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SM City Bicutan has officially launched four permanent pickleball courts at the 3rd Level Parking, New Wing, Building B. The courts are SM’s way of providing accessible, high-quality recreational spaces for the Bicutan community.

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SM City Bicutan’s new permanent pickleball courts are now open, offering a dynamic space for sports and community engagement.

The new home of pickleball in Paranaque

As part of the SM Active Hub initiative, SM City Bicutan’s permanent pickleball courts are designed for everyone—welcoming all ages and skill levels. It’s the newest destination where fitness, fun, and community come together.

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SM Sports and Leisure Center (SLC), SM City Bicutan, and Paloo PH executives join Parañaque City Brgy. Captain Mario Jimenez (center) at the launch of the SM City Bicutan permanent pickleball courts.

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SM City Bicutan guests gear up and show their paddles as they join the pickleball craze at the new rooftop courts.

Court hours, rates, and how to book your play

SM City Bicutan’s permanent pickleball courts are open daily from 2 PM to 11 PM. Join Open Play from 5 PM to 8 PM or 8 PM to 11 PM for ₱250 per head, or rent a court for ₱450/hour. Paddles available at ₱100.

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Players compete on the newly launched permanent pickleball courts at SM City Bicutan.

Book via SM Tickets or walk in. For inquiries, email paloopickleball@yahoo.com or call 09946486937.

Conveniently order food via SM Malls Online

Hungry after your match? Order via the SM Malls Online app and get your food delivered straight to the pickleball courts or Sky Garden—fuel up, hassle-free!

Ordering is easy—scan the QR code, add to cart, pay, and get your food delivered to your spot. Don’t forget to pin your location and add your table number for smooth delivery.

Enjoy favorites like Zark’s, Max’s, J.CO, Cinnabon, and more from the Food Hall—open until 11 PM along with the Sky Garden and pickleball courts. Bonus: alcoholic drinks are available at all three spots.

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Enjoy flavorful bites like this hotpot bowl from Honey Tang, located at SM City Bicutan’s Food Hall, delivered straight to your table through the SM Malls Online app.

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A spread of diverse dishes, including grilled seafood and fresh fish soup from Kain, and a Korean bento box from Seoul Good awaits diners.

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Specialty drinks—like these from Barcada at SM City Bicutan’s Food Hall—are now easily ordered via the SM Malls Online app.

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The SM City Bicutan Sky Garden offers a relaxing outdoor dining experience, with food and beverages just a tap away using the SM Malls Online app.

Be part of the SM Active Hub: Download the SM Malls Online app today

Stay connected to the sports revolution at SM Supermalls—download the SM Malls Online app via the App Store or Google Play and be part of the SM Active Hub! Enjoy exclusive perks, exciting events, and special offers nationwide.

Grab your paddles, call your crew, and join the pickleball craze at SM City Bicutan! Follow @smsupermalls and @smcitybicutan for more fitness fun. The permanent rooftop courts are now open and ready for action—see you on the court!

June 15, 2025 0 comment
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SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena unveils the biggest centerhung in the country, officially dubbed as “SM MOA Arena The Cube,” on May 14, 2025. This beating heart of the arena is one among many steps in turning the venue into an event space with the finest fan experience, anywhere at the SM MOA Arena.

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The first glimpse of the SM Mall of Asia Arena The Cube during its press presentation.

A bright future for SM Mall of Asia Arena

The launch was hosted at the modern and luxurious Premiere Café of the SM MOA Arena to commemorate this added innovation, which is set to rival other international National Basketball Association (NBA)-class courts. Together with long-time corporate partners, local government, sports leagues, and media partners, the event served as a symbol of their fruitful partnership.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/998607422481952

The SM Mall of Asia Arena The Cube event launch video captures the highlights of the event with mind-blowing visuals.

The venue not only beheld the centerhung with its own eyes but also heard its resounding voice as it introduced itself as the beating heart of the arena. 

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Present at the SM Mall of Asia Arena The Cube’s launch are Richard Bachmann, Philippine Sports Commission Chair; Cignal TV, broadcast partner; and University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) officials.

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Region Manager Blair Robertson of Daktronics proudly announces the very same technology used in some of the world’s iconic venues in his message of partnership during the launch.

