FEATURES

Escape the summer heat and enjoy the cool vibes at SM Skating! Whether you’re looking to hang out with friends or try something new, SM Skating has a range of fun activities for everyone. Here’s why SM Skating should be your top choice for summer fun

Discover the magic of the ice

Whether its your first time to try or you’re a regular on the ice, everyone needs to try ice skating at least once! You can try it out for 2 hours with our 2-hour pass or skate the whole day away with our day pass! Helmets and skate aids are available for extra layer of safety, and assist coaching may also be availed for a quick lesson on the basic ice skating procedures.

Learn to Skate

Start your skating journey with the Learn to Skate program. Designed for beginners of all ages, this program includes eight sessions, one each week over eight weeks, for only Php 4,500. Develop your skills and have loads of fun on the ice. For inquiries and enrollments, email smlearntoskate@gmail.com. 

Friday ICEcapade

We bring back our weekly party on the ice every Friday night at SM Megamall. Skate to your favorite songs, enjoy the disco and party lights, and captivate yourself in themed nights celebrating everything from K-Pop to Taylor Swift. 

Ice Bumper Cars

The Ice Bumper Cars are the perfect way to enjoy the rink, for kids or anyone a bit nervous about traditional skating. Available on weekdays at SM Skating Megamall and Seaside City Cebu, it’s a must-try experience.

SM Skating invites you to make unforgettable memories on the ice this summer. Whether it’s your first time lacing up skates or you’re returning for more frosty fun, every visit is a new experience and joyous moment. Make the most of the season with activities that keep you moving and smiling, even as the temperatures rise.

For more information and updates, visit SM Skating’s social media pages. Glide into fun this summer at SM Skating, your ultimate cool escape!

Passengers flying out of Clark International Airport (CRK) will soon enjoy the convenience of checking in at SM City Clark before heading to the airport. This initiative is part of a collaboration between the Department of Transportation (DOTr), SM Supermalls, and various stakeholders to enhance the travel experience.

SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan (third from left) joins key stakeholders from the aviation and tourism industries at a recent signing ceremony for the SM City Clark City Check-In Facility. From left: Department of Transportation (DOTr) – Region 3 Chief Tourism Officer Avon Timbol,  Plaza Premium Group Regional General Manager for Southeast Asia Steven Lim, Department of Tourism (DOT) Assistant Secretary for Tourism Development Warner Andrada, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary Roberto Lim, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEOfBCDA) Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President and CEO Arrey Perez, Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corp. President and CEO Noel Manankil, and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Chief of Marketing and Promotions Jake Liwanag

“SM Supermalls is proud to be a part of this partnership, which will soon offer passengers a seamless and stress-free travel experience. By allowing passengers to check in at the mall before their flight and enjoy our amenities, this initiative will further enhance Clark’s position as a premier travel hub,” said SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan.

Breeze through check-in at the soon-to-open facility at SM City Clark, then shop, dine, or relax before your Clark International Airport flight.

The City Check-In Facility is a result of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by key players in the aviation and tourism industries, including the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Department of Tourism-Region 3 (DOT-3), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD), Premier Central Inc., and Plaza Premium Lounge Clark International Airport (CRK) Inc.

SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan (left) and Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Noel Manankil, the manager and operator of Clark International Airport.

Benefits for passengers

Passengers flying out of Clark International Airport can soon enjoy a smoother and more relaxed travel experience. The City Check-In Facility at SM City Clark allows them to check in for their flights before even reaching the airport. This eliminates pre-departure stress and frees up valuable time for passengers to explore the mall’s offerings. Whether it’s grabbing a bite to eat, doing some last-minute shopping, or simply relaxing before their flight, passengers can make the most of their time at SM City Clark.

A collaborative effort

The establishment of the City Check-In Facility at SM City Clark demonstrates the power of collaboration between government agencies, aviation authorities, and the private sector. This initiative is expected to boost tourism in the region and contribute to a more positive travel experience for passengers flying out of Clark International Airport.

To know more about government partnerships, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

Kung may ipata-tattoo ka sa iyong katawan, anong disenyo ito? Anuman ang iyong napupusuan, tiyak na mayroon itong special meaning para sa iyo.

Ganito mismo ang ginawa ng 24-anyos na si Vincent John Tuibeo mula sa Bacoor, Cavite na nagpalagay ng tattoo bilang parangal sa pinakamahalagang bahagi ng kanyang buhay—ang kanyang ina.

