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The First BALANGAY Legacy Award for Domestic Shipping Goes to 2GO

In photo (from left): Engr. Raymund Christopher Puso, Public Relations Officer, Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SONAME); Engr. Jacklyn Descartin, President, SONAME; Sharon Musngi-Ngo, Business Unit Head, 2GO Sea Solutions; Bianca Peralta-Velasco, Publisher and General Manager, FAS Maritime; and Mr. Ricardo Tuliao, Vice Chairman, SONAME. Photo by Wilmar Almeria of FAS Maritime.

As part of the annual 75 Years of Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding celebration, the Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers, Inc. (SONAME) presented the first-ever Balangay Legacy Award for Domestic Shipping to 2GO, the top shipping and logistics solutions provider in the Philippines.

The award honors 2GO’s exceptional contributions to the modernization and advancement of inter-island sea transportation in the Philippines, recognizing the company’s critical role in influencing the maritime environment via operational excellence, innovation, and resilience.

Since 2022, 2GO has been actively modernizing its fleet to elevate the passenger and cargo experience. Today, the company operates nine ROPAX (Ro–Pax) vessels and one freighter, servicing 19 ports of call across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Notably, five of those ROPAX ships are among the country’s most modern and state-of-the-art vessels.

The Balangay Legacy Awards honor industry leaders who have helped chart the course of Philippine maritime history—from the seafaring heritage of ancient balangay boats to today’s sophisticated domestic shipping networks. The ceremony brought together leading stakeholders from the maritime and logistics sectors to celebrate this evolution.

“This award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, resilience, and national development,” said Sharon Musngi-Ngo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Sea Solutions. “As we continue to enhance our fleet, operations, and services, we aim to provide local businesses and industries with sustainable and reliable shipping solutions—ones that prioritize safety, convenience, and efficiency for both cargo and passengers.”

2GO’s position in promoting regional development and national connectivity is further strengthened by the fact that it is still the only RORO and ROPax logistics provider with direct routes from Manila to the Visayas and Mindanao, including recently introduced services to Davao and General Santos City.

Visit www.2go.com.ph or send an email to [email protected] to find out more about 2GO’s offerings.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com.

 

Lifestyle, News

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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

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.”

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.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Lifestyle, News

Launch of the “Job Blueprint” with SM Supermalls by DTI, PRA, and SCMAP

(L-R): Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP) President Dennis Llovido,
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Engelbert Chua, DTI Secretary Cristina
Roque, and Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) President Roberto Claudio Sr. attend the media
launch of the Section G: Job Blueprint for Wholesale and Retail Trade on June 16, 2025, at SM North
EDSA.

On June 16, 2025, the Philippines’ wholesale and retail trade industry saw a significant improvement in employment prospects. Section G: Job Blueprint for the Wholesale and Retail Trade Sector was formally launched at SM City North EDSA by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), and the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP). The initiative included a two-day job fair that provided Filipino job seekers with immediate hiring opportunities.

In order to fill labor shortages in retail and supply chain, the government, the private sector, and mall leadership have worked closely together to create the Section G Job Blueprint, which was created after in-depth discussions with industry stakeholders. By utilizing the sector’s significant contribution to the nation’s GDP and its position as a major employer of more than 10 million Filipinos, it seeks to increase employment growth and provide the groundwork for future changes, according to the DTI.

Industry support and immediate impact

The job fair, which offered hundreds of career opportunities from leading retailers and logistics providers, drew a diverse crowd of job seekers eager to engage with PRA and SCMAP member companies recruiting for roles in merchandising, warehousing, logistics, and frontline retail.

In the photo: SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Job Fairs Royce Cabunag, Philippine Retailers
Association (PRA) President Roberto Claudio Sr., and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant
Secretary Engelbert Chua at the launch of the two-day Section G: Job Blueprint for the Wholesale and
Retail Trade Sector job fair at SM North EDSA.

 “This is more than just a job fair—it’s a call to action,” said Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President of Marketing at SM Supermalls. “We are proud to partner with DTI, PRA, and SCMAP in hosting this meaningful initiative that connects people to opportunity and promotes inclusive employment.”

Job seekers connect with leading retailers and logistics providers offering roles in merchandising,
warehousing, and frontline retail.

SM Supermalls, as host venue and promotional partner, reinforced its commitment to national workforce development and economic recovery. This event is part of SM’s ongoing support for programs that empower micro-, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), job seekers, and industry players.

SM Supermalls joins the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), and the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP) in driving inclusive employment at the launch of the Section G Job Blueprint.

Now that Section G has been formally introduced, interested parties anticipate putting its main suggestions into practice and creating a more robust and resilient retail trade industry for everybody.

