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Globe #GoForIt Student Fest 2025 empowers Filipino youth to “go for it”

Globe encourages student leaders to “go for it” at the recently held #GoForIt Student Fest 2025.

Globe #GoForIt Student Fest 2025, a youth gathering designed to inspire the future generation to fearlessly pursue their ambitions, sparked the potential of more than 250 student leaders from throughout the nation, starting in Metro Manila.

This flagship youth movement brought together students between the ages of 18 and 23 at the Power Mac Center Black Box Theatre in Ayala Malls Circuit Makati. It provided an environment where they could explore their goals, develop important relationships with their peers, and be inspired by people who followed their dreams and made them come true.

Student leaders Juaquin Pineda, Benjamin Teodoro, Clareene Borromeo (L-R) discuss their dreams and how they maximized tech and other tools to further their dreams

Anchored on the theme “Let’s go for that dream. Go for it,” the event motivated students to take the next step in their journeys, with Globe providing support through technology, opportunities, tools, and digital literacy. The program aims to stress the role of connectivity and innovation in youth building and community development.

“Globe #GoForIt Student Fest 2025 showed students what’s possible when passion meets opportunity. Through internships, mentorship, grants, and events, Globe helps Filipino students gain real-world experience and grow into future leaders,” said Roche Vandenberghe, Chief Marketing Officer.

The event featured three inspiring speakers who each represented a major academic strand: Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS), Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Singer-songwriter and producer Zack Tabudlo connected with HUMSS students through his presentation, “From Rejection to Recognition: Turning Setbacks into Soundtracks of Success, ” where he spoke about school and the early challenges he faced on the road to becoming a renowned music artist.

Student entrepreneur Soj Gamayon inspired ABM strand students with his talk, “Planting Hope and Harvesting Dreams: Using AI to Uplift the Filipino Farmer,” sharing how he built AgriConnect PH, an AI-powered platform helping local agribusinesses manage risk. In just 150 days, his startup won the Red Bull Basement World Finals, outshining 110,000 entries from 40 countries, and gained recognition in Silicon Valley for its potential to transform rural livelihoods. Soj reflected on his journey and hinted at future collaborations with tech enablers like Globe to scale impact through innovation.

Artist and tech influencer Mikael Daez talks about how he turned his passion to purpose at the #GoForIt Student Fest.

Artist and tech influencer Mikael Daez, representing the STEM strand reached out to students through his session, “Leveling Up in Life: Turning Passions into Purpose in the Digital Age,” where he discussed how his curiosity for technology had piqued his interest towards dabbling in content creation, and how connectivity, access to information helped him.

Beyond the insightful talks, Globe curated engaging activities such as the immersive Dream Booth, where students captured their aspirations in short videos, stating their name, dream career, and commitment to their goals. Globe also facilitated connections through Human Bingo, an interactive game encouraging participants to meet new people, find peers with similar ambitions, and capture memories at the Dream Wall. Furthermore, Globe took the lead in introducing attendees to the Globe Community Builders Program, offering valuable opportunities including volunteer roles, internships, student grants, and ambassador positions.

The GlobeOne app also offered student-only deals in the form of Globe Rewards, where users could exchange points for benefits that fit their needs and way of life.

Globe keeps developing areas where young people may learn, work together, and flourish, fostering not only their digital needs but also their goals for school, employment, and artistic expression.

For additional information on how Globe assists students in achieving their objectives, refer to www.globe.com.ph/community-builder#gref.

 

 

 

 

 

July 4, 2025 by
Fashion, Lifestyle

The first-ever standalone SASSA store opens at the Festival Mall

 

The store, which is situated in the West Wing of the Festival Mall on the Upper Ground Floor, is a bright, contemporary area that displays Sassa’s whole lifestyle collection, which includes everything from intimate apparel to sportswear and swimwear. The store provides a new, welcoming ambiance for each Sassa Girl with its striking blue highlights, spotless lighting, and well-organized display areas.

The freestanding store offers greater space, better privacy, and a more laid-back shopping experience than standard department store counters. Consumers now have more possibilities to mix and match from a larger assortment of styles. Additionally, the open architecture facilitates comfortable and convenient personal styling sessions and item try-ons.

