Pathway to Prosperity: SM Group Empowers Scholars for Professional Success

Inspired by the vision of SM Group founder Tatang Henry Sy, Sr., SM Foundation has been dedicated to empowering Filipino youth through its comprehensive scholarship program. This initiative provides a holistic approach to nurturing the next generation of leaders.

SM Foundation, led by its Education Program executive director Carmen Linda Atayde and SAVP Eleanor Lansang with the scholars from Iloilo, Roxas City, and Bacolod.

In line with this mission, SM Foundation, SM Retail, and SM Supermalls organized a scholars' assembly at SM City Iloilo. The event brought together scholars from Iloilo, Roxas City, and Bacolod, building upon the successful general assemblies previously held in the Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Davao Region, Cebu, and Southern Luzon.

SM Scholars gather for a Holy Mass at SM City Iloilo, setting the tone for a day of purpose and connection.

Ayos gid! At the Iloilo leg of the general assembly, SM scholars forge strong connections with one another, fostering a lasting sense of community.

This gathering fostered a strong sense of community, enabling scholars to forge connections with peers and mentors. The scholars gained insights into the program's various benefits, including exclusive opportunities for part-time employment during academic vacations and internship placements.

Seasoned SM alumni, making their mark within the SM Group, share valuable life lessons and practical advice with the eager new generation SM scholars.

The SM Group provides this platform to allow scholars to gain hands-on experience in professional environments throughout their academic journey. This exposure to the corporate world aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals who can seamlessly transition into professional roles, contributing to the growth and development of their communities and the nation.

SM Scholars liven up Park Inn Iloilo's meeting room with laughter and bright smiles as they engaged in inspiring talks and energizing activities.

Furthermore, the scholarship program offers pathways to employment within the SM Group upon graduation, providing scholars with a solid foundation for their future careers. (SM Foundation)

SM Supermalls: 30 years of building a sustainable future for communities

Since the first Shoemart store in 1958, customer convenience and comfort have been the utmost focus of the SM retail experience. As the business expanded to department stores, supermarkets, and eventually shopping malls, its stakeholders grew from customers to include tenants, employees, and the communities it serves.

SM City Santa Rosa's solar photovoltaic (PV) system generates enough clean energy to power over 2 million mobile phone chargers.

Sustainability is not a magic potion, but rather a series of small steps achieved through investment in technology and development of new techniques. Since opening its first mall, SM City North Edsa, in 1985, well before sustainability became a buzzword, SM embraced sustainable practices out of necessity. To maintain comfort and convenience for shoppers with uninterrupted air-conditioning systems, electricity, and water supply, a focus on energy efficiency and water conservation was essential.

Pioneering sustainable solutions

Initially, solutions focused on physical architecture such as better insulation and leak prevention. SM Supermalls soon embraced advanced technologies, investing in water recycling systems in 1998, Air Conditioning (AC) inverters in 2000, and rooftop solar in 2014. These efforts transformed from necessity to responsibility, making SM Supermalls the most energy-efficient mall group in the country with standard features like Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lighting and motion detector escalators.

The largest solar panel system of SM Supermalls in SM City Santa Rosa has recently received a Certificate of Compliance by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

SM Supermalls now sources over 50% of its electricity from renewable sources, with plans to increase this as the national renewable supply grows. To overcome land and capital challenges, solar rooftop panels are installed across most malls, reducing the need for converting land into solar farms and helping mitigate public electricity supply issues.

Water stewardship

SM Supermalls' Rainwater Project by SM Cares wins bronze at the 2024 Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards, recognized for transforming rainwater into potable water and promoting environmental responsibility.

A drop of innovation makes a wave of change! SM Cares' Rainwater Project for SM Supermalls wins bronze at the prestigious 2024 Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards for turning rainwater into safe drinking water, showcasing SM's commitment to sustainable water management. Beyond rainwater harvesting, SM champions responsible water use across all its malls, utilizing a recycling system to repurpose used water for cleaning, landscaping, and toilets.

SM Supermalls' Senior Vice President for Operations Bien Mateo, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and SM Supermalls' Senior Assistant Vice President for Operations - North Luzon Janssen Pe drink the now-potable rainwater collected by the rainwater treatment facility in SM City Baguio.

Pioneering new water management solutions, over 30 malls, particularly in flood-prone areas, have implemented rainwater harvesting systems. In 2023, SM City Baguio achieved a breakthrough by integrating its water recycling system with rainwater harvesting, successfully treating rainwater into safe drinking water. This innovation holds immense potential for replication across other SM malls, highlighting a sustainable future for water usage.