Ngunit imbes na pangalan o larawan ang ipa-tattoo, napagdesisyunan niyang ipalagay sa kanyang tagiliran ang huling liham ng kanyang ina bago ito pumanaw.

Mag-isang itinaguyod si Vincent at ang kanyang mga kapatid ng kanilang inang si Joy Anne.

Sa kabila nito, nagpatuloy pa rin ang ina na tapusin ang kanyang kursong nursing; ngunit nang makapagtapos na ito noong 2008, tinamaan na siya ng sakit. Dito na napag-alaman na mayroon siyang cervical cancer.

Nagsimula na ang ina ni Vincent na magpabalik-balik sa ospital, hanggang sa ma-confine na ito at hindi na nila mabisitang magkakapatid.

Dahil mahilig ang pamilya na magpalitan ng sulat noon pa man, idinaan dito ng kanilang ina ang nais niyang sabihin sa mga anak.

Hanggang sa tuluyan nang binawian ng buhay ang kanilang ina at inilibing sa mismong 10th birthday ni Vincent.

Higit sa isang dekada na ang lumipas, ngunit ramdam pa rin ni Vincent ang sakit at lungkot sa tuwing binabasa ang huling liham sa kanya ng kanyang ina kung saan binilinan silang magkakapatid na huwag mag-away away at panatilihin ang takot sa Diyos.

Sa kasalukuyan, may kanya-kanyang trabaho na ang magkakapatid, samantalang nag-aaral sa kolehiyo ang kanilang bunso. Ngunit hanggang ngayon, ang ina pa rin ang kanilang pinaghuhugutan ng lakas.

Hapdi at kirot ang tiniis ni Vincent sa pagpapa-tattoo, maitatak lamang nang permanente ang huling mensahe ng kanyang pinakamamahal na ina para sa kanya.

Mayroon ka bang ideal child?

Kahit oo, alam nating hindi natin makokontrol ang kalalabasan ng ating magiging anak.

Ngunit alam mo bang sa hinaharap, posible na raw makalikha ng mga sanggol sa isang laboratoryo? At kung ia-avail mo ang kanilang “Elite Package”, maaari mo nang i-customize ang kulay ng mata, buhok, at balat ng iyong magiging anak? Maging ang kanilang intelligence level at physical strength, ikaw na ang pipili!

Ito ang EctoLife, ang pinakaunang artificial womb facility sa buong mundo.

Sa EctoLife, posibleng makalikha ng tinatayang 30,000 babies kada taon sa pamamagitan ng “growth pods” na magsisilbi bilang sinapupunan.

Maaari ring ma-track ng mga magulang ang development ng fetus sa isang app na pwedeng ma-download sa kanilang smartphone.

At kung kailangan nang lumabas ng sanggol, isang push lang sa button, “maipapanganak” na ito; ibang-iba sa normal delivery kung saan ang ina mismo ang nagpu-push tuwing labor.

Pero totoo nga ba ito?

Ang EctoLife ay isa lamang konsepto na likha ng science communicator na si Hashem Al-Ghaili, ngunit iginiit niyang magiging posible ito sa hinaharap kung tatanggalin lamang ang ethical restrictions.

Maging ang ilang eksperto, naniniwalang hindi malayo sa katotohanan ang konsepto ni Al-Ghaili dahil batay ito sa siyensya.

From upcycling to creating a cycle of social good

Get to know SM Group’s The Tarp Project

A customer at SM Aura purchases an upcycled bag made through the SM Green Finds x Zarah Juan’s collab, “The Tarp Project”. Proceeds from the project will be donated to SM Foundation’s innovation programs in education and health.

The SM Store and Filipino artisanal fashion brand Zarah Juan gave new life to used tarpaulins while supporting various social good causes in the Philippines.

The Tarp Project, launched on Earth Day, April 22, 2024, is a joint endeavor between SM Green Finds and fashion designer Zarah Juan. It supports SM Group’s commitment to leveling up its circularity programs with social inclusion.

Weaving communities’ goals together

The bags were cut and cleaned by persons deprived of liberty (PDL) from Quezon City and were assembled by Filipino artisans from Bulacan.

The social good collaboration collects, repurposes, and transforms used tarpaulins from SM Stores into stylish and sustainable bags and pouches, with proceeds donated to SM Foundation’s School Building and Health and Medical programs.

