SM Group receives 15 Philippine Quill Awards for stakeholder communications

SM Foundation's health and wellness programs continue to bring basic healthcare services directly to communities nationwide.

SM Group companies received 15 Philippine Quill Awards, including six Excellence Awards, for communications programs spanning community engagement, customer service, financial education, investor relations and digital communications.

The awards went to SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM Group, and businesses across the Group, including SM Foundation, Inc., SM Supermalls (Shopping Center Management Corporation), BDO Unibank, Inc., China Banking Corporation and Signature Series by SM Residences (Signatures Development Corp).

“Good communication helps people understand what our businesses do and why it matters to them,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments. “These awards reflect the work across the Group to communicate clearly with the customers, investors, partners and communities we serve.”

SM Foundation received four awards, including three Excellence Awards. Its “Utilizing Social Good as a Force for Transformation” campaign received Excellence Awards for Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility, while #SpreadingSocialGood Stories Online: Transforming Lives Through Heartfelt Storytelling received an Excellence Award for Social Media. Its social good report was also recognized under Publications.

“Communication is an important part of strengthening the impact of development programs,” said Debbie Sy, Executive Director of SM Foundation. “It helps communities understand the opportunities available to them, gives people a voice, and brings partners closer to our mission. That is what spreading social good means to us, using communication to help social good initiatives reach and engage more people.” 

BDO received four awards, including three Excellence Awards. “Life Insurance: The Key to Heaven?” and “Tuloy ang Plano: Making Plan B a Family Necessity” received Excellence Awards for Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication, while “Your Child’s Dreams Need a Plan B” received an Excellence Award for Audio/Visual Communication. BDO Remit’s “Alagang Kabayan: Where Every Kabayan Belongs” was also recognized for Social Media.

SM In Focus host Rico Hizon (center) visits the Philippine Geothermal Production Company’s Tiwi site to gather groundbreaking business initiatives and sustainability stories for the online channel.

SM Investments was recognized for SM In Focus, a group-wide online channel as part of SM’s evolving approach to stakeholder communication, leveraging on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to provide timely, structured, and relevant insights on the group’s operations and impact.

Through Mindanao Art, SM Supermalls provides a platform for Filipino artists to showcase Mindanao's diverse creativity and cultural heritage.

SM Supermalls received three awards for Active Hub, Mindanao Art, and International Coastal Cleanup 2025, covering Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility. 

“Our programs begin with understanding what our customers and communities need,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “Communication helps us listen, respond and keep improving how we serve them.”

Chinabank received two awards. Its Investor Relations: Focused on Value campaign was recognized for Financial Communication and Investor Relations, while My CBC Campaign: An App Fit for Beauty Queens was recognized for Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication.

Signature Series was recognized for “Setting a New Mark in Premium Residential Living” under Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication.

Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines (IABC), the Philippine Quill Awards recognize communication programs and practices across organizations in the country. This year’s winners were selected from more than 800 entries evaluated against IABC standards.

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About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation (SM) is an owner-operator of market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property, with investments in high-growth opportunities in the Philippine economy. Through its portfolio, SM generates resilient cash flows and reinvests with discipline to compound value over the long term.

Its retail operations are the largest and most diversified in the country. Its property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines. Its banking interests include BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, one of the country’s largest private domestic banks.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

BDO makes Tuesdays extra special for Overseas Filipinos and their families

“Yay, Tuesday na!”

Every first Tuesday of the month, the daughter of a former Overseas Filipino Roselle Padua would eagerly announce this to her family, already planning her day. For the teenager, the seemingly ordinary day has become special.

Finding ways beyond remittances. BDO constantly brings joy and excitement to Overseas Filipinos and their families through initiatives like Kabayan First Tuesday.

Thanks to BDO’s Kabayan First Tuesday promo, she enjoys a 10% discount at SM Supermalls – whether for shopping, watching movies, or bowling with her friends. This exclusive discount is available to Overseas Filipinos and their loved ones every first Tuesday of the month at SM Store, SM Appliance, SM Cinema, SM Bowling, Watsons, and Miniso until December 2, 2025. All they must do is present their Kabayan ATM card or passbook, BDO Pay digital card, or remittance payment slip at the counter.

Moments made better with BDO

For Roselle, a BDO Kabayan Savings account holder, the promo has become more than a discount – it’s a way to connect with her family. “Kabayan account ang pinapagamit ko sa anak ko, at doon ko nilalagay ang allowance niya. Timing talaga na Tuesday siya pumupunta sa mall kasama ng mga classmates niya,” Roselle shares.

