SM Cares further promotes literacy and kindness with Book Nook open library donation from GMA Network

SM Cares' Book Nook fosters a love for reading and community engagement through its open library. In alignment with GMA Network's steadfast belief in the transformative power of reading, a recent book turnover ceremony at SM Aura's Book Nook saw the donation of the beautifully illustrated “Si Gren, Ang Kaibigan Kong Alien” by the media giant.

In the photo are Ms. Rossette Roa, Head of Viewer Directed Marketing at GMA Network, along with the cast of “My Guardian Alien”: Christian Antolin, Arnold Reyes, Raphael Landicho, and Gabby Eigenmann. Also present are Mr. Royston Cabunag, Assistant Vice President for Mall Operations and Director for Children and Youth at SM Cares, and Ms. Margarita Catalan, Assistant Vice President for Marketing Operations at SM Supermalls, during the activity.

“Si Gren, Ang Kaibigan Kong Alien” is about the friendship of a young boy and an alien who visits Earth to learn about games kids play. The story promotes kindness, diversity, and accepting others, in a way that's easy for children to understand. This book was made for GMA's TV series “My Guardian Alien.”

Gabby Eigenmann plays Dr. Ceph in My Guardian Alien

Doy, portrayed by Raphael Landicho, holds a profound affection for this book.

“Generous contributions like this not only foster a love for joyful reading but also ignite the spark of imagination within every child, empowering them to explore boundless creativity. We are immensely grateful for this donation, which will undoubtedly enrich the lives of countless young minds.”  Said Mr. Cabunag.

Arnold Reyes plays Minggoy in My Guardian Alien

Christian Antolin plays Sputnik in My Guardian Alien

Launched by SM Supermalls in December 2020 at SM Aura as an open and free library, Book Nook aims to create a community where book lovers of all ages can share their passion for reading with like-minded people. It also serves as a hub where brand partners can donate books, contributing to the library's continuous growth.

Through the Book Nook, SM Supermalls aims to showcase its support for literature while providing an avenue for people of all ages to learn more about the world around them through reading, in line with its efforts to promote learning and its important role in nation building.

To learn more about SM’s various community programs, visit https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares/ (PR)

SM leads job creation with ‘Trabaho para sa Bayan: Job Opportunities Building Skills (J.O.B.S.)’

The quest for an empowered Filipino workforce accelerated as SM Supermalls, the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), Jobstreet by SEEK, and its partners spearheaded the “Trabaho Para sa Bayan: J.O.B.S. (Job Opportunities Building Skills) Commitment Ceremony” at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on May 9, 2024. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between job seekers and potential employers, tackling the challenge of unemployment in the Philippines.

Leading the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC)’s Job Opportunities Building Skills (J.O.B.S.) initiative are SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) Vice Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson (fifth from right), SM Foundation Executive Director Deborah Sy (fourth from left) with from left: Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Chairman George Barcelon, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Jobstreet by SEEK Managing Director Dannah Majarocon, Special Assistant to the President for Investments and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, Magsaysay Group of Companies President Doris Magsaysay-Ho, Ayala Corporation Lead Independent Director Rizalina Mantaring, Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion, Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) Vice President Ferdinand Ferrer, and Philippine Exporters Confederation President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr.

The ceremony, which brought together industry giants, prominent associations, and government leaders—including SM Supermalls, the Philippines' leading mall operator, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and the Philippine Exporters Confederation (PHILEXPORT)—to host a series of job fairs and provide an online job matching platform, signified a collaborative effort towards a common goal.

SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) Vice Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson (center), SM Foundation Executive Director Deborah Sy (second from right) with, from left: Philippine Exporters Confederation President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion, Ayala Corporation Lead Independent Director Rizalina Mantaring, Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) Vice President Ferdinand Ferrer, Magsaysay Group of Companies President Doris Magsaysay-Ho, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Chairman George Barcelon, Jobstreet by SEEK Managing Director Dannah Majarocon, Special Assistant to the President for Investments and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma.

