Category: Uncategorized

SM Celebrates National Autism Consciousness Week with great strides in true inclusion

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First in the country, SM Sensory Lab launch marks a new chapter in inclusive spaces built for people on the Autism spectrum.

SM Supermalls enters its new era as a truly inclusive Mall for All with ground-breaking milestones launched during this year’s National Autism Consciousness Week (NACW).

Through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares, SM celebrated acceptance and appreciation with nationwide efforts that aimed to elevate the mall-going experience of Filipinos on the autism spectrum in accommodating spaces built to be loved.

“This year’s celebration of the NACW is a great step forward for SM Supermalls as we hosted ‘Lights Up, Sounds Down’ (LUSD) and opened the very first ‘SM Sensory Lab’–the country’s only dedicated mall space for people with sensory processing challenges,” said Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President. “On top of our year-long programs to uphold inclusivity across all malls, these milestones echo our ultimate desire to ensure every single customer finds their most loved space at SM.”

SM Sensory Lab: An innovation in accommodating mall spaces

Crowning the celebration was SM’s launch of a ground-breaking, innovative space designed to serve children and adults experiencing sensory processing challenges. In partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), and with the support of the Autism Society Philippines, the SM Sensory Lab was officially opened in SM Mall of Asia as the country’s first-ever calming corner.

“Opening the SM Sensory Lab was a natural next step in our relentless pursuit of making our malls truly inclusive. We collaborated closely with the DSWD, NCDA, and Autism Society Philippines to ensure we were making all the right considerations for something that’s never been done before,” said Tan.

With soft lighting, calming seating, and sensory-friendly features, the SM Sensory Lab brought accessibility into everyday mall life — showing that inclusion goes beyond awareness and is rooted in thoughtful design and lived experience. The space was built to accommodate a total of 10 people to give persons with sensory processing challenges and their guardians enough space to feel at ease.

Enhanced through the SM Malls Online App, customers who may need the space simply have to scan a QR code through the app to use the space completely free of charge.

Lights up, Sounds Down: Specialized events bringing families together

At the heart of the week’s activities was also Lights Up, Sounds Down — sensory-friendly movie screenings designed to remove common barriers that make traditional cinema settings overwhelming.


In partnership with SM Cinema, the series of screenings was tailored specifically for the ease and comfort of customers on the autism spectrum. Across selected malls, families were welcomed into theatres with adjusted lighting and reduced sound levels, creating an environment that fostered comfort, joy, and shared experience.

“Something as simple as going to the cinema can be a stressful experience, not just for people on the spectrum but for their families as well. Through this effort, SM intentionally enhanced an accommodating movie-going experience through SM Cinemas so people with autism and their families can finally watch a film in a movie house together,” said Tan.

When SM Supermalls first hosted LUSD, the initiative was a one-mall event. Now, the effort has grown to accommodate more than 5,000 participants with their families in screenings spanning multiple malls across the Philippines. This year, two new malls expanded the reach of the event with SM City BF Paranaque and SM City Butuan joining the network of SM Supermalls, hosting their own screenings.

Additionally, inclusivity measures are implemented consistently nationwide through SM Cares. Information campaigns empower empathy and greater acceptance of individuals with autism. Mall front-liners like security guards, mall tenants, and mall operations are also trained and given refresher courses on how to support customers on the spectrum.

“Being an inclusive mall isn’t just a one-week observance,” said Tan. “Our efforts for this celebration are reinforced by our strengthened resolve to continually ensure every SM Supermall in the country empowers its people and surrounding communities to be accepting, appreciative, and accommodating to our customers regardless of their needs.”

Get Your 2026 Craving Non-Negotiables  At SM Supermalls in the Metro

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This is the year you stop making compromises when it comes to your cravings. No rushed decisions. No, “this is good enough.” And more importantly, no more meals that feel like an afterthought.

SM Supermalls is starting the year by introducing new dining spots that transport you to a new era, featuring fresher concepts, bolder flavors, and better choices. Proving time and time again why it deserves to be your most beloved mall with spots that raise expectations, break routines, and make eating out feel fun again.

So, before your calendar fills up with plan after plan, consider this your ultimate craving promise: to never negotiate when it comes to where and how you eat. Because if there’s one thing we’re not bringing into the year, it’s settling. 