For the first time, Sassa brings together all its core collections in one space—designed not just for shopping, but to create a closer, more meaningful connection with the women it was made for.

A Strategic Step Closer to Every Filipina

Recognizing the need to connect more closely with its growing community, Sassa opened its very first standalone store as a way to bring the brand experience directly to its customers—outside the usual department store setup.

“This store is more than just a physical space—it’s a statement of who we are and how far we’ve come,” shares Raiza Limpiada, Marketing & Ecommerce Manager of Sassa. “After more than two decades of being mainly found in department stores, we wanted to create a space that brings us closer to the Filipina—somewhere she can truly feel what Sassa is all about. We’re not just a local brand anymore—we’re becoming a true lifestyle partner.”

After a remarkably strong year of double-digit growth, Sassa is excited about what’s ahead with the opening of its Festival Mall store. The brand is aiming for a 40-50% boost in sales compared to its usual numbers.  More importantly, it looks forward to seeing customers spend more time exploring the space, discovering new favorites, and enjoying a more personal shopping experience—all part of Sassa’s journey to grow and connect more deeply with Filipinas in the local fashion scene.

“Our goal is simple,” Raiza adds. “We want to build real relationships, make every visit memorable, and grow alongside our customers. This store is just the beginning.”

Unveiling the Latest Retail Experience

To celebrate this milestone, Sassa hosted a grand opening event attended by brand executives and loyal fans. The festivities included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, store tours, and exclusive first-day offers—creating a memorable experience for early shoppers.

Guests enjoyed limited-time promos, gift-with-purchase deals, and a sneak peek at exclusive styles available only at the Festival Mall store—highlighting the brand’s move toward a more stylish, personalized approach.

Sassa Festival Mall is only the beginning of the projected number of standalone venues. The brand continues to be dedicated to empowering every Filipina to feel fashionable and self-assured in all facets of their lives, regardless of where they travel or what they do.

Come see our brand-new Festival Mall store today to see the Sassa difference for yourself! To stay updated, follow @sassa_ph on Instagram and @sassa.ph on Facebook and TikTok.

To date, Sassa is available in over 100 leading department stores nationwide and online through www.sassa.com.ph and other leading ecommerce platforms.

 

 

 

July 4, 2025 by
Lifestyle, News

Pru Life UK uses its cooperation with Prudential plc and MDRT to drive growth

The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), the world standard for excellence in insurance and financial services, has announced a three-year premier sponsorship with Prudential plc, which will allow Pru Life UK to expand its agency force.

Pru Life UK benefits from the relationship by having exclusive access to top-notch resources, customized expert-led training, and a brand-new recognition program called PRUMDRT. These initiatives are designed to accelerate agency force development, hone leadership skills, and provide even better outcomes for clients.

Pru Life UK continues to lead with its commitment to building a high-performing and customer-focused agency force. Through this sponsorship, its agents can leverage the MDRT Academy to reach higher levels of qualification and performance, while agency leaders gain advanced training via the MDRT Centre for Field Leadership to boost team success and cultivate a culture of excellence.

“This partnership isn’t just about recognition—it’s about raising the bar,” said Maria Theresa Rivera, Pru Life UK Vice President and Head of Industry Recognition, “We’re investing in our agents, so they feel #ProudToBePru—to go further, faster for themselves and for our customers. It’s a strategic move that opens new doors and fuels professional growth which, in turn, powers business growth.”

The collaboration coincides with Pru Life UK’s ongoing efforts to promote financial empowerment in the Philippines. Its MDRT agents have spearheaded community-based literacy campaigns in recent years, such as Prudential’s flagship financial literacy program, Cha-Ching, which brings financial education into communities and classrooms1. These initiatives will be strengthened by the new partnership with MDRT, which will give agents even more resources and motivation to help Filipinos from all walks of life achieve financial security.

“This sponsorship reflects our long-term vision for growth that is meaningful—for our people, our customers, and our communities,” Rivera added.