SM's dedication to this cause is evident. “Since January, SM has hosted more than 60 job fairs nationwide, gathering around 2,000 employers, and engaging more than 35,000 applicants, with a significant number receiving on-the-spot job offers,” said SM Foundation Executive Director Deborah Sy. “SM will continue to host weekly job fairs across various SM Supermalls nationwide with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) till November – in accessible and comfortable venues where companies and job seekers can find their right match.”

SM Foundation Executive Director Deborah Sy

Jobstreet by SEEK Managing Director Dannah Majarocon

Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma

Special Assistant to the President for Investments and Economic Affairs Frederick Go

Leading brands seek talent

Coinciding with the commitment ceremony, a job fair was held with 44% Hired-on-the-Spot (HOTS) applicants, the highest so far in 60 job fairs. It featured a wide range of employers actively seeking talented individuals including brands like: BDO Unibank, BDO Life, SM Home/Homeworld, Our Home, SM Store, SM Retail, SM Fashion, Savemore, SM Stationery, SM Supermalls, SM Supermarket, Surplus, SM Hypermarket, Sports Central, 2GO, Ace Hardware, Alfamart, Goldilocks, Kultura, Baby Company, Star Appliance Center, The Body Shop, Toy Kingdom, and Watsons.

(L-R): Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Jobs Committee Head Secretariat Josephine Romero, Philippine Constructors Association President Ronaldo Elepano Jr., Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Undersecretary Carmela Torres, Magsaysay Group of Companies President Doris Magsaysay-Ho, IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) Executive Director Frankie Antolin, and Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) Vice President Ferdinand Ferrer during the panel discussion about job generation and upskilling, opportunities, and challenges.

Other companies include the 33rd Taftst, Inc. / Jollibee, Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli, Mini Depato Corp., Polystar General Services, Inc., Green Pasture, Sosa JB Property Management Corp., Robinsons Supermarket Corp., and Specialty Food Retailers Inc. / Rustan Group of Companies.

A sea of job seekers connects with top brands at the recent SM Mall of Asia Job Fair.

Expanding digital reach

Looking beyond the physical job fairs, SM Foundation and Jobstreet by SEEK announced a digital partnership. This online platform aims to broaden the scope of job search opportunities for Filipinos, and industry associations are collaborating to utilize it for advertising their vacancies.

Future careers take shape at the ‘Trabaho para sa Bayan: Job Opportunities Building Skills (J.O.B.S.)’ job fair held at the SM Mall of Asia on May 9, 2024.

SM announced their pilot upskilling initiative, focusing on digital skills. This program, with plans for future expansion, aims to train and enhance the existing workforce, preparing them for the demands of the ever-evolving job market.

The ceremonial commitment between SM Foundation and Jobstreet by SEEK has laid the groundwork for a digital platform catering to job seekers, complementing SM’s weekly on-ground job fairs nationwide. SM Foundation Executive Director Deborah Sy (fourth from left) and Jobstreet by SEEK Managing Director Dannah Majarocon (fourth from right) are joined by, from left: Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Chairman George Barcelon, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Special Assistant to the President for Investments and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) Vice Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson, Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion, and Philippine Exporters Confederation President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr.

For more details on the SM Job Fairs, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. (SM Supermalls PR)

SM Opens 86th Mall in North Caloocan Promises big city fun for young community

The City of Caloocan is a first-class highly-urbanized city divided into two distinctive clusters, south and north. South Caloocan is bordered by Manila, Quezon City, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela, and is home to two SM Supermalls. North Caloocan, on the other hand, shares its border with Quezon City, Valenzuela, Marilao, Meycauayan, and the City of San Jose del Monte Bulacan.

SM City Caloocan, SM Prime Holdings Inc.’s 86th Supermall in the country and the third one in Caloocan, opens its doors to the public on May 17, 2024.