With climate change and frequent water shortages as water evaporates from reservoirs during the dry season, SM Supermalls is exploring ways to store water from its rainwater harvesting systems for reuse during the dry season, helping to prevent water shortages in the municipal system.

Turning waste into resources

Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) President Hans “Chico” Sy Jr. (second from right), SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan (right), SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Compliance Liza Silerio (left), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs Jonas Leones (second from left) press the green light to launch the SM Waste-Free Future initiative at SM Mall of Asia recently.

Recently, SM Supermalls and SM Prime embarked on their next sustainability journey with the #SMWasteFreeFuture program. This program simplifies waste segregation into three categories: Recyclables, Disposables, and Compostables (RDC). The program seeks solutions to recover all three waste categories and give them new life as materials used in our daily lives, thereby reducing reliance on landfills.

The easy-to-follow “Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable” (RDC) system helps divert waste from landfills, keeping our environment cleaner.

Earlier this year, SM Prime formed a joint venture with Japanese waste processing firm GUUN Co., Ltd., which converts Disposable waste into industrial fuels. SM is also embarking on mechanical composting to complete the full RDC waste management solution. This way, Recyclables (R) can return as a bottle or a box, Disposables (D) can be used as fuel to run industrial processes, and Compostables (C) can be turned into fertilizer for creating new gardens.

Looking ahead

SM Supermalls continues its focus on continuous improvement and innovation, a journey fueled by learnings from its transition to sustainability. Every small success is a big win, and every big win is an opportunity to replicate. This is reflected in all new malls under development, which incorporate water recycling and rainwater harvesting installations. Additionally, all existing malls are being optimized to meet an energy efficiency standard, and solar installations are implemented on rooftops whenever possible.

To know more about these sustainability initiatives, follow @SMSupermalls on all social media platforms. (SM Supermalls)

Unbelievable surprises unfold at the first-ever Pride Run at SM Mall of Asia!

The SM by the Bay at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex was transformed into a thrilling, inclusive celebration as SM Supermalls, in collaboration with RunRio, hosted SM Supermalls’ first-ever Pride Run on Saturday, June 22, 2024. The event brought together thousands of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) members and allies for a day of unity, excitement, and unforgettable moments.

3km runners take off at the starting line of the 2024 Pride Run at SM by the Bay, SM Mall of Asia Complex. A Historic First: The energy was electric as over 5,000 runners gathered for 10km, 5km, and 3km races. Decked out in Pride Run singlets, race bibs, and timing chips, participants were ready to hit the pavement and make history.

(L-R): RunRio President Rio de la Cruz, SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno, 10k race category winner Juan Carlo Igos, BingoPlus Foundation Executive Director Angela Wieneke, and LoveYourselfPH Head of Administration and Business Development Calvin June Sintoy

RunRio President Rio de la Cruz

The 10k race participants, led by RunRio President Rio de la Cruz (5th from the left, front row), prepare to run the first-ever Pride Run.

Who Stole the Show? Among the standout moments, Juan Karlo Igos clinched first place in the 10km race with an impressive time of 38 minutes and 11 seconds, while Cavin Vedal dominated the 5km race, crossing the finish line in just 16 minutes and 47 seconds. But the real showstoppers were the participants' dazzling outfits, turning the run into a runway of creativity.

Juan Karlo Igos finishes first in the 10km race with a run time of 38 minutes and 11 seconds.

Cavin Vedal crosses the 5km finish line in first place with a run time of 16 minutes and 47 seconds.

Mark Angelo Biagtan (back, center) holds up the champion’s trophy as the 3km division’s quickest finisher with a run time of 11 minutes and 6 seconds.

Participants champion a more inclusive society at Pride Run 2024.

The inaugural Pride Run 2024 at SM by the BAY, SM Mall of Asia Complex unites people from all backgrounds in celebration of love and diversity.

Celebs and Influencers Spotted

Pantay Inc. Chairperson Thysz Estrada

Actor Gardo Versoza

Content creator Minnie Nato

The event saw appearances from notable personalities including Pantay Inc. Chairperson Thysz Estrada, actor Gardo Versoza, and popular content creator Minnie Nato. Their presence added a touch of star power to the already glittering event.

Epic Performances

Performers Dey XD, Andy Crocker, and Moonlight light up the stage with trending dance hits.

The Pride Run’s costume contest champion wears a pair of large wings and a headpiece.

The finish line was just the beginning of the fun! The crowd was treated to electrifying performances by artists Dey XD, Andy Crocker, Moonlight, and the sensational Taylor Sweft, whose performance had everyone dancing and singing along.

