Eastern Communications’ delegates at the 2026 Bali Annual Telkom International Conference (BATIC) at The Westin, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia.

Eastern Communications showcased its commitment to world-class Filipino service on the international stage through its participation in the Bali Annual Telkom International Conference (BATIC), held from August 25 to 28, 2026, at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC) at The Westin Resort, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia. The pioneering Philippine telecommunications company joined global telecom leaders, digital innovators, and industry players in discussing the future of digital connectivity and the emerging technologies shaping an increasingly connected world.

For Eastern, connectivity goes beyond technology. It is about bringing the Filipino spirit of genuine service to the global community and building meaningful, lasting connections with organizations worldwide.

At the heart of its nearly 150-year legacy is a distinctly Filipino approach to service, one that is built on genuine hospitality, malasakit (care), and an unwavering commitment to go the extra mile for every customer and partner.

Taking the Filipino Heart of Service Beyond Borders

Eastern’s participation in BATIC 2026 marked an opportunity to represent not only the company’s connectivity expertise, but also the values that continue to define its approach to business.

As the Philippines strengthens its role in the global digital economy, Eastern brings to the world a distinctly Filipino way of connecting. Beyond reliable technology and digital infrastructure, Eastern believes that meaningful connectivity begins with understanding the people it serves. Its Heart of Service reflects a commitment to not simply connect businesses, but to build relationships that help them thrive. At BATIC 2026, Eastern proudly carries this Filipino spirit of service onto the international spotlight.

“Technology may connect the world, but it is people who make those connections meaningful,” said Atty. Aileen Regio, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications. “At Eastern, we take pride in bringing together trusted connectivity expertise with the warmth and dedication that Filipinos are known for. We are [also] proud to represent the Philippines and showcase how the Filipino heart of service can create exceptional experiences for businesses and partners.” 

This philosophy has long shaped Eastern Communications’ relationship with its customers. Beyond providing connectivity solutions, the company places importance on understanding the unique needs of the organizations it serves, building lasting partnerships, and ensuring that customers receive the same care and dedication that have become synonymous with Filipino hospitality.

Where Technology Meets the Human Touch

At BATIC 2026, Eastern showcased its enterprise capabilities and explored opportunities for collaboration with organizations and industry leaders from across the region.

The company’s participation also reflected its continued commitment to evolving alongside the changing needs of organizations. As enterprises navigate an increasingly digital landscape, Eastern continues to strengthen its portfolio of connectivity and digital solutions while remaining grounded in a simple belief: the best service begins with genuinely caring for the people behind every connection.

“At BATIC, we hope to bring together the best of both worlds. The strength of our technological expertise and the warmth of human-centered service. Just like our “High Tech, High Touch” philosophy, we believe that this balance is what makes connectivity truly meaningful, and it is also the distinctly Filipino perspective we are proud to bring to the global conversation,” said Mr. Jaeson Evangelista, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications.

Bringing Filipinos, businesses, and communities closer together, Eastern takes its place on the global stage alongside leading industry players and innovators, carrying with it the values that have shaped the company through the years. As technology continues to advance, Eastern remains rooted in the timeless Filipino values of genuine care, dedicated service, and meaningful connection.

OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN REACH. Across SM malls nationwide, jobseekers are finding new ways to connect with jobs, skills, and brighter possibilities.

For thousands of Filipinos, finding the right job begins with having the right opportunity within reach. SM Job Fair marked a major milestone while widening access to employment and skills development—from celebrating its 500th nationwide job fair and bringing SM Group employers directly to communities, to working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to connect technical-vocational training with careers. Together, these initiatives reflect SM Supermalls’ continuing commitment to make the journey from preparing for work to finding meaningful employment more accessible to Filipinos.

500 JOB FAIRS—AND COUNTING!

500 JOB FAIRS, THOUSANDS OF NEW BEGINNINGS. At SM City Daet, a nationwide milestone became personal as another jobseeker walked away hired on the spot.