SM City Caloocan is strategically situated in the heart of the city which serves as a passageway for residents from both North and South Caloocan. Located along the bustling Deparo Road in Bagumbong, Caloocan City, it is the first-ever big-city mall in North Caloocan, offering the ultimate mix of retail, entertainment, and recreational choices. Beyond its role as a lifestyle hub, the opening of the mall will pave the way for local employment and business opportunities for the community.

“SM Supermalls is committed to new and exciting shopping experiences for the communities it serves. We are excited to open SM City Caloocan with our well-loved brand of service and convenience, sustainability features and family fun experience that SM is loved for, such as giant installations and eco-friendly features such as E-Vehicle charging stations and biker-friendly facilities,” stated SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

Nature in An Urban Setting
Spread across more than 94,000 square meters GFA, the comfortably spacious, well-lit three-level SM City Caloocan boasts a seamless combination of urban design and nature-inspired elements, redefining the mall experience in North Caloocan. Materials inspired by nature that adorn the mall’s environments, combined with graphics and abundant indoor planting, evoke a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Abundant greenery and strategically placed landscaping further blur the lines between the mall and the modern-day Town Plaza-themed exterior, all culminating with an indoor garden and al fresco-themed dining space on the third level, offering a bounty of aspirational yet affordable dining choices.

Completely Fun for the Community
Poised to become the new favorite mall among locals, SM City Caloocan brings new attractions and unique features to the community, including the Wellness Space, the Sky Plaza and Cali, a delightful 25-ft inflatable panda. Additionally, the mall proudly hosts homegrown tenants like Mahiwaga Café and Elliot Restaurant, alongside SM affiliate brands such as The SM Store, Uniqlo, SM Supermarket, Watsons, SM Appliance Center, Surplus and Ace Hardware.

Completing the big-city mall experience are the cozy and spacious SM Foodcourt, the cutting-edge SM Cinema, and the tech haven Cyberzone. In addition, the mall has a sizable Car Park equipped with two slots of E-vehicle charging station and 1,190 parking slots for customer convenience.

Let’s make more fun memories together! Join us at the opening of SM City Caloocan on May 17. For details on exciting SM Supermalls events, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. (PR)

They’ve got it all: SM Foundation shapes real-world ready scholars

The SM Foundation, the social good arm of the SM Group, is continuously propelling its scholarship program to new heights, equipping their scholars with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in the professional arena.

SM scholars and alumni gathered for a fun and learning-filled day in SM City Cebu.

To cultivate well-rounded and successful graduates, the foundation joined forces with SM Retail and SM Supermalls to host a general assembly at Radisson Blu Cebu, catering to scholars from the province.

The general assembly featured interactive activities to further strengthen the camaraderie among SM scholars and alumni.

Through the immersive assembly, scholars gained a deeper understanding of the program's benefits, especially the internship opportunities and exclusive job prospects within the SM Group. These opportunities, available during Christmas and semester breaks, as well as after graduation, aim to equip scholars with hands-on practical experience, potentially paving the way for a career within SM upon completing their studies. This comprehensive approach facilitates a seamless transition from academic life to the professional sphere, ensuring scholars are well-prepared to thrive in their chosen fields.

Through this immersive assembly, SM Foundation gives the scholars better insights into the program's benefits, particularly the internship opportunities and exclusive job prospects within the SM Group.

Beyond academic pursuits, the assembly fostered a sense of community, enabling scholars to forge connections with their peers and mentors, build professional networks, and experience a holistic and enriching student life.

The Cebu General Assembly is the fourth leg of the activity, following the successful scholar’s gathering in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Mindanao (Davao and General Santos). SM Group is set to host more assemblies for scholars in other parts of the country.

SM Foundation education team with SM scholars and alumni at the sidelines of the general assembly in SM City Cebu.

With a rich legacy of uplifting Filipino families, the SM Foundation’s Education Program has been supporting the higher-education aspirations of deserving students from vulnerable communities.

