Wednesday, November 19, 2025

All SM Malls Unite for Cebu: A Nationwide Call to Hope and Empowerment

All SM malls across the country light up in green to symbolize hope and unity for communities in Cebu affected by Typhoon Tino—reflecting the Filipino spirit of bayanihan and compassion during times of adversity.

In the aftermath of Typhoon Tino, SM Supermalls, through SM Foundation and SM Cares, has launched a nationwide campaign titled “All SM Malls Unite for Cebu,” mobilizing support and solidarity to uplift communities affected by the disaster. 

SM City Cebu’s Christmas centerpiece glows as part of the “All SM Malls Unite for Cebu” campaign. The lighting ceremony, held on November 13, brings together SM employees, partners, and local stakeholders to express solidarity with those impacted by the recent typhoon.

With the campaign’s message, “HOPE calls for an empowered community,” SM invites Filipinos across the country to extend compassion and generosity—uniting to bring grace, hope, and strength to those in need.

Lighting the Way for Cebu

The initiative was launched during the SM City Cebu Christmas display kickoff on November 13, themed “Unwrapping the Gift of Grace and Hope.” At exactly 6 PM, all SM malls nationwide illuminated their displays in GREEN—a powerful symbol of hope, unity, and the Filipino spirit of bayanihan.

SM City Cebu extends 200 Bundles of Hope honoring responders, volunteers, and everyday heroes who stood strong for the community in the aftermath of recent calamities. Leading the ceremonial handover is Ms. Marissa Fernan, Vice President for SM Prime Holdings, Incorporated.

“This season, we are reminded that the true gift of Christmas lies in giving,” said Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “Through this campaign, we aim to bring light, hope, and solidarity to Cebu and its people, who continue to show courage and resilience amid challenges.”

A heartwarming initiative by SM City Cebu, delivering Bundles of Hope to Cebu’s first responders—reflecting our commitment to supporting those on the frontlines and sharing the spirit of the season.

As part of the ceremony, SM City Cebu also honored the courageous first responders who served as beacons of hope during the recent earthquake and typhoon. In gratitude for their unwavering service, the mall turned over 200 Bundles of Hope to representatives from the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), BFP Mabolo, PNP Mabolo, and Barangay Mabolo BRRMO and Welfare Workers. The gesture recognized the compassion, courage, and commitment of the responders who stood at the frontlines to help communities rise again.

Real Acts of Compassion

Through Operation Tulong Express, SM Foundation and SM Supermalls distribute over 8,000 Kalinga Packs containing food and essentials to affected families in Cebu, made possible through collaboration with local government units and volunteers.

Beyond the event and the symbolic lighting, SM also turned compassion into action through a series of relief and recovery initiatives:

  • 8,000 Kalinga Packs donated through Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) for affected families, including SM employees.
  • Cash donation booths deployed across all SM malls nationwide, providing shoppers with easy access to contribute directly to relief operations.
  • SM Mobile Clinic deployed to affected communities to deliver essential health services and medical outreach. 
SM employees in Cebu also receive Kalinga Packs as part of SM Supermalls’ ongoing commitment to care for its people and communities

These efforts are coordinated with local government units, partner organizations, and volunteers, reflecting SM’s continued commitment to community resilience and long-term empowerment.

The SM Foundation Mobile Clinic provides free medical consultations, X-rays, ECGs, and basic healthcare services, helping address urgent medical needs in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino.
Mallgoers participate in SM’s nationwide donation drive, with cash donation booths set up in all 89 SM malls to raise funds for Cebu’s relief and recovery programs under Operation Tulong Express

Gift of Grace, Gift of Hope

As part of SM’s corporate social responsibility mission, SM Foundation and SM Cares reaffirm their dedication to sustainable community support and proactive disaster response.

“Through ‘All SM Malls Unite for Cebu,’ we are not only extending immediate aid, but also building stronger, more resilient communities that can rise above adversity,” said Tan.

The campaign serves as a reminder that every act of kindness—no matter how small—can help illuminate Cebu’s path to recovery. (SM PRIME)

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

HUAWEI Celebrates a Successful Community Fun Run and Launches the Light Up Your Active Rings Online Challenge

HUAWEI Marks a Successful Community Fun Run and Invites Users to Continue the Journey with Light Up Your Active Rings Online Challenge

Manila, Philippines (November 10, 2025) – HUAWEI, in collaboration with RUNRIO, GCash, Shopee, Leslie’s, Nature’s Spring, and Universal Robina Corporation (URC), brought the community together for the highly anticipated ‘Active Rings’ Fun Run on November 8, 2025, at the iconic SM Mall of Asia Complex. The event celebrated fitness, camaraderie, and the spirit of an active lifestyle, leaving participants energized and inspired.