On August 12, SM City Daet hosted the 500th SM Job Fair, marking an important milestone in SM Supermalls’ nationwide jobs advocacy.  As of its 500th Job Fair, the program has connected around 330,000 jobseekers with thousands of employers nationwide, resulting in more than 42,000 applicants hired on the spot (HOTS). Behind those numbers are individual journeys—from fresh graduates looking for their first break and career shifters starting again to breadwinners and experienced professionals taking their next step.

Through partnerships with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), local Public Employment Service Offices (PESO), employers, and industry organizations, SM continues to use its nationwide mall network to bring jobs closer to communities.

FROM OPPORTUNITY TO EMPLOYMENT AT THE SM GROUP JOB FAIR

ONE STEP CLOSER TO A CAREER. Jobseekers meet SM Group recruiters face-to-face, turning applications and interviews into possibilities for a fresh start.

The momentum continued on August 18 at SM City Fairview, where the SM Group Job Fair connected jobseekers with career opportunities across the SM Group.

Applicants met recruiters face-to-face, explored vacancies, submitted applications, and underwent interviews in one accessible venue—simplifying the hiring journey while helping participating companies meet potential talent from the community.

For fresh graduate May Stephanie, the search for her first job ended with good news when she was hired by Savemore. “Masaya po kasi mahirap po maghanap ng work lalo po pag fresh grad ka po.” Her experience reflects the human impact behind every successful match: a chance to begin a career, earn a livelihood, and build toward a more secure future.

FROM SKILLS TO OPPORTUNITIES WITH TESDA

SKILLS IN ACTION. Hands-on training turns learning into practical skills that can open doors to the workplace.

As industries evolve, Filipinos need both access to jobs and the skills to succeed in them. Last August, SM Supermalls and TESDA brought the World Café of Opportunities (WCO) to SM malls nationwide in celebration of 2026 National Tech-Voc Day, connecting technical-vocational graduates and jobseekers with employers and industry partners.

READY FOR WHAT’S NEXT. From technology to creative skills, Filipino talent gets hands-on experience for an evolving world of work.

At the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on August 24, more than 1,000 jobseekers met 54 participating employers offering more than 4,000 job opportunities. Job matching was complemented by skills demonstrations in HVAC, autonomous robotics, driving, animation, and coffee barista—showing how practical training can translate into workplace readiness.

For Jeff Justine Geraga, a BS IT student at the University of Makati who took Computer Systems Servicing through TESDA, gaining additional skills has helped strengthen his confidence in a competitive job market.

“Definitely tumaas ang value ko dahil may added skills ako from TESDA, more opportunities for me. Requirement na po ang upskilling dahil competitive po ngayon.”

A key highlight was the launch of the TESDA Skills Compass, a career guidance and job-matching platform that helps Filipinos explore career pathways and connect their competencies with in-demand jobs. For some participants, the connection between skills and employment became immediate.

After traveling from Mindoro in search of work, Cristyl Faith Robles was hired on the spot as a barista at French Baker.

“Masaya po kasi last week pa po kami nag-aapply ng work kasi galing pa po kami sa Mindoro… Para po ito sa magulang ko at sa kapatid ko para matulungan ko po siya sa college.”

Employers also recognize the value of skills-based training. CJ Bajamunde, HR Assistant at SMC Repairs and Maintenance, shared that TESDA training and certifications are among the qualifications the company looks for when recruiting skilled workers.

 “Nakatulong po talaga ang TESDA hindi lang sa mga naghahanap ng trabaho, kundi sa aming mga employers din.”

Through the World Café of Opportunities, SM and TESDA are helping turn skills into employability—connecting training, talent, and industry needs in ways that can lead to meaningful careers.

LEARNING THAT MOVES PEOPLE FORWARD. Free upskilling brings future-ready knowledge closer to learners in SM communities.

MORE JOBS AND SKILLS THIS SEPTEMBER

The momentum continues this September as SM Job Fair brings another nationwide lineup of employment activities to SM malls, complemented by government career opportunities and upskilling sessions with partners.

