Tag: books

 Setting the scenes for Mindanao’s main characters at SM Supermalls

On By Jennifer PagalilauanIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Let’s be honest, Mindanao–we’ve never been background characters. There’s a certain confidence in the way we move. We’re sharp, bold, and sure of what we want. We don’t need to be loud to show who’s the leading character.

And since we know what iconic-ness we bring to the table, the place we spend our time in? Well it has to keep up. The vibe, the energy, the experience. The good news is that across Mindanao, new firsts are arriving, firsts that can keep up and set the scene at your most-loved mall, SM Supermalls–the mall of firsts.

The Opening Act: Serving Cravings And Lewks

Because once the plans are locked, it’s never just about the food. It’s about how you show up. The table becomes the backdrop, the look comes together, and suddenly your first act is in full motion

  • Soul Kitchen / Fast Fresh 

Some scenes call for comfort, and at the first soon to open Soul Kitchen/Fast Fresh in SM at the expansion wing, level 1 of SM City Davao, that comfort is about to come plated just right. The Banana Pecan Pancake will bring that sweet, indulgent moment, while the White Chicken Rice can keep it classic and satisfying. Ez great food down, so you can keep your main character on.

  • King’s Feast 

Some scenes call for royal treatment–and at the first soon to open King’s Feast in VisMin at the level 2 expansion wing of SM City Davao, it will begin with an all-you-can-eat spread fit for main characters who don’t do small portions. This is where plates will stay full and tables will feel like your own feasting hall. Because if you’re stepping out in full looks, the food should rise to the occasion.

The Second Take: Brewed and Booked

Every great story has an in-between moment, a pause before the climactic scenes–the kind where things slow down just enough for the main character to decide what happens next. At the 2nd level, expansion wing of SM City Davao, the first soon to open ZUS Coffee in Mindanao will offer exactly that kind of reset: good coffee, a solid spot to regroup, and just enough caffeine to cue the next scene.

The Turning Scene: Confidence In Center Frame

It’s time for your close-up with a glow up. At the lower ground level of SM Lanang, the first Idara Aesthetics in Davao will bring advanced aesthetic treatments closer so you can step into frame polished, confident, and fully in your main character energy.

The Final Shot: Go All Out, Icon

Every main character needs a great ending, and the first DJI in Northern Mindanao at the 3rd level of Cyberzone in SM CDO Downtown Premier–makes sure yours is nothing short of cinematic. Because in every story worth telling, it’s the final frame that can turn something good into a masterpiece.

From the opening act to the final shot, the scenes are set–and now it’s your move. Because when you know you’re the lead, you don’t wait for the spotlight. You step into it.

Main character energy? Fully secured–only at your most-loved mall, SM Supermalls.

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

Literacy and Disability Inclusion Advocate Zacarias Mansing Jr. Crowned Cebuana Lhuillier’s 2025 Happiest Pinoy Among 500,000 Entries Nationwide

On By Jennifer PagalilauanIn press-releaseLeave a comment

Cebuana Lhuillier has officially named Zacarias Mansing Jr., a passionate literacy and disability inclusion advocate, as the 2025 Happiest Pinoy. His remarkable journey of transforming personal adversity into a nationwide mission for children’s literacy resonated deeply across the country. Selected from more than 500,000 entries, his win marks one of the most extraordinary achievements in the history of Cebuana Lhuillier’s pioneering advocacy.

The awarding ceremony, held last December 2 at Dusit Thani Manila, highlighted the depth and diversity of this year’s competition. Zacarias first emerged as one of the ten national category winners before advancing to the final round, where he stood alongside inspiring finalists representing youth and senior citizens, entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities, OFWs, members of the workforce, the LGBTQ+ community, creatives, indigenous peoples, and Cebuana Lhuillier clients.

A distinguished panel of judges—comprising public servants, media professionals, social innovators, athletes, and former Happiest Pinoy awardees—evaluated the finalists through a comprehensive process rooted in four criteria: Resilience; Optimism and Genuine Happiness; Champion of Hope and Impact; and an X-Factor reflecting authenticity.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier Inc., emphasized the significance of Zacarias’s win: “Zacarias reminds us that true strength is not the absence of hardship but the courage to lift others as we rise. His life—rooted in faith, grit, and service—captures exactly what the Happiest Pinoy seeks to celebrate: joy that transforms communities and inspires lasting change.”