NON-NEGOTIABLE 1: Snacks Shouldn’t Feel Like A Placeholder

Snacking isn’t something you do just to get by–it’s something you do because you actually want to eat. This year, snacks have to show up with flavor, personality, and zero shortcuts. Whether it’s something cheesy, crispy, or straight-up addictive, quick bites should still feel worth the stop.

  • Pizza Planet 

Prepare to blast off into a galaxy of flavors at Pizza Planet, located at the Annex, Upper Ground Level of SM North EDSA. When the craving hits, cheesy and gooey is the only right answer–and this fun, playful spot delivers every time. It’s your sure fix for comfort food done right, serving an out-of-this-world experience for kids, kids at heart, and anyone who takes their pizza seriously.

  • Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks 

From Taiwan’s streets straight to your plate–Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks at the Foodcourt, SM City Fairview serves crispy, juicy hits you won’t want to miss. XXL Chicken, Handmade Oyster Mee Sua, and all the bold flavors. 

NON-NEGOTIABLE 2: All-in Should Mean Actually Going ALL In 

All-you-can-eat only works when it actually delivers. No half-hearted spreads. No playing it safe. This year, if you’re committing to unlimited, it has to feel generous, intentional, and satisfying from the first plate to the last.

  • King’s Feast Luxury Buffet by Buffet 101 

Feast like royalty at King’s Feast Luxury Buffet by Buffet 101, soon to open at the 5th Level of The Block at SM North EDSA. This luxurious all-you-can-eat experience features mouthwatering local and international flavors that never skimp on quality or taste, promising a truly decadent dining adventure fit for kings and queens.

  • Mo-Mo Paradise 

Say “more, more!” to good food at Mo-Mo Paradise–the first in PH at the Level 3, Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall. When the plan is unlimited hot pot, this is the place you go straight to. Slow-simmered shabu-shabu and sukiyaki set the standard for sharing, slurping, and lingering over a proper meal.

NON-NEGOTIABLE 3: Bold Flavors Are Not Optional

This is the year we stop dialing it down. Big flavors, strong profiles, and dishes that don’t hold back—because great meals should leave an impression. If you’re craving something with heat, depth, or attitude, subtle isn’t part of the plan.

  • Siklab+

For local flavors with a twist you won’t want to miss, head on over to Siklab+ at the ground level of S Maison. This is the kind of place that resets your expectations, where Paboritong Pork Sisig, Kuhol ni Tanggol, and Kalamay sa Latik become the benchmark you compare everything else to.

  • Thaiwadee 

When the craving is Thai, you don’t experiment… You go straight to Thaiwadee, soon opening at the Foodcourt of SM Southmall. Their Pad Thai and Tom Yum Goong stay true to that

 mix of heat, tang, depth, and all that you’re looking for when you’re not in the mood to compromise.

  • Royal Indian Curry House Bistro 

Satisfy your curry cravings at Royal Indian Curry House Bistro, soon to open on the 5th Level of The Block at SM North EDSA. When you’re in the mood for Indian food, bold flavor and real spice aren’t optional—and this is where you go for it. From their rich Murgh Makhani to their fragrant Hyderabadi Biryani, every dish hits exactly the way it should.

NON-NEGOTIABLE 4: Eating Healthy Should Never Be Boring

Healthy doesn’t mean boring, and it definitely shouldn’t feel like a compromise. With the first Salady in PH at the Level 5 of the Fashion Hall in SM Megamall, choosing lighter meals no longer feels like you’re missing out.

NON-NEGOTIABLE 5: Coffee Stops Should Actually Feel Like A Pause Worth Taking

Coffee isn’t just about the drink; it’s about slowing down, sitting longer than planned, and pairing it with something you’ll still think about later. Cafe Kulture brings that energy to Level 3, South MOA Sky of SM Mall of Asia, turning coffee and pastries into a moment, not just a routine.

The standards are set, so let your cravings do the rest.

You don’t need a plan for this part; you’ll know when you’re hungry. And when your craving finally calls, your favorite SM Supermalls have already answered with more new spaces, new names, and better food options than ever.

No overthinking, no settling. Just choosing what feels right in the moment, and knowing there’s always something new waiting for the next time you come back.

Follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events.

