Holiday Shopping Starts Early at SM City Mindpro and SM City Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 30 October 2026 – The holiday shopping season begins earlier and bigger this year as your most loved SM Supermalls in Zamboanga bring shoppers four days of exciting deals, amazing finds, and early holiday savings during the Pre-Holiday Sale from October 30 to November 2.

Shoppers can get a head start on their holiday preparations with incredible discounts of up to 70% off on select items from participating stores. From fashion and beauty essentials to gadgets, home must-haves, toys, and gift-worthy finds, the sale offers something for everyone looking to make the most of their holiday budget.

Whether shopping for family and friends, crossing items off a holiday wishlist, or simply searching for the best bargains, customers can enjoy a rewarding shopping experience before the busy holiday rush sets in.

The four-day sale event is expected to draw bargain hunters and holiday shoppers eager to take advantage of exclusive offers while enjoying the vibrant mall atmosphere that SM City Mindpro and SM City Zamboanga are known for.

More than just a shopping event, the Pre-Holiday Sale encourages families and friends to spend quality time together while discovering exciting brands, dining options, and entertainment offerings available at both SM malls.

With thousands of deals waiting to be discovered, now is the best time to shop smarter, save bigger, and get ahead of the holiday rush.

So gather your shopping buddies, fill up those wish lists, and head to SM City Mindpro and SM City Zamboanga from October 30 to November 2 for the biggest early holiday shopping event in town.

Get first dibs on amazing deals, exciting finds, and unbeatable savings. Shop, save, and celebrate because at SM, it's time to GALA TO THE MAX!

InLife Benefits Backs PhilHealth’s Push for More Coordinated Healthcare Coverage

MANILA, Philippines — For Filipino employees, the value of health coverage should begin long before a hospital bill arrives. It should help them get screened, seek medical advice early, and act on health concerns before these become more serious.

From left to right_ Noemi Azura - President and CEO, InLife Benefits_  Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho -  President and CEO, PhilHealth, and Dra. Isabel Umali - Deputy Medical Director, InLife Benefits

That is the core focus of InLife Benefits Insurance Company, Inc. (formerly Generali Life Assurance Philippines, Inc.) as it backs PhilHealth's push to strengthen coordination between public and private health insurance coverage. Through its participation in the PhilHealth YAKAP–HMO/PHI Benefit Complementation initiative and a separate awareness-building partnership, the company is helping employees make the most of their healthcare benefits.

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Making Coverage Work Together

For employees with both PhilHealth and company-provided health benefits, understanding how their coverage fits together is an important step toward making better use of it.

• PhilHealth YAKAP Framework: The PhilHealth YAKAP–HMO/PHI Benefit Complementation initiative aligns benefits from the national health insurer with those offered by health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and private health insurance providers, such as InLife Benefits.
• Initial Layer of Care: PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) provides initial coverage for eligible primary care services.
• Complementary Benefits: Participating private insurers provide complementary benefits for expenses that fall outside the program’s coverage.

This arrangement aims to minimize overlapping benefits, improve healthcare access, and help reduce members’ out-of-pocket expenses. InLife Benefits supports a broader effort to make preventive care more accessible to employees.

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Bringing Prevention into the Workplace

Coverage alone does not ensure that employees seek care; they also need to know which services are available and understand how to use them. Despite widespread PhilHealth membership among the workforce, awareness of the preventive services available under YAKAP remains a challenge.

Through a separate Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PhilHealth, InLife Benefits has committed to:

• Promoting YAKAP among its corporate clients.
• Encouraging early disease screening.
• Helping employees better understand the healthcare services available to them.

By leveraging its network of corporate clients, InLife Benefits connects PhilHealth’s preventive healthcare initiative with workplaces where greater awareness encourages earlier action. Together, these efforts address two connected needs: benefits that work better together and employees who understand how to use them.

“For InLife Benefits, the goal is to make health coverage matter earlier in the decision to get screened, the opportunity to seek advice, and the chance to address a health concern before it becomes a crisis.”

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About InLife Benefits

InLife Benefits Insurance Company, Inc. (formerly Generali Life Assurance Philippines, Inc.) is the employee benefits and group insurance subsidiary of InLife, helping organizations support and protect their workforce through group life insurance, healthcare, wellness, and other employee protection solutions. Guided by its promise of “Benefits That Work,” InLife Benefits combines trusted expertise with a people-centered approach as part of the country’s first and largest Filipino life insurance company.

