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The reality is that no two people experienced the COVID-19 pandemic the same way. The epidemic was a solitary time of self-discovery, emotional development, and paradigm-shifting insights. It altered people, and in the process, it influenced how many of us perceive ourselves and the outside world.

As a result, consumer preferences and habits have changed. Studies reveal that consumers today want a different experience, one that is kinder and more accepting of the changes that each individual had gone through in the previous two years, as opposed to a pre-pandemic world where people frequently spent on luxuries and experiences that allowed them to celebrate their accomplishments. People increasingly place a higher priority on their own well-being and support goods and services that promote development.

Brands are beginning to adjust to the shifts in consumer tastes. And as the entire company is getting ready for a revamp this year, SM is prepared with a slew of new items, staying true to its core commitment to making people happy.

“The history of SM Supermalls is one that has been built on innovation and change to serve the needs of millions of Filipinos,” says SM Supermalls President, Steven Tan. “We’ve been with our customers through their every milestone for almost four decades. And we are committed to always changing, always growing with our customers in the years and decades to come.”

SM Supermalls: Welcoming Every Change in You

SM continues to stay true to its mission to provide Filipino families with a fun and engaging in-mall experience so they can go home with a smile on their faces.

There will always be a plethora of experiences for each person who comes through SM’s doors. This is true for the various personalities that emerged during the pandemic; from eco-warriors and Plantitas to health buffs and sports personalities who embraced biking, healthy eating, and home gyms, and bakers and homemakers who turned their passion projects into small businesses.

“I believe that now more than ever, it is important to recognize the new changes to our world,” adds SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “And people are continuing to grow as they invest in experiences that uplift their lives.”

Ushering the Future with the Transformation of SM Supermalls

In the next few months, Filipinos across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will get to experience the wellness-oriented and sustainability-driven transformation of SM Supermalls with a host of new and exciting activities. These include paw parks for pet moms and dads, al fresco dining areas for hangout groups, plant hubs for eco-enthusiasts, bike facilities for the growing cycling community, co-working spaces, experiential retail, blockbuster and larger-than-life cinema escapades and so much more.

Curiosity seekers, foodies, friends, and families will have a lot to rediscover as the Philippine mall experience is refreshed by SM’s brand refresh campaign. You’re always welcome here, so come on in!

Follow SM Supermalls on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/smsupermalls for additional details, and visit any SM Supermall today to see what’s new!

EMPOWERING MSMEs IN VISAYAS. Cebuana Lhuillier Bank opened its first branch in the Visayas region, setting another expansion milestone pioneering Cebu City. Present in the photo are (from left to right) Dennis Valdes, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank President; Mrs. Edna D. Lhuillier, wife of Ambassador Lhuillier; Amb. Philippe Jones Lhuillier, Chairman and Founder of PJ Lhuillier Inc.; Mrs. Camille Lhuillier-Albani, Mr. Andrea Albani, and Jimmy Ang, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank Vice President

With the establishment of its first branch in Cebu City, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank (CLB), one of the nation’s rural banks with the highest rate of growth, has set its sights on further expansion in the Visayas area.

The action is in keeping with the bank’s goal of ensuring financial inclusion for all Filipinos, particularly for consumers from rural areas. In particular, CLB is attempting to connect with mom-and-pop shops and micro, small, and medium-sized firms (MSMEs), whose operations unquestionably required a boost in the wake of the difficulties the economy has faced over the previous two years.

“MSMEs have always been the backbone of our economy, with 99% of total businesses in the Philippines considered falling under this sector. They are also a major source of employment, and also a major contributor in our total export revenues. However, in spite their huge contributions to the economy, MSMEs often lack financial resources that will help in their growth and development,” Cebuana Lhuillier Bank president Dennis Valdes said. “True to the mission of becoming a partner for progress, CLB’s first-ever branch here in Central Visayas is open to all, especially to the more than 65,000 MSMEs looking to further grow their business.”

