Lifestyle, Tech

Globe Opens Gen4 Store at Robinsons Place Manila, Offering More Customers Better Service and Digital Experiences

Globe has reopened its recently renovated store at Robinsons Place Manila, which has been transformed into a next-generation Gen4 store, demonstrating its continued innovation in the retail space. Globe is committed to providing its clients with quicker, more effective, and more individualized services, which is why the remodeling is taking place.

The brand-new Gen4 store provides a cutting-edge, digitally-first environment that enables clients to easily access Globe’s whole range of goods and services. It offers a more engaging, self-directed experience in place of the conventional customer assistance setup.

“This new Gen4 store is more than just a retail upgrade. It’s part of our mission to serve our customers better, faster, and in more meaningful ways. Robinsons Place Manila is a key location for us, and this refreshed space ensures that we’re bringing not just connectivity, but also digital lifestyle solutions closer to where our customers are,” said Bam De Guzman, Senior Director for Territory Business at Globe.

Key features of the Gen4 store include:

  • Self-service kiosks for fast and convenient transactions like SIM purchase, bill payments, plan applications, and account inquiries.
  • 0917 lifestyle corner featuring tech accessories and apparel.
  • Interactive screens and demo units for product discovery and testing.
  • A more sustainable store design using digital signage, LED lighting, and eco-friendly design elements.

The Gen4 store is open every day during mall hours and is situated at Level 4, Pedro Gil Wing, Robinsons Place Manila.

Explore Globe’s website at https://www.globe.com.ph/.

 

 

July 7, 2025 by
Lifestyle, News

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.

 

July 7, 2025 by
Lifestyle, Sports

Rain or shine, the running community turns out for the Vermosa Green Run 2025

Running community shows up rain or shine at Vermosa Green Run 2025

On Sunday, June 29, about 2,500 runners and 350 dogs participated in the fourth edition of the Green Run at Vermosa Estates in Imus, Cavite, despite some rain and lightning.

Beginning in 2022 at the 750-hectare Ayala Land site south of the metro, the multi-level run has attracted elite athletes, families, and casual runners to its different race categories, which include the 10K, 5K, and 3K intermediate distances, as well as the 21K half-marathon. In the verdant yet well-paved environs of Vermosa Estates, the popular 1K Dog Run allows pet owners to spend quality time with their furry companions.

The first Vermosa Green Run invited people to “go out, lace up, mask up and run for a greener tomorrow” in 2022, encouraging them to get active and re-discover the great outdoors after a three-year pandemic lockdown. It spearheaded the return to open air, face to face activities with the environment and sustainability-themed Run. True to its thrust, Vermosa Estates actively promotes physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.

Takbo Kabitenyo athletes join the Green Run 2025

Conducted by sports and fitness event organizer Pinoy Fitness, the first Green Run advocated for a greener tomorrow and supported Haribon Foundation’s Adopt-A-Seedling Program. Green Run 2025 still supports the Haribon Foundation and has added animal welfare group Pawssion Project and Takbo Kabitenyo, a running group that develops young athletes for local and international competitions, as beneficiaries. During the registration period, participants and guests were encouraged to bring their used plastics so they can be repurposed and converted into building materials for sustainable pathways and benches.

Dogs participated in the Dog Run

Considered by running regulars as “the most scenic run”, Angel Montevirgen from Cavite and a member of Takbo Kabitenyo said the running community looks forward to this run yearly. “It’s a lifestyle that you immerse yourself in and becomes a part of you. You look forward to it and get the right motivation for it – whether that be new clothes, new gear, new shoes or seeing friends and getting fit. It’s an opportunity to enjoy not only the benefits of running, but also the group camaraderie and being part of the whole running community.”

Pinoy Fitness Inc. founder and president Jeff Lo was very pleasantly surprised by the huge turnout of runners and pet dogs despite the threat of rain. “Runners actually enjoy running in the rain. It’s cooler, mas masaya. And I’m confident about Vermosa (as a running venue) because even if it rains, the roads are well-paved, safe and walang lubak. It’s a very green, very clean, very scenic venue – quite different from other runs. It’s fun and refreshing to see a venue where runners can actually go all out and enjoy themselves while finishing their runs.”

“I think the vision of Vermosa is to be the greener place to run,” Lo surmised. “You don’t just run races here, by the way. Runners and fitness enthusiasts can come and run here anytime, day or night – for free. They can run, train or just enjoy the outdoors. The Green Run itself is like a culmination of all the running activities you do here – an event that you look forward to that lets you experience closed roads and competing with others, for fun or for competition.”

“Every step you take at the Vermosa Green Run supports a bigger cause. The Run advocates fitness and overall wellness, sustainability, and community support into one meaningful event,” said Chrissy Roa, head of the Marketing and Communications group at Ayala Land Estates.

Running community shows up rain or shine at Vermosa Green Run 2025

Ayala Land’s long-term sustainability mission is reinforced by the Vermosa Green Run, which has become a standard for purpose-driven lifestyle events and uses fitness as a potent catalyst for social and environmental change.

 

 

 

 

July 7, 2025 by
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.

 

 

 

 

 

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
Food

At SM Supermalls, CDO’s Audacious New Firsts Get Started

Discover new ways to dine – only at SM.

Have a craving for some delicious seafood? What about ready-to-go, freshly made coffee? It’s all about what you want this month; take a look at these recently opened dining and drinking establishments that are coming your way.

With these new firsts, you have every incentive to make life more fulfilling. You deserve the best to satiate your cravings, whether it’s decadent dining or short coffee breaks.

Give yourself endless opportunities to experience the good life at SM Supermalls—right here in Cagayan de Oro City—and have a genuinely fulfilling day.

Fresh Eats Straight from the Sea at Zubaibai Seafood Restaurant

Experience a unique dining experience with Zubaibai Seafood Restaurant—a bold new take on Filipino culinary traditions perfect for every seafood lover.

This pork-free restaurant offers flavorful dishes with a modern twist, including their signature Balangay Seafood Boil: a hearty platter of fresh seafood served in a custom-built Balangay-style boat—honoring Filipino heritage in a festive spread. Each dish is carefully plated with built-in burners, keeping the food deliciously hot and freshly cooked right at your table.

Indulge in the sea’s bounty, and experience a burst of flavor with this beachside-inspired dining escape at Level 5, SM CDO Downtown.

Coffee On-the-Go with Starbucks Drive-thru

Starbucks, one of the country’s most popular cafés, has opened its first-ever drive-thru store here in Northern Mindanao—giving our busy coffee lovers the convenience of enjoying their favorite blends and brews while on the road.

Kickstart your day with your go-to Iced Latte. Feel adventurous and try one of their seasonal signature brews. Pair your handcrafted coffee or non-coffee drink with a delicious Doughssant.

You can now bring Starbucks with you wherever you go or whatever your mood is. The North Wing of SM City CDO Uptown is always a quick stop for your caffeine fix, whether you’re going to work, running errands, or just enjoying the city.

Experience new dining options that are exclusive to SM Supermalls, ushering in a #NewEraOfFirsts.

For the most recent information and activities, remember to check www.smsupermalls.com or like and follow @smsupermalls on social media!

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