Reference

Pru Life UK MDRT agents impart financial literacy to students in Cebu and Makati

July 3, 2025 by
Food, Lifestyle

Through the Weekend Market at SM Supermalls, CDA Strengthens Cooperatives

On Monday, July 1, 2025, SM Supermalls and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the SM Supermalls headquarters in Pasay City, thereby establishing a strategic alliance. Through the SM Weekend Market, a venue devoted to exhibiting regional goods, indigenous talent, and Filipino entrepreneurship, the partnership initiates a collaborative endeavor to strengthen Filipino cooperatives by providing them with access to busy mall areas.

L-R: Royston A. Cabunag, Assistant Vice President and Lead for MSME and Job Fairs, Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations of SM Supermalls formalized partnership through a MOA signing with CDA Chairperson Usec. Alexander B. Raquepo and CDA Administrator Asec. Santiago S. Lim, that aims to empower Filipino cooperatives through the SM Weekend Market initiative.

The MOA was signed by Undersecretary Alexander B. Raquepo, CDA Chairperson, and Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations of SM Supermalls, in the presence of key officials from both institutions. “This is a historic partnership between the private and public sectors,” said Usec. Raquepo during his remarks. “We take great pride in this collaboration with SM Supermalls, which represents a powerful step forward in uplifting our micro, small and medium cooperative entrepreneurs. This model partnership will not only provide access to markets, but help elevate the economic well-being of our communities.”

Fresh, proudly Filipino produce takes the spotlight supporting local farmers and cooperatives at the SM Weekend Market at SM City Calamba.

Shoppers enjoy direct access to farm-fresh produce at the SM Weekend Market where farmers are given dedicated selling spaces in select SM Supermalls.

Local farmers showcase and sell their fresh harvest to shoppers at the SM Weekend Market, a platform by SM Supermalls that connects producers directly to consumers in high-traffic mall locations.

Under the agreement, CDA will endorse eligible cooperatives across the country to participate in the SM Weekend Market. In turn, SM Supermalls will make space available in key mall locations for a minimal fee—intended only to help cover maintenance costs. “The SM Weekend Market was born out of a simple but powerful idea — to give farmers and local producers, especially those in cooperatives, the chance to bring their goods closer to the people, in places they wouldn’t normally have access to,” said Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations at SM Supermalls. “With CDA as our partner, we are excited to open more doors and more mall spaces to co-ops across the country. This partnership will allow more communities to thrive, more stories to be told, and more Filipino-made products to be celebrated.”

Lively displays of locally grown vegetables welcome shoppers at the SM Weekend Market at SM City Southmall.

In the upcoming months, additional improvements and market rollouts are anticipated as the event launches a statewide partnership between CDA and SM Supermalls

July 3, 2025 by
Lifestyle

Urban air quality is improved by SM Supermalls

SM North EDSA houses the first Sky Garden in an SM mall, highlighting endemic plants and water features that bring nature onto a rooftop.

Nothing compares to basking in the stunning vistas, large arcades, and verdant mall surroundings. Shopping at SM Supermalls is about more than simply making purchases; it’s about taking advantage of areas created to be more comfortable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. More than before, SM’s dedication to green infrastructure is influencing urban air quality and making the city a more livable place for all.

Designing for people and the planet

SM Supermalls prioritizes people-centric design, creating welcoming spaces that balance nature with modern convenience. The SM Mall of Asia’s arcades and the MOA Sky, for example, offer open, breezy walkways, encouraging leisurely strolls and even outdoor dining and entertainment. Meanwhile, SM Aura and SM North EDSA’s Sky Garden—the first in an SM mall—integrates lush vegetation and water features to reduce indoor heat, improve air quality, and create cooling effects in dense urban areas.

The SM MOA Sky showcases greenery and open-air spaces that promote cleaner, cooler urban living.

Championing bike-friendly cities

Beyond providing open spaces, SM Supermalls is leading bike-friendly initiatives, with over 5,000 bike parking spaces across its properties. Studies show that replacing short car trips with biking can cut carbon emissions by up to 90%, significantly reducing air pollution and its long-term impact on climate change.