SEPTEMBER JOB FAIR SCHEDULE

• September 1 – SM City Sto. Tomas
• September 3 – SM City Manila
• September 4 – SM City Sta. Mesa
• September 7–8 – SM City Butuan
• September 8–9 – SM City Iloilo
• September 8–9 – SM City Davao
• September 9 – SM City Baguio
• September 9–10 – SM City Cebu
• September 9–10 – SM CDO Downtown Premier
• September 10 – SM City Trece Martires
• September 10 – SM Center Muntinlupa
• September 10 – SM City Tuguegarao
• September 10 – SM City North EDSA
• September 10 – SM City Zamboanga
• September 10 – SM Center Muntinlupa
• September 12 – SM City La Union
• September 12 – SM City San Pablo
• September 14 – SM Center Antipolo
• September 14 – SM CDO Downtown Premier
• September 16–17 – SM Seaside City Cebu
• September 22–23 – SM Seaside City Cebu
• September 23 – SM City Calamba
• September 24 – SM City Trece Martires
• September 24 – SM Center Pulilan
• September 24– SM City Bacoor

*Schedules, venues, and participating partners may be subject to change.

UPSKILLING SESSIONS

Jobseekers and learners can also take advantage of upskilling activities scheduled throughout the month:

• September 10 – SM City Trece Martires
• September 12 – SM Center Sangandaan
• September 12 – SM City North EDSA
• September 24 – SM City Trece Martires

MORE THAN JOBS

SM’s employment advocacy continues beyond recruitment. Through partnerships with government agencies, educational institutions, and industry organizations, SM Supermalls has provided free upskilling opportunities to more than 1,600 learners, covering artificial intelligence, digital literacy, cybersecurity, and other emerging workplace competencies. In select malls, SM Government Service Express (GSE) also brings essential government services closer to communities, with selected locations serving as Upskilling Hubs.

From reaching the 500th SM Job Fair to helping a fresh graduate land a first job, and from gaining a technical skill to finding where it can lead, August demonstrated what can happen when employment, learning, services, and strong partnerships come together.

THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY STARTS HERE. Beyond the 500th milestone, SM Job Fair continues to connect more Filipinos with employers and possibilities closer to home.

And as SM Job Fair moves beyond its 500th milestone, the work continues—helping more Filipinos find jobs, build relevant skills, and move toward better futures closer to home. To learn more about upcoming SM Job Fairs and free upskilling opportunities, visit the SM Supermalls website or follow SM Supermalls’ official social media pages.

EVERY CONVERSATION CAN OPEN A DOOR. Jobseekers meet recruiters face-to-face at SM Job Fairs, taking another step toward their next career opportunity.

Mall operator sustains portfolio transformation reinforced with customer-obsessed strategy following strong H1 business performance  

SM Supermalls delivered record revenues in the first half the year, expanding 8% to P41.8 billion from P38.6 billion. Its exceptional performance was driven by higher leasable space and tenant sign-ups, along with steady foot traffic.

Total gross leasable area grew 3 percent to 5.1 million square meters from 5.0 million square meters, while the number of tenants rose 4 percent to 23,174 from 22,192. Average daily foot traffic was steady at 3.7 million.

“Our growth reflects the enduring trust of our tenants and shoppers. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, they continue to find value in the variety of our offerings and the strong sense of community in our malls,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “This gives us confidence to keep investing in spaces and experiences that respond to their changing needs.”

SM’s Transformation Journey

Noting market demand for diverse and unique experiences beyond retail, SM enhanced its spaces with refreshed sports, leisure, and entertainment offerings. The mall operator sustained foot traffic through the addition of 41 Pickleball courts in its first-half inventory, bringing up the number of its courts to 102 courts across 32 properties nationwide.

On June 12, 2026, SM Supermalls also co-hosted the Galaxy Manila Marathon, the first-ever full marathon to take over EDSA, drawing over 25,000 runners across multiple categories.