 

 

Lifestyle, News

Waves of Change: Thousands Participate in the Coastal Cleanup by SM Cares

In celebration of World Oceans Day 2025

Thousands of volunteers gather at SM by the BAY in Manila for SM Cares’ flagship coastal cleanup drive
for World Oceans Day 2025, showing a united front in the fight against marine pollution.

On June 7, more than 5,000 volunteers from all walks of life came together to participate in a large statewide coastal cleaning organized by SM Cares, SM Supermalls’ corporate social responsibility division, in honor of World Oceans Day 2025. Collectively, they removed an astounding 30,000 kilograms of trash from shorelines across the Philippines, demonstrating the positive effects that can occur when a community pulls together.

With gloves, sacks, and a shared mission: to protect the oceans that give us life, volunteers flocked to the coasts of Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in support of this year’s theme, “WONDER: Sustaining What Sustains Us.”

 

Volunteers from SM City Manila assemble at the coastal cleanup site to remove marine waste and protect vital waterways in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025.

Stepping up for a cleaner tomorrow, volunteers from SM City San Lazaro join the coastal cleanup drive—picking up trash and protecting our shores, one piece at a time.

Showing the power of teamwork, volunteers from SM City Batangas and SM City Lipa come together to make waves of change for World Oceans Day 2025.

With gloves on and bags in hand, volunteers at SM City Lucena take part in SM Cares’ Coastal Cleanup drive, reaffirming their commitment to environmental stewardship and ocean conservation.

SM City Iloilo volunteers join hands with the local community of Brgy. Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo in a coastal cleanup drive, working together to preserve the shoreline and promote environmental sustainability.

SM City Davao volunteers are out on the shore, turning dedication into action as they clean up the coast and care for the planet.

Beaming with pride, volunteers at SM City CDO Uptown and Downtown hold up the coastal cleanup banner, standing united as ocean defenders in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025.

Beyond fostering community collaboration and promoting environmental responsibility, SM Cares’ coastal cleanup initiative played a vital role in cultivating healthier environment, enhancing the overall quality of life for local residents, and contributing to the long-term preservation of marine ecosystems.

“The oceans sustain us every day, and now it’s our turn to give back,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Cares Program Director for the Environment. “This coastal cleanup isn’t just a one-day event—it’s a symbol of our shared duty to preserve biodiversity and inspire action for a sustainable future, while bringing lasting positive impacts to the community by advancing healthier coastal spaces, and uniting people through shared environmental action.”

A National Movement for the Seas

From students and teachers to LGUs, NGO partners, employees, and security and janitorial teams, the cleanup drew a diverse wave of ocean defenders. SM Cares worked closely with local government units, environmental organizations, youth groups, and coastal barangays to stage cleanups across several major sites nationwide.

These collaborations not only ensured the success of the initiative but also highlighted the power of inclusive, community-driven action. Volunteers gathered to remove tons of waste from shorelines, raise awareness about marine conservation, and inspire long-term behavioral change toward environmental care.

Students, teachers, and partner organizations join forces with SM Cares during the Coastal Cleanup drive—demonstrating a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

Demonstrating sustained commitment to protecting the environment, SM employee volunteers return to SM by the Bay to help protect the shoreline.

Building an #SMWasteFreeFuture

The June 7 cleanup is part of SM Cares’ broader sustainability vision through its #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign, which also includes weekly cleanups at SM by the BAY.

This May 2025, SM employee-led cleanups have mobilized a total of 279 volunteers, collecting over 4,493 kilograms of waste—highlighting their firm commitment to keeping our coasts clean on a weekly basis. These sustained efforts contributed to creating a safer, more enjoyable coastal spaces for customers, while encouraging a stronger culture of environmental volunteerism.

By actively lowering marine pollution and preserving ocean habitats, SM Cares’ Coastal Cleanup also promotes and aligns with a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN, most notably SDG 14: Life Below Water. Additionally, it supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through its cooperation with LGUs, NGOs, schools, and communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action by fostering community-led climate resilience and increasing environmental awareness.

SM Cares is committed to its goal of encouraging Filipinos to take action, one coastline at a time, and has two more significant cleanups scheduled for the year. Visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow @OfficialSMCares on social media for more information and stories about how you can join the movement.

 

 

 

 

Lifestyle, News

Hans Sy of SM Prime promotes private sector leadership in disaster resilience at the UNDRR Global Platform 2025

Hans Sy speaking in the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025), organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and co-chaired by the Government of Switzerland.

Hans Sy, the chairman of the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), emphasized the importance of the private sector in disaster risk reduction (DRR) at the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s (UNDRR) 2025 Global Platform in Geneva, Switzerland.

Sy emphasized how companies may support the development of scalable, science-based resilience solutions while speaking on behalf of the Philippine private sector at the Ministerial Roundtable on “Accelerating Financing and Resilience.”

