FEATURES

SM Cinema proudly launched the new IMAX® at SM Mall of Asia alongside the highly anticipated release of “Moana 2” today (Nov 23), offering guests the ultimate immersive film experience.

Described as the biggest IMAX with Laser screen in the Philippines, SM Mall of Asia’s upgraded theater features IMAX® with Laser technology—a cutting-edge projection system paired with a multi-channel sound setup, exclusive to IMAX theaters. Designed for total immersion, IMAX with Laser delivers stunningly clear, lifelike visuals and precise audio, redefining the moviegoing experience like never before. 

IMAX with Laser is set apart by its 4K laser projection system featuring a new optical engine and a suite of proprietary IMAX technology that delivers crystal clear images, increased resolution, deeper contrast as well as the most distinct, exotic colors ever available on-screen. The new experience also features next generation IMAX precision sound, delivering greater dynamic range and precision for the ultimate in audio immersion.

Check the SM Cinema website for showtimes, special screenings, and more. Dive into the world of IMAX with Laser, and let the adventure unfold.

As 2024 comes to a close, Google releases its annual Year in Search in celebration of the people, events, contributions, and trending topics that defined that year in the Philippines.

With 6 of the top 10 overall search terms being news, the results show that Filipinos continue to rely on Google Search to learn more about the latest news. From current events to breaking developments, people trust Google Search to show them deeper information and insights about anything that grips the population’s attention at any given time. Three of the top 10 searches relating to AI also proves that the Philippines is a tech-savvy country willing to learn more about the latest innovations, as found in this year’s e-Conomy SEA Report.

As an example of Filipinos looking up current events, “heat wave” comes out as the #1 overall and news search term (with “climate change” itself at #6 overall and #5 in news). This also goes for larger world events, such as the 2024 Paris Olympics that were #3 overall and in news, while newly minted Filipino Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo made four lists — overall top trending, news, sports, and male personalities. These stories all made up a significant part of local pop culture this year, which Filipinos are keen to look up further on Google Search.

Celebrities are once again consistent searches for Filipinos. These include those who unfortunately passed this year, with veteran Filipina actress Jaclyn Jose and former One Direction member Liam Payne at #2 and #8 overall, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Nation’s Girl Group BINI is the top search among female personalities after the big breakthrough in 2024, and member Mikha Lim is separately #10 on the same list. Their two breakout hits “Salamin, Salamin” and “Pantropiko” also made the top 10 list of music and lyrics searched, which was topped by R&B singer Dionela’s viral song “Sining.”

As for online media, K-drama Queen of Tears, which trended in the middle of the year, was the #1 search for both series and Korean titles. The show, which simultaneously broadcasted on Netflix, is again a testament to the strength of online streaming, which saw a 12% increase in GMV this year, according to the e-Conomy SEA report.

Below is the full list of the top search trends in the Philippines:

Overall Top Trending

1. heat wave
2. Jaclyn Jose
3. Olympics
4. Carlos Yulo
5. Inside Out 2
6. climate change
7. Character AI
8. Liam Payne
9. AI detector
10. Gemini

News

1. heat wave
2. Jaclyn Jose
3. Olympics
4. Carlos Yulo
5. climate change
6. National ID
7. Labubu
8. pertussis
9. Mpox
10. demure

Sports

1. Carlos Yulo
2. Celtics vs Mavericks
3. Nuggets vs Timberwolves
4. Lakers vs Nuggets
5. Timberwolves vs Mavericks
6. Premier Volleyball League
7. Dallas Mavericks
8. EJ Obiena
9. Knicks vs Pacers
10. Celtics vs Pacers

Shows or Series

1. Queen of Tears
2. Marry My Husband
3. Lovely Runner
4. Hierarchy
5. Young Sheldon
6. Love Next Door
7. Gyeongseong Creature
8. My Demon
9. Avatar: The Last Airbender
10. A Shop for Killers

Songs or Lyrics

1. Sining
3. Maybe This Time
4. Die With A Smile
5. Palagi
6. Mamma Mia
7. Salamin, Salamin
8. Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay
9. Pantropiko
10. Dilaw

Games

1. Sprunki Horror Music Game
2. Delta Executor
3. Anime Defenders codes
4. Hamster Kombat
5. Wuthering Waves
6. Snake Aim tool
7. Granny Horror Multiplayer
8. Block Blast solver
9. Anime Last Stand codes
10. NIGHT CROWS

Male Personalities

1. Carlos Yulo
2. Nash Aguas
3. EJ Obiena
4. Donald Trump
5. Rico Blanco
6. Ben Wang
7. One Direction
8. Byeon Woo-seok
9. Kim Soo-hyun
10. Kobe Paras