SM Supermalls takes Matcha Fest nationwide

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Building on the first-ever Matcha Fest held at the Mall of Asia last year, your most loved, SM Supermalls, returns with a larger, better, and more maxed experience celebrating all things matcha! SM Supermalls’ Matcha Fest 2026 is a great space for specialty cafes to connect with matcha fanatics. Local vendors have the opportunity to showcase their creativity to eager customers who want to explore the various varieties of the beloved Japanese green tea across your favorite SM malls.

Through the Matcha Fest, SM Supermalls continues to shape malls not just as spaces for shopping, but as destinations for discovery, community, and food and lifestyle experiences. As a gift to the matcha-loving community, SM levels up the celebration with a festival packed with even more matcha goodness, all thoughtfully curated, all for you.

SM J Mall, Upper Ground Level Atrium (February 1 to 15)

The first-ever Matcha Fest in Cebu at SM J Mall brings together celebrated brands such as Atelier Matcha, Your Daily Go Cafe, Kasa Brew, Celso’s Crib, No Bitter Feelings, Tsoko, DP Sweets, Oh Nata!, Ice Ice Baby, and Rampa Beads Bar. These cafes offer a modern twist to matcha, including lattes, whisked variants, and decadent desserts. The festival also features interactive experiences such as Matcha Painting sessions, Make Your Own Matcha Workshops on February 7 and 11, and Love Beats with Moni-Moni on February 14.

SM City Davao, Annex Event Center (February 1 to 10)

At SM City Davao, the festival aptly named Find Your Match-a, caters to matcha-loving couples who want to celebrate the month of hearts with a cup of matcha in their hands. Exhibitors include Matcha Ureshi Bar, Matcha Baby, Thirty Third Café, Hey Matcha People, Matchanagi, Matcha Deux, Ms. Matcha, and so many more. These cafes will offer a wide range of options, including Dirty Matcha for those seeking a caffeine boost, the finest Uji matcha lattes from Kyoto, Japan, and even some tropical flavors. 

SM CDO Downtown, 5th Level (February 6 to 28)

At SM CDO Downtown, tenants are gearing up for the festival with beloved local matcha shops and cafes. Matcha in different forms — sweet beverages, leche flans with matcha sauce, and even unique desserts will be offered for almost the entire month of February!

SM Podium, 2nd Level Atrium  (February 5 to 8)

At SM Podium, matcha lovers can savor exciting creations from cafes such as Betcha! By Gaby Brews, Day Off Space, Hakone Matcha, Kokorobi Matcha, Kyoto House, Maison Midori, Matcha Folk, Shizu Matcha Bar, Take Five, and Whisk & Sip. Patrons can choose from a slew of matcha and hojicha flavors while dancing to live DJ sets or shopping for accessories, perfumes, and other trinkets. 

SM Supermalls’ Matcha Fest is more than a celebration of flavor, but a toast to creativity, culture, and local businesses. The Matcha Fest is made for longtime connoisseurs and enthusiastic newcomers who want to join a growing community overflowing with love, curiosity, and a shared passion for discovering all things matcha—all for you, only at your most loved mall, SM.

Your Hard Launch Worthy Drops At SM Supermalls In The Metro

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The year is officially underway, and it’s looking good. 2026 is already taking shape through everyday moments, familiar routines, and plans that are finally happening.

This is no quiet reset or a low-key start; it’s a hard launch to show up, step out, and strut through the year with confidence.

Across your most loved SM Supermalls, new lifestyle and fashion spaces are opening with firsts and fresh concepts that can easily fit into your routine, giving you more places to go, more things to try, and more reasons to be out and about.

Time to show off our best selves with the year ahead!

Your Upgrades That Don’t Go Unnoticed

These are the upgrades people notice without you having to point them out—how you smell, how your space feels, how put-together your everyday looks. 

At Bath & Body Works at Level 2, City Center of SM North EDSA, everyday scents and self-care staples fit easily into your routine. Not to mention, the White Barn section adds home fragrances and candles that can set the mood and instantly make any room feel nicer. 

Moments You’ll Put Out There

Some moments are meant to be seen, not just saved.

At Beyond Studio, the first in SM at the Centralwalk Basement of SM City Fairview, everyday moments turn into something you can actually bring out and show. Forget just posting, here’s three cheers to photos you can print, frame, and actually put out there.