On top of these, SM also emphasized its corporate purpose of driving value to its surrounding communities through sustainable facilities developed in its malls. From 100 Megawatt peak (MWp) solar power generated through its mall rooftop solar PV system, SM has increased its capacity to 122 MWp with further plans on expansion until the end of the year. SM also recently reached 100% coverage for free EV Charging Stations across all 90 of its malls at 203 EV charging stations.

Because of its sustained innovation and pioneering customer-centric vision, SM Supermalls was heralded as the Philippines’ Strongest Brand for the second year in a row by leading global brand valuation consultancy firm Brand Finance. Fueled by its strong customer, community, and advocacy initiatives, SM Supermalls scored a 95.3 out of 100 on the Brand Strength Index, surpassing its 2025 performance to retain its AAA+ rating in the Philippines 50 2026 report.

The next chapter of My SM

With these milestones, SM aims to sustain its customer-defined transformation through My SM—its five-year platform for evolving SM malls around the changing needs, lifestyles and aspirations of Filipino communities.

“Our growth plan for the rest of 2026 and beyond is to continue evolving for our customers. SM will keep building business momentum through the introduction of exciting new brands, cinema and entertainment acts, as well as leisure offerings that will sustain market interest. With the upcoming opening of our 91^st mall, SM Nuvali, we are expanding our business footprint in the emerging growth corridor of South Luzon and Calabarzon with an innovative upscale mall concept never experienced in the Philippine market before,” said Tan.

From Gen Z innovation to zero-waste businesses, Filipino coco-preneurs are taking coconut somewhere new.

Around 300 Filipino coco-preneurs are transforming the country’s “tree of life” into fresh ideas, innovative products, and businesses ready to grow.

A coconut may be familiar, but what Filipino entrepreneurs are doing with it is anything but. A college feasibility study has become a Gen Z-run coconut milk business. Surplus coconut shells are being transformed into handcrafted bags while helping provide livelihood to more than 100 workers. And one entrepreneur has developed around 40 products by finding new uses for virtually every part of the coconut.

These are among the ideas and founder stories waiting to be discovered at the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair 2026, now underway at SMX Convention Center Manila until August 30.

“Over the next five days, we bring our coco-preneurs, our buyers, shoppers and partners together under one roof here in SMX as we celebrate National Coconut Week,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista during the opening ceremony. 

Mounted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Coconut Authority (DA-PCA) and supported by the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), the fair brings together around 300 coconut MSMEs nationwide. With SM Supermalls, through SM for MSMEs, providing a marketplace that gives entrepreneurs greater visibility and access to more customers, visitors get an early look at fresh ideas—and perhaps the next great Filipino brands waiting to be discovered.

Coconut, reimagined. From food and beverages to fashion, home, and lifestyle finds, Filipino entrepreneurs transform the “tree of life” into innovative, market-ready products—showing there’s still so much more to discover from one coconut

Here are five discoveries worth making before the fair ends.

1. One coconut. More possibilities than you imagined.

For Elmer Marbello, General Manager of Marbello’s Processed Foods Manufacturing, virtually every part of the coconut can inspire another product. He has developed around 40, including coconut liniment and coconut bagoong made from coconut remnants.

“Mahilig po talaga akong mag-develop ng products. I have about 40 that I have developed. Lahat po ng parte ng coconut, ginamit ko na… Tree of life po talaga ang coconut.”

Adrian Ramilo of Ayanas is also pushing coconut in unexpected directions with coconut wine. “Hindi po siya tuba—and masarap po siya,” he shared. More importantly, demand generated through trade fairs is helping create jobs in their community: “Marami po kaming produkto na nabebenta sa trade fair kaya may mga trabaho na sa amin.”

One crop. Dozens of possibilities. And hundreds of entrepreneurs finding new ones.

2. A Gen Z school project can become a real business.

For Dehusk, the business began with a college feasibility study—and a very personal problem. One of its founders is lactose intolerant. At the same time, the young entrepreneurs saw an opportunity in the country’s surplus of coconuts. Their solution was to develop drinkable coconut milk as a milk alternative, rather than coconut milk traditionally used for cooking. That school project eventually became a Gen Z-run business.