Female Personalities

1. BINI
2. Charlie Dizon
3. Alice Guo
4. Ennui
5. Mika Dela Cruz
6. Claudine Barretto
7. Beyoncé
8. Kamala Harris
9. Imane Khelif
10. Mikha Lim

Movies

1. Inside Out 2
2. How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies
3. Rewind
4. Deadpool
5. Damsel
6. GomBurZa
7. Un/Happy for You
8. Saltburn
9. Hello, Love, Again
10. Lolo and the Kid

Farewells

1. Jaclyn Jose
2. Liam Payne
3. Keith Martin
4. Rico Yan
5. Akira Toriyama
6. Park Bo-ram
7. Song Jae-rim
8. Chino Trinidad
9. Shannen Doherty
10. Maggie Smith

Korean Series

1. Queen of Tears
2. Marry My Husband
3. Lovely Runner
4. Hierarchy
5. Love Next Door
6. Gyeongseong Creature
7. My Demon
8. A Shop for Killers
9. Queen Woo
10. Pyramid Game

AI-related Searches

1. AI detector
2. Gemini
3. ChatGPT
4. Humanize AI
5. AI Chat
6. Gizmo
7. Viggle AI
8. Runway AI
9. PixVerse
10. Perplexity

Amidst our bustling life, kind-hearted individuals walk among us, often unnoticed. They are the quiet heroes who go out of their way to make a difference, even in small ways. Some may be the people we unknowingly cross paths with in our favorite malls.

Archie Austria, a propsman at SM City Bataan, is a familiar face during corporate social responsibility activities in the area. Known for his willingness to lend his time, talent, and effort, Archie has been an active volunteer in various initiatives led by the SM Foundation and SM City Bataan.

Growing up as the youngest of 14 siblings, Archie learned the value of helping others early in life. After losing his mother during his teenage years, his siblings worked together to support him through school. To ease the financial burden on his family, he took on part-time jobs creating props for events and making extra income for his school projects and requirements.

“I grew up in a big family where helping each other was a way of life,” he shared. “My siblings supported my education and helped me reach where I am today. Now, I want to give back, and I am thankful that the SM Group provides opportunities for us to help others.”

His experiences of loss and hardship have deepened his sense of empathy and drive to help others. “I know what it’s like to lose someone and how much it means to have others by your side during difficult times. That’s why I do my best to comfort those in need, especially during crises,” he said.

As an active volunteer, Archie participates in activities such as coastal clean-ups and Operation Tulong Express, an SM Foundation program that provides relief to communities affected by disasters.

“I volunteer because I want to uplift communities and inspire others to do the same,” he added. “Seeing hope in the eyes of those we help motivates me to keep going, no matter how challenging it gets.”

Archie hopes to keep the SM Foundation’s core principle of ‘people helping people’ alive. Through its various initiatives, the foundation empowers employees and communities to work together to build a better future for the communities they happily serve.

“I hope my efforts inspire others to preserve the environment and always open their hearts to help those in need. I want to see future generations grow up believing in hope and the kindness of others. I hope that through the small things I do, I can inspire them to help one another and create a better, more compassionate world,” he said.

The iconic Quezon Hall at West Visayas State University (WVSU) in La Paz, Iloilo City, has been fully restored and is now open for use. The restoration, led by the Henry Sy Foundation in partnership with the SM Foundation, tackled both structural and aesthetic upgrades while equipping the building with modern facilities.

First completed in 1926, the building underwent an extensive renovation that preserved its historical design while introducing modern features, including 24 classrooms, faculty rooms, administrative offices, and improved lighting and ventilation. The facility will be managed by the College of Arts and Sciences, benefiting students across all WVSU colleges.

Approved by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the restoration included structural enhancements, pest control, and updates to ensure functionality without compromising the hall’s historical charm.

Dr. Lydia Echauz, Executive Director of the Henry Sy Sr. Foundation, emphasized the broader impact of the project, saying, “By restoring this historic building, we are also fostering an environment that nurtures academic excellence and inspires dreams that can uplift communities.”

The project reflects the Henry Sy Foundation and SM Foundation’s dedication to preserving Filipino heritage and strengthening educational facilities. The restored Quezon Hall is now ready to support WVSU’s academic community.

SM Group, WVSU restore Quezon Hall to support modern academic standards

The West Visayas State University (WVSU) Quezon Hall has been fully restored and reopened.

The Henry Sy Foundation, in collaboration with the SM Foundation, completed the restoration of the Quezon Hall, located on Luna Street in La Paz, Iloilo City. The historic building, first completed in 1926, underwent a comprehensive renovation to address structural concerns and modernize its facilities.

