SM Cares Brings Movies for the Blind to Life

SM Megamall’s Cinema 3 was filled with over 700 members of the visually impaired community, their families, advocates, and supporters for the culminating event of Movies for the Blind 2025, held in celebration of White Cane Day.

A father and son enjoy an inclusive screening at SM Megamall during the SM Cares’ Movies for the Blind, a project that empowers persons with visual disabilities through accessible entertainment.

Led by Project ADAM (Audio Description Awareness Movement) in partnership with SM Cares, SM Cinema, GMA Pictures, GMA Public Affairs, Hit Productions, and Quantum Post, the event featured the specially curated, audio-described film “Firefly”, making the movie experience fully accessible to blind and visually impaired audiences.

Persons with visual disabilities experience the magic of the cinema during Movies for the Blind—an initiative that promotes inclusion and strengthens community engagement through shared experiences.

Observed every August in the Philippines under Republic Act 6759, White Cane Day honors the achievements and independence of people who are blind or visually impaired, and promotes the white cane as a symbol of their autonomy and mobility.

Participants of Movies for the Blind enjoy a unique cinematic experience in an inclusive space—a project that ensures persons with visual disabilities feel welcomed and valued as part of a shared community.

“Accessible cinema is more than providing technology—it’s about opening spaces where everyone can experience the magic of storytelling together,” said Joaquin L. San Agustin, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing.

“Audio description is more than narration—it’s a bridge to culture, emotion, and belonging,” added Mr. Ronnel Del Rio, Convenor of Project ADAM.

Movies for the Blind at SM Megamall showcases SM Cares’ commitment to inclusive experiences, welcoming persons with visual disabilities into shared public spaces.

The program also included welcome remarks from Mr. Eliseo dela Paz, President of the Parent Advocates for Visually Impaired Children (PAVIC), and inspirational messages from partners advocating for a more inclusive society.

“When persons with visual impairment are given access to the same experiences as everyone else, we are not just included—we are empowered. This event proves that with the right partnerships, accessibility can become the norm, not the exception,” said dela Paz.

Movies for the Blind 2025 has successfully expanded to other regions earlier this year. On March 22, 2025, the event was held at SM City Calamba with 400 attendees, SM City Legazpi with 109 attendees, and SM City Davao with 400 attendees. It continued on April 26, 2025, reaching SM City Cebu with 100 attendees and SM City Baguio with 350 attendees.

Through initiatives like this, SM Cares reinforces its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by promoting accessibility in media and public spaces.

Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers with 88 malls in the Philippines—marks four decades of growing with Filipinos and becoming a trusted space where diverse lifestyles and generations connect, while continuously evolving to redefine the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of retail and urban life with inclusive and meaningful experiences. (SM PRIME)

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)