FEATURES

SM Supermalls is constantly evolving the experiences it offers in Mindanao, focusing on more than just retail. Through recent projects, SM is creating fresh opportunities in education, culture, and economic development, ensuring that its impact in the region is diverse and driven by community needs.

From the expansion of SM City Davao–now bigger and better than ever before–to establishing National University’s (NU) first campus in Mindanao and championing local art through the SM Lanang Art Market, the biggest art market in Mindanao, SM is empowering the land of promise with more opportunities to thrive.

A new chapter for SM City Davao

The ongoing expansion of SM City Davao highlights SM’s dedication to providing an even more enriching shopping and community experience. Since its opening in 2001 as the first SM mall in Mindanao, SM City Davao has since become a symbol of pride and progress in the region. With the Annex opening in 2012, the mall expanded to include more retail brands, restaurants, and a bustling Cyberzone, reinforcing its role as the shopping and leisure hub of Davao.

Now, SM is taking another bold step forward with over 100,000 square meters of new space in a stunning seven-level building, designed by renowned architect Royal Pineda. This redevelopment seamlessly blends tradition with modern design, making SM City Davao a destination that reflects the heart of Davao’s cultural heritage and aspirations. The bigger, better SM City Davao is set to rise as an even greater landmark in the region. 

The expansion will include two new levels dedicated to shopping and leisure, as well as enhanced cinemas designed to offer an exclusive, premium movie experience featuring private theaters and Director’s Club cinemas. It also has three levels of indoor parking with approximately 1,000 slots—ensuring a convenient and elevated malling experience for all visitors.

In line with SM’s belief in the transformative power of education, the top two floors will house the first-ever NU campus in Mindanao. This brings accessible, high-quality education to the region’s youth, positioning SM City Davao not just as a retail hub, but also as a center for learning and community growth, providing opportunities for future generations.

Celebrating Mindanao’s local culture

At SM Lanang, SM continues its commitment to nurturing local arts by hosting the annual SM Lanang Art Market, providing a platform for Mindanaoan artists to showcase their talents and connect with wider audiences. This initiative reflects SM’s support for the local creative community, ensuring that Mindanao’s artistic heritage is celebrated and preserved. The market has grown to be an important cultural event, attracting artists and art enthusiasts alike, further solidifying SM Lanang’s position as a cultural landmark in the region.

Empowering Mindanao’s future

SM sees boundless potential in Mindanao and is committed to supporting its progress. By integrating retail innovations, educational investments, and cultural initiatives, SM is playing a vital role in creating a more dynamic and inclusive future for the region. Every project and investment is a reflection of SM’s dedication to transforming not only the shopping experience but also the lives of the communities it serves. 

SM’s investments in Mindanao go beyond retail—they represent a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people and the culture of the region.

Come and experience how SM is transforming Mindanao. Visit SM City Davao and SM Lanang to discover exciting new spaces, cultural events, and one-of-a-kind experiences that bring the best of the region to life. Whether you’re shopping, dining, or exploring local art, there’s something for everyone.

For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.

There’s #MoreForYouatSM 

More than just a promise of having it all, we’re committed to bringing you more. More diverse and first-in-market brands, more unique and world-class experiences, more flavors to savor, and more spaces to thrive. As we evolve together, we’re strengthening our commitment to sustainability, community involvement, and innovation, making every visit more meaningful. There’s more for you at SM.

SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Department of Education, National Book Store, Jollibee, Power Mac Center, and National University, is gearing up for the much-anticipated SM Super Spelling Bee Grand Finals! Mark your calendars because on October 21, 2024, Monday, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, SM will be hosting the thrilling conclusion to this nationwide competition.

Don’t miss out on the first-ever SM Super Spelling Bee Grand Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on October 21, 2024 at 3PM. 

After rigorous elimination rounds held in 40 participating malls, 40 outstanding finalists have emerged from a pool of over 4800 participants, ready to showcase their spelling talents. The competition will unfold in three exciting rounds, each designed to test the contestants’ skills and determination. To add to the excitement, Filipino pop group CLOUD7 will be delivering a special performance.

At SM City Clark, students vie for a spot at the Super Spelling Bee Grand Finals.

The Grand Finals will begin with a Written Spelling Test, where the top ten participants who spell a total of ten words correctly will move on to the next round. The top ten finalists will then face off in an Oral Spelling Test. In this round, contestants will take the stage to spell words aloud. Each finalist has 20 seconds to accurately pronounce, spell, and repeat the word. From here, only three finalists will advance to the final round.

Students at SM City Mindpro raise their whiteboards during the Written Spelling Test.

In the thrilling final round, the three remaining contestants will take turns spelling words given by the pronouncer. An incorrect answer will result in immediate elimination, and the last contestant standing will be crowned the SM Super Spelling Bee Champion!

At SM City Marikina, a student stands on stage for the Oral Spelling Test.

