SM2SM Run 2026 Sells Out with 15,500 Runners in Its 14th Year

A total of 15,500 runners took over Cebu’s streets, racing from the iconic SM Seaside to the landmark SM City Cebu as the SM2SM Run celebrated its 14th edition, strengthening its presence in the city’s growing running culture.

The SM2SM Run, part of SM Active Hub, SM Supermalls’ nationwide sports program, brings high-quality fitness experiences closer to local communities. Over the years, SM Seaside City Cebu has established itself as a hub for major running events, positioning the mall as a leader in marathons, lifestyle, and active events in the region.

On March 8, Cebu’s running community came together in full force for SM2SM Run 2026, which welcomed 15,500 participants—ranging from casual joggers to elite athletes—across four race categories: 4K, 8K, 12K, and 21K. The impressive turnout surpassed last year’s 14,612 runners, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for fitness and an active lifestyle among Cebuanos.

Race Champions

Top performers showcased exceptional talent, claiming the top spots in their respective race categories. In the 4K race, Noli Torre led the men’s division, while Jane Pangalao took first place among women. The 8K category was topped by Welmar Jack Labrador for men and Asia Paraase for women. In the 12K race, Ricky Organiza secured the men’s title, with Edna Magtubo winning the women’s division. The 21K category saw Richard Salaño and Artjoy Torregosa cross the finish line first in the men’s and women’s races, respectively. Their achievements highlighted the competitive spirit and determination that define the SM2SM Run experience year after year.

Grand Raffle Winner: BYD Shark 6

The excitement continued even after runners crossed the finish line. One of the highlights that makes the SM2SM Run so popular is its much-anticipated raffle. This year, Desiree Villadolid drove home the grand prize, a BYD Shark 6, creating a memorable moment that perfectly captured the energy and scale of the sold-out event. The raffle added yet another unforgettable highlight to the SM2SM Run 2026.

More Maxed-Out Perks for Runners

The excitement doesn’t end with the race. The Runner’s Perk Sale runs until March 15, 2026, giving participants up to 50% off on amazing deals from stores across the mall. Runners just need to show any proof of participation in SM2SM Run 2026 to enjoy these exclusive discounts from participating tenants.

Check out the full list of stores and offers here:

https://bit.ly/SM2SMRun2026_RunnersPerksSale 

A Run That Keeps Getting Bigger

Celebrating its 14th year, the SM2SM Run has firmly established itself as one of Cebu’s most anticipated fitness events, bringing together thousands of runners in a shared pursuit of health, movement, and community. Each edition highlights SM Supermalls’ dedication to creating spaces that go beyond shopping—where wellness, connection, and active lifestyles come together for everyone.

From start to finish, SM2SM Run 2026 once again showcased the strength and growth of Cebu’s running community, proving that the city’s love for running continues to grow with every stride—right at the beloved SM Seaside City Cebu.

SM Seaside City Cebu Boosts Fire Safety Measures for National Fire Prevention Month

In celebration of National Fire Prevention Month, SM Seaside City Cebu ramped up its commitment to safety with a comprehensive fire drill held on March 3, 2026. The drill was designed to simulate real-life emergency scenarios, helping employees, tenants, and the SM Emergency Response Team (SMERT) coordinate efficiently and respond effectively during critical situations. This exercise is part of the mall’s ongoing efforts to continuously evaluate and improve its emergency preparedness protocols.

Following the drill, the Fire Square Roadshow kicked off at the Cube Wing Atrium in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection Region VII. The launch was graced by Fire Chief Superintendent Fred Trajeras Jr., Regional Director of the Bureau of Fire Protection Region VII, and Mr. Dennis Francis Pastor, Chief of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. The roadshow provides children with an educational and hands-on experience, emphasizing fire prevention and safety awareness.

Through interactive learning stations and guided demonstrations, participants learned basic firefighting techniques, emergency response procedures, and practical fire safety measures they can apply both at home and in public spaces. The two-day roadshow continues today, March 4, allowing more children to engage in the program and develop early awareness of fire safety.

Other SM malls across Cebu also conducted simultaneous fire drills on March 3, highlighting a unified, proactive approach to safeguarding shoppers, tenants, and the wider community.

By combining operational drills with community-focused educational initiatives, SM Seaside City Cebu reinforces its ongoing commitment to fire safety—ensuring not only robust systems and infrastructure but also promoting a culture of shared vigilance and responsibility.