Cyclists gather at SM Seaside City Cebu, championing greener, healthier urban mobility.

Bikers enjoy the convenience of secure parking as SM Supermalls champions eco-friendly transport solutions.

Greening malls with native flora

Additionally, select SM malls feature endemic plant species that enhance air quality and support local biodiversity, filtering pollutants while creating a natural habitat for urban wildlife. These green spaces are designed not just for aesthetics but to actively contribute to a healthier environment.

Making public transport more convenient

To make sustainable transport more accessible, SM Supermalls operates transport terminals that support public transportation, providing seamless connections to buses, jeepneys, and other modes of transit. These terminals encourage commuters to opt for public transport, which can significantly reduce individual carbon footprints and traffic congestion, contributing to cleaner air and more efficient urban mobility.

Powering the shift to EVs

Recognizing the need for cleaner transportation, SM Supermalls has also installed Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) in 69 malls nationwide. By providing essential infrastructure for electric vehicles, SM is helping to lower carbon emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels—a crucial step in improving urban air quality. Studies indicate that EVs produce up to 60% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles, making them a key solution for reducing pollution in crowded city centers.

Monitoring air, empowering communities

SM’s commitment to sustainability extends to air quality monitoring, ensuring that urban pollution levels are tracked and addressed. Under SM Prime Holdings, the company partnered with Quezon City to establish an air quality monitoring system that records environmental data and provides updates through a publicly accessible website. This initiative allows communities to stay informed while encouraging long-term strategies for a cleaner, healthier urban space.

SM Supermalls monitors air quality in real time, empowering communities with data for cleaner, healthier cities.

A greener future for urban living

From green roofs and bike-friendly amenities to EVCS and air quality monitoring, SM Supermalls is redefining retail spaces with a deeper environmental purpose. Every visit to an SM mall contributes to a better urban future, where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.

40 years of building better communities

With 40 years of community service under its belt, SM Supermalls is the Philippines’ top retail and leisure destination. In keeping with its heritage, SM continues to lead the way in environmental sustainability by developing innovative waste, water, and energy solutions as well as catastrophe resilience programs.

 

 

July 3, 2025 by
Lifestyle

Community at Work: SM Cares Accompanying Brigada Eskwela 2025

Driven by the spirit of bayanihan, SM employee volunteers join Brigada Eskwela to help public schools prepare for the new academic year—fostering cleaner, safer, and more welcoming spaces where students and communities can thrive.

SM Supermalls organized thousands of volunteers throughout its malls countrywide from June 9–13, 2025, in support of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) annual Brigada Eskwela effort to assist in getting public schools ready for the new school year. The theme for this year’s Brigada Eskwela was “Nagkakaisa para sa Handa at Ligtas na Pagbabalik Eskwela.”

SM employees in action—offering their hands and hearts to help schools gear up for another inspiring year of learning

SM North EDSA volunteers sweep hallways for Brigada Eskwela—helping create clean, focused spaces where students can learn and grow.

Brigada Eskwela 2025 was once again attended by SM Supermalls, a longtime DepEd partner, as part of its larger dedication to inclusive community development, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment.

The initiative was rolled out across 75 SM Supermalls, with more than a thousand employee-volunteers working hand-in-hand with DepEd, local government units (LGUs), school representatives, and community members. It empowered community volunteers to make a tangible impact by helping schools prepare safe, clean, and inspiring learning environments.

“We are proud to be part of Brigada Eskwela again this year. Education is the cornerstone of nation-building, and through volunteerism and shared responsibility, we aim to help create safe and welcoming learning spaces for students all across the country,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls.

An employee volunteer from SM Center Pasig organizes learning materials as part of Brigada Eskwela efforts to support public school readiness.

With every wipe and every gesture of care, SM City Novaliches volunteers bring classrooms closer to a brighter, cleaner start.

Demonstrating hands-on commitment, an employee volunteer from SM City Baliwag carefully stacks hollow blocks—contributing to stronger school infrastructure.