“The Cube is more than a screen—it’s being able to engage fans through the visual capability and versatility in any event,” says Arnel Gonzales, the Senior Assistant Vice President and General Manager of the SM MOA Arena. 

True to the arena’s commitment to bringing the best fan experience, this breakthrough aims to give fans a more immersive, interactive, and versatile viewing experience.

SM MOA Arena Cube shows versatility

The SM MOA Arena The Cube was immediately seen in action during the University Athletic Association of the Philippine (UAAP) finals for Men’s and Women’s Volleyball, where numerous team and fan moments were captured through the massive Light-Emitting Diode (LED) screen.

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The SM Mall of Asia Arena The Cube makes its first appearance to the public during Season 87 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Volleyball Championships.

This was the first time the new centerhung has been revealed to the public, showcasing its split-screen capabilities and real-time data integration, where fans had an up-close look at the game while staying up to time with the live standings.

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The SM Mall of Asia Arena The Cube is introduced to the audience through an Audio-Visual Presentation before the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Championships. Photo from Immrsv Asia.

Captured in 4k high resolution of the SM MOA Arena The Cube was the crowning moment of the UAAP Women’s Volleyball champions, the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, followed by De La Salle University’s (DLSU) Green Archers. 

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The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs’ winning shot is captured by the SM Mall of Asia Arena The Cube.

Journey to a future-forward arena

This milestone highlights the continuous development of the arena, following its addition of the Media Mesh in 2024, upgraded turnstiles in 2023, and 5G mobile and internet connectivity. 

As the SM MOA Arena celebrates its 13th anniversary this year, the venue continues to fulfill its promise to deliver top customer service through forefront innovation and world-class events.

About SM Mall of Asia Arena

SM Mall of Asia Arena is the preferred venue, offering world-class services and facilities, to provide the best in international and local live entertainment and thrilling sports event experiences. For more information, visit www.mallofasia-arena.com or follow @moaarena on social media. Tickets for upcoming events can be purchased online at www.smtickets.com or at any authorized SM Tickets outlet nationwide.

June 15, 2025 0 comment
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San Fernando, Pampanga — Skyranch Pampanga opened its gates and hearts to young cancer warriors and their families on June 3, 2025, as it hosted Day 1 of the 27th Kythe Foundation Summer Camp in partnership with SM Cares.

The special day brought together 49 children with cancer and other chronic illnesses, along with dedicated volunteers, for a memorable experience filled with fun, laughter, and healing.

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In the continuing spirit of compassion, empathy and inclusion, Skyranch Pampanga sponsored complimentary ride passes for all participants, giving these brave children a chance to simply be kids for the day—laughing with friends, enjoying the rides, and creating joyful memories far removed from hospital walls. SM employee volunteers from SM City Pampanga also joined the celebration, helping ensure every child felt welcomed and cared for.

True to its promise of being a place “Where Happy Memories are Made,” Skyranch became more than just an amusement park—it transformed into a haven of hope. From the colorful carousel to the towering Skyranch Pampanga Eye with views of Mount Arayat, each moment was a gentle reminder that happiness and healing can go hand in hand.

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“The children from Kythe Foundation are young patients bravely battling cancer and other chronic illnesses. At SM, we are committed to bringing joy and creating meaningful moments for them—offering experiences that inspire hope, happiness, and cherished memories,” said Engr. Bien C. Mateo, SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs. “Through initiatives like these, we aim to support these small but strong warriors and honor the courage of every child- all part of our commitment to fostering inclusion, compassion, and community.”

This initiative is part of SM Cares’ broader advocacy to provide inclusive and welcoming spaces for all, especially for persons with disabilities. The partnership with Kythe Foundation, an organization focused on improving the quality of life for children with cancer and other chronic illnesses, ensures that support is given in the most meaningful and impactful way.

As Skyranch Pampanga lit up with smiles and laughter, the event reminded everyone that joy is not only a powerful medicine—it’s also a gift we can all help share.

To support Kythe Foundation’s work through corporate or in-kind donations, please email info@kythe.org. To learn more about SM Cares’ volunteer efforts, visit https://linktr.ee/smcares

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June 15, 2025 0 comment
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What a month it has been! The “Learn to Bowl with Bong Coo” grassroots program recently culminated in a thrilling tournament at SM Game Park Mall of Asia (MOA) on June 1, successfully wrapping up a fun-filled May of learning and family bonding. This unique initiative empowers aspiring bowlers aged 7 to 14 with invaluable training from bowling legend Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Bong Coo and National Team Coaches from the Philippine Bowling Federation (PBF).