Activities You’ll Show Off

These aren’t one-time trial activities. These are the ones you’ll actually keep coming back to, less about being performative and more about following through, because spoilers: you’ll enjoy it

  • Prime Golf

Show off your athletic side this 2026. At Prime Golf–the first premium golf simulator in SM at level 5 SM Podium, you can sharpen your swing on the simulator, aim for a hole-in-one, and indulge in premium dining. 

  • Lulou Wellness

For 2026 and beyond, it’s time to prioritize your health. Work up a sweat and flaunt a fitter, better you at Lulou Wellness–the first in SM, now opened at the 4th Level of SM Podium, a space designed for adults who take their routines seriously.

Happiness You’ll Put On Display

Sometimes the most practical things are the ones that keep you happy.

With the first POP MART in BGC at the 2nd Level of SM Aura, collecting is something you’ll proudly commit to, smiling over trinkets you pick, unbox, and keep out for display for everyone to see. 

Hard launch complete. From here on out, it’s about stepping into what works for you and letting it be seen.

As new spaces continue to open across SM Supermalls, it remains part of everyday life where errands, plans, and in-between moments already happen. There is always something new to walk into, try out, and make part of your routine.
Follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com to see what’s new and what’s coming next.

SM amplifies grassroots ice sports development through the third hosting of the SEA Trophy

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The largest turnout and PH wins in three years signal a growing pool of future skating champions.

With the Southeast Asian (SEA) Open Short Track Speed Skating trophy’s Philippine return, SM hopes the country’s success at the international derby captures a crucial window of opportunity to further enrich local skating talent. 

Designed as an entry-level international competition, the SEA Trophy allows young and emerging skaters to compete, learn, and gain exposure on a friendly yet structured stage.

“We are thrilled with the results of the latest season of this international competition,” said Joseph Silva, Senior Assistant Vice President for SM Skating. “Since its inaugural run, we’ve seen steady growth in participation, and this year marks our highest turnout yet, along with the country’s strongest medal haul to date. Coupled with the surge of interest in ice sports following the Philippines’ recent SEA Games successes, we see this as a pivotal moment to spotlight the potential of our young, emerging athletes and further strengthen support for the development of their talent.”

On its third local mounting, the SEA Trophy has registered its largest volume of participants at 90 athletes aged six to 24 years old representing the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, India, and Indonesia. The Philippines emerged with a total medal win of 12 gold, 11 silver, and 6 bronze medals.

“Most of the athletes who join are starting out on their skating journeys. With this international competition, they gain more than a chance of winning medals. They attain access to a professional arena, while competing against regional athletes, exposing them to different styles of athleticism,” said Nikki Cheng, President of the Philippine Skating Union.

Giving young, emerging athletes a home and an arena to shine

A long-time advocate of ice sports in the Philippines, SM has been home to the SEA Trophy since 2023. Mounted by SM through its Sports and Leisure Center (SLC) and SM Skating, the competition was hosted at the Olympic-sized rink of SM Skating Mall of Asia—one of the country’s most established ice sports venues.

Backed by the International Skating Union (ISU) Development Commission and the Philippine Sports Commission, the SEA Trophy also serves as a development platform that ensures global participation in ice sports while encouraging skills progression, coaching exchange, and cross-border collaboration.

“Beyond providing conducive spaces for athletes to train and compete, SM recognizes that true skill development comes from exposure to international competition,” said Silva. “Events like this put everything they’ve trained for to the test, while fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship, values that are honed only on the ice, alongside fellow athletes.”

Through this holistic approach, SM has given both emerging and competitive athletes a home that hones them into champions. SEA Games podium finisher Hans Buemio started his skating journey at SM’s skating rinks. He has gone on to qualify as the country’s first homegrown speed skater for the ISU Junior World Cup series and is preparing for the next competition in Utah. Meanwhile, emerging international skating athletes have also been honed through the SEA Trophy. Chinese skater Bingzhen Dai is also a product of the tournament and has been training in SM’s Skating Rinks for the last two years. Silva hopes that with holistic support, more emerging athletes like them can come to fulfill their potential.