“The Henry Sy Foundation and SM Foundation are ideal partners for this restoration project because of their targeted social investments in education and drive for preserving Filipino heritage, including architectural landmarks. Most important in the Quezon Hall project is the value of connecting healthy buildings and structures to an enhanced learning and working environment that goes a long way in making strides towards long-term educational investments,” said Dr. Joselito Villaruz, WVSU President.

Breathing new life into an architectural landmark in Western Visayas

According to Arch. Gerard Ibañez, OIC Head of the WVSU Campus Physical Planning Office, the restoration project comprehensively addressed the building’s structural and aesthetic needs. The work included preserving original wooden moldings, repairing concrete and steel elements, restoring stairs, balusters, arcs, and columns, repainting architectural features, and conducting roof restoration to maintain the hall’s historical character while ensuring its functional integrity.

The restored Quezon Hall now has 24 new classrooms with chairs and tables, faculty rooms, and administrative offices. The College of Arts and Sciences will manage the facility, serving students from all WVSU colleges.

Arch. Ibañez and WVSU Administrator Julius Undar explained that the detailed comprehensive renovation efforts  included strategic lighting improvements with repositioned light fixtures to enhance illumination throughout the hall. The renovation also addressed comfort and functionality by installing additional ceiling fans and constructing new restroom facilities. 

Faculty rooms on the ground floor underwent significant rehabilitation, receiving enhanced structural reinforcement to ensure long-term stability. Pest control measures were integrated into the construction works as part of the restoration process. The team carefully incorporated modern technological upgrades that complemented the building’s historical architectural character, maintaining approval from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

“Working together with the WVSU, local stakeholders, and our dedicated team, we are not only restoring a building but also investing in the potential of every student who will step into its doors. Together, we are creating an environment that inspires academic excellence and fosters dreams that can reshape communities and uplift lives,” said Dr. Lydia Echauz, Executive Director of the Henry Sy Sr. Foundation. 

Quezon Hall, constructed on August 19, 1919, and completed in 1925 and 1926 in three separate contracts, had experienced gradual deterioration over decades, with previous maintenance challenges affecting its ceiling, flooring, and windows. The restoration project addressed these long-standing structural issues.

The restoration is part of the Henry Sy Foundation and SM Foundation’s continuous educational infrastructure initiatives.

The renovated building is now open and operational, serving the academic needs of WVSU students.

“Let us not count our lives by the days we live, but by the good deeds we do for humanity.” – Henry Sy, Sr.

In its commitment to uplift lives and drive social good nationwide, the SM Group, through SM Foundation, turned over the newly rehabilitated San Jose District Health Center in Tacloban City. This marks SM Foundation’s 211th Wellness Center.

“Each health center we revitalize represents more than a facility—it’s a source of hope, healing, and dignity for the communities we serve,” Connie Angeles, SM Foundation’s Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs said,

The San Jose District Health Center serves around 43,575 residents of Tacloban City, offering a wide range of health services including family planning, prenatal and postnatal care, birthing, child care, TB DOTS, minor consultations, maintenance medication provision, and adolescent wellness consultations.

A renewed facility for better ealthcare

Established in 2010, the district health center sustained severe damage in 2013 during Typhoon Yolanda, which destroyed its structure, medical equipment, medicines, and records. Recognizing its vital role in the community, SM Foundation stepped in to rehabilitate the facility to meet modern healthcare standards.

The renovated center is now equipped with key upgrades such as a dedicated breastfeeding area, an adolescent consultation space, a well-stocked pharmacy, delivery and recovery rooms, a nurse’s station with on-duty quarters, PWD-friendly toilets, and sustainable features like a rainwater catchment system and air-cleaning paints that enhance indoor air quality while promoting environmental sustainability.

Further supporting its operations, SM Foundation also provided laptops to digitize patient records, enabling online consultations for residents in remote areas, improving data management, and streamlining administrative processes. These efforts also facilitate the enrollment of patients in PhilHealth Konsulta benefits.

A legacy of health and hope

The rehabilitation of the San Jose District Health Center coincided with the periodic maintenance of the Tacloban City Hospital and the 11th anniversary of Savemore’s presence in the city. This initiative is part of SM Group’s long-standing commitment in supporting the government’s efforts in strengthening the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

Following the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, the SM Foundation spearheaded the rebuilding of the Tacloban City Hospital, aligning with government efforts to restore critical medical facilities. The renovation of the San Jose District Health Center continues this legacy, providing enhanced access to quality healthcare and ensuring a brighter future for Tacloban’s residents.

With its modernized facilities and upgraded systems, the San Jose District Health Center stands as a symbol of resilience and SM Foundation’s dedication to building healthier, more empowered communities.