For more information, visit www.inlifebenefits.com.ph or email customercare@inlifebenefits.com.ph.

Big Spooktacular Fun Takes Over SM Supermalls in Zamboanga This Halloween

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 29^th October 2026 – Get ready for a frightfully fun Halloween as SM City Zamboanga and SM City Mindpro invite young ghouls, superheroes, magical creatures, and aspiring trick-or-treaters to join the Super Kids Universe 2026: Spooktacular Halloween Costume Contest on October 31, 2026.

This exciting Halloween celebration gives children aged 4 to 12 years old the chance to showcase their most creative, adorable, and imaginative costumes while competing for amazing prizes and enjoying a day filled with family fun.

At SM City Zamboanga, the contest will take place at the Third Level, Sky Plaza, featuring Boys and Girls Categories. Participants will compete for the title of Best in Costume, with winners receiving ₱5,000 worth of SM Gift Certificates, while two runners-up per category will take home ₱1,000 worth of SM Gift Certificates each. 

Meanwhile, at SM City Mindpro, little monsters and superheroes can take center stage at Level 4 starting 2:00 PM, followed by a fun-filled Trick-or-Treat activity around the mall, giving families even more sweet surprises to enjoy.

Parents and guardians may register through the SM Malls Online App at https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/SPKHLLWN2026. Participants may also register at the Mall Administration Office at Level 5 of SM City Mindpro. Registration requirements include a valid purchase receipt and other supporting documents as indicated in the contest mechanics.

More than a costume contest, the event promises a safe, exciting, and memorable Halloween experience where kids can unleash their creativity, build confidence, and celebrate the season with family and friends.

So gather the family, put on your best costume, and get ready for a day of spooky fun, exciting prizes, and unforgettable memories at your most loved SM Supermalls in Zamboanga. Whether you're a brave superhero, a charming witch, a friendly monster, or a magical creature, this is your time to shine!

See you this October 31 at SM City Zamboanga and SM City Mindpro for a Spooktacular Halloween celebration that's sure to be a scream!

Navigating the True Cost of Healing: Fay Cuadra’s Journey from Check-Up to One Year Cancer-Free with InLife

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, stories of resilience and hope remind us of the critical importance of health vigilance. For Fay Cuadra, InLife University Senior Assistant Vice President and Business Development Head, a routine medical appointment completely changed her perspective—turning her from a long-time insurance professional into a patient navigating the true cost of healing.

Fay Cuadra -  InLife University Sr. Asst. Vice President and Business Development Head

From Routine Check-Up to a Life-Changing Diagnosis

Despite experiencing zero pain or noticeable symptoms, an Executive Check-Up flagged a breast abnormality that required a biopsy.

"When you hear those words, it feels like time has suddenly stopped. You can spend years advising people about protection and preparing for the unexpected, but when you become the patient, everything feels different," Fay recalls.

Following her cancer diagnosis, Fay underwent neoadjuvant therapy, a mastectomy with breast reconstruction, and radiation therapy. Today, she proudly marks a major milestone: one year with No Evidence of Disease (NED), meaning current examinations and tests show no detectable cancer.

Understanding the True Cost of Care

While overcoming the disease is a monumental triumph, the financial reality of medical treatment is a crucial conversation. Fay’s initial diagnostic procedures quickly exhausted her inpatient Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) limits. The financial breakdown included:

• Breast Surgery: Approximately ₱800,000
• Radiation Therapy: ₱585,000
• Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAHBSO): An additional ₱700,000 six months later

Even with PhilHealth benefits, PWD discounts, corporate leave benefits, and personal insurance payouts, the overall financial load remained heavy.

"Your HMO, group hospitalization coverage, and individual insurance policies may have different benefits, limits, and conditions. It is important to understand how these work together and identify any gaps in your protection," Cuadra explains.

Furthermore, she emphasizes that healthcare extends far beyond the hospital walls: "Cancer treatment does not end when you leave the hospital or complete your surgery. Follow-up consultations, blood tests, monitoring scans, medications, and ongoing medical care became important parts of my recovery. You have to consider the entire healthcare journey, not just the initial hospital bill."

Bridging the Protection Gap with InLife Global Care

To help Filipino families address these hidden gaps and secure comprehensive protection, InLife offers InLife Global Care—a robust health insurance solution featuring up to ₱125 million in annual coverage.