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A participant engages in bowling, guided by expert coaches, such as award-winning bowler Bong Coo.

Where legends nurture future stars

Powered by MILO, PSC, and PBF, the program offered kids and beginners unparalleled bowling fundamentals. Philippine national coaches and Ms. Coo, a hands-on mentor, generously shared expertise, inspiring young learners.

Arabit siblings’ golden win

The final tournament showcased impressive performances from all the young participants, but it was the sibling duo, Eleana and Eian Arabit, who stole the spotlight, emerging as the well-deserved champions. 

Parents Emil and Liza Arabit shared that bowling began as a cherished hobby during their early years as a couple. “We used to bowl together for fun, and when the kids were old enough, we brought them along,” Emil fondly recounted. “Now it’s something we all enjoy as a family.”

The Arabit siblings’ win is more than just a triumph on the lanes; it beautifully reflects the core values that the MILO Learn to Bowl with Bong Coo program passionately instills: discipline, sportsmanship, and the importance of an active lifestyle.

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Siblings Eleana and Eian Arabit celebrate their victory, embodying the spirit of family and sport.

Champions on and off court

“Learn to Bowl with Bong Coo” transcended a mere lesson; it offered participants a remarkable chance to learn from a legend, build friendships, and enjoy bowling in SM Game Park MOA’s supportive, state-of-the-art environment.

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A young bowler rolls the ball down the lane, demonstrating skills learned at “Learn to Bowl with Bong Coo” at SM Game Park Mall of Asia.

MILO, a long-time advocate for youth sports in the Philippines, continues to back grassroots programs like this, developing skills and life values. Through such initiatives, MILO empowers the next generation, promoting family bonding and healthy habits. This program reflects MILO and SM Game Park’s commitment to building champions, on and off the lanes.

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Children and teens proudly display their certificates alongside organizers and coaches at the culmination of the “Learn to Bowl with Bong Coo” program.

Join the sporting revolution at SM Active Hub

Be part of the ongoing sports revolution at SM Supermalls! The SM Active Hub initiative is continuously bringing exciting sports programs to communities nationwide. To stay connected on future events, discover new activities, and unlock exclusive perks, we encourage everyone to download the SM Malls Online app today via the App Store or Google Play. 

The inspiring success of “Learn to Bowl with Bong Coo” at SM Game Park MOA vividly highlights SM Supermalls’ unwavering commitment to promoting a love for sports and developing the next generation of Filipino stars.

June 15, 2025 0 comment
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Let your thirst for trying out new things lead you this month of June.

Be fun, be free, and let spontaneity take the wheel with these new and upcoming gems heading your way. From immersive experiences to robust cuisines from around the globe, to standout fashion pieces—you have the power to make the mundane magical when you choose to see every day as a canvas of possibilities.

Wander to wonder, and embrace the magic of curiosity and exploration with SM Supermalls—right here in Metro Manila.

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Variety & Great Options at SM Mall of Asia

With more options, you uncover more paths, opening doors to fresh experiences and delightful discoveries—whether it be trying out different meals at once or spicing up your everyday style!

Enjoy the diverse flavors of Japan at Kiwami: Japanese Master Kitchens, opening their first-ever SM flagship store soon—their biggest one yet! Offering a variety of authentic dishes all under one roof, indulge in an extensive dining experience and savor the best of Yabu (katsu), Ippudo (ramen), Hachibei (yakitori), and Hannosuke (tempura)—each offering their own distinct and authentic taste of Japan.

Meanwhile, our stylish go-getters can look forward to more soon-to-open stores, serving up options after options in everyday fashion and sportswear:

  • JD Sports—elevate your active lifestyle with impactful design and exclusive picks from top-performing brands. Britain’s leading retailer in street and activewear is bringing its first-ever store to the Philippines within the next few months.
  • 8 Seconds—an iconic Korean clothing brand is opening its first-in-PH store this July. Prepare to K-style your everyday look with trendy apparel ready to captivate you in under 8 seconds. 