Embodying the spirit of bayanihan, SM City Sorsogon employee volunteers paint school chairs with dedication—bringing new life to classrooms through Brigada Eskwela.

Employee volunteers from SM Center Ormoc paint classrooms as part of Brigada Eskwela, helping create more inspiring learning spaces where students can thrive.

An SM City Mindpro volunteer helps clean the school grounds during Brigada Eskwela—making way for brighter days and better learning.

SM employee-volunteers engaged in a wide range of preparatory activities including classroom cleaning and disinfection, repainting of walls and learning spaces, repairs of desks and chairs, and the turnover of essential learning materials. Through shared efforts, this annual initiative not only enhanced school facilities but also strengthened community ties and encouraged a culture of unity, pride, and collective responsibility for education.

The program benefited 66 public schools across the country, helping ensure that thousands of Filipino learners return to a clean, safe, and functional learning environment when classes resume.

By supporting Brigada Eskwela 2025, SM Supermalls reinforces its continued support and alignment with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, reflecting its commitment to fostering inclusive, sustainable development in every community it serves.

Under SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility division of SM Supermalls, which supports programs for people with disabilities, senior citizens, the environment, women and breastfeeding mothers, children and youth, and bike-friendly initiatives, this initiative also contributes to SM’s larger advocacy.

Visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow @OfficialSMCares on social media for additional updates on SM’s social good projects.

 

 

 

 

 

July 3, 2025 by
Fashion, Lifestyle

SM was pleased to honor local MSMEs during the DTI Wedding Fair held at SMX Aura

DTI kicked off the Bagong Pilipinas Wedding Fair 2025 at SMX Aura headed by DTI Sec. Cristina Roque, bringing together MSMEs from across the country in a celebration of love, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

The Bagong Pilipinas Wedding Fair 2025, which took place at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier, from June 27 to 29, featured love, tradition, and local enterprise. Over 100 Filipino MSMEs were successfully featured at the three-day event, which was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It celebrated Filipino ingenuity and created genuine business prospects in the wedding and events sectors.

From couture bridalwear and floral arrangements to photography, catering, and travel services, the exhibition brought together wedding planners, creatives, and couples getting ready for their special day. Day 1’s high point was a runway fashion display with Filipino bridal designers who updated sustainable design and traditional textiles for today’s bride. The creative industries—from graphic design and stationery to music and event production—were highlighted in presentations and interactive displays on days two and three, demonstrating how weddings can represent both individual narratives and cultural pride.

Filipino bridal designers wowed the crowd with modern, sustainable, and culturally rooted creations at the Wedding Fair Fashion Show—proudly highlighting Tatak Pinoy talent.

“Through partnerships like this, SM Supermalls remains committed to helping build the future of Filipino MSMEs by providing entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their work, nurture local talent and creativity, and strengthen economic resilience.” shared Joaquin San Agustin, EVP of SM Supermalls.

MSME designers wowed guests with their collection of bridal gowns, groom’s suits, and entourage wear—featuring silhouettes that range from classic romance to modern minimalist, all crafted with Filipino finesse.

A unique highlight at the DTI Wedding Fair: MSMEs showcased elegant Capiz shell dining wear—from plates and chargers to napkin holders and centerpieces—blending sustainability with sophistication.

Filipino tradition met timeless elegance at MSME booths featuring modern takes on the Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana—from hand-embroidered details to contemporary silhouettes perfect for formal Filipino weddings.

Filipino-made bridal jewelry and accessories took the spotlight at the Bagong Pilipinas Wedding Fair 2025, with MSME booths showcasing handcrafted tiaras, pearl earrings, heirloom rings, and bridal bling rooted in Filipino artistry.

The 2025 Wedding Fair was essentially a celebration of love, culture, and entrepreneurship rather than just an event. It emphasized that when Filipino MSMEs prosper, our communities—and the country—grow more robust, swiftly, and attractively.

Visit msme.smsupermalls.com to download your MSME application or email us at [email protected] with your most innovative product and preferred location. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your business with SM Supermalls today!