• Access to accredited hospitals, clinics, and specialists in the Philippines and abroad.
• Coverage extending beyond hospitalization to eligible outpatient consultations, diagnostic scans, and monitoring therapies.
• Cashless service options through supported providers.
• Guaranteed annual renewability up to age 99.
• Worldwide emergency coverage of up to ₱12.5 million outside the selected coverage area (subject to policy terms).

"Healthcare confidence is knowing that when a serious medical situation happens, you have choices, resources, and someone you can rely on to help you move forward. InLife Global Care aims to provide all these and more so Filipinos can have access to quality healthcare without compromising everything they worked hard for," states InLife Chief Product and Innovation Officer Jose Eduardo O. Ang.

A Milestone of Gratitude and Action

Throughout her recovery, Fay credits her support system—including her husband, family, and InLife colleagues, such as InLife President Raoul Littaua, who personally encouraged her to prioritize her healing.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month wraps up, Fay leaves a vital message: Do not delay preventive check-ups or wait for physical symptoms to appear before seeking medical advice.

"Early detection can make a difference in identifying cancer and understanding your treatment options. Do not postpone the check-up that could change your life," she urges.

Through initiatives like InLife Global Care and continuous advocacy for preventive health, InLife encourages Filipinos to take two essential steps: prioritize their well-being and prepare financially for the care they may need.

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About InLife: Established over 115 years ago, InLife is the first and largest Filipino life insurance company in the country, committed to helping policyholders make confident financial decisions and providing A Lifetime for Good. For more information, visit www.inlife.com.ph.

SM J Mall Shapes New Lifestyle Experiences Closer to Cebuanos

A Japanese-inspired destination in Mandaue City, SM J Mall brings together dining, lifestyle, and leisure, giving Cebuanos more ways to explore, discover, and spend quality time together. 

CEBU, Philippines, 26th October 2026 - SM J Mall, a Japanese-inspired destination in Mandaue City, continues to redefine the mall experience for Cebuanos by bringing together dining, lifestyle, and leisure in one vibrant space. As Cebu’s most-loved mall destination, it offers maxed-out experiences for families, friends, food enthusiasts, and lifestyle seekers looking for new ways to spend time together. More than a place to shop, SM J Mall is where everyday visits become opportunities to discover, connect, and create lasting memories.

From the variety of dining choices at the Food Hall to various art installations and the laid-back atmosphere of Izakaya Terrace, every corner brings a different experience to discover, whether over a meal or a catch-up with friends.    

From its Food Hall and diverse dining concepts to the Izakaya Terrace and various art installations, SM J Mall gives visitors plenty of reasons to explore beyond traditional retail. Its Japanese-inspired design creates a distinctive setting for food trips, casual meetups, and weekend adventures, allowing Cebuanos to discover new flavors, capture memorable moments, and enjoy quality time with loved ones.

Friendly matches and shared moments take center court at Pickleball Social, where players can stay active, enjoy a little friendly competition, and bond over their love for the game. 

This experience-driven approach reflects the evolving direction of SM Supermalls, which continues to develop destinations that respond to how Filipinos shop, socialize, and pursue their interests. Under its broader My SM campaign, SM creates spaces for different communities, from foodies and fandoms to families and lifestyle enthusiasts. 

From signature events like the annual Cebu Matcha Fest to pet-friendly moments at Paw Park, SM J Mall brings people together through shared interests, new discoveries, and activities that make every visit worth the wait.

At SM J Mall, distinctive surroundings, dining destinations, and lifestyle attractions encourage visitors to explore, connect, and make every visit more memorable. This commitment to curating relevant experiences is echoed by Hanna Carinna T. Sy, Senior Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Leasing at SM Supermalls: “Food, leisure, and lifestyle concepts are leading the demand right now. We’re actively curating a mix that keeps shoppers staying longer, discovering new brands, and coming back more often.”

SM J Mall is part of SM Supermalls’ wider portfolio of destinations expanding the possibilities of retail, lifestyle, and entertainment. These include SM Nuvali in Laguna, set to open this November with its flagship eat-and-play concept, and South Coast City, home to the newly opened SM Seaside Cebu Arena for major concerts, live entertainment, sporting events, and the soon-to-open SMX Convention Center for conventions, exhibitions, and business events. Together, these developments underscore how SM continues to create destinations that drive tourism and regional economic growth.

Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls, emphasized the company’s purpose: “All of these efforts aren’t just about building better malls—they’re about creating real, lasting opportunities for every Filipino. Our goal is to keep evolving alongside our shoppers, making sure SM remains a space where communities can connect, celebrate, and create memories together, showing our purpose in every experience we deliver.”

Good food, spontaneous selfies, and time well spent with friends are part of the experience at SM J Mall, where dining destinations and thoughtfully designed spaces make everyday meetups more memorable.

Through its distinctive Japanese-inspired concept and curated lifestyle offerings, SM J Mall brings Cebuanos closer to the experiences they seek, whether discovering new dining favorites, enjoying a weekend with family, or catching up with friends. As SM Supermalls continues to evolve its most-loved malls to meet the changing needs of Filipino communities, SM J Mall stands as a destination where people can explore, connect, and enjoy maxed-out experiences—all reflecting SM's commitment to Cebu.

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About SM Supermalls
SM Supermalls is one of Southeast Asia's largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China. For generations, SM has grown alongside Filipino communities by creating destinations where people, businesses, and opportunities come together.

Through "My SM," SM continues to evolve with the changing lifestyles and needs of Filipino communities, reimagining the mall experience through thoughtfully designed spaces, better connectivity, innovative digital conveniences, and meaningful experiences that foster connection and strengthen communities.

My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.

Honored and Grateful: Cebu Street Journal Named Top 3 Finalist in the 19th Best Cebu Blogs Awards (BCBA 2026)

Reaching milestones is always special, but being recognized by the community you love and create content for is truly a unique feeling. I am thrilled and deeply humbled to share that Cebu Street Journal has officially entered the Top 3 Finalists for the 19th Best Cebu Blogs Awards (BCBA 2026) under the Best Cebu Events Blog category.

After taking home the award back in 2022, standing in the Top 3 again this year feels surreal.

What is the Best Cebu Blogs Awards?

Founded in December 2008 by Mark M. Monta, the Best Cebu Blogs Awards (BCBA) is the pioneering and premier award-giving body that recognizes the talent and impact of Cebu-based bloggers, vloggers, and social media content creators. Organized by dedicated blogger volunteers—currently led by founder Mark Monta alongside committee members Geezelle Tapangan-Maningo and Cebu-based judge Ms. Nancy Cudis-Ucag—BCBA aims to celebrate finest local blogs that are truly at par with global standards.

Documenting Cebu's lively event scene has always been a core passion of mine. Whether covering festival highlights, grand venue launches, local community gatherings, or brand celebrations, my goal with Cebu Street Journal has always been simple: to bring you front-row stories of what makes our island thrive.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our BCBA 2026 Sponsors & Partners

This annual celebration of Cebuano digital storytelling would not be possible without the generous backing of our sponsors and partners who continuously empower the local blogging community.

A very special shoutout and thank you to our Venue Sponsor and Co-Presenter:

bai Hotel Cebu - baihotels.com

Co-Presenter & Venue Sponsor: bai Hotel Cebu – Thank you for hosting this year’s grand celebration at Cafe Corazon! We cannot wait to celebrate with everyone in such a premier venue.

We would also like to express our gratitude to all the incredible sponsors and partners supporting BCBA 2026:

Gold Sponsors:

• Honor Philippines

• Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)

• Cebu Pacific Air

• PLDT Home

• Home Credit PH

• MAYA Philippines

• InLife (Insular Life)

Silver Sponsors:

• Megaworld Corporation

Official Photographer & Multimedia Partner:

• Budots Media Philippines

Blogger Partners & Media Partners:

• Memoriter Writing Services

• Cebu Fitness Blog

• FaceCebu.Net

Counting Down to Awards Night!

The journey comes together on November 23, 2026, at Cafe Corazon inside bai Hotel Cebu, Mandaue City, where the winners will be formally announced and celebrated.

To everyone who has supported Cebu Street Journal—by reading the articles, sharing posts, leaving comments, and casting your votes during the online polling period—daghang salamat kaayo! This milestone is dedicated to all of you.