Located within the business center of the city, CLB’s newest branch can be found in Acacia St., Brgy. Kamputhaw, Cebu City. The bank offers a wide variety of business loan products primarily aimed to provide financial assistance to MSME business owners for their working capital, business expansion, and investment. Depending on the business size and profile of the clients, CLB offers loan products such as Microfinance Loans, SME loans, and Corporate Business Loans.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, President & CEO of PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies, the parent company of Cebuana Lhuillier and Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, enthuses, “As a conglomerate, PJ Lhuillier has always been guided by its mission of financial inclusion. We make sure that this is reflected in all the products we offer in our companies, and a vital part of how we extend our services to the millions of Filipinos who rely on us for their micro financial needs. Our banking arm, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank is guided by this vision—from their ground-breaking micro savings product which empowered close to 6M Filipinos to start saving for their future, to their expansion plans to Visayas and Mindanao which will allow them to serve more of our kababayans and MSMEs in rural communities.”

Amb. Lhuillier welcoming the expansion of Cebuana Lhuillier Bank in Cebu

CLB currently offers housing loans and business loans in the province. With low interest rates, fast application process, and flexible loan payments, CLB aims to empower MSMEs and business owners. Qualified CLB clients can get a maximum loan amount of PHP300,000 for business loan.

Aside from business loans, CLB also offers housing loans, and soon to be available in its Cebu branch, the Teachers Loan and Motorcycle Loan products.

The Mindanao region is anticipated to be served by CLB before the year is up, and the company now has five (5) branches nationally. In order to use Cebuana Lhuillier’s more than 3,000 branches countrywide for its Micro Savings product, CLB, the banking division of Cebuana Lhuillier, recently hired the sector leader to act as its cash agent. Due to the mobility offered by the eCebuana app, which allows users to effortlessly access microfinancial services including Micro Savings, Money Remittance, Bills Payment, and E-load services among others, the bank and its customers were more accessible thanks to the extensive network presence.

Did you know that the 67-hectare Mall of Asia Complex, where the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) is located, is built to resist disasters brought on by natural disasters? We all know that the MOA is a well-liked location for amazing culinary and recreational experiences.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc., one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, implements disaster resiliency measures in every project, with the MOA Complex as one of its biggest investments, the Mall of Asia Complex’s foundation was built to be safe and secure.

Before the MOA complex was built, SM Prime worked with a group of regional and international experts to ensure its viability on land and in the water. After that, Jan de Nul, a renowned coastal development construction company in Belgium, built the MOA complex from the ground up.

The reputable Jan de Nul made sure the terrain was stable and the complex’s roads were made resistant to earthquakes and erosion, in accordance with the National Structural Code of the Philippines and approved by both the Philippine Reclamation Authority and the National Government.

Three important disaster resiliency features were used in protecting the Complex and the coastal community of Pasay from tides and waves: One, a three-kilometer seawall built to stand against liquefaction; two, a meter-high inverted wave return to serve as defense against high waves; and three, a drainage channel to prevent floods during storm surges. This was put to test when Typhoon Pedring hit in 2011, and the Mall of Asia Complex was spared from destructive waves and flooding that submerged many other surrounding establishments.

As an added feature, both the Complex’s main road and all its structures are elevated 4 meters above the parameters set by the National Building Code. Pilings strengthened its foundation and greatly improved its soil bearing capacity.

Family fun, leisure and entertainment are the objectives behind the awe-inspiring grandeur of SM Mall of Asia, but this vision is founded on a commitment to safety and a secure foundation throughout the Complex. This is a firm philosophy of SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Mr. Hans T. Sy, a champion for disaster resilience, who continuously invests in DRR and in allocating 10% of the company’s expenditure for DRR in all of SM’s infrastructures throughout the country.

 “Today, disasters have become more frequent and severe. The government and the private sector must work together to find solutions for greater resiliency.  SM prime as a responsible property developer places Disaster Risk Reduction as one of its core strategies. It simply makes good business sense.” emphasizes Mr Hans Sy. He believes that not only is DRR an effective way to grow the business but it protects the communities where SM is located amid the increasing risks of climat echange.