July 3, 2025 by
Lifestyle, News

SM Prime: Establishing facilities for communities devoid of plastic

The Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable-labeled bins support SM’s waste-free future initiative and align with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022.

The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) predicts that by 2050, the world’s plastic manufacturing would have reached 1,100 million tonnes, with dire implications for the environment, society, economy, and human health.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the biggest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, is dedicated to building prosperous, sustainable cities.

SM Prime supports the observance of International Plastic-free Day on May 25 and its call to reconsider single-use plastics (SUP) for a single day as part of its environmental plan for a waste-free future. The group-wide efforts to support the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022 are also celebrated by SM Prime.

A group-wide movement for the EPR Law

The SM group, working with its Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), is pursuing a group-wide strategy to comply with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)’s EPR Act of 2022.

Formally known as Republic Act 11898, the EPR law requires companies to take responsibility for the recovery of their plastic packaging products and to pursue waste management programs.

Acknowledging the challenges and realities for businesses and on-ground operations through its EPR working group committee, the SM group commits to a plan of action in reducing and recovering its plastic footprint within the given five-year period, sharing alternatives and new technologies to respond to the growing global crises, and establishing partnerships with government agencies and other private institutions.

As the property arm of the SM group, SM Prime’s commitment to a waste-free future aims to create the needed infrastructure that will help support and maintain plastic waste management strategies.

Crucial to waste recovery efforts, SM Prime equips its properties with a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), and standardized waste segregation and management practices to help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. A joint venture with a Japanese environmental solutions company, the SM GUUN Environmental Company, Inc. (SGECI), converts non-recyclable waste into cement fuel or “fluff fuel” for eco-conscious cement companies like APO Cement, Holcim, and Taiheiyo Cement, as part of its “co-processing” practice.

SM GUUN converts disposable waste into fluff fuel, which helps unload overfilled and over-capacity landfills.

Beyond compliance

SM Prime continues with its established programs such as the nationwide Trash to Cash recycling market. Since 2007, it has been one of SM Supermalls’ flagship programs that continues to be more relevant given the times.

Available in all 87 SM malls, the Trash to Cash program has since been recognized as a rewarding community-driven practice for surrounding residents and mall tenants.

Activating the SM malls to help their communities with sorted plastic waste, Trash to Cash incentivizes the exchange of recyclables to provide a venue for plastic recovery. Fifteen SM Plastic Waste Collection sites likewise serve as drop-off points for clean, empty, and dry plastics. In addition, the Solid Waste Action Program (SWAP) reverse vending machines at SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia enable the diversion of aluminum cans and polyethylene terephthalate bottles (PET), which are considered high-value plastic products.

The annual International Coastal Clean-up (ICC), supported by SM Cares, continues to empower volunteers to take part in this global effort for a record-breaking initiative. In 2024 alone, SM Cares helped mobilize 23,000 employees, students, and various communities that joined nationwide volunteer efforts to remove trash from the world’s beaches and waterways.

Volunteers participate in the International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) for a shared cause, with sign-ups increasing each year.

Hamilo Coast, known for its Marine Protected Areas and its commitment to living in harmony with nature, together with employees, guests, and residents, recovers plastic waste during beach clean-ups.

Aiming for a waste-free future

Reduction is always the best option. The SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has long since eliminated SUPs from all properties in support of the UNEP’s campaign to phase them out. Pico Sands Hotel was also one of the first hotels to sign with the World-Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF) in their Ayoko Na Sa Plastic Campaign in 2018.

In all of its hotel rooms, SMHCC has successfully removed single-use amenities including PET water bottles and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) shampoo and shower gel bottles. Bamboo or starch-based eco-friendly alternatives to plastic cutlery have been recommended since 2019 as part of the SMX Convention Centers’ requirements to promote sustainable events management practices. This is done in an effort to reduce trash output.

A larger impact is produced at a larger scale when people work together to lessen the effects of the plastic trash crisis. SM Prime wants to successfully divert a larger percentage of plastic waste away from landfills through improved waste management systems, efficient waste segregation techniques, and proactive community engagement.