“With SM, our skating industry will always have a home that provides inclusive and accessible pathways for our talents to grow and succeed. Through the 2026 SEA Trophy, we look forward to discovering our future champions and showcasing their excellence to the world.”

SM Supermalls spotlights MSME growth this February with longstanding partners DTI, Philstar, and Go Negosyo

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February is giving MSMEs their well-deserved main-stage moment — and SM Supermalls is here for it. Together with long-time strategic partners — Department of Trade and Industry, Philstar Media Group, and Go Negosyo — SM Supermalls continues to open doors for Filipino entrepreneurs through mentorship, market access, and purpose-driven platforms that help businesses grow with confidence.

These partnerships, built through years of collaboration, share one mission: empower MSMEs to scale sustainably, compete strongly, and thrive in an evolving economy. This February, that shared commitment comes alive through a lineup of impactful initiatives happening across SM malls.

Go Negosyo brings 3M on Wheels mentorship to SM Megamall this February

Strengthening its shared advocacy with SM Supermalls, Go Negosyo rolls out its 3M on Wheels mentorship program this February 25 at SM Megamall, offering MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs free, one-on-one coaching sessions with industry mentors.

Designed as a quick-stop mentoring platform, the program delivers practical guidance in areas like product development, branding, finance, scaling strategies, and digital transformation. Entrepreneurs from industries including food, retail, creative services, agriculture, and technology gain direct access to insights that can sharpen their competitive edge.

This initiative reflects SM Supermalls’ ongoing commitment, alongside Go Negosyo, to make mentorship accessible — ensuring MSMEs get the right advice at the right time to move their businesses forward.

DTI National Trade Fair celebrates sustainability and Filipino innovation

From February 18–22, the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall host the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair — a signature platform championing sustainability, creativity, and Filipino craftsmanship.

A cornerstone partnership between SM Supermalls and the Department of Trade and Industry, the event highlights eco-conscious, design-forward products that reflect the country’s growing leadership in sustainable innovation. Featured items include furniture, fashion, textiles, and handicrafts made from coconut materials, engineered bamboo, natural fibers, plant-based dyes, and native grasses sourced nationwide.

Beyond the exhibits, visitors can enjoy workshops, live product demonstrations, and cultural showcases that celebrate Filipino heritage while spotlighting future-ready design. For MSMEs, the trade fair provides a vital gateway to buyers, collaborators, and wider market exposure

Philstar NakakaLocal Bazaar heads to Baguio with proudly Filipino finds

Celebrating local pride and entrepreneurship, Philstar Media Group brings the NakakaLocal Bazaar to SM City Baguio from February 27 to March 1, offering shoppers a curated mix of homegrown brands in food, fashion, crafts, and lifestyle. A longtime collaborator of SM Supermalls in advocating for

MSME visibility, Philstar Media Group continues to build platforms that connect entrepreneurs with wider audiences while strengthening the “love local, grow global” movement.

Following its successful regional runs, the bazaar reinforces how partnerships among media, retail spaces, and business communities can amplify opportunities for small businesses ready to expand their reach.

Through enduring partnerships with DTI, Philstar Media Group, and Go Negosyo, SM Supermalls continues to create meaningful ecosystems where MSMEs gain mentorship, exposure, and access to growth opportunities.

This February’s initiatives reflect a shared belief: when organizations come together to support entrepreneurs, they don’t just build businesses — they build stronger communities and a more resilient economy. And let’s be real — Filipino MSMEs aren’t just participating in the future of business. They’re shaping it.

Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2026 delivers a bigger, maxed-out experience at SM Mall of Asia

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The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2026 is back, and it is bigger than last year. Set at the Seaside Boulevard of SM Mall of Asia, the country’s biggest fireworks competition levels up into a fully maxed-out experience built for how Gen Z shows up, hangs out, and shares moments.

This year’s edition is a maxed-out experience, bringing an all-out global showdown of world-class pyrotechnics, music, and color. Each competing country lights up the night sky with high-impact visuals, perfectly synced to sound, designed to stop scrolls. Bigger bursts. Cleaner timing. Stronger crowd reactions. Every show competes for the title of Best Pyromusical Display, and every night delivers main-character energy.