Incredible prizes await, not just our champion, but also our finalists. Top finishers will win National Bookstore gift certificates, cash rewards, and discounts on tuition fees at National University. The grand winner will take home up to Php 50,000 worth in cash and SM gift certificates, Php 150,000 worth in National Book Store Gift Certificates, Php 10,000 worth in Jollibee gift certificates, a MacBook Air from Power Mac Center, and a complete waiver of tuition fees at National University!

The winner of each elimination round in 40 SM Supermalls receives over Php 20,000 worth in gift certificates.

Are you ready for the ultimate spelling showdown? Join us at SM Mall of Asia for an unforgettable afternoon of competition and celebration! Pre-register now and join the SM Super Spelling Bee audience through the SM Malls Online app.

For more details, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM Supermalls on Facebook. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!

As part of its Elderly Filipino Week 2024 celebrations, SM Cares, together with the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the SM Super Grannies Club, hosted a series of fun, engaging, and meaningful activities to honor the senior citizen community, held last Oct. 1, 2024, at the Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.

During the morning activity, the attendees were treated to numerous interactive sessions, wellness programs, and exciting surprises tailored specifically for senior citizens, aimed at celebrating their invaluable contributions, fostering a sense of inclusion, and providing opportunities for them to enjoy and connect with others.

Among the highlights of the morning event were a mass at the Shrine of Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life; the Walk for Life parade; and a Zumba session; Filipino balladeer and 70’s Jukebox King Darius Razon also serenaded the attendees with his mesmerizing voice.

Another event aimed to support our Super Citizens was held at the SM North EDSA Skydome co-organized with Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP). The Talakayan Forum, which brought together senior citizens, local government representatives, and various stakeholders to address pressing concerns and share insights about senior welfare, inclusivity, and the role of the elderly in nation-building.

Designed as an open forum for important discussions that directly impact the senior citizen community, the Talakayan Forum aims to facilitate meaningful exchange, empower the elderly through dialogue, and ensure their voices are heard in community and national development.

The forum also highlighted the invaluable contributions of the elderly to community development and nation-building, while strengthening partnerships between local government units, senior citizen organizations, and the private sector in support of senior welfare.

These activities align with SM Cares’ mission to promote inclusivity and provide platforms for important societal conversations, furthering its support for senior citizens as part of its Program on Persons with Disabilities, which promotes a barrier-free and disability inclusive environment for PWDs its malls.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares. 

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) celebrated a significant milestone during this year’s Día del Galeón as it officially turned over the Museo del Galeón space, located at SM Mall of Asia. The event, held at the China Blue Restaurant in Conrad Manila, brought together prominent figures from the SM Group and dignitaries from the Philippines, Spain, and Mexico.

Día del Galeón, an annual event recognized by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), commemorates the arrival of the first transpacific galleon, San Pablo, in Acapulco, Mexico, from Manila in 1565. This historic voyage launched the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade, establishing profound cultural and commercial ties between the Philippines and Mexico, which have endured through the centuries.

The highlight of the event was the formal turnover of the SM Prime space to the Museo del Galeón Foundation, received by Museo del Galeón Chairman, Ambassador Carlos Salinas. During the event, Dr. Jaime Laya donated a reproduction of the acclaimed “Carta Hydrographica y Chorographica de las Islas Filipinas,” also known as the Velarde Map. It was followed by the investiture of the inaugural members of the Advisory Council: Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency (H.E.) Miguel Utray Delgado, and Mexican Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Daniel Hernández Joseph. They herald the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the museum.

“The commitment of Mexico to this project is unwavering. We see the Museo del Galeón as a symbol of the enduring relationship between our nations — a relationship that extends beyond commerce, embodying the profound intercultural exchanges that have shaped the perceptions of time, space, and the worldview of peoples across Asia and the Americas,” said H.E. Daniel Hernández Joseph, Mexican Ambassador to the Philippines. 

 “The turnover of the Museo del Galeón is a reflection of our deep commitment to preserving and celebrating our rich heritage,” said Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime. “Through this museum, we provide a space where future generations can learn about the vital cultural exchanges that have shaped our nation.”

SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy and Museo del Galeón Chairman Ambassador Carlos Salinas

The Museo del Galeón will house a life-sized representation of Manila Galleon, offering visitors an immersive and educational experience that highlights the role of the Filipino people before, during, and after the galleon trade. Discover the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture between the East and West that put Manila at the center during the dawn of globalization. 

Representatives from the SM Group and Museo del Galeón, alongside the Embassies of Spain and Mexico in the Philippines, discuss Dr. Jaime Laya’s donation of a reproduction of the Velarde Map. 

The turnover of the Museo del Galeón space ensures that the Filipino story is told, and discoveries, revelations, and ideas will be sparked by our rich and complex maritime history. “This is not just about preserving history. This will be a place where the past and the present meet, with exhibits and interactive experiences that will tell the stories of the historical exchanges that, for the first time in history, united three continents: Asia, America, and Europe,” Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Miguel Utray Delgado said. 