Let’s celebrate Cebuano creativity together! 🥂

Official Hashtags: #BCBA2026 #TopCebuBloggersandCreators #CebuStreetJournal #baiHotelCebu

JEWELS OF THE SEA ILLUMINATE CHRISTMAS AT SM CITY ZAMBOANGA

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 25 October 2026 – The spirit of Christmas sparkled brighter than ever as SM City Zamboanga officially ushered in the holiday season with the grand unveiling and lighting of its breathtaking “Jewels of the Sea” Christmas centerpiece, highlighted by the mall's first-ever indoor giant Christmas tree standing 40 feet tall.

The festive celebration brought together local leaders, esteemed guests, shoppers, and families as they gathered to witness the magical illumination of the towering Christmas tree, inspired by the beauty of the seas surrounding Zamboanga City and the wonder of the Christmas season.

Leading the ceremonial lighting were Zamboanga City Mayor Hon. Capt. Khymer Adan T. Olaso, SM Supermalls Regional Operations Head for Mindanao 3 Lester Tantoco, and SM City Zamboanga Mall Manager Aileen Ann Villa-Enriquez, who joined hundreds of excited guests in officially welcoming the most wonderful time of the year.

At the heart of the display stands the majestic 40-foot Christmas tree, adorned with shimmering coral-inspired accents, opalescent shells, luminous pearls, sparkling crystals, and glowing sea treasures in enchanting shades of aquamarine, soft pink, deep purple, and rich gold. Together, these elements create an immersive underwater fantasy that transforms the mall atrium into a dazzling holiday destination.

Designed as an enchanting underwater palace, “Jewels of the Sea” pays tribute to Zamboanga City's deep connection to the ocean while celebrating the joy, wonder, and togetherness that define the Christmas season.

Lester Tantoco underscored the spirit of the season, saying, “Christmas is a celebration of joy, connection, and shared memories. Through our festive experiences, we hope to give families and friends more reasons to gather, celebrate, and create meaningful moments together at SM.”

The event also featured heartwarming holiday performances, festive entertainment, and the highly anticipated countdown to the tree lighting, culminating in a dazzling spectacle that filled the mall with excitement and Christmas cheer.

More than just a holiday display, the “Jewels of the Sea” centerpiece reflects SM City Zamboanga's commitment to celebrating local identity while creating extraordinary experiences for its shoppers.

As the holiday season unfolds, SM City Zamboanga invites everyone to visit the enchanting centerpiece, enjoy festive activities, and experience a Christmas celebration that is truly worth a gala to the max.

This Christmas, discover the sparkle beneath the waves, celebrate with loved ones, and create unforgettable memories at your most loved SM City Zamboanga, where the magic of the season comes alive.

SM City Mindpro Unveils Christmas Season with a Magical Carousel of Wonder and Festive Cheer

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 23 October 2026 – The spirit of Christmas came alive as SM City Mindpro officially welcomed the holiday season with the grand launch of its enchanting "Magical Carousel" Christmas centerpiece on the evening of October 23 at the Ground Level Activity Area.

Shoppers, families, community partners, and mallgoers gathered to witness the dazzling unveiling of the centerpiece, transforming the mall into a vibrant Christmas wonderland filled with sparkling lights, festive décor, beautifully adorned Christmas trees, and an elegant carousel-inspired display that captured the magic and wonder of the season.

The evening featured captivating performances from Zamboanga Hermosa Chorale, and the much-awaited ceremonial lighting that illuminated the centerpiece, drawing admiration from guests and creating a memorable start to the Christmas celebrations at your most loved SM City Mindpro.

Inspired by the joy, imagination, and timeless charm of a carousel ride, the centerpiece symbolizes the warmth of family, the excitement of shared experiences, and the enduring spirit of hope that makes Christmas truly special.

“Christmas is a season that brings people together and reminds us of the importance of gratitude, generosity, and meaningful connections,” said Engr. Rommel Bellen, Assistant Mall Manager of SM City Mindpro. “Through our Magical Carousel Christmas centerpiece, we hope to create memorable moments for families and inspire joy among our shoppers and the community throughout the holiday season.”

Guests eagerly explored the festive attraction, taking photos with loved ones and creating cherished holiday memories amid the colorful lights and whimsical holiday displays.

Through its holiday offerings and community-centered initiatives, SM City Mindpro continues to be a place where families and friends come together to celebrate traditions, create lasting memories, and truly gala to the max this Christmas season.

Adulting in Your 30s: 3 Smart Money Moves for Cebuano Millennials

Adulting in your 30s hits a bit differently here in Cebu. One moment you’re casually grabbing a coffee along IT Park or planning a quick weekend escape to Moalboal, and the next, you’re looking at your online banking app wondering where your salary disappeared to.