SM City Mindpro Strengthens Safety Culture Through Participation in Nationwide Fire Drill

 

Zamboanga City — Demonstrating its steadfast commitment to safety and disaster readiness, SM City Mindpro actively took part in the 5th SM and BFP Nationwide Simultaneous Fire Drill, in partnership with Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 9 – Zamboanga City Fire District.

 

The fire drill commenced promptly at 8:00 AM, with full participation from tenants and employees of SM City Mindpro. Upon activation of the alarm system, the mall’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) immediately implemented standard emergency protocols — securing key areas, coordinating with tenants, and directing everyone toward designated evacuation sites.

 

Observed by BFP personnel, the evacuation process was carried out smoothly and in an orderly manner. Employees and tenants calmly proceeded to assembly areas, reflecting the effectiveness of regular safety orientations and preparedness training conducted by the mall management.

 

Following the evacuation drill, BFP personnel facilitated a fire extinguisher simulation exercise, providing participants with hands-on experience in properly operating fire extinguishers during emergency situations. The practical demonstration further strengthened the confidence and capability of employees and tenants in responding to potential fire incidents.

 

The 5th SM and BFP Nationwide Simultaneous Fire Drill underscores SM’s proactive approach to disaster risk reduction and its continued collaboration with government authorities to uphold the highest safety standards.

 

“Safety remains our top priority. Through initiatives like this, we continuously assess and enhance our preparedness to ensure a safe and secure environment for our shoppers, tenants, and employees,” shared SM City Mindpro’s Mall Manager Aileen Ann Villa-Enriquez.

 

By cultivating a culture of vigilance, coordination, and responsibility, SM City Mindpro reaffirms its role as a reliable community partner committed to protecting lives and property.

FantasyWorld Opens Largest Premium Indoor Playground in Visayas and Mindanao at SM Seaside City Cebu

Cebu just got more exciting as FantasyWorld officially opens at SM Seaside City Cebu. This newest premium indoor playground in Cebu brings a vibrant world of play, color, and imagination, perfect for families, friends, and kids-at-heart.

Located at the Lower Ground Level of the Cube Wing at SM Seaside City Cebu, FantasyWorld features a wide range of attractions that combine physical activity, creativity, and interactive fun — all in one vibrant indoor play space.

The grand opening on February 28, 2026, was attended by Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. The arrival of FantasyWorld in Cebu reflects SM’s vision of ushering in a new era of malling — one that continuously evolves to create spaces filled with discoveries, possibilities, and experiences that go beyond expectations. More than just a shopping destination, each space is thoughtfully curated with customers at its heart.

Guests can explore a variety of exciting play zones, including the MegaBall Pool and Sand Pit, the Aerial Runway and Ninja Obstacle Course, as well as Bumper Cars, the Trampoline Zone, and the Fantasy Slide Park. Creative spaces like the Dress-Up House and Art and Crafts Zone spark imaginative play, while interactive and sports-inspired attractions such as Simulated Golf, Shoot ’n Score, Arrow Quest, Slam Jam, Goal Rush, Air Hockey, Knockout Kings, King Hammer, and Mole Madness bring friendly competition to guests of all ages.

FantasyWorld takes play to the next level with Colour Tiles, Interactive Ball Rollers, and Shared Host Games that encourage teamwork and interactive fun. Complete with a dedicated Party Room, this indoor playground in Cebu is the ultimate venue for birthdays and special celebrations.

Whether you’re looking for family bonding, friendly challenges, or stress-free indoor fun, FantasyWorld in Cebu provides a dynamic play destination for all ages. Below are the regular weekday and weekend/holiday rates, along with an add-on option for those who want extended access to the ultimate FantasyWorld experience.

Weekday Rates:
• ₱650 per head – 1.5 hours (All Access)
• ₱950 per head – 3 hours (All Access)
• ₱1,250 per head – All-Day Access

Weekend / Holiday Rates:
• ₱850 per head – 1.5 hours (All Access)
• ₱1,150 per head – 3 hours (All Access)
• ₱1,450 per head – All-Day Access

An add-on rate of ₱300 is available for a 1-hour extension, giving guests even more time to enjoy the whole FantasyWorld experience.

To celebrate its grand opening on February 28, 2026, FantasyWorld is treating everyone to special promo rates — 50% off all regular rates for one day only (except the 1-hour extension). Enjoy limitless fun, with every package including 1 free pair of anti-slip socks — a perfect chance for families and friends to explore, play, and make memories at half the price!