This occasion signals the beginning of the one-year countdown to the museum’s grand opening, which will take place on Día del Galeón in 2025.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s annual Bahandi Eastern Visayas Trade Fair is back, showcasing the lively products and handicrafts of Region 8’s Eastern Samar, Leyte, and beyond! From October 3 to 7 at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Hall, explore a treasure trove of unique finds from over 100 local Micro-, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Connect with talented artisans, discover one-of-a-kind pieces, and support the thriving Eastern Visayas economy. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the best of the region!

After a year, leading integrated property developer SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) stays true to its commitment for educational access and environmental stewardship through its sustainability scholarship program in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

Under the SM Sustainability Scholarship, SM Prime continues to support ten UPLB students with their undergraduate studies, helping them pursue degrees in either Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology or Bachelor of Science in Forestry, fields that align with the property developer’s focus on building resilient communities and fostering a sustainable future.

“SM Group’s founder, Henry “Tatang” Sy Sr. always believed that education is the greatest equalizer. He envisioned that sending one child to college would create ripples of social good, not just for families but for the entire community these students belong to,” said SM Prime Assistant Vice President for Marketing, Public Relations, and Corporate Communications, Rida Reyes-Castillo.

“SM Prime believes UPLB would be the best partner to support its sustainability initiatives in promoting a conducive learning environment while honing new Iskolars ng Bayan leaders committed to knowledge creation and public service. We will continue to support the empowerment of our youth and communities’ well-being”, she added.

The SM Sustainability Scholars, who were chosen for their academic excellence and dedication to sustainability, were again met by the SM Prime team during their meet-and-greet gathering at UPLB last September 26.

Each scholar will receive a full scholarship covering tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, and a stipend for books, ensuring all the support they need is there so that they can focus on their studies.

For UPLB, College of Human Ecology (CHE) Dean Dr. Jennifer Amparo expressed that the pursuit of sustainability is most effectively undertaken collaboratively. “CHE is one of the colleges that puts a premium on interdisciplinarity and trans-disciplinarity because we believe that in sustainability, you don’t work in silos. We need to work together and build each other’s skills, know-how, and also our programs together to ensure sustainability,” she said.

SM Sustainability scholar Adina Lacdang, who majors in Bachelor of Science Forestry, said that the crucial support from SM Prime has helped her in her studies and also eased the added financial burden on her parents.

“With the knowledge I am able to acquire through this scholarship, gusto ko po mapangalagaan ‘yung sarili naming kabuhayan through agroforestry. I hope to serve as a bridge for industries that are rapidly modernizing and use my skills and knowledge to align them to sustainable practices,” Lacdang said.

Now in her sophomore year, she hopes to apply her knowledge of sustainability and use her voice to encourage the youth to take an interest in the environment, including forestry.

“I have seen that they are making a great impact in the field of forestry in terms of sustainability and broadening the sciences. When we continue to learn about our surroundings, we are able to make informed decisions that will leave a lasting positive impact,” she shared.

For decades, SM Prime has embraced the responsibility to contribute to nation-building through social good programs that are geared towards quality education, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and disaster response. By helping improve the quality of life of the people in these host communities, social development and investment go hand in hand with business growth to achieve a better future for all.

Moms work day-in, day-out – whether in or out of the office. A lot of the time though, because they are so focused on taking care of their loved ones, they sometimes forget to reward themselves for all of the hard work that they do in and out of their homes.

Cyberzone, the premier technology hub in the Philippines, recognizes this and has therefore joined forces with global smartphone brand OPPO to offer an exclusive giveaway to members of the SM SuperMoms Club where 3 lucky moms stand a chance to win an OPPO A3 smartphone.

This collaboration aims to empower mothers with the latest technology and provide them with a seamless shopping experience at the same time. In case you haven’t heard of the SM SuperMoms Club yet, it’s a special group on Facebook that was specifically created for SM Supermalls’ most loyal mommy shoppers. In this group, moms can safely share their concerns out in the open and get meaningful advice, madiskarte shopping tips, and words of encouragement from fellow moms who fully understand what they are going through.

The SM SuperMoms Club welcomes moms from all walks of life. If you are a mommy on the lookout for a community that could make you feel empowered, make sure to join the club here. Plus, you could be one of those lucky winners of the OPPO A3!

It’s incredibly easy to join too. All you have to do is join the club and then post your answers in the comment section of our questions and on your Facebook profile with the hashtags #GotITAtCyberzone and #OppoLangSakalam. Visit Cyberzone’s FB page to join. 

The questions are as follows:

• What is your proudest moment as a mom?
• Why is OPPO the perfect phone for a techy SuperMom?

The campaign will run until October 15, 2024, and the winners will be announced on October 18, 2024. Visit Cyberzone’s FB page to join. Good luck, SuperMoms!

Stay updated on the newest gadgets and competitive tech deals by visiting Cyberzone at an SM Mall near you or through the SM Malls Online app. For the latest tech news and gaming event information, follow SM Cyberzone on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or by visiting its website at www.smcyberzone.com.

Don’t miss out on the action—#CheckCyberzone for all your tech and gaming needs!