“Our work is never done. There are new technologies, innovative solutions, and more avenues for collaboration to look forward to in making the EPR Act work for our communities,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director of SM Cares for Environment. “But we all have a role to play–it is every individual’s responsibility to create a waste-free future.”

July 3, 2025 by
Lifestyle, News

Use your Metrobank credit card to make your ideal vacation a reality

Enjoy exclusive travel deals at The Metrobank Travel Fair – Book Online

If your 2025 vision board includes travel, get packing right away. The Metrobank Travel Fair – Book Online, which will take place from July 1 to July 15, is just a step away. Make your reservation online. With your Metrobank credit card as your best friend, here is your time to make those Instagram-worthy locations a reality.

Metrobank provides everything you need, whether you’re organizing the ideal fangirl weekend in Seoul, chasing sunsets in Boracay, or finally making reservations for that long-awaited Disneyland excursion in Hong Kong or Japan. Use your Metrobank credit card to get deals on everything related to airfare, hotels and accommodations, tours and activities, to other travel essentials.

These amazing deals come from Metrobank’s partner merchants, including  AirAsia Move, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, HongKong Express, Japan Airlines, Qantas Airways, Sunlight Air, United Airlines, Amorita Bohol, Club Wyndham, Crimson Alabang, JPark Cebu, Marco Polo Ortigas, Nay Palad, Solaire North, Solaire Paranaque, The Funny Lion, Agoda, AXA, Big Sky Nation, HongKong Tourism Board, Klook, and Korea Tourism Organization and many more, bringing a diverse selection to suit every traveler’s needs.

Enjoying exclusive discounts at The Metrobank Travel Fair – Book Online is simple and convenient. Just visit the websites or online platforms of your preferred participating airlines, hotels, or travel booking sites, choose your next adventure, input the promo code (if any) and pay with your Metrobank credit card. For the full list of merchants and offers, check out https://metrobank.com.ph/promos/the-metrobank-travel-fair-online-2025.

Get more out of every booking with your Metrobank credit card

At The Metrobank Travel Fair – Book Online, you’ll get more than just basic discounts. There are additional perks that come with each transaction:

  1. Enjoy up to PHP10,000 cashback on your flights with your Metrobank Visa credit card! Get PHP2,000 cashbackfor a minimum single-receipt spend of PHP25,000, or as much as PHP10,000 cashback for a minimum single-receipt spend of PHP100,000 at participating airline partners.
  2. Book your accommodation with your Metrobank Mastercard credit cardto get 5 eGCs  of a 1-pc. Chicken McDo meal with rice and a medium drink for every single-receipt transaction of at least PHP1,000 at participating merchants.
  3. Double the savings on rooms with Agoda! Enjoy 6% OFF on room accommodation when you book via agoda.com/metrobank. Plus, enjoy an extra PHP4,000 cashback for a min. single-receipt spend of PHP30,000.
  4. Book all travel packages atKlook and enjoy PHP2,000 off for a minimum single-receipt spend of PHP20,000 applicable sitewide, one per customer only.

Also, Metrobank Mastercard credit cardholders, can avail of the Buy Three (3), Take One (1) Free promo on tickets to your favorite HongKong Theme Park. Use the code: TMTFONHKPARK. Valid for one-time use only per cardholder, per account within the promo period. Limited redemptions apply.

To qualify for each reward, don’t forget to register your transaction through the One Giftaway Website at https://metrobankcard.mymcc.gift.

Flexible payment options with Balance Conversion

Pre-selected Metrobank credit cardholders can convert all their qualified transactions and available outstanding balance during the promo period into easy installments. Avail of the special Balance Conversion Offer at a low interest rate of 0.48% for 12 to 60 months, for a minimum single-receipt spend of PHP6,000. Qualified cardholders will receive a message about the balance conversion offer from Metrobank.

Whether you’re interested in luxury lodging, last-minute weekend getaways, or exciting itineraries, there’s something for every type of traveler. Therefore, use your Metrobank credit card to plan your next vacation at The Metrobank Travel Fair – Book Online.