Zacarias’s story is a testament to that strength. After an accident abroad in 2012 left him paralyzed, he returned home determined to turn his challenges into purpose. Guided by his DRISO values—Determination, Resilience, Inspiration, Service, and Optimism—he launched the Books for Kids Project in 2017. From his wheelchair, he has traveled to more than 300 remote public schools and reached over 50,000 students, championing literacy, disability inclusion, and hope across Negros Oriental. “Being a Happiest Pinoy is about having a spirit that trusts God in all circumstances, and hands that are always ready to reach out to those in need,” he shared.

Zacarias’s triumph is more than a personal victory—it is a powerful reminder that purpose can emerge from pain, and that one person’s resolve can ignite lasting change. His work continues to inspire communities, uplift young learners, and strengthen the movement that Cebuana Lhuillier began: a celebration of joy that endures, heals, and transforms.

SM Supermalls’ Bold New Era: All for You

On By Jennifer PagalilauanIn StoriesLeave a comment

From iconic destinations to evolved spaces, SM Supermalls is shaping malls that blend scale, innovation, and community for every Filipino.

SM Supermalls marks 40 years of retail leadership with a bold roadmap: to deliver one flagship mall every year from 2026 to 2030, transforming malls into future-ready spaces that anchor regional growth. Alongside these landmark projects, SM is investing over PHP150 billion in 16 major redevelopments and 12 new lifestyle malls, ensuring its entire portfolio evolves into greener, smarter, and more people-centered destinations by 2030.

SM Sta. Rosa (Yulo) in Nuvali coming 2026

The opening of SM North EDSA in 1985 forever changed how Filipinos shopped, dined, and connected. From that single vision grew a nationwide network of 88 malls, welcoming millions of visitors weekly and housing thousands of local and global brands. Today, SM celebrates this legacy as both a retail hub and a trusted partner, community builder, and symbol of continuity for generations.

A Legacy Anchored on Trust

“At SM, we’ve always believed that success is shared,” said Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “From the very beginning, SM was built on trust and relationships. We only win when our partners win.”

This philosophy has guided SM through decades of growth and transformation, from opening the country’s first supermalls to building nationwide retail destinations. Every milestone has been anchored on collaboration with tenants, partners, and communities. That same spirit of shared success continues to shape SM’s New Era vision, ensuring that the malls of tomorrow remain trusted spaces where people come together.

Flagship Destinations that Redefine Retail

Over the next five years, SM will deliver landmark flagship malls that serve as ecosystems combining shopping, dining, culture, and community in destinations that anchor regional economies. Planned projects include SM Sta. Rosa (Yulo) in Nuvali (2026), Harrison Plaza in Manila (2027), SM Malolos in Bulacan (2028), Cavite (2029), and Pasay (2030). These projects reflect SM’s ability to raise the benchmark for Philippine retail while remaining deeply rooted in local communities.

SM Zamboanga

SM Harrison in Manila

Beyond flagships, SM is modernizing existing malls with open-air promenades, lifestyle zones, and sustainable features. These redevelopments will make every SM mall more vibrant, green, and people-centered.

All For You

This vision reflects more than just physical expansion. It highlights SM’s long-standing ability to adapt, modernize, and introduce new experiences that matter to Filipino families. SM is evolving its retail ecosystem to be tenant-led, offering dynamic formats, personalized leasing, and collaborative platforms. Sustainability is a cornerstone, with smarter designs, renewable energy, and eco-conscious developments.

“This New Era is not about adding more malls,” Tan said. “It is about creating destinations that matter, modernizing the malls people already love, and ensuring every Filipino has access to world-class malling. Our promise is simple. Everything we do is all for you.”

SM La Union

He added, “Our vision is clear. We are building the next generation of malls for the next generation of Filipinos.”

With its reach, partnerships, and track record, SM is positioned to lead the next phase of retail and community development in the Philippines.

40 Years of Partnership

The anniversary is being marked nationwide with over 4,000 exclusive partner-powered deals across all 88 malls, SM’s biggest shopping celebration yet. The milestone underscores SM’s unique position, a company that has grown hand in hand with its tenants while remaining the most loved retail channel, deeply woven into the daily lives of Filipino families.

“For four decades, you’ve been with us every step of the way, and for that, maraming salamat,” Tan said. “As we look ahead, we will keep evolving with you and for you. Because at SM, our success has always been shared.”

Irene Sarmiento Makes History at White Ravens Festival

On By Jennifer PagalilauanIn press-releaseLeave a comment

Irene Sarmiento, award-winning writer of children’s book Tabon Girl and young adult novel Stray Cats, is the first author from the Philippines to be invited to this year’s White Ravens Festival, held from July 13 to 17 at the Blutenberg Castle in Munich, Germany. 

A native of Quezon City, she moved from the Philippines to Texas in 2011 and now works as a pediatric occupational therapist for children with special needs in northern Colorado. 