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Magical Moments at SM North EDSA

Having the heart to wander rewards you with unexpected moments of magic. Give yourself the chance to experience those pleasant surprises and set out to explore these newly opened go-to destinations:

Space & Time Cube, the Philippines’ first immersive digital museum blending art and technology across multiple themed attractions, opened last May 16, extending its signature multi-sensory experience to our adventure seekers here in Quezon City. Their latest highlight, Fantasy Cinema, delivers an exhilarating 9D feature—combining virtual reality, motion simulation, and rich sensory effects to transport guests into an awe-inspiring cinematic world.

Meanwhile, Moon Hey—an engaging hot pot & grill restaurant—will launch their first-in-SM store this June, serving diners with their own satisfying dining experience by having individualized cooking stations and a customizable set of ingredients that revolves around the room.

Positive-impact Fashion at SM Megamall

Wander responsibly. And have a conscious effort  to care about the environment wherever your feet lead you. Make a fashionable statement with sustainable designs from VIVAIA—a rising gem in global footwear that recently opened its first in-mall store here in the Philippines. Offering a wide selection of on-trend shoes made notably from recycled PET materials, VIVAIA brings a commitment to eco-friendly footwear crafted for comfort, style, and responsible consumption.

German Flavors at SM Podium

Wandering is not complete without some time for relaxation, because the best part about taking a wondrous journey comes out when you’re having fun!

Experience the embodiment of good cheers with the best of German cuisine. Originating from Singapore, Brotzeit is a world-renowned German bier bar and restaurant which recently opened its first-in-SM store. It serves Bavarian meals and rich German beers in a perfectly welcoming space—ideal for a chill and fun night. Enjoy a diverse selection of sausage platters, schnitzel, pork knuckles, all perfectly complemented by—of course—beers!

Having a heart for adventure leads to surprising moments of awe. Discover exciting and noteworthy delights here in Metro Manila, and enrich your stories of wander and wonder—only at SM Supermalls, bringing you a #NewEraOfFirsts.

Don’t forget to like and follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events!

 

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SM Supermalls #NewEraOfFirsts

At SM Supermalls, we’re proud to lead a New Era of Firsts—bringing you first-to-market brands, groundbreaking experiences, and culinary destinations you won’t find anywhere else. From world-class dining and retail exclusives to innovative spaces that connect and inspire communities, we’re redefining what it means to have it all.

 

As we continue to grow, we remain committed to sustainability, community empowerment, and creating memorable moments that make every visit more meaningful. There’s always something new and exciting waiting for you at SM.

June 15, 2025 0 comment
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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 (UNDRR) and co-chaired by the Government of Switzerland. Photo from Antoine Tardy for the UNDRR.

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SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy reaffirmed the vital role of the private sector in disaster risk reduction (DRR) during the 2025 Global Platform of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), held in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Representing the Philippine private sector at the Ministerial Roundtable on “Accelerating Financing and Resilience,” Sy underscored how businesses can help drive scalable, science-based resilience solutions.

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.”

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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.”

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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

To expand DRR financing, Sy called for enabling mechanisms that combine policy support, institutional cooperation, and targeted incentives. “From the standpoint of the private sector, financial, non-financial and regulatory incentives are among the most effective ways to accelerate investment in resilience,” he noted.

His remarks underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and long-term thinking in building resilient communities. SM Prime’s leadership in DRR continues to set a benchmark for sustainable development in disaster-prone regions.

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

 

June 15, 2025 0 comment
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Agad na tumugon ang SM Foundation sa mga sunog na tumama sa dalawang magkahiwalay na lugar sa bansa sa pamamagitan ng kanilang disaster response program na Operation Tulong Express (OPTE).

Noong Hunyo 3, nagkaloob ang foundation ng mahigit 130 Kalinga Packs sa mga pamilyang naapektuhan ng sunog sa Barangay 24, Cagayan de Oro.

Samantala, isa pang OPTE operation ang isinagawa noong Hunyo 9 sa Barangay Talaba III, Bacoor, Cavite, matapos tamaan din ng sunog ang lugar. Umabot sa 200 pamilya ang nabigyan ng tulong sa nasabing operasyon.

Ang OPTE isang social good program ng SM Foundation, katuwang ang SM Supermalls at SM Markets. Layunin ng programa na maghatid ng agarang tulong sa mga komunidad tuwing may sakuna o kalamidad.

Ayon sa foundation, patuloy nilang isinusulong ang mabilisang pagtugon sa mga nangangailangan, lalung-lalo na sa mga panahon ng kalamidad.