The 2026 experience goes beyond fireworks. It is about the full vibe. Friends meet early, eat out, walk the strip, shoot content, and stay late. The fireworks are the peak moment, but the night is the story. It is social, loud, and built for repeat weekends. This is not a one-and-done event. It is a weekly reset.

SM Mall of Asia continues to be the venue of choice for Gen Z, families, and friend groups. The open waterfront, easy access, and mix of food, entertainment, and hangout spots make it the go-to place for shared experiences. Families turn it into a tradition. Friends turn it into plans. Gen Z turns it into content.

Adding to the fully maxed-out experience is SM Mall of Asia’s wide dining lineup, giving guests plenty of options before and after the show. These include RICO’S LECHON, HAIDILAO, RACKS, ITALLIANIS, WATAMI, CBTL, MODERN SHANG, OLIVE GARDEN, BULGOGI BROTHERS, LECHONERIA, YAKINIKU LIKE, PEPPER LUNCH, DOHTONBORI, JATUJAK, PAIK’S COFFEE, KIWAMI, YAKINIKU KING, MAPLE TREE, DU HSIAO YUE, ROSSOPOMODORO, GERRY’S GRILL, TGI FRIDAYS, MESA, DONG WON, FELY J’S, BBQ CHICKEN, HOSHINO, CELADON, TAJIMAYA, KRAZY GARLIC, LONGHORN, and DESSERT 39.

The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2026 features top pyrotechnic teams from across the globe:

  • February 21. Opening Exhibition with the Philippines and Hermanos Caballer of Spain.
  • February 28. Fireworks Spectaculars of Canada versus Steffes Olig Feuerwerke of Germany.
  • March 7. LUX Factory of France against Martarello SRL of Italy.
  • March 14. Pirotecnia Minhota of Portugal facing the Pyrotex Fireworx of the United Kingdom.
  • March 21. Polaris Fireworks of China followed by the Closing Exhibition from the Philippines.

More than just a fireworks competition, this event shows why the Philippines is a destination for big, world-class lifestyle experiences. Bigger crowds. Bigger moments. Bigger energy. Your most loved mall, SM, brings it All for You with a fully maxed-out experience at SM Mall of Asia.

Feed Your Empty PET Bottles into SM’s New Green Recycling Machines

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Your empty PET bottles have somewhere better to go than landfills—and SM is taking them there.

Through the newly-deployed Green Recycling Machines (GR Machines), SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) uses the nationwide reach of SM Supermalls to make sustainable action easy, accessible, and rewarding for mallgoers all over the country.

“The GR Machines enrich the SM Group’s existing waste management efforts under the SM Green Movement,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “Through the deployment of these machines, we hope to collaborate with our customers in caring for the environment by helping recycle PET bottles whenever they enter their most loved SM Supermalls.”

Each GR Machine can be operated with ease by any user and can accept PET bottles up to two liters. Together, the GR Machines nationwide can collectively hold up to 5,000 bottles in one collection cycle, which are compressed in-machine. The compressed PET blocks are then collected and given a second life by SM’s hauling partner, Sentinel, which transforms the blocks into reusable items such as food trays.

Little makes much: Preserving the environment one diverted bottle at a time

According to the World Bank, the Philippines leaks more than 300 million metric tons of plastic waste into the sea annually—equivalent to around 9 percent of its improperly handled plastic waste. The Philippines was also noted as one of East Asia and the Pacific region’s top contributors to ocean plastic pollution.

Recognizing that sustainability and protecting the environment are beyond the efforts of one entity, SM has leveraged its presence nationwide through its properties to engage its customers and surrounding communities in maximizing the collection of recyclables, especially plastics. Through SM Cares, its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM empowers communities to adopt sustainable practices through simple and accessible ways to take part in protecting the environment. Arresting the growing issue of pollution, the SM Group has enhanced waste segregation efforts to increase its collection and diversion of plastics from the environment since 2007 with its pioneer program, the Trash to Cash recycling market. 

SM Group’s Trash to Cash initiative was organized by SM Cares as the pilot community program that encouraged customers to segregate recyclables like metal, paper, and plastic and exchange these for cash every month. SM Supermalls also followed up this effort with the launch of two Reverse Vending Machines in SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall, which empowered customers to segregate aluminum cans and empty PETs in exchange for discounts on sports and leisure attractions. On top of these, SM also hosts nationwide coastal clean-up drives annually through the strength and effort of its workforce volunteers.