In an interview with the National Book Development Board (NBDB), Sarmiento shared that “it was in college when I won my first Palanca [award] in the now defunct future fiction category and made me realize I have two lives [studying occupational therapy and writing]. But I never really questioned whether I should stop or keep writing.”

She added, “As a writer, I recognize that in this unequal world, we who are marginalized have to assert our humanity, and this is my way of doing that. I am a Filipino writer talking to multiple cultures in my works. I am both a writer and a healthcare practitioner.” 

The White Ravens Festival is dedicated to international literature for children and young adults, bringing together authors and illustrators from different parts of the world to read from their most recent works, lead writing workshops and other interactive events, and discuss their life and works. The festival has hosted various prominent authors such as Ingo Siegner from Germany, Micaela Chirif from Peru, Shaw Kuzki from Japan, Anete Melece from Latvia, Tuutikki Tolonen from Finland, MG Leonard from the United Kingdom, André Letria from Portugal, Yves Grevet from France, Jamshid Khanian from Iran, and Ondřej Buddeus from the Czech Republic, to name a few. 

It is hosted by the International Youth Library (IJB) in Munich, Germany. 

“The invitation was a huge surprise. It is important because it allowed me to tell them about the Philippines. It prompted the audience to know more about us [Filipinos]. It helped me to bring our works to the global stage,” Sarmiento said. 


Aside from a radio interview, as part of the festival, she attended eight interactive reading events across Germany with 10 different participating schools (and with 50 to 150 students in attendance each session) from July 13 to 17 this year. The event was under the patronage of the Bavarian State Minister for Science and the Arts, and featured renowned, multi-award-winning writers.

Sarmiento’s works, often about children overcoming challenges, have received recognition from prestigious organizations such as The Palanca Memorial Foundation, the Philippine Graphic/Fiction Awards, and Stories to Change the World. 

“My family and I always love books and stories. When I was eight years old, I won a short story writing competition called Young Minds, and it was the first time that I got really published, which started me on that trajectory,” said Sarmiento. 

Her novel, Stray Cats, was named one of the Kids’ Choice winners at the National Children’s Book Award in 2024. It tells the story of Elisa Paz, an eighth grader in search of her best friend.

Her tips to aspiring Filipino writers? “You should speak in your own voice. Who knows? One of these days, someone might listen.” 

Sarmiento’s participation in the festival coincides with the Philippines’ preparations as the Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair on October 15 to 19, 2025. 

WORKS OF LOCAL AUTHORS TO BE TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH UNDER THE NATIONAL BOOK DEVELOPMENT BOARD’S TRANSLATION SUBSIDY PROGRAM

On By Jennifer PagalilauanIn press-releaseLeave a comment

QUEZON CITY, Philippines—THE National Book Development Board (NBDB) announces the 20 grantees selected for its Translation Subsidy Program (TSP)  this year “for local authors who wish to have their works translated into a foreign language.”

Out of 32 proposals submitted to the NBDB, 20 grantees were selected. Among them are mBayuka Tanu! Maguindanaon Bayuk Translation, Transcription, and Annotation Volume 2 by Mansoor Limba, Aswanglaut by Allan N. Derain, Mga Lumadnong Sugilanon nga Mahinuklogon by Karl M. Gaspar, Si Lola Basyang sa Entablado by Christine Bellen-Ang, Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee,  Samtoy: Mga Kwentong Ilokano (Bagong Edisyon) by Danilo B. Antalan, Noli S. Dumlao, Aileen R. Rambaud, Arnold Pascual, Jose Sherma E. Benosa, N.M.E. Valdez, Ariel Sotelo Tabág, Juan Al. Asuncion, Roy V. Aragon, Daniel L. Nesperos, Joel B. Manuel, Prodie Gar. Padios, Mighty C. Rasing, and Selected Poetry of Gualberto Cea Manlangit by Gualberto Cea Manlangit, to name a few.

The 20 grantees’ works, which were written in Filipino, Ilokano, Maguindanaon, Bikolano, and Bisaya, cover multiple genres such as fiction, poetry, short stories and essays, comics, novel, among others, and will all be translated into English. The amount of the grant ranges from PHP 70,000 to PHP 200,000.

“We want to promote the literary works of Filipino authors through the translation of local books written in Tagalog and other Philippine languages not just into Tagalog or English, but likewise in other languages around the world so they would be known internationally. We believe translation is key to achieve that goal,” explains Ma. Carolina Tapia, NBDB’s Chief of the Creative and Professional Development Division.

Under the selection criteria established by the NBDB, grantees are chosen based on their relevance to the publishing sector and the reading public, significance in promoting knowledge on the diverse culture, events, and topics of the Philippines,  and a production plan or marketing plan that is feasible and effective for local distribution and promotion efforts.