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Namahagi ang SM Foundation ng higit sa 130 Kalinga Packs sa mga pamilyang naapektuhan ng sunog sa Barangay 24, Cagayan de Oro.

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Nanguna ang SM Supermalls employee-volunteers mula sa CDO sa paghahatid ng Kalinga Packs sa mga apektado ng sunog sa Brgy. 24.

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Nagpaabot din ng Kaling Packs ang SM Group sa 200 pamilyang naapektuhan ng sunog sa Barangay Talaba III, Bacoor, Cavite.

June 11, 2025 0 comment
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YouTube Shopping

YouTube’s vibrant creator ecosystem in Southeast Asia is reaching new heights. It boasts 7,600 creators across Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines with more than one million subscribers and over 77,000 channels with 100,000 subscribers. These impressive and growing figures underscore the platform’s immense reach and the huge opportunity for brands to tap into highly engaged audiences through powerful creator-led partnerships. These partnerships not only benefit brands but also help creators build new revenue streams.

Video commerce is a significant and growing part of Southeast Asia’s digital economy and now accounts ḣor 20% of e-commerce GMV, a four-fold increase over the last two years. YouTube is solidifying its position as the most powerful and effective platform for driving commercial success, both online and offline, in the region. With over 3.5 billion people watching YouTube every month globally, YouTube reached 290 million people in Southeast Asia in 2024, representing 85% of the online population in the region. In addition, uploaded content from VN and ID grew 85% YoY from 2023-2024.

YouTube’s creator economy and consumer trust drive success Ṫor brands

This massive and growing creator economy is a key driver of YouTube’s position at the heart of video commerce in Southeast Asia. Brands are leveraging YouTube’s extensive reach, which includes 8 out of 10 online users in the region who can easily browse, discover, and buy on the platform in multiple formats on a variety of screens.

One of YouTube’s key strengths is trust— and creators are at the heart of it. A Kantar study found that 85% of viewers in Thailand and 67% in Indonesia consider YouTube creator content trustworthy. This trust extends to brands as well: 60% of Indonesian Gen Zs say they trust brands featured by YouTube creators, compared to just 46% on other social platforms.

This deep-rooted trust also influences purchase behavior. Ipsos data shows that in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, more people trust Google and YouTube throughout their purchase journey than leading social media platforms.

“This trust translates into purchase confidence, with YouTube driving almost 4x greater purchase intent than other social media platforms in the region. Even amidst the sheer volume of content, YouTube’s emphasis on rich,

high-quality content allows brands to convey their identity and purpose effectively, fostering long-term partnerships based on shared values with creators,” said Sapna Chadha, VP, Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier, Google.

“A defining characteristic for YouTube in Southeast Asia is the trust and credibility creators have cultivated with their audiences. Users are 98% more likely to trust the recommendations of creators on YouTube compared to those on other social sites or apps,” adds Sapna.

Yudist Ardhana, one of the region’s top creators, agrees: “Authenticity and credibility are extremely important when it comes to building an audience. Viewers and fans can sense which creators are authentic and which are not. This commitment to genuine connection is what builds lasting trust and support. As this year marks my tenth year

creating content on YouTube, I’ve seen it evolve from its humble beginnings into a platform that fosters a unique, mutually beneficial relationship between creators, audiences, and brands. Each party gains significant value.”

YouTube Shopping accelerates video commerce and drives revenue opportunities for brands and creators

Creators on YouTube, known for their authentic storytelling, can significantly drive consideration for products. Two in 5 consumers in this region rely on online video for product research, with YouTube being the preferred choice for 86% of them.

To drive this further, YouTube Shopping has now launched in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines in partnership with Shopee. YouTube Shopping allows eligible creators to easily promote products from their own stores or other brands. Top creators across the region are joining the affiliate program, with millions of videos already tagged. For instance, in the first three countries where it launched (Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand), an average of 55% of eligible creators have already enrolled in YouTube Shopping. This integration with Shopee’s catalogue of products shortens the customer journey from discovery to purchase, allowing brands to reach and engage more consumers and drive better business outcomes.

“When a brand partners with the right creator, they’re not interrupting — they’re integrating. Their message becomes part of the story, not an ad break,” adds Sapna. “Creators aren’t just amplifying a brand’s narrative. They’re shaping it — with relevance, with authenticity, and with the kind of trust that actually drives action.”