Between career milestones, monthly bills, family obligations, and the occasional "deserve ko 'to" food crawl around the metro, keeping your finances steady can feel like a secondary full-time job.

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ National Strategy for Financial Inclusion, building personal financial literacy is one of the most effective ways to secure your future. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight. A few intentional habits can help you feel far more put-together.

Here are three practical money moves worth adding to your adulting checklist this year:

1. Plan Your Payday Before It Spends Itself

Payday is always cause for celebration—until rent, utilities, household groceries, and subscription fees line up to claim their share.

Instead of watching your balance shrink reactively, practice setting intentional boundaries for your money as soon as it hits your account. A simple breakdown—allocating fixed percentages for essential expenses, personal wants, and savings—helps you enjoy your leisure time around Cebu without that lingering post-spend guilt.

2. Build a "Plot Twist" Fund

If there’s one thing adulting teaches us, it’s that unexpected expenses rarely give a heads-up. Whether it's sudden home repairs, medical emergencies, or urgent travel, having a dedicated emergency fund keeps life’s surprises from derailing your long-term plans.

If saving three to six months’ worth of living expenses feels overwhelming right now, start small. Think of it as keeping an umbrella in your bag even when the Cebu sky looks clear—you might not need it every day, but you’ll be glad it’s there when an unexpected downpour hits.

3. Explore New Ways to Grow Your Wealth

Once you have your basic budget and emergency savings intact, the next natural step in your 30s is looking into how your money can work harder for you.

While traditional options like high-yield savings accounts, time deposits, and mutual funds form a solid foundation, many young professionals are also looking into modern financial vehicles like cryptocurrency.

If you’ve been curious about crypto, the key is to start with education and small, manageable steps:

• Learn the basics first: Understand how digital assets work, stay aware of market volatility, and never invest money you cannot afford to lose.
• Keep it accessible: Platforms like GCrypto, available in the GCash app, allow eligible users to explore Bitcoin and other vetted cryptocurrencies directly in the app they already use daily.
• Start low: You don't need massive capital to learn the ropes; platforms let you start exploring with entry amounts as low as ₱200.

The Takeaway

Financial confidence isn't about getting everything perfect on day one. It’s about building steady habits—budgeting intentionally, preparing for rain, and cautiously exploring new avenues for growth.

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency investments involve risk and market fluctuations. Always conduct your own research, prioritize essential savings and emergency funds, and assess your financial situation before making investment decisions.

Fire-Affected Families in Camino Nuevo receive aid from SM Foundation's Operation Tulong Express

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 20 October 2026 – In the wake of the fire incident that struck Camino Nuevo on October 16, SM Foundation, through SM City Mindpro and SM City Zamboanga, immediately extended assistance to affected residents through its Operation Tulong Express program, bringing much-needed relief and hope to families recovering from the tragedy.

Employee-volunteers from both SM malls joined hands in the distribution of kalinga packs to 200 individuals affected by the fire, demonstrating SM's commitment to serving communities in times of need. Each kalinga pack contained essential food items to help ease the burden of displaced families as they begin rebuilding their lives.

The relief operation was carried out through the collective efforts of SM employee-volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to personally distribute the assistance, embodying the spirit of volunteerism and compassion that defines SM's social good initiatives.

“During difficult times, coming together as a community becomes more important than ever,” said Aileen Ann Enriquez, Mall Manager of SM City Zamboanga. “Through Operation Tulong Express, we hope to provide immediate relief and remind our fellow Zamboangueños that they are not alone in their journey toward recovery.”

The initiative reflects SM Foundation's continuing mission to uplift communities and respond swiftly to emergency situations, ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most. Beyond providing basic necessities, the activity served as a message of solidarity and encouragement for families affected by the unfortunate incident.

For the employee-volunteers, the relief effort was an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Their participation highlighted the culture of service and bayanihan that remains at the heart of SM's corporate social responsibility programs.

As affected families continue to recover from the incident, SM Foundation, SM City Mindpro, and SM City Zamboanga remain steadfast in supporting initiatives that bring comfort, care, and hope to vulnerable communities.

Through Operation Tulong Express, SM reaffirms its commitment to being a dependable partner in times of crisis, extending not only assistance but also compassion to communities when they need it most.