Take a look at the fun and colourful moments from FantasyWorld’s grand opening at SM Seaside City Cebu, captured in these photos for everyone to enjoy.

In addition to SM Seaside City Cebu, FantasyWorld has a branch at SM J Mall on the Third Level, Amusement Zone, where rates and packages may vary. Stay up to date on branch-specific promotions and announcements by following FantasyWorld SM J Mall on Facebook, and for all updates about the SM Seaside branch, follow FantasyWorld SM Seaside City Cebu.

This marks SM’s new era of malling in VisMin, where every space is designed to inspire discoveries, spark possibilities, and create unforgettable experiences — all at the SM Supermalls you love.

SM City Mindpro Gives A Maxed-out Celebration of Dia de Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY — In vibrant celebration of Dia de Zamboanga, SM City Mindpro invites everyone to experience a week-long shopping spectacle with its Dia de Zamboanga Sale happening from February 23 to March 1, featuring up to 70% off on great selections mall-wide.

 

Honoring the city’s rich heritage, colorful culture, and resilient spirit, SM City Mindpro brings the community together for a truly festive and rewarding retail celebration. Shoppers can expect irresistible deals on fashion, dining, home essentials, gadgets, and more—making it the perfect time to gather family and friends and gala to the max.

 

True to its promise of delivering a maxed-out experience, the mall transforms into a lively destination where shopping meets celebration. From exciting in-store promos to festive mall displays inspired by Zamboanga’s unique charm, every corner is designed to make each visit memorable and meaningful.

As families and friends come together to commemorate this special occasion, SM City Mindpro stands as a vibrant hub where culture, community, and commerce meet. Whether you’re hunting for the best bargains or simply looking to soak in the festive atmosphere, the Dia de Zamboanga Sale promises something for everyone.

Celebrate local pride. Shop incredible deals. Create lasting memories only at your most loved SM City Mindpro!

For updates and more information, follow SM City Mindpro on its official social media pages.

SM Foundation Turns Over Rehabilitated Health Center in Zamboanga City

(L-R): Dr. Rhodora Rivera of Edwin Andrews Air Base, District Medical Director Dr. Rossana Arquiza, Niña Jean Pagotaisidro representing Congressman Jerry Perez, City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Miravite, Putik Barangay Chairman Geronimo Lao, Kaiser Adan Olaso representing City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso, SM Foundation Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs Ms. Connie Angeles, SM Foundation Executive Director for Education Programs Ms. Ms. Linda Atayde, and SM City Mindpro Mall Manager Aileen Ann Villa-Enriquez during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

 

Zamboanga City – SM Foundation formally turned over the newly rehabilitated Putik Health Center to the Zamboanga City government, reinforcing its commitment to accessible and quality primary healthcare for residents of Barangay Putik.

 

Serving a population of 23,247 as of 2025, the health center has been a vital frontline facility since the early 1990s. Its rehabilitation upgrades the facility to better deliver consultations, treatment, free medicines when available, immunization, nutrition programs, maternal and family planning services, tuberculosis treatment, non-communicable disease monitoring, and infectious disease surveillance.

 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony highlighted strong public-private partnership, with representatives of City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso and Congressman Jerry Perez in attendance, alongside SM Foundation executives led by Ms. Connie Angeles, Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs, and Ms. Linda Atayde, Executive Director for Education Programs. They were joined by SM City Mindpro Mall Manager Aileen Ann Villa-Enriquez, City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Miravite, District Medical Director Dr. Rossana Arquiza, Dr. Rhodora Rivera of Edwin Andrews Air Base, and Barangay Chairman Geronimo Lao.

 

During the ceremony, Angeles shared that the facility is the 226th SM Foundation Wellness Center and the 91st community health center supported nationwide. She emphasized that beyond upgrading infrastructure, the initiative aims to improve healthcare delivery and support health workers, with continued maintenance assistance from SM Foundation and SM malls in Zamboanga.

 

The turnover forms part of SM Foundation’s Health and Medical Program, which has supported more than 200 health centers nationwide, benefiting over seven million patients. For Barangay Putik, the renewed facility stands as a symbol of strengthened partnership and a continued commitment to community health in Zamboanga City.