“At L’Oréal Thailand, YouTube empowers us to bring beauty for all—across every price point and every passion. Whether through luxury innovations or everyday essentials, we collaborate with creators to craft campaigns that are flexible, relatable, and rooted in authenticity,” explains Yada Sarttarasathit Harel, Chief Digital & Marketing Officer, L’Oreal Thailand. “These voices help us connect more meaningfully with consumers across Thailand and amplify the values that define our brands.”

Creators in the region, according to YouTube data, are also seeing their revenues increase in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. In Vietnam, for example, there was a 35% YoY increase in the number of channels making 9 figures or more (in VND) in December, 2024.

YouTube Shopping has helped grow creator channel earnings, with examples like Mai Trinh Hồ seeing her total channel revenue jump by almost five times, and Jagat Review reporting 50% of his channel’s total earnings coming from the program between July and October, 2024.

YouTube moving into living rooms creates high-quality viewing experiences with immersive ads that engage audiences

The influence of YouTube extends across various formats and devices and for more and more, watching TV means watching YouTube on connected TVs (CTV). Around the world, viewers are watching, on average, over 1 billion hours of YouTube content on TVs daily1. In Southeast Asia, YouTube on CTV is reaching over 79 million people across the region. YouTube content on TV screens is interactive and includes formats like Shorts, podcasts, and live streams, right alongside the sports, sitcoms and talk shows people already love.

Creators are adapting by creating content that provides a high-quality viewing experience on larger screens. In turn, YouTube is evolving the ads experience in the living room to match what viewers want and expect on the big screen

– including fewer, longer ad breaks and more interactivity like Pause ads — to create a seamless viewing experience and the flexibility to make more entertaining ads.

We continue evolving the ads experience in the living room to match what viewers want and expect on the big screen. Last month, YouTube’s announcements at Brandcast included formats like Shoppable CTV – the capability to shop for products using a QR code right on the big screen, or use our send-to-phone feature to continue browsing on mobile – and Immersive Masthead on CTV, which makes it even easier to capture attention and drive action.

“More advertisers in the region are building connected TV campaigns into their media strategies,” adds Sapna. “This shift to streaming means broadcast and cable can’t deliver the same reach at the scale they’ve relied on for years.”

At a time when nearly every major streaming service is going ad-supported, YouTube is the only service that can provide both the reach and the viewership and engagement that advertisers need.

 In the Philippines, McDonald’s saw average daily sales surge by over 46% compared to pre-campaign performance, thanks to their CTV campaign with YouTube, while Pepsi in Vietnam increased their reach among 18 to 44-year-olds by 27 percent through this format. Overall, Nielsen ḣindings indicate that YouTube delivers 2.3x higher long-term ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) than paid social.

“Video commerce and creator-led marketing are reshaping how brands connect with consumers in Southeast Asia. Platforms like YouTube are empowering creators to bridge trust and commerce through engaging video content and integrated shopping solutions. With features like long-form storytelling, live streaming, Shorts and partnerships with marketplaces like Shopee, YouTube enables seamless transitions from discovery to purchase, helping brands tap into highly engaged audiences,” says Arthur Altounian, VP Client Strategy & Growth APAC at Goat, WPP MEDIA. “As consumer behavior shifts toward video-first experiences, YouTube’s ecosystem offers brands a powerful way to collaborate with creators, build authentic connections, and drive measurable business outcomes in the region’s rapidly evolving digital economy.”

These insights and trends were discussed today during a virtual press briefing focused on “YouTube and the Rise of Creator-led Commerce in Southeast Asia.”

June 9, 2025 0 comment
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On June 1, the spirit of community, sustainability, and mobility rolled across the Philippines as SM Cares, in collaboration with bike groups across the country, launched Pedal Power—a purpose-driven celebration of World Bicycle Day, held across 26 malls nationwide. From Luzon to Mindanao, bikers gathered not just to ride, but to take part in a collective mission: pedal for a purpose, ride for the planet.

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Community Engagement and Sustainable Mobility Through Cycling

In celebration of active living and sustainable transport, Pedal Power brought together riders of all ages for a day of fun, learning, and friendly competition. Highlights included the Community Bike Ride & Loop, which encouraged inclusive participation encouraging safer and greener mobility for everyone.