One reason she decided to sign up her entire family for BDO Kabayan Savings is that it has no maintaining balance, while the minimum initial deposit is only P100. For that amount, Kabayans get access to formal savings, safe remittances, and ease of availing loans and investments—unparalleled convenience and security that comes from the country's trusted bank.

Kabayan First Tuesday is part of BDO’s Alagang Kabayan brand of service, where BDO goes the extra mile to make Overseas Pinoys and their families feel cared for even beyond remittances.

“We understand that being away from family is one of the biggest sacrifices of our Overseas Filipinos. That’s why we strive to make Kabayan Tuesday an opportunity for them to share joy with their loved ones, even from miles away. Whether they’re sending remittances or enjoying exclusive rewards, we want them to feel the warmth of home because iba talaga ang Alagang Kabayan,” says Genie T. Gloria, BDO Senior Vice President and Head of Remittance.

“We are honored to join BDO in giving Overseas Filipinos a rewarding experience beyond remittance,” says SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Jonjon San Agustin. “Through Kabayan First Tuesday, we hope they feel the happiness only home can bring, whether they’re enjoying a movie with family, shopping for gifts, or simply creating memories at SM.”

With initiatives like Kabayan First Tuesday, Overseas Filipinos and their families have fulfilling moments to look forward to, making every sacrifice and hard work worth it.

Learn more about BDO Kabayan First Tuesday here. You may also visit your nearest BDO branch to see other benefits under BDO Kabayan Savings. (PR)

SM Supermalls named Philippines’ Strongest Brand

SM Supermalls has been named the Philippines’ Strongest Brand for 2025 by Brand Finance—the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy. With a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 95.0 out of 100, the highest among Philippine brands, this recognition reinforces SM Supermalls’ unwavering pursuit of excellence, innovation, and meaningful impact.

With a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 95.0 out of 100, the highest among Philippine brands, SM Supermalls has been named the Philippines’ Strongest Brand for 2025 by Brand Finance.

While ranking 10th in overall brand valuation, with BDO retaining the top spot for the second year, SM Supermalls clinched the #1 position in brand strength, underscoring its unmatched role in marketing, customer experience, and stakeholder trust. For businesses and investors, this signals a brand that delivers measurable growth and transformative opportunities.

Brand Finance Managing Director for Asia-Pacific Alex Haigh announces the Philippines’ Top 50 Most Valuable and Strongest Brands at the Philippines Brand Forum 2025.

“SM Supermalls’ achievement as the strongest Filipino brand this year symbolizes success that is built around scale, innovation, and customer experience. Its growing physical presence, paired with its role in both commerce and community, reflects a brand deeply embedded in the nation’s social and cultural fabric,” said Alex Haigh, Managing Director of Brand Finance Asia-Pacific. 

These global recognitions are not merely awards—they are a testament to SM Supermalls’ relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation, and meaningful impact. From setting new standards in retail experiences and digital transformation to uplifting communities through purpose-driven campaigns, SM Supermalls continues to elevate the customer journey while fostering inclusive growth.

SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin represents SM at the Philippines Brand Forum fireside chat alongside fellow executives from PH Most Valuable and Strongest Brands, BDO and Jollibee.

“These awards are shared victories for our shoppers, partners, and the communities we proudly serve,” said Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “Being named the Philippines’ strongest brand affirms the passion and dedication of our SM family. But beyond the recognition, our greatest satisfaction comes from knowing we make people’s lives brighter every day—that’s what truly matters.”

Brand Finance evaluates over 5,000 of the world’s largest brands annually, setting the global standards for ISO 10668 (Brand Valuation) and ISO 20671 (Brand Evaluation). Its methodology—officially endorsed by the Marketing Accountability Standards Board—ensures that each ranking is globally credible and valuable for businesses seeking strategic partnerships and growth.

For corporate partners, tenants, and investors, this recognition underscores SM Supermalls as a dynamic environment for collaboration and growth—where businesses thrive and communities are empowered. It is a brand that commands trust and inspires confidence, delivering both operational excellence and sustainable impact.

As a retail leader with a heart for service and a vision that transcends borders, SM Supermalls proves that the power of a brand lies in how it serves, uplifts, and inspires its communities. These awards are not just milestones; they are a testament to SM Supermalls’ unwavering commitment to shaping the future of retail in the Philippines and beyond.

SM Supermalls also congratulates BDO, which maintained its position as the Philippines’ most valuable brand for the second consecutive year. (SM Supermalls)