With the latest in mobile recycling technology, SM’s GR Machines encourage customers to turn good intentions into daily environmentally-conscious actions in three easy steps:

  1. Feed any PET bottle up to 2 liters into the machine
  2. Confirm your deposit by pressing the prompt on the screen
  3. Await your reward

“This is just a glimpse into how SM aims to enrich the Circular Economy through the elevated role we play in integrating seamless waste management efforts, all for Filipinos. We are hopeful that with the addition of the SM GR Machines, our continued partnership with our customers in protecting the environment yields a more sustainable future,” said Tan. Customers can start depositing their plastic bottles in SM GR Machines across the following malls: SM North EDSA, SM City San Lazaro, SM Megamall, SM The Podium, SM Aura, SM Southmall, SM Mall of Asia, S’Maison, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM Lanang.

SM Supermalls Brings February Job Fairs Nationwide, Making Job Search Easier for Filipinos

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In celebration of the Banatu Festival, celebrating the 76th founding anniversary of Cabanatuan City, SM Supermalls kicked off February with a highly successful job fair at SM City Cabanatuan, demonstrating how career opportunities can be meaningfully woven into local festivities. Held last February 3, the job fair brought together 32 employers and a thousand jobseekers, with 90 applicants hired on the spot— underscoring the impact of aligning employment initiatives with community celebrations. By integrating career opportunities into high-traffic events such as local holidays and festivals, SM Supermalls enhances the malling experience by offering purposeful activities that customers can conveniently engage with in their most-loved SM destinations. Beyond serving as venues for celebration, SM malls evolve into community platforms that create pathways to livelihood, growth, and long-term opportunity for Filipinos nationwide.

Flagship SM Group Job Fair set for February 26 at SM North EDSA

Culminating the month’s activities is the highly anticipatedSM Group Job Fair led by SM Retail on February 26 at SM City North EDSA—one of the strongest and most sought-after hiring events in the SM Job Fair calendar. Employers from across the SM Group—including retail, real estate, food, logistics, and banking—will be offering a wide range of opportunities, reinforcing why so many Filipinos aspire to join the SM family.

As the largest retail chain in the Philippines, SM Retail continues to champion a workplace where people truly belong, thrive, and grow. Job seekers can look forward to purposeful challenges, meaningful career opportunities, and a culture where efforts are recognized and celebrated—making it #SoMuchFun to build a career at SM Retail. Because at SM Retail, we’ve got it all for you—#OnlyAtSMRetail.

One-Stop Job Application Made Easy

SM Job Fairs go beyond job matching by offering on-site government services, allowing applicants to complete key employment requirements in one location. Participating agencies typically include the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Social Security System, and PhilHealth, among others— saving jobseekers time, cost, and multiple trips.

No plunder case, no guilt: Romualdez camp rebukes claims over flood control

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FORMER Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez’s camp rejected attempts to pin plunder and other serious crimes on him, underscoring that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) itself made clear its referral to the Ombudsman was “issued without finding or conclusion of guilt or liability.”

In a statement, Atty. Ade Fajardo, lawyer and spokesperson of Romualdez, said recent statements attributed to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should not be misconstrued as proof of wrongdoing.

“We take note of the DPWH Secretary’s statement. However, it is important to clarify that a DPWH ‘recommendation’ is not a finding, much less a determination of guilt,” Fajardo said.

Fajardo categorically denied reports suggesting that the ICI had recommended the filing of plunder or other serious charges against the former Speaker.

“It is not true that the ICI has recommended to the Ombudsman that former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez be charged with plunder or other serious crimes related to the flood control or 2025 budget issue,” Fajardo said.

On the contrary, he pointed out that the ICI itself underscored the absence of any adverse conclusion against Romualdez in its referral to the Office of the Ombudsman.

“In fact, the ICI made it clear in their referral report that it was ‘issued without finding or conclusion of guilt or liability on the part of former Speaker Romualdez,’” he added.

Fajardo said Romualdez respects institutional processes and is confident that the Ombudsman will assess the matter independently and fairly.

“We respect due process and will await the Ombudsman to independently evaluate the submissions based on evidence, not press conference soundbites,” he said.