 

Cyclists also benefited from a hands-on Bike Safety Clinic, which provided essential safety demonstrations, basic bike repairs, maintenance tips, and tune-up services. Meanwhile, young riders took part in the Kiddie Trail Bike Clinic, where they received early training to build confidence and learn safe biking practices in a supportive environment.

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But Pedal Power wasn’t just about fun—it was a movement with impact.

 

 

 

Pedaling with Purpose: Post-Ride Cleanups and Community Support

Beyond the rides, bikers took part in meaningful community efforts—from coastal cleanups in SM City Bataan and SM City Roxas, to food distribution in SM City Bacolod. SM malls in Marikina, Masinag, Antipolo, and San Mateo also led tree-planting drives, reinforcing the event’s commitment to sustainability and community care. These after-bike efforts underscored the event’s broader mission: to empower communities not only through cycling, but also through meaningful action that supports both people and the planet.

 

“This initiative shows that sustainability can be integrated into everyday actions. We wanted this to be more than a celebration of biking—we wanted it to be a celebration of responsible action,” said Mr. Joaquin L. San Agustin, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing.

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Riding Together, Moving Forward

The power behind Pedal Power lies in its partnerships—with bike clubs, LGUs, volunteers, and everyday citizens all sharing the road toward a sustainable future.

 

Pedal Power also supports global goals and reinforces SM Cares’ commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals.

 

Toward a Sustainable Mobility Future

With bike-friendly facilities in SM Supermalls nationwide, continuous environmental education, and community partnerships, SM Cares continues to lead the way in promoting sustainable lifestyles across the country. Pedal Power 2025 proved that a simple ride can lead to extraordinary change. With wheels turning and hearts aligned, this movement is just getting started.

 

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June 9, 2025 0 comment
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Imagine you’re on an important work call while your kids are researching online for a school project when suddenly, the connection drops. Your co-workers’ video freezes, and you hear your kids complaining about the internet. At this point, there is nothing you can do but wait for the connection to be fixed. If you don’t want to be caught in this situation, having a reliable backup is a must. And if you need more reasons why your home needs an “always-on” connection, here are three big ones.

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1. Keep Your Productivity on Track

Today, we rely on the internet for almost everything, including our livelihoods. If you work from home, you know that a stable internet connection is non-negotiable. You can’t afford to miss online meetings and important emails or be offline during work hours.

And it’s not just you. If your kids are still studying, they need a reliable connection to finish their schoolwork. We can’t have them scrambling for a hotspot, especially at night. A failsafe backup, like a secondary LTE connection, ensures that everyone stays online by kicking in automatically when your primary line fails. It may not be as fast as your primary connection, but it will keep you connected. This brings us to the second reason…

2. Stay Connected, Especially During Emergencies

We live in an era where being connected is more important than ever—especially during emergencies. Need to contact emergency services? Attending a Telehealth appointment soon? Checking in on a loved one at the hospital for updates? Noticing unusual behavior in your pet and need to research symptoms online? Away from home and want to check your security cameras?

A primary connection with a reliable backup ensures that you’re always online when it matters the most. No need to worry about internet outages when you need access to crucial information or services.

3. Keep the Fun Going

After a long day, you deserve to unwind without frustration. A failsafe setup means that even during an outage, your household can still stream movies, play games, or stay in touch with family and friends.

While productivity and connectivity are top priorities, uninterrupted entertainment ensures that you can relax with confidence. It’s not just about fun—it’s about knowing that your downtime won’t be derailed.

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Stay Connected with PLDT Home Always On

A failsafe internet backup isn’t just about avoiding headaches—it’s about being ready for anything. PLDT Home Always On features a built-in backup LTE that activates automatically when Fiber service becomes unavailable due to unexpected fiber cuts. These could be caused by events like cable theft or damage from road digging, tree trimming, extreme weather, and even rodent chewing. It also comes with a new WiFi 6 modem that supports up to 1Gbps on Fiber and UNLI LTE. Plus, it automatically notifies the repair team and creates a service repair ticket for you after 15 minutes.

With this kind of system, you’re future-proofing your home for a more productive, connected, and stress-free life. Don’t wait for the next outage to realize how much you need it. Get PLDT Home Always On today and stay online when it matters most.

June 8, 2025 0 comment
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