Do you not yet have a Metrobank credit card? Get a Metrobank credit card by applying now! Apply online at https://apply.metrobank.com.ph/creditcard or in person at the Metrobank branch that is closest to you.

 

 

 

July 2, 2025 by
Lifestyle, News

The first year of SM Prime’s transition to a waste-free future

Together as one community, 2024 marks the launch of SM Waste-Free Future in SM Mall of Asia.

The Philippines produces more than 60,000 metric tons of waste every day, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and this amount is predicted to increase as the country’s cities and economy grow.

Aware of the urgency, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) established the SM Waste-Free Future program in 2024 as one of its main environmental sustainability initiatives to divert waste from landfills by using recycling, composting, and other sustainable disposal techniques, and to reduce overall waste generation through efficient waste segregation.

A new waste management segregation system was introduced in its first year of operation for all of its assets, including malls, homes, offices, hotels, convention centers, and estates around the country.

Beyond SM Prime, the campaign on waste has extended its reach to other SM groups and portfolio companies, making SM Waste-Free Future a group-wide endeavor.

A bigger picture of waste

The Recyclable, Disposable, Composable (RDC) bins are central to the program’s segregation practice.  RDC makes it simple and consistent, providing key visual cues to bin it right.

Together for an SM Waste-Free Future, the Recyclable, Disposable, Composable (RDC) bins at SM Store branches support the broader goals of environmental sustainability through clear and effective waste segregation practices.

Despite its infancy stage, the rapid and wide-scale integration underscores SM Prime’s ability to operationalize sustainability across diverse asset classes and ecosystems, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovative waste diversion strategies.

SM Prime also celebrates the efforts of SM Retail in advancing a waste-free future. All SM Store branches have successfully deployed their RDC bins, while SM Markets continues to implement its reusable bag system. In support of waste management efforts, Goldilocks Bakeshop has also implemented the RDC system across its stores in all SM Supermalls.

Creating opportunities to expand

Partnerships with other organizations pave the way for the work ahead. SM Waste-Free Future strengthens tenant engagement for SM Supermalls and SM Offices, supporting businesses with similar goals on waste and helping them align with their global sustainability policies.

Similarly, it reinforces SM Hotels’ advanced Back of House operations, food waste policies, and textile recycling program. The SM Hotels’ Tela Tales program transforms discarded linen into sustainable products and provides livelihood for the women of partner communities, upcycling more than 2,000 yards of condemned linens.

Recognizing that technology greatly contributes to the solutions, SM Waste-Free Future has also strengthened collaborations with other organizations. SM Development Corporation (SMDC) works with Globe’s Hapag Movement to rescue surplus food from residents and help make a difference in the lives of Filipino families experiencing involuntary hunger and divert household food waste away from landfills.

In the mall’s Cyberzone areas, SM Supermalls’ Electronic Waste Collection Program and their partnership with PLDT and Smart make it accessible to dispose of old mobile devices and other electronic gadgets responsibly.

Shoppers can conveniently drop off old gadgets for proper recycling through SM Supermalls’ E-Waste Collection in partnership with PLDT and Smart at Cyberzone.

Join the movement

SM Waste Free Future invites more communities and stakeholders to participate through proper waste segregation, joining local clean-ups and collection drives, or supporting eco-friendly products and practices.

Positive reinforcement and catchy social media campaigns from SM Cares target the youth by promoting better waste segregation habits and encouraging them to become more involved with the state of the planet they will inherit.

Recently, in celebration of World Oceans Day, SM Cares mobilized communities across 18 SM Supermalls nationwide, bringing together over 5,000 volunteers and collecting more than 30,000 kilograms of waste from shorelines.

Mobilizing for World Oceans Day, SM Cares volunteers unite and act to remove waste that ends up in the oceans.

“Waste-Free Future is more than just a program—it’s a mindset shift. And we’re only getting started,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director of SM Cares for Environment. “We call on our tenants, partners, and customers to continue the journey with us—because a truly sustainable future is one we build together.”

SM Prime is certain that a cleaner, more circular Philippines is well within reach given the increasing momentum for a waste-free future.

 

 

July 2, 2025 by