Costume Extravaganza

The costume contest’s second runner-up is a 10km runner who finished their race in a superhero costume.

A runner brings bath time cheer to the Pride Run in this playful costume.

A pair of runners donning matching banana costumes celebrate with their finisher’s medals.

The much-anticipated Costume Contest did not disappoint. From superhero ensembles to playful banana costumes, participants went all out, adding an extra layer of fun to the festivities. The creativity and effort were truly a sight to behold.

A Symbol of Inclusivity

A participant waves a pride flag while holding their finisher’s medal after completing their 10km race.

The event was more than just a run; it was a powerful statement of support and inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community. With partners like ArenaPlus, BingoPlus Foundation, LoveYourselfPH, Pantay Inc., and the Metro Manila Pride Organization, the Pride Run proved to be a monumental celebration of diversity.

Don’t Miss Out

Over 5,000 runners take on the Pride Run.

Missed the Pride Run? Catch up on all the highlights and see why this event is the talk of the town. For more amazing events and programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. (SM Supermalls)

BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR [BORN PINK] IN SM CINEMAS: Experience the Phenomenon on the Big Screen!

Get ready to witness the global sensation BLACKPINK like never before! For limited screenings only, BLACKPINK’s groundbreaking world tour “BORN PINK” is coming to SM Cinemas, starting July 31, 2024.

Fans can now immerse themselves in the electrifying performances, stunning visuals, and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, all captured in breathtaking detail. This cinematic event promises an unparalleled concert experience, bringing the magic of BLACKPINK’s live shows to the silver screen.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic event. Tickets are expected to sell out fast, so secure yours now and join BLINKs in celebrating the unparalleled artistry and energy of BLACKPINK.

Follow BLACKPINK on social media for the latest updates and exclusive content.

About BLACKPINK:
BLACKPINK is a South Korean girl group formed by YG Entertainment, consisting of members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. Since their debut in 2016, BLACKPINK has become a global phenomenon, breaking numerous records and earning a dedicated international fanbase known as BLINKs.

Stay tuned and be ready to rock with BLACKPINK in cinemas!

SM creates stronger ocean conservation initiatives giving New Waves of Impact during Coastal Clean-up Projects

[center from left to right] SM by the BAY Assistant Mall Manager, Faye Preolco; SM Supermalls Senior Sustainability Manager, Belinda Bartolome-Gonzales; DENR Undersecretary for Strategic Communications Malu Erni; and SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President for Mall Operations, Perkin Bentley So; together with the students and faculty of NU-Nazareth

SM Supermalls, through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), continue to drive active participation in ocean conservation with the latest leg of SM’s Coastal Clean-up drive, held on June 8, 2024, Saturday in celebration of World Oceans Day.

This year, SM was able to collect more than 15,000 kgs of trash with the help of 2,500 SM Employees and volunteers from 15 SM Supermalls nationwide.

SM City Sorsogon cleans the coastal area of Sitio Mahingan and SM City Legazpi does a clean-up by the coastal shorelines of Brgy. Dapdap and Brgy. Puro.

SM Mindpro volunteers cleaned-up the trash along the stretch of mangrove areas, and Purok Minanga get cleaned by volunteers from SM City General Santos.

SM Cares’ Coastal Clean-up project is part of the organization’s Programs on Environment. SM Cares also has supporting initiatives focused on children and the youth, women and breastfeeding mothers, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. 

SM City Roxas volunteers are ready to clean the coast of Baybay Beach and SM City Puerto Princesa volunteer shows the trash they collected during the clean-up.

SM City Olongapo Downtown and SM City Olongapo Central volunteers clear-up the shoreline of Parola in Brgy. Kalaklan.

Shore-lines gets greener with a clean up by SM City Daet, and SM City Bataan volunteers protecting our aweSM seas.

The area of Centro 10-Tanza-Caggay get cleaned by volunteers from SM City Tuguegarao & SM Center Tuguegarao Downtown.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, the country’s biggest chain of malls built by one of Southeast Asia’s leading real estate and property developers, SM Prime Holdings. SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth as it pursues the next horizon on integrated property development, and onward to building sustainable cities of the future while enriching the quality of life of the communities it serves.

SM by the BAY volunteers – including NU Nazareth students, BSP/GSP, SM employees and agency personnel’s fight for a trash-free Manila Bay.

SM City Cebu and SM Seaside City Cebu return to Cebu SRP for a clean-up.

Since 2014, SM’s coastal clean-up initiative has grown to include more coastal locations and volunteers, showing the true impact of SM’s advocacy, as well as the power of community participation in environmental stewardship and marine conservation efforts.

To learn more, visit https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares/. (PR)