The Worth-It Way to Celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong and Macau

Manila, Philippines — When you think of travelling to Hong Kong, it's easy to see why Macau is often visited too—they're just so close! With its endless shopping spots, iconic attractions, and mouthwatering delicacies, these places have become popular holiday destinations for many Filipinos - especially during Chinese New Year. 

Trips to these cities can feel pricey, especially if you're travelling with family. But it doesn't always have to be that way! There are plenty of cool spots and tasty eats in both cities where you can score great value without sacrificing the experience. 

With your GCash Visa Card and e-wallet, every swipe, scan, or tap helps your money go further—thanks to lower forex rates, more deals, easy payments, real-time spend tracking, and no more counting change.

And if you want great value, you can get that for sure when you use the ultimate shopping hack from GCash. All you need is your GCash Visa Card and e-wallet so you can Swipe-Scan-Tap. When you do, you can stretch every peso, thanks to lower forex rates, more deals, easy payments, real-time spend tracking, and no more counting change. 

If you're heading to Hong Kong and Macau for the Lunar New Year, check out these stops that are perfect for families and guaranteed to give a worthwhile experience. 

Shop sulit and smart hauls at wholesale stores and markets

Hong Kong is admittedly a shopping haven - but if you want to shop smart, you need to know where to go. Lung Fung Mall offers beauty, skincare, and health products at friendlier prices than malls. You can find fragrances, skincare, and other beauty products at reduced prices at their many locations across Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, if you're finally ready to buy that brand new item you've been saving up for, like new running shoes, a bag, or workout gear, Citygate Outlets is your best option. They carry many brands, such as Lululemon, Evisu, Marimekko, and many more. 

For seasoned travellers who frequent Hong Kong, going to Mong Kok to buy clothes, snacks, and a wide variety of anik-anik is also a no-brainer. If you've ever heard of Sneaker Street and Ladies Market, you can find things for you and for your pasalubong back home. The best part is that you can still haggle the prices in certain stores, making shopping in the area even more budget-friendly—so get your tawad skills ready!

And when carrying multiple bags after your pasalubong spree becomes a hassle, you can tap your way to easy, convenient payments with GCash Tap to Pay. Available for all NFC-enabled Android smartphones, it lets you pay with just one tap—making it much easier to get around the often-crowded streets.

Lung Fung Mall

Lung Fung Mall

Lung Fung Mall

Discover hidden gems and family fun in Macau.

Macau isn't just about its famous landmarks and beautiful architecture – though it is worth going just to see them for yourself. But there are also many fun experiences that the family can enjoy, and it's all just a convenient ferry ticket away! These boat trips take about an hour from the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, and you can secure your tickets by paying with GCash Scan to Pay for a hassle-free experience. Simply generate your QR code and select Pay Abroad with GCash, and look for merchants with a QR code bearing the A+ logo to scan. 

If you're looking for local delicacies, head over to Taipa Village, where you can stock up on crowd favourites like beef jerky and almond cookies. These treats are delicious, affordable, and loved by locals! 

You can also book tickets to teamLab SuperNature Macau, an incredible interactive art space with 8-meter-tall, colourful exhibitions that kids and adults will enjoy. 

Here's a secret hack when paying with GCash abroad: some merchants also offer special promos and discounts up to PHP 1,500 off, just tap Travel and go into Travel Treats to browse what's available.

Eat without the splurge at Yung's Tangerine Peel Roast Goose and Cheung Hing Kee.

One of the best parts of travelling to Hong Kong and Macao is the food. You can't leave Hong Kong without trying their roast goose, and a great spot to try is Yung's Tangerine Peel Roast Goose. Yung's is rich and flavorful, and best of all, budget-friendly.

Yung's Tangerine Peel Roast Goose

Yung's Tangerine Peel Roast Goose

When you hear that a restaurant has been recognised by Michelin, would you believe that you don't have to pay a fortune for high-quality food? Because that's what you can expect from MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai Pan-fried Buns at Lock Road. Other than their pan-fried buns, their scallion noodles and wontons are a must-try—perfect bites to snack on when you want to refuel while exploring the city. 

Scan, Swipe, and Tap for a sulit and enjoyable trip.

Travelling on a budget doesn't have to mean limiting yourself. When you pay with GCash abroad, you get real-time control over your spending, low forex rates updated instantly in-app, and fast, convenient transactions throughout your trip — all while enjoying to the fullest. Remember to scan, swipe, and tap for an experience you'll definitely say is worth it! Download the GCash app today to get started.