SM City Mindpro turns over books to Zamboanga City Library as part of SM’s Nationwide “Book Nook” Campaign

Promoting the love for reading and lifelong learning, SM City Mindpro recently turned over the donated books to the Zamboanga City Library, one of the beneficiaries of SM’s nationwide literacy initiative, “Book Nook.”

 

The Book Nook campaign, part of SM Cares’ advocacy on education and literacy, aims to make books more accessible to communities by setting up reading nooks and collecting donated books for public libraries and schools across the country.

 

During the turnover ceremony, representatives from SM City Mindpro, led by Mall Manager Aileen Ann Villa-Enriquez, personally handed over more than 400 books to the Zamboanga City Library management team. The collection includes children’s storybooks, young adult novels, and educational materials designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a love for reading among all ages.

 

“Through this initiative, we hope to create meaningful spaces for learning and inspire more Zamboangueños, especially the youth, to discover the joy of reading,” said Aileen Ann Villa-Enriquez, SM City Mindpro Mall Manager. “SM’s Book Nook program reflects our ongoing commitment to education, literacy, and community development.”

 

The Zamboanga City Library, under the City Government of Zamboanga, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting how the additional books will enhance their collection and benefit students, educators, and local readers.

“These new reading materials will go a long way in encouraging our community to read and learn,” said City Librarian Dr. Madelyn Candido. “We thank SM City Mindpro and everyone who shared their books for helping us nurture a culture of learning in Zamboanga.”

 

SM City Mindpro also extended heartfelt appreciation to customers, partners, and employees who participated in the Book Nook Campaign by donating their pre-loved and new books. Their generosity and shared passion for literacy helped make the turnover possible.

“This success is a reflection of the community’s kindness,” Villa-Enriquez added. “Every book donated carries a story – and together, we are passing on the gift of knowledge to future generations.”

 

The Book Nook project is implemented nationwide across SM Supermalls in partnership with National Library of the Philippines. It supports SM’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by promoting inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all.

Through this initiative, SM City Mindpro continues to uphold its mission of being more than just a shopping destination, but a partner in building a knowledgeable, inspired, and empowered community.

SM J Mall Illuminates the Holidays with “The Heart of Hikari”

Magical chapters unfold across SM Supermalls in the Visayas with Unwrapping Magical Christmas Tales

 

SM J Mall joins SM Supermalls in the Visayas in Unwrapping Magical Christmas Tales with its first ever Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, held on October 23, 2025, at The Atrium. Bringing a unique cultural touch to the celebration, SM J Mall presents Find the Christmas Glow at the Heart of Hikari — a theme inspired by the mall’s distinct Japanese concept. Standing 35 feet tall, the dazzling Christmas tree shines with Hikari, a Kokeshi Doll whose name means “light,” serving as a radiant centerpiece that embodies warmth, harmony, and holiday joy.

 

The Atrium shimmered as guests and spectators witnessed a new tradition come to life at SM J Mall. Visitors can Find the Christmas glow at the Heart of Hikari through festive experiences that bring the season’s magic to life. Mallgoers can stroll through the Hikari Lightscape and capture picture-perfect moments at the Hikari Snap Station from October 23, 2025, to January 4, 2026.  Families can experience Snap with Santa every Saturday of November and December, while soulful Holiday Harmonies performances fill the mall every Sunday of November and December.  Shoppers can also enjoy Holiday Everyday Deals across participating stores until December 2025, making each visit a delightful celebration of light, music, and holiday cheer.

SM continues its cherished holiday tradition through the Besties of Joy, adorable bunny plushies that spread warmth and cheer. For every Bestie purchased, another is given to a child in need, inspiring shoppers to share in the joy of giving.

And the story doesn’t end here — watch out as more unwrapping surprises await in the coming days. (SM Supermalls)

SM City La Union Boosts Climate Resilience with Rainwater Catchment System

With climate change driving heavier rains and more frequent floods, proactive flood prevention has become a key part of building resilient communities.

The newly opened SM City La Union becomes the 30th SM mall to install a rainwater catchment system, supporting thousands of residents in flood-prone areas and demonstrating how business innovation protects communities.

SM City La Union, now the 30th mall of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) that features a rainwater catchment facility, expands its network of climate-resilient infrastructure nationwide. For SM Supermalls, catchment facilities are designed to collect and store large volumes of stormwater, preventing runoff that could otherwise overwhelm drainage networks.

During heavy rainfall, the catchment temporarily holds stormwater, allowing gradual discharge through proper channels. Collectively, SM City La Union’s underground rainwater catchment system can provide a total capacity of 760 cubic meters.

A design for tomorrow. SM Supermalls focuses on sustainable water use by managing available resources to meet the needs of future generations.

Each drop contributes to a safer, more sustainable future for all. Mapping every opportunity to achieve Water for Tomorrow, treating and reusing water as a supplemental water source also significantly decreases freshwater consumption. In 2024, SM Prime achieved a 26.23% increase in recycled water volume, rising from 4.42 million cubic meters in 2023 to 5.59 million cubic meters.

Social resilience is equally important as the physical infrastructure. SM Cares raises awareness on water conservation and adopting sustainable practices in daily life, helping to empower community action. 

“Our rainwater catchment systems go beyond flood control — they help create safer spaces for our communities. We hope to show how climate-smart infrastructure and innovation can protect lives, livelihoods, and progress,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

About SM Green Movement

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, committed to creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Guided by its vision of building a better future, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the growth of communities across the Philippines.

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come. (SM PRIME)

SM Foundation holds medical mission in quake-hit Cebu

Following the recent earthquake in Cebu, SM Foundation conducted a medical mission for affected residents in SM Cares Village, Bogo City, and San Remigio.

The resident physician of SM Foundation conducts patient consultations and offers comprehensive guidance on post-treatment care.

Held on October 14 and 15, 2025, the mission provided medical and surgical services to a total of 460 patients, including checkups, X-rays, ECGs, and laboratory tests for blood sugar, cholesterol, uric acid, and hemoglobin levels.

Volunteer healthcare professionals actively participate in the medical mission, providing their support to serve more patients.

Among the surgical cases treated were a suture removal for a motor vehicle accident patient and the suturing of a 9-year-old child’s leg wound caused by debris.

SM employee-volunteers prepare the SM Mobile Clinic, which opens its doors for free X-ray and ECG.

The October 15 activity, held amid ongoing aftershocks, was a social good initiative carried out in partnership with volunteer and healthcare professionals.

SM Foundation implements health and medical programs that promote preventive healthcare and help decongest hospitals, especially in vulnerable and disaster-affected communities. (SM Foundation)