa sa pagbibigay ng mensahe nina Fultaym Komisyoner Carmelita C. Abdurahman, Kinatawan ang wikang Samar-Leyte, Komisyoner Alain Russ G. Dimzon, Kinatawan sa wikang Hiligaynon, Dr. Salvador P. Bacio, Jr., Direktor ng SWK-WVSU.

Sinundan ito ng pagtalakay ni Tagapangulong Atty. Marites A. Barrios-Taran ng KWF sa kahalagahan ng Atas Tagapagpaganap Blg. 335 o EO. 335, na nag-aatas sa lahat ng ahensiya ng pamahalaan na gamitin ang wikang Filipino sa mga opisyal na transaksiyon.

Matapos ito, tinalakay naman ni Dr. Jose Evie G. Duclay, Linguistic Specialist at tagapamahala para sa SWK-Visayas, ang Ortograpiyang Pambansa at ang tamang paghahanda ng korespondensiya opisyal. Sinuri niya rin ang resulta ng pre-test ng mga kalahok upang matukoy ang mga aspektong dapat pang paghusayan sa pagsulat.

Sa ikalawang araw, nagpatuloy ang seminar sa introduksiyon sa pagsasalin at masusing workshop sa editing sa ng paggabay ni Gng. Lourdes Z. Hinampas, Chief Language Researcher at Puno ng Sangay ng Salin. Para sa bahaging ito, mga kalahok ay aktuwal na nagrebisa ng kanilang sariling borador ng mga opisyal na sulatin.

Nagbigay ng mensahe ng pasasalamat ang Pangulo ng Pamantasan na si Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz sa mga kalahok na dumalo. Nagtapos sa pamamahagi ng mga koplimentaryong sipi ng aklat ng KWF ang dalawang araw na gawain.

Philippines wins Best Dive Destination Award, generates PHP 150 million in sales leads at the DRT Show Shanghai 2026

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The Philippines' successful showcase of its award-winning dive destinations garnered strong interest from Chinese divers, outbound tour operators, and dive industry stakeholders during the  Diving, Resort, and Travel (DRT) Show Shanghai 2026, held from March 6 to 8, 2026, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center.

Recognized for its continued excellence in marine tourism, the Philippines was awarded the Best Dive Destination Award, alongside the Honorary Tourism Board Award presented to the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines for its sustained efforts in promoting the Philippines as a premier dive destination in the global market. The country also generated over PHP 150 million in sales leads, reflecting market confidence in the Philippines’ diverse dive offerings and underwater attractions.

Organized by TPB in partnership with the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) – Shanghai Office, the Philippine delegation featured 18 co-exhibitors, representing dive resorts, dive tour operators, dive shops, local government units (LGUs), DOT regional offices, and tourism industry associations. The 90-square-meter booth served as a consolidated display of the country’s premier dive destinations, which drew steady foot traffic and strong engagement among both dive enthusiasts and professionals.

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Visitors flocking to the Philippines booth at the DRT Shanghai Show 2026

“We were encouraged by the strong interest in the Philippines’ marine destinations and the quality of business discussions conducted during the DRT Show Shanghai,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “The positive response from both trade partners and dive enthusiasts reflects growing confidence in the Philippines as an exceptional dive tourism destination. It truly highlights the beauty and diversity of our underwater landscapes and affirms the Philippines’ appeal among the global diving community.” 

A key highlight of the event was Dive Networking Night, where Philippine exhibitors and international buyers held round-table discussions and pursued concrete partnership opportunities in dive tourism. 

In her remarks, Philippine Consul General in Shanghai, Myca Magnolia Maog Fischer, painted a vivid picture of the Philippines’ rich underwater biodiversity and invited global partners to make the country the dive destination of choice.

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PCG Myca Magnolia Maog Fischer delivering her message during the Dive Networking Night,  highlighting the true beauty of the Philippine diving scene

“What makes the Philippines truly exceptional is variety,” said Consul General Fischer. “Within one country, your clients can experience vibrant coral gardens, drift dives, shark encounters, manta rays, wreck diving, and macro ecosystems—often in a single trip. Few destinations can offer that range with such accessibility.”

Complementing the exhibition were technical experts and seasoned diving practitioners, who held a series of high-level seminars. Drawing on real-world experiences and case studies, speakers unpacked a wide range of topics, from technical diving systems and underwater imaging techniques to diving equipment applications, global dive travel planning, and emerging industry developments. 

Representing the Philippines' dive tourism offerings in the seminars were Daniel Stracey, who presented “Philippines’ No. 1 Dive Destination,” and Woodrow Maquiling Jr., who delivered the session “Apo Island and Beyond.” Their presentations highlighted established and emerging dive sites across the country with a diverse portfolio of dive experiences suited for both recreational and technical divers.

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The PH delegation at the DRT Shanghai Show 2026.

Following its multi-award recognitions in previous DRT shows, the Philippines’ participation in Shanghai further reinforced its foothold in one of the world’s fastest-growing dive markets. The positive response from Chinese divers and trade representatives signals greater momentum for the country’s dive tourism sector. It supports broader national efforts to showcase the quality and diversity of Philippine dive attractions. 

With its extensive coastline, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse underwater ecosystems, the Philippines remains one of the most sought-after dive destinations in Asia and beyond. The country’s successful engagement at DRT Show Shanghai 2026 stands as a testament to TPB’s commitment to expanding meaningful tourism partnerships and positioning the country as a top destination for diving and marine tourism.