Private sector as a force multiplier in DRR

“Resilience strengthens businesses while safeguarding lives and communities,” Sy stated. “We know the government cannot do it alone. The private sector is ready to do more.”

Sy underscores the need for policies, incentives, and institutional support to scale up disaster risk reduction investments at the UNDRR Global Platform 2025.

He cited SM Prime’s integrated approach to DRR, which includes allocating a significant portion of project costs to disaster-resilient infrastructure and applying science-driven planning frameworks.

Sy also pointed to cross-sector initiatives such as the Adopt-a-City Program with the National Resilience Council and joint capacity-building programs with ARISE Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry as examples of effective public-private partnerships.

Embedding resilience into core business strategy

In a High-Level Dialogue on scaling DRR financing, Sy outlined SM Prime’s approach to mainstreaming resilience across its developments. He highlighted features such as elevated mall structures, built-in rainwater catchment systems, and earthquake-resistant designs—solutions that have minimized disruption and enabled rapid recovery in the face of disaster.

“Disasters may be unpredictable, but their impacts don’t have to be,” he said. “We can—and must—prepare, mitigate, and adapt.”

The SM Mall of Asia Complex features a higher seawall and elevated design to guard against rising sea levels. (Inset) Deep, wide drainage channels—large enough to fit two buses side by side—further protect the area from storm surge flooding.

Call to scale resilience investment

Sy advocated for enabling mechanisms that include targeted incentives, institutional collaboration, and legislative assistance in order to increase DRR finance. “Financial, non-financial, and regulatory incentives are among the most effective ways to accelerate investment in resilience from the private sector’s perspective,” he said.

His comments emphasized how crucial teamwork, creativity, and long-term planning are to creating resilient communities. The standard for sustainable development in areas vulnerable to disasters is still being set by SM Prime’s leadership in DRR.

“Together, we can embed resilience to build a sustainable and secure future for all,” he concluded.

 

 

Lifestyle, News

The 38th Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show, including more than 100 exhibitors, opens today

 

July 2, 2025 – Today marks the formal opening of the 38th Annual Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show at the SMX Convention Center Manila, solidifying its position as the nation’s oldest business gift, premium, promotional, and office solution trade show.

This year’s event, which runs until July 4, features more than 100 booths from seasoned vendors as well as up-and-coming brands in the corporate giving sector. An amazing array of customisable products will be available for attendees to peruse, ranging from stylish desk accessories and cutting-edge computing devices to eco-friendly handouts and high-end executive gifts for elite clientele.

Attending the 38th Annual Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show today at SMX Convention Center Manila was a great reminder of how powerful thoughtful branding and client appreciation can be. With over 100 booths showcasing everything from stylish office essentials to sustainable and tech-forward gifts, I saw firsthand how creativity continues to evolve in the corporate gifting scene. It was both inspiring and practical—perfect for anyone looking to build stronger business relationships through personalized, meaningful tokens.

“Gone are the days when company giveaways were limited to the Christmas gift-giving season. Businesses now require year-round gift items such as event souvenirs, customer rewards, employee incentives, promotional tokens, and brand merchandise,” shares Raquel Romero, President of World Expos & Concepts Inc., the show’s organizer.

“This annual expo is truly a one-stop destination for organizations of every size to discover creative solutions tailored to their unique gifting needs,” she added.

A Legacy of Trusted Sourcing

Now on its 38th edition, the Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show has become a mainstay in the Philippine business calendar, trusted by procurement officers, marketing managers, HR professionals, and entrepreneurs alike. First launched with just 12 booths, the show has grown into an industry-defining platform where sourcing meets strategy.

In 2024, the global promotional products industry was valued at over $26 billion, with the Asia-Pacific region—including the Philippines—accounting for nearly $6 billion of that total. As businesses look for more meaningful ways to connect with clients, staff, and stakeholders, the demand for branded, useful, and lasting giveaways continues to grow.

The event caters to the rising need for year-round brand touchpoints, as companies seek items that go beyond tradition—think onboarding kits, loyalty tokens, trade event souvenirs, and high-impact promotional merchandise.

Who Should Attend

Ideal for marketing teams, procurement specialists, HR officers, event planners, and business owners, the show serves as a strategic sourcing venue—making it easy to compare options, assess quality firsthand, and speak directly with trusted suppliers. Whether you’re outfitting a major product launch or curating executive giveaways for clients, the show offers the convenience and credibility of dealing with established industry players under one roof.

Event Details

The SMX Convention Center Manila will host the Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show 2025 from July 2–4, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. There is no admission fee.

You can register in advance at www.corporategiveawaysbuyershow.com, and walk-ins are welcome.