Today, the MOA Complex is a bustling realization of Mr. Henry Sy Sr.’s grand vision for it to become both a premiere integrated leisure destination with a complimentary business and lifestyle district – one of the country’s truly revolutionary mixed-use developments, and a thriving example of disaster risk reduction at work.

It will be comforting to know that SM Prime has worked to ensure your safety and security ever since the development’s conception and 2006 opening, whether you’re visiting the MOA Complex to check out the largest IKEA in the world, watch the sunset from the top of the MOA Eye, or just to shop and eat with your loved ones. to the present and future.

SM Prime Holdings Inc., one of the leading property developers in Southeast Asia, is committed to providing safe and sustainable spaces for its stakeholders.  Its development strategy is anchored on the responsible use of resources. In the communities it serves, it is able to promote resource conservation, environmental protection, and disaster resiliency by implementing solutions for water, waste, and energy management.

A major participant in the SM Green Movement, which seeks to create a greener world, greener living, and a greener culture through sustainable solutions, is SM Prime. Visit www.smprime.com and www.sminvestments.com/sustainability/sm-for-the-community/sm-green-movement/ to learn more about SM Prime and the SM Green Movement.

Nowadays, purchasing and collecting gold jewelry extends beyond aesthetics. The ideal time to buy jewelry is right now because gold’s value is always rising and is even predicted to overcome inflation threats (source). It’s a financial investment you can use for leisure as well as a trustworthy source of funds in an emergency.

With the announcement of its “Rainy Day Gold Rush Sale,” scheduled to run from July 13 to July 19, Cebuana Lhuillier is offering its devoted customers and the wider public another taste of its eagerly awaited jewelry sales.

The country’s most trusted micro financial services company is offering discounts
of 10% off plus up to 50% off for selected jewelry available in more than 3,000 branches nationwide. Meanwhile, clients can enjoy discounts up to 25% off when they purchase in any of Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium (CLJP) and Just Jewel branches nationwide.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier president & CEO, has always encouraged the public to take advantage of gold sales in order to build a sizable investment that can serve as back-up during times of emergency. “Unlike high-end gadgets, gold jewelry will never lose its value over time. Instead, it will serve as a good source of emergency fund during times of need. Buying jewelry will always serve as a wise purchase,” he adds.

Contrary to the usual, pawnshops are also good source of jewelry. Buyers are assured on the quality and authenticity of the items purchased, especially since all the items offered have been thoroughly appraised.

The main website of Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry, cebuanalhuillierjewelry.com, as well as any e-commerce websites like Shopee, Lazada, and Zalora, where all items are available at a 10% discount, all offer discounts. Visit www.cebuanalhuillier.com or https://www.facebook.com/cebuanalhuillierpawnshop for additional information.

The biggest and most awaited digital conference in the Philippines, organized by the Internet & Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP), has officially released its 2018 topic. With brands, advertising experts, and business leaders, DigiCon Valley 2022 will address the panorama of digital marketing transformation in an effort to recognize creativity, problem-solving, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Philippine businesses. Official attendees will have access to four brand-new tracks that cover the distinct stages of innovation from October 10–14 from 9 AM to 1 PM PST: Launchpad, Hypergrowth, Breakthrough, and Enterprise.

This year’s theme is an allude at the Gobi-Core Philippine Fund Ecosystem Report of 2021 which perceived that the growing startup scene in the country is ripe for it to finally become a key player in the technology sphere, in relation to ASEAN counterparts.

The future for development and expansion is projected with optimism as logistics, e-commerce, and fintech sectors continue to rise locally, especially in a post-pandemic economy. It is expected that Philippine firms will raise more investments in the next three years versus the past five years combined.

Leading 100 speakers across the 65 sessions of the 5-day event, keynote Speakers include world-renowned marketing expert and academic, Mark Ritson; one of the most influential female entrepreneurs in the world and founder of the Huffington Post, Ariana Huffington; and the co-founder of Character Ventures and the inventor of the Design Sprint, Jake Knapp. More internationally-acclaimed speakers and guests are set to be announced soon.