“We are very proud to have come up with this product, being the only one in the market locally producing drinkable milk from coconut—not for cooking. It’s a great alternative to other milk alternatives. Our company is also proudly run by Generation Z!” said Chloe De Ocampo, Marketing Lead of Dehusk.

From feasibility study to trade fair floor, Dehusk shows how a personal need, a local resource, and a fresh idea can become a promising Filipino business.

3. What looks like waste can create livelihoods.

For Virna Morales of Venice Rose Integrated Farms and Johnalyn Lamprea of Lampre’s Integrated Farm, surplus coconut shells weren’t something to throw away. They saw raw material—and opportunity. The partners transform the shells into handcrafted bags, alkansya, and other useful products.

“We believe nothing from the coconut should go to waste. We transform surplus shells into handcrafted products—creating new value from what could have been discarded. Today, this innovation helps provide livelihood to more than 100 workers.”

Morales, a nurse by profession, returned to help with her family’s farming business. Their coconut-shell bag venture is only in its first year, and with DTI Iloilo helping expand their market linkages, their first showcase at SMX opens another opportunity to connect with potential buyers. Less waste. More value. More than 100 livelihoods.

4. The right opportunity can turn a skill into a growing business.

Juvy Crusina of Crusina’s Handicrafts in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte began her entrepreneurial journey by learning the craft through DTI’s Kapatid Mentor ME Program. She eventually moved from being part of a cooperative to becoming a sole proprietor in 2024. Then another turning point came when she joined DTI’s National Trade Fair at SM Megamall.

“I learned the craft through DTI’s Kapatid Mentor ME Program, and today I have my own business. Joining the National Trade Fair at SM gave us so much exposure that orders became overwhelming. Now at my first COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair here at SMX, I’m excited to be discovered by even more customers.”

 Her story shows how opportunities can build on one another—from learning a skill, to starting a business, to finding a bigger market. Learn. Build. Be discovered. Grow.

5. Big ideas go further when the right partners open doors.

Behind these individual success stories is a bigger ambition: helping promising Filipino ideas become sustainable businesses that create jobs and reach wider markets. DTI and DA-PCA help develop coconut farmers and enterprises, while SM and SMX provide a highly visible marketplace where entrepreneurs can showcase their products, meet shoppers and buyers, and explore new opportunities.

Where style meets purpose. SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and DTI Secretary Cristina Roque celebrate Filipino creativity and enterprise at the COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair 2026—championing the coco-preneurs turning local ideas into Filipino brands.

As DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque emphasized during the opening, “Our challenge is turning good products into lasting and sustainable businesses that can provide income for our country and provide jobs for our people.” She also called for stronger collaboration between government and business to create more Filipino success stories: “Let us now continue to create more Filipino products and more superstars through stronger coordination between private sector and government as we continue to build better lives for our farmers and for our communities.”

For Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing of SM Supermalls, SM’s long-standing partnership with DTI is about helping those ideas reach the market. “Some of the most exciting Filipino brands begin with a simple idea and an entrepreneur willing to pursue it. Through our long-standing partnership with DTI, we help bring these ideas closer to the market—giving MSMEs opportunities to be discovered, connect with customers, and grow.” There’s still more to discover.

A school project turned into a Gen Z business. Surplus coconut shells turned into livelihoods. A craft learned through mentoring became an enterprise. And around 300 coconut MSMEs are showing just how many possibilities can grow from one of the Philippines’ most familiar resources.

A marketplace for Filipino ingenuity. COCONUTPhilippines brings hundreds of coconut MSMEs under one roof, giving homegrown businesses greater visibility and opportunities to connect with shoppers, buyers, and new markets.

The coco-preneurs are here. Their ideas are ready to be discovered. Come meet the founders, try something unexpected, and proudly support Filipino businesses. Somewhere on the trade fair floor could be the next great Filipino brand waiting for its big break. The DTI-Bagong Pilipinas COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair 2026 runs until August 30 at SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City. FREE ADMISSION.

See it. Discover it. Experience it.