The TSP offers financial support to encourage the translation, publication, and distribution of Philippine books in foreign markets in order to introduce more Filipino stories, voices, and perspectives to readers across the globe.

Being selected as a translation grantee is a pivotal opportunity for Filipino writers. It means they will be provided with formal support for translation, visibility at major international book fairs, and an open door into the global literary marketplace. For local authors, it’s not just funding: it’s launching their work into dialogue with the world.

The program also has a separate edition designed to entice foreign publishers to translate Philippine books into foreign languages, also through a subsidy. It is a vital element of the Philippines as Guest of Honour 2025 (PhlGoH2025) initiative, an interagency collaboration led by the NBDB, together with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda. The event will be held in Frankfurt, Germany on October 15-19, 2025.

Through the years, the NBDB’s Translation Subsidy Program has contributed to increasing the number of translated Philippine titles and opened different opportunities for Filipino authors. As the Philippines prepares to take center stage at “FBM,” the world’s largest book fair, the TSP underscores the country’s commitment to promoting Filipino literature, authorship, and publishing excellence on the global stage.

It also reflects the NBDB’s strong commitment to empowering Filipino authors, fostering cultural exchange, and boosting the global presence of Philippine literature. By supporting the translation of Filipino books into foreign languages, the program brings Filipino voices and stories to a wider international audience—paving the way for richer cross-cultural understanding and meaningful global engagement as the country positions itself to become the content capital of Southeast Asia.

“The NBDB believes that every translated book serves as a bridge between languages, cultures, and more importantly, people. The NBDB’s Translation Subsidy Program is not just about funding the translation of a book. It is a commitment to help fuel a movement that places Filipino stories where they belong: in conversation with the world,” NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade pointed out.

For full details on the Translation Subsidy Program, send a message to grants@books.gov.ph.

SM Book Nook Reading Festival brings Filipino stories to life at SM Aura

On By Jennifer PagalilauanIn StoriesLeave a comment

The SM Book Nook Reading Festival, held on January 31, 2025, at the Book Nook in SM Aura, drew 500 book lovers of all ages for a dynamic celebration of Filipino literature and creativity. From engaging author meet-and-greets to lively performances and informative workshops, the festival offered a rich array of literary experiences.

(L-R): SM Cares Assistant Vice President Richard A. Caluyo, SM Book Nook Reading Festival co-organizer and BookShelfPH co-founder Monette Quiogue, and SM Aura Regional Operations Head Stephanie Co 

Interactive storytelling and inspiration

One of the festival’s highlights was the launch of SM Book Nook’s innovative “Pass the Plot” board. This interactive activity encouraged participants to co-create a story, sentence by sentence, showcasing their collective creativity.

The “Pass the Plot” board at the SM Book Nook Reading Festival ignites collaborative storytelling, inviting participants to build a narrative sentence by sentence.

A major highlight of the event was the presence of renowned literary personalities such as National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario (Rio Alma), Dean Tony Laviña, Hans Pieter Arao, and Jayson Fajardo. Attendees had the unique opportunity to connect with these esteemed authors, get their books signed, and engage in insightful conversations. The festival also showcased emerging talent, with popular independent authors like Therese Villarante-Langit connecting with readers and sharing their work.

National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario (Rio Alma) inspires readers and shares his literary journey at the SM Book Nook Reading Festival at SM Aura.

A celebration of community and shared passion

A heartwarming moment unfolded when publishers and authors united for a meaningful cause—donating books to the SM Book Nook. This symbolic gesture underscored the collective mission of promoting a culture of reading and knowledge-sharing.

Authors and publishers, with SM Book Nook pioneer Shereen Sy (8th from right), unite to donate books at the SM Book Nook Reading Festival, promoting a love of reading.

Engaging activities for all ages

The festival buzzed with activity throughout the day. Attendees participated in fun quiz games, delved into historical fiction readings, and engaged in thought-provoking book club discussions. Spoken word poetry performances by teens and young adults added a contemporary flair, while a session on zines with BBZ offered a glimpse into the world of independent publishing. Publishers like Bookshelf PH, Grana Books, and Aklat Alamid showcased their latest titles, and a special session on copyright law provided valuable information for aspiring authors.

The audience is enthralled as author Bambi Rodriguez reads from her latest work.

The SM Book Nook Reading Festival proved to be more than just a book event. It was a lively community gathering, a celebration of Filipino storytelling, and a source of inspiration for both established and aspiring writers.

For more information about SM’s community programs and how you can get involved, visit: https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares/.