After two years of virtual connections, DigiCon Valley 2022 is finally bringing back face-to-face networking through the DigiCon After-hours. Held between 6-9 PM on select evenings across the city, major sponsors will host physical gatherings which promise to provide cocktails, entertainment, and speed networking, allowing delegates to reconnect with others in the industry.

Tickets are now available for purchase with the early bird discount at 40% off in limited supply. For more information and updates on DigiCon Valley 2022, visit www.digicon.com.ph and follow their social pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

ViVYD is going to power this event. Visit https://www.qairos.asia/vivyd to find out more information about this platform.

Investing in Women, an initiative of the Australian Government, is the Gold Sponsor of IMMAP DigiCon Valley 2022. Silver Sponsor Hepmil Philippines and Platinum Sponsors Manulife Philippines and Tiktok are also acknowledged.

Rizaly Lim, a high school student, and her four siblings used to stop and marvel whenever they passed the first SM City being built in their hometown of twenty years ago, Sta. Rosa Laguna. The five kids, crammed onto the tricycle their father drives for a living, were all anticipating fun family weekends spent at the enormous mall.

Rizaly is now a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), having graduated from Summa Cum Laude thanks to a scholarship from the SM Foundation, and she works as the accounting manager for the corporate office of SM Prime Holdings, a prominent property developer.

From SM Foundation scholar to SM Prime accounting manager

At a young age, Rizaly was headstrong about getting her family out of poverty. She shares, “My father was the only one who worked for our family, and because we were a large family, his daily earnings as a tricycle driver were never enough.”

Rizaly finished high school at the Balibago National High School as class valedictorian in 2005 and was already sending applications for other college scholarships when her teacher asked the top 10 students to go to SM City Sta. Rosa for an interview with SM Foundation.

“Sa umpisa, hindi po ako naniwala kasi bago pa lang sa amin noon ang SM City Sta. Rosa,” she recalls. She proceeded of course, driven by the one goal of finishing college and helping her family. “Gusto ko rin po makapag-aral at makapagtapos noon. Maka-work at makatulong sa family.”

A few exams and interviews later, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) went to visit her and her family at home to inform them that she will be receiving a full scholarship with monthly allowance until she finishes her course.

In 2010, Rizaly graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accountancy. She went on to pass the Philippine CPA Board Exams on first try in October 2010. The assistance of SMFI, she said, went beyond tuition and allowances. “With full scholarship grants and monthly allowances, as well as the opportunity to work at SM Store during our summer and Christmas vacations, the SMFI scholarship has enabled me to help my family financially.”

“I am the master of my fate”

While other parents were buying their college kids the latest Nokia phone back in the summers of 2000’s, Rizaly’s father gave her and her siblings weekly assignments to accomplish during the summer vacation. “Our late father instilled in us the love of reading and the value of studying,” she shared. “During summer, he would assign us English words and their meanings to memorize and asked us to recite these to him.“

Then there’s the memorization of motivational poems and speeches, one of which stuck with her for life: “It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” She shared that this last stanza of “Invictus” by W.E. Henley had kept her motivated to look past the limitations of her circumstances and focus on her personal goals.

Career at SM

SM Foundation was established in 1983 by Henry Sy, Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy as the heart of the SM group. It has established programs that are focused on nurturing and caring for underserved communities where SM is present. It supports and empowers host communities through education, healthcare, shelter, disaster response, sustainable agriculture, and care for persons with special needs.

To date, SM Foundation has assisted more than 8,000 college and technical/vocational students, and has donated over 100 school buildings with a total of 334 classrooms built across the country.

The SM Foundation offers career possibilities across the various SM group firms, so nurturing graduates goes beyond the classroom. A Career Fair organized by the organization is intended especially for its scholars.

Rizaly received job offers from three businesses as a result of the Career Fair held by the SM Foundation, one of which was SM Prime Holdings, one of the biggest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia that offers sustainable and innovative lifestyle cities through the construction of malls, homes, offices, hotels, and convention centers. In terms of assets, it is also the biggest in the Philippines.