Exclusively for HUAWEI’s community, the 5KM Fun Run attracted 1,000 participants, ranging from beginners to seasoned runners. The scenic route, which passed iconic landmarks like the MOA Eye, turned the morning into a vibrant celebration of fitness, innovation, and the city’s charm.

The event marks the latest milestone in HUAWEI’s Active Rings movement, a campaign designed to inspire Filipinos to lead healthier, smarter, and more connected lives through innovative wearable technology.

Celebrating Movement and Community: A Fun Run to Remember

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Participants were greeted by a vibrant Race Village, complete with an interactive photo wall, giant inflatable displays, and engaging partner booths, setting the stage for an exciting day of fitness and fun.

After all runners crossed the finish line, the top three male and female finishers were celebrated for their exceptional performances. In the women’s category, Jennifer Barlis took first place with a time of 25 minutes and 11 seconds, followed closely by Carizza Joy Sotalbo at 25 minutes and 36 seconds, and Katrina Alyss Co in third with 25 minutes and 56 seconds.

In the men’s category, Edzel Baritua claimed the top spot with a finishing time of 16 minutes and 26 seconds, narrowly surpassing Joseph Fontamillas, who finished in 16 minutes and 29 seconds. Jerssylee De Vera completed the podium in third place with a time of 16 minutes and 47 seconds.

For many participants, the run also highlighted the benefits of HUAWEI wearables. “What I like most about my HUAWEI WATCH is that its heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and distance measurements are very accurate. It really helps us athletes push ourselves and improve our performance, especially during runs like this,” said Edzel Baritua, who claimed first place in the Men’s Race.

Long-time HUAWEI user Jennifer Barlis, who secured first place in the Women’s Race, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing how the HUAWEI WATCH series has helped her better monitor her health. “I’ve been a HUAWEI user since 2013, and my favorite feature of the HUAWEI Watch is its long-lasting battery. The integrated HUAWEI Health App is also invaluable for tracking performance and overall health, thanks to its accurate tracking features,” she shared.

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Many participants expressed their excitement and appreciation for the event. “It’s really fun to be part of the HUAWEI Running Community. The people are so competitive. It was my first time joining, and it was such a refreshing experience. My HUAWEI wearable helped me track my speed and performance, and all the features I need as a runner are in the HUAWEI Health app,” shared Carizza Joy Sotalbo, second-place finisher in the Women’s Race.

Third-place winner Katrina Alyss Co also shared her enthusiasm: “It’s my first time joining the HUAWEI Active Rings Fun Run, and I finally got the opportunity to participate. This event inspired and motivated me because I got to see other runners who share the same love for running that I do.”

Shopee and GCash: Technology for Every Lifestyle

The event seamlessly combined smart lifestyle convenience with community fun through engaging partner activations. At the GCash Watch Pay booth, participants could link and activate their GCash accounts directly on their HUAWEI smartwatches, making cashless payments easy and accessible from their wrists.

Adding to the excitement, content creator and influencer James Afante livestreamed the event, capturing the energy from the starting line to the finish. His livestream highlighted real-time runner interactions, the vibrant atmosphere on race day, and behind-the-scenes moments, showcasing the vital role of community in maintaining motivation and consistency in fitness.

These collaborations underscore HUAWEI’s dedication to integrating fitness with modern lifestyle convenience—creating a seamless intersection of technology, health, and community.

Keep Moving with the Light Up Your Active Rings Challenge

Light Up Your Active Rings

Following the success of the on-ground event, HUAWEI extends the spirit of movement through its “Light Up Your Active Rings” Online Challenge via the HUAWEI Health App, running from November 8 to November 30, 2025.

Participants can join by clicking the event banner in the HUAWEI Health app and registering or by signing up with this link. Upon burning 1500kcal within the challenge period, they get to earn an exclusive virtual “Manila Medal.” Participants are invited to share their accomplishment on TikTok by posting a video of themselves with their unlocked Manila medal. Just include the hashtags #LightUpYourActiveRingsPH and #EnjoyYourMoment and tag @HuaweiMobilePH in the caption.

One standout participant will be selected to win a HUAWEI WATCH GT 6. The winner will be announced on December 15 through HUAWEI’s official Facebook page.

This challenge encourages the HUAWEI smartwatch community to maintain their active streak and celebrate everyday movement—whether they’re running, cycling, or walking toward better health.  

A Smarter Way to Stay Active

The HUAWEI Active Rings Fun Run not only demonstrated the power of innovative fitness but also brought communities together through innovation, movement, and Filipino pride.

Thanks to strong collaborations with RUNRIO, GCash, and Shopee, the event highlighted how technology can empower individuals to achieve their goals, stay motivated, and live smarter every day.

To learn more about HUAWEI’s ‘Active Rings’ campaign and explore its line of wearables, visit HUAWEI’s official website or follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.