Joining the SM general assembly is CPA and SM alumna Jonnah Sacamay, who is now a proud member of The SM Store.

The SM Group’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals further highlights the foundation's mission to empower the youth from low-income households, shaping them into the next generation of Filipino leaders, equipped with the knowledge and resilience to navigate the challenges of the real world with confidence. (SM Foundation)

Celebrate Mom’s Day with delectable delights and ultimate mom-tastic gifts from SM City Mindpro

Mother's Day is here, and it's time to celebrate the real-life wonder women who raised us! This #SuperMom’s Day, show your appreciation for the most special woman in your life with a feast fit for a queen! SM City Mindpro is rolling out the red carpet with exciting food deals and delectable delights that will make this occasion truly memorable. Whether you're planning a cozy family brunch or a lavish dinner, SM's food offerings have got you covered.

Go Lokal!

Start the day right with a sumptuous meal at SM's local restaurants. From her favorite “paella” to her cravings of “chicken sambal”, the diverse menu offerings cater to her palate promises a delightful experience.

Gourmet Galore

For those looking to elevate their Mother's Day celebration, indulge in gourmet delights at SM's fine dining restaurants. From succulent steaks to delicate seafood dishes, each bite is a symphony of flavors crafted to perfection. Take advantage of special discounts and complimentary drinks to add a sweet touch to your meal.

Sweet Temptations

No celebration is complete without something sweet to cap it off. Treat Mom to artisanal pastries, decadent cakes, and creamy desserts available at the MSME's Bazaar located at the Level 4 activity area. Enjoy exclusive Mother's Day offers as well on selected confections, making every bite a delightful experience.

Family Fun

Make the Mom’s Day a family affair with fun activities and entertainment at SM's dining destinations. From live music performances to interactive activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy while creating cherished memories together.

Gifts of Gratitude

Show Mom how much she means to you with thoughtful gifts from SM's specialty stores. Choose from a wide array of curated gifts, including gourmet hampers, spa packages, and personalized keepsakes, to express your love and appreciation in a meaningful way.

This Mother's Day, let SM City Mindpro be your partner in creating unforgettable moments filled with love, laughter, and delectable delights. Join us in celebrating the extraordinary women who make our lives brighter every day. Cheers to Moms everywhere!

SM Cinema and IMAX expands partnership in providing epic movie magic

Calling all movie buffs! SM Cinema, the Philippines' leading cinema chain, and IMAX Corporation are teaming up to bring an even bigger and better moviegoing experience.

SM Cinema and IMAX offer immersive entertainment across nine theaters since 2006, with 10 next-gen IMAX with Laser theaters coming soon.

Get ready to be blown away by 10 state-of-the-art IMAX with Laser theaters coming to the country. This exciting expansion will bring the immersive IMAX experience to three brand new locations and upgrade seven existing SM Cinema theaters.

Next-level IMAX thrills

Recognizing the country’s rising influence in the international entertainment scene, SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan stated, “The inclusion of the Philippines in the discourse underscored its growing significance in the global entertainment landscape, affirming SM Supermalls' goal in shaping the industry's future.”

IMAX with Laser features crystal-clear visuals, heart-pounding audio, and a wider color spectrum for the ultimate movie experience.

This commitment is echoed by IMAX, a global leader in immersive entertainment experiences. “With our biggest system agreement yet in 2024, IMAX continues to see network expansion accelerate as the film slate picks up steam — an excellent indicator of our continued business momentum globally,” said Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX. “SM Cinema is a vital component of one of the most successful and forward-thinking retail developers in the world and we are excited to more than double our footprint in the Philippines in collaboration with such an excellent, consumer-focused partner.”

Since their successful partnership began in 2006, SM Cinema and IMAX have operated nine theaters across the Philippines. Now, with IMAX expanding its content offerings globally, the Philippines has become a top performer in Southeast Asia and has consistently ranked among the top 30 highest-grossing IMAX markets worldwide since 2022.