I still want to level up

“I haven’t accomplished much yet, but I value what I have already accomplished and received so far,” said Rizaly, referring to the highest honors she has received in high school and college, becoming a CPA, and being promoted to manager in within only a few years of her work at SM Prime.  “These are just a few of the accomplishments for which I will be eternally grateful. I’m also proud of my daily achievements at work, such as fulfilling particular duties assigned to me. They make me happy and proud of myself, and they inspire me to do better.”

“Ang mga dating pinapangarap ko lang, nagagawa ko na ngayon,” Rizaly said as she related how she has been able to travel to Taiwan for vacation and do the tri-city tour of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. But her biggest dreams, she said, remain centered on her family: to provide better for her family by sharing with them what she has now. “Nothing is simple. Nothing is easy. Hindi ko naman to straight line lang na na-achieve. Life is full of challenges. Just stay strong, keep the faith and always give your best effort.”

Standing from left: Mercedes Litan, HMO/Philhealth Staff; Charlie Bacerra, Nurse; PS Ramos, Patient Coordinator/Nurse; Dr. Edmund Mercado, Chief of Clinics and Head of Surgery, Marikina St. Vincent’s General Hospital; Jun Grimares, Program Director, Smile Train Philippines; Giorgia Danga, Speech Language Pathologist; Van Davidon, Communications Manager for Southeast Asia, Smile Train; Dr. Chrys Marquez, Orthodontist. Seated from left: Tompet Lolarga, Program Manager, Smile Train Philippines; Bettina Mercado, Smile Train Student Ambassador; Dr. Jenny Deoduco-Mercado, Program Coordinator for Smile Train, Marikina St. Vincent’s General Hospital; Dr. Emmanuel Bueno, Medical Director, Marikina St. Vincent’s General Hospital; Dr. Jocelyn Rivera, Pediatrician Consultant
As the hospital formally opens its Smile Train Comprehensive Cleft Care (CCC) center, Smile Train and the Marikina St. Vincent General Hospital renew their commitment to offering the community safe and high-quality cleft treatment as they commemorate their 12-year partnership in improving the lives of those born with clefts.

For adults and kids born with a cleft lip and/or palate, access to safe, effective, and timely treatment is improved thanks to Smile Train’s sustainable strategy of collaboration with regional hospitals and medical professionals. The Marikina St. Vincent General Hospital provides free cleft surgery, orthodontic and dental care, and speech therapy, like many of its CCC partners. Visit smiletrain.org to learn more about Smile Train’s global initiatives and to make a donation.

In the Philippines, where more than 5,000 babies are born with a cleft palate every year, access to various cleft-related treatments remains vital. Thus, individuals living in Marikina, Rizal, and nearby provinces who are unable to afford cleft care will continue to benefit from these services, which are essential components of effective and impactful cleft treatment. Families who learn of the high-quality treatment at the center travel from all over the country to receive care in the hospital.

“It has been 12 years since we partnered with Smile Train to provide free treatment and care for individuals with cleft and their families. Being able to offer comprehensive cleft care strengthens our resolve to provide life-changing treatment for the cleft community all-year round and in the future,” says Dr. Jenny Deoduco-Mercado, Program Coordinator for Smile Train at Marikina St. Vincent’s General Hospital.

Aside from Marikina St. Vincent General Hospital, Smile Train offers comprehensive cleft care through partners such as the Philippine Band of Mercy, Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation of the Philippines, Craniofacial Foundation of the Philippines, San Fernandino Hospital in Pampanga, Mabuhay Deseret Foundation in ARC Hospital in Cebu, and Tebow CURE Hospital in Davao. Through the help of its partners, Smile Train has been able to support more than 68,000 cleft surgeries in the Philippines.

“To date, our partnership with Marikina St. Vincent General Hospital has helped thousands of Filipinos in need of comprehensive cleft care, performing over 4,900 life-changing surgeries. As the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, it is our vision to partner with more local hospitals and make cleft care more accessible for Filipinos all-year round,” said Jun Grimares, Program Director, Smile Train Philippines.

Visit smiletrain.ph/get-help to find out more about the local programs offered by Smile Train in the Philippines and to suggest a patient who needs aid. Like Smile Train Philippines on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines and follow us on Instagram at @SmileTrainPh.