SM Foundation celebrated the achievements of 218 college scholar graduates from Batch 2024 during a recognition ceremony held at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

Among the graduates, 63 earned academic honors, including three summa cum laude, 29 magna cum laude, 27 cum laude, and four receiving academic distinction.

These scholars embarked on their college journey in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, overcoming the challenges of remote learning to successfully complete their degrees.

“You faced one of the most challenging periods in recent history, yet you persevered with resilience and determination,” said SM Foundation Executive Director Debbie Sy in her address. “Your achievements are not just individual milestones but symbols of hope and strength for your families and communities.”

Sy highlighted education as a vital tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and urged graduates to give back by uplifting their communities. She also extended gratitude to the foundation’s social good partners, whose support contributed significantly to the scholars’ success.

Established in 1993 by SM Group founder Tatang Henry Sy, Sr., the SM College Scholarship Program has supported over 4,000 scholars nationwide. The program offers comprehensive assistance, including full tuition coverage, allowances, training, social gatherings, part-time job placements, internship opportunities, and potential employment within the SM Group.

Volunteer and SM Retail IT personnel Mark Ramos, who started as self-IT started in high school, pursues his mission to help bring computer and digital literacy closer to Filipino students.

Many schools in the country continue to struggle with computer access for their students, with multiple learners often sharing a single unit. This challenge is even more critical in rural areas, where limited devices and unreliable internet connectivity widen the technological gap.

This disparity threatens to leave countless Filipino students at a disadvantage as the world rapidly shifts towards digital integration in both education and professional fields.

The SM Group and Mastercard aim to bridge these gaps through the rollout of DigiHub in Philippine public elementary schools, including Lemery Pilot Elementary School in Batangas, Tuba Central School in Benguet, Jugan Elementary School in Cebu, and Macasandig Elementary School in Cagayan de Oro.

On the ground, volunteers and IT professionals like Mark Ramos from SM Retail have been instrumental in bringing this social initiative to life.

When personal experience becomes a professional purpose

Setting up the DigiHubs. SM employee-volunteer Mark unboxes one of the desktops from the partnership of Mastercard and the SM Group. Mark is joined by teachers and students from the Lemery Pilot Elementary School and SM Foundation School building program head Juris Soliman and program manager Greg Baclea-an.

Mark’s passion for technology was ignited in his high school years when his family acquired their first computer. “Repairing a computer back then was very costly, especially for a humble household like ours,” he recalled.

Instead of letting technical issues stop him from using his computer, he took matters into his own hands. “Back then, I would just research how to fix the computer, and I eventually discovered that’s what information technology is all about—continuous learning,” he reflected.

After a year of joining the SM Group, his team leaders presented him with the volunteering opportunity for the groundwork of the DigiHubs. He initially took on the task of conducting site visits and feasibility assessments for establishing the hubs in schools.

“During the site visit, teachers shared that the ratio of students to computers was not proportionate. Several students would use one computer, which made it challenging for teachers and students alike,” he shared, explaining why the project became close to his heart.

His involvement has taken him across the Philippines—from site visits in West Visayas and Benguet to computer installations in Batangas, Benguet, and Cagayan de Oro.

A personal mission

Together with his colleagues, Mark carefully evaluated the best options for students to ensure that the DigiHubs will foster students’ interest in tech.

After witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by schools in providing adequate computer access, the project became his personal mission. He carefully evaluated the best options for students, considering factors like internet connectivity and selecting applications that maximize learning opportunities.

“During our first test run, I saw how the students eagerly interacted with the computers. You could literally see their eyes glimmer with excitement. They immediately explored the computer, tried different software like Microsoft Word, and began typing away,” he shared.

His passion for the program grew stronger as he worked closely with students and teachers. “Causes like these are very important, especially in today’s competitive world,” he said. “Even if students don’t have computers at home, teachers noted that having enough units at school would greatly build students’ digital learning foundation.”

“Throughout the project, I was driven by the idea that if students had the same computer access I had, they would have a fair opportunity to explore the world of information technology. Now, they can explore and compete in tech-related fields in the digital age.”

Even after the DigiHubs were officially turned over, Mark remained grateful for the opportunity. He now eagerly awaits the next chance to share his skills for a greater cause.

“I am grateful to SM Foundation, SM Retail, Mastercard, and my leaders in the IT Service Operations Teamfor opening this opportunity to me and my colleagues. This experience allowed us not only to lend a helping hand but also to harness our IT skills in meaningful ways—to bridge the gap in computer and digital literacy for young students who might otherwise face barriers to accessing these essential tools. By giving them the skills and confidence to navigate a digital world, we hope to spark possibilities for their futures.”