 

Why IMAX with Laser?

IMAX with Laser is the ultimate way to experience one’s favorite films. This cutting-edge technology delivers crystal-clear, lifelike images with stunning detail and brightness, precision audio that puts the audience right in the heart of the action, and a wider range of colors for a richer, more immersive experience.

Starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, "The Fall Guy" follows a washed-up stuntman turned bounty hunter who gets a second shot at fame (and revenge) when a missing movie star resurfaces.

Short Hinata, determined to overcome his height disadvantage, joins his high school's volleyball club to reignite his burning passion for the sport, in the Japanese anime movie and SM Cinema exclusive Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle.

Decades after humanity's fall, a young ape uncovers a shocking truth that challenges everything he knows about the past and the future of his species in the film, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.”

The future of moviegoing is here

This exciting expansion will see SM Cinema and IMAX's presence in the Philippines more than double. Moviegoers can expect three of the upgraded locations to open in 2024, with the rest following by the end of 2026.

Stay tuned for more updates on the grand opening of these incredible new IMAX theaters. For more details on exciting SM Cinema and IMAX movies, visit www.smcinema.com or follow @SMCinema on social media. (PR)

Chinabank net income jumps 18% to P5.9B in Q1

China Banking Corporation (Chinabank, PSE symbol: CHIB) earned P5.9 billion in the first quarter of 2024, 18% higher compared to the same period last year, on the robust growth of its core businesses. The resulting return on equity and return on assets continued to be among the best in the industry at 15.5% and 1.6%, respectively.

Net interest income grew by 18% to P15.0 billion, driven by higher asset yields and loan volume. Net interest margin improved by 22 basis points to 4.4%.

Provisions for loan losses were reduced to P302 million as economic conditions continued to improve. The growth of operating expenses was controlled at 6% to P7.2 billion, translating to a better cost-to-income ratio of 48%.

“We are focused on sustaining our growth trajectory. Our good first quarter results provide the momentum to achieving our ambitious goals and targets,” Chinabank President & Chief Executive Officer Romeo D. Uyan Jr. said.

The country’s fourth-largest private lender recently launched a brand refresh campaign to make its brand and image more resonant and engaging to a new generation of customers.

“From compelling product innovations to reimagined customer-facing solutions, to the adoption of a new bank logo, exciting things are happening in Chinabank,” Uyan added.

Chinabank’s total assets grew by 11% to P1.5 trillion. Its gross loans increased by 11% to P805 billion on strong loan demand from businesses and consumers. Nonetheless, credit quality was kept in check, with non-performing loans (NPL) ratio easing to 1.8% and NPL coverage improving to 143%. On the funding side, total deposits expanded by 13% to P1.2 trillion.

The bank’s capital rose by 11% to P154 billion, with a common equity tier 1 (CET-1) ratio of 15.3% and total capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 16.2%—both well above the regulatory minimums. Book value per share improved by 11% to P57.35.

“With our strong balance sheet and capital position, we can sufficiently fund our growth plans in the years ahead,” Chief Finance Officer Patrick D. Cheng said.

At its 2024 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting recently, Chinabank announced an all-time high cash dividend of P5.9 billion, 16% higher vs. last year, representing 27% of its 2023 net income of P22.0 billion. The bank’s stockholders on record as of May 3, 2024 will receive P1.20 per share regular cash dividend and an additional P1.00 per share special cash dividend on May 16, 2024.

Chinabank maintained its Baa2 deposit and issuer ratings—a notch above investment grade—with stable outlook, from Moodys’ Investors’ Service. The bank, distinguished by the People Management Association of the Philippines as the 2023 Employer of the Year, and by the Institute of Corporate Directors as a two-time Five-Golden Arrow Awardee, was also recently recognized by the CFA Society Philippines for its Chinabank Dollar Fixed Income Fund, named for the 8th time as the Best Managed Fund of the Year in its category. (PR)