For the initial phase, the goal was to collect about 5,000 square meters of used tarpaulins, which will be cleaned and cut by persons deprived of liberty (PDL) in Quezon City, and then assembled by communities in Bulacan into approximately 4,000 reusable bags and 1,400 reusable pouches.

“It looks very simple, pero napaka laki ng puso ng bag na ito,” entreprenuer and designer Zarah Juan said. “The bags first go through the PDLs of Quezon City, which will help in their hope, rehabilitation, and life transformation.”

“The tarps will then be transformed by our partner Filipino artisans in Bulacan. This collaboration will provide them with additional livelihood opportunities, and since these are upcycled bags, we will help reduce waste going into landfills. By buying this, mayroon ka ng magandang bag, marami ka pang natulungan,” she added, saying that customers’ purchases go a long way.

From circular economy to ripples of social good

Through the collaboration of SM Green Finds and Zarah Juan, discarded tarpaulins from SM Store are being transformed into stylish bags by PDLs and local artisans. The project not only diverts waste from landfills but also empowers various communities through livelihood opportunities. The Tarp Project further creates ripples of social good through the program’s beneficiary, the SM Foundation Inc.

SM Foundation Executive Director for Education programs Carmen Linda Atayde also shared that proceeds from The Tarp Project sales will contribute to supporting SMFI’s initiatives. This includes the installation of smart classroom boards and the implementation of rainwater catchment systems in partner community health centers as part of their health and medical program.

“This project is truly commendable as it not only supports local artisans but also serves a greater purpose. By purchasing these bags, we not only provide livelihood opportunities but also contribute directly to SMFI’s school building program, benefiting countless school children, as well as supporting SMFI’s health and medical programs, aiding patients and health workers alike. It’s a powerful example of how supporting initiatives like this can create a ripple effect of social good,” she said.

SM Store has long championed sustainable living through its SM Green Finds program, a green retail initiative implemented across more than 70 branches nationwide alongside other SM retail affiliates.

Looking to further expand this green effort, the company sought a circularity program that would create an opportunity to convert waste into something more useful, while also supporting communities and creating a cycle of social impact.

The Figaro Coffee Group (FCG), a leader in the Philippine food and beverage sector, proudly unveiled its financial results for its fiscal third quarter ending March 2024.

For the quarter ending March 2024, FCG reported revenues of PHP 1.3 billion, up 27% from same quarter last year. Net income after tax for the quarter registered at PHP 105 million, up 5% from the same period of last year.

For the calendar year January to December 2023, FCG achieved a landmark revenue of PHP 5 billion, marking a 55% increase over the previous year’s PHP 3.23 billion. The company ended 2023 with a net income after tax of PHP 480.38 million, an increase of 84% compared to same period in the previous year. This was achieved through managing inflationary pressures by optimizing internal operations which controlled overhead and operating expenses.

Store growth was propelled by the strategic opening of 67 new stores in 2023. Within the 67 newly opened, 55 stores were opened in Luzon, 9 in Visayas and 3 in Mindanao.

Additionally, the company witnessed a 6% growth in same-store sales in 2023 compared to 2022, driven primarily by the Angel’s Pizza brand. Tien Ma’s Taiwanese and Figaro Coffee also experienced an increase same-store sales, fueled by improvement in dinein traffic throughout the year.

In 2023, FCG likewise launched its first casual-dining kebabs brand, Koobideh Kebabs in Makati, serving beef and chicken kebabs and other middle eastern side items. FCG ended 2023 with a total of 203 stores, broken down to 124 Angel’s Pizzas stores, 64 Figaro Coffee stores, 10 Tien Ma’s Taiwanese stores, 4 Cafe Portofino stores and 1 Koobideh Kebabs stores.

Mr. Justin Liu, Chairman of FCG, commented on the performance saying, “Reflecting on our 2023 performance fills us with immense pride. We’ve achieved remarkable milestones, a testament to the dedication and resilience of our team. As we look ahead, we’re energized by the prospects of future growth and success. As FCG progresses into 2024, our commitment is to continue to expand our presence, pursue sustainable growth, and continue product innovation to deliver enhanced value to our customers and shareholders.”

Sa kabila ng kanyang iniindang karamdaman, hindi ito naging hadlang para kay Rhedz-Wei Hadjula mula sa Universidad de Zamboanga na manguna sa 2024 Pharmacists Licensure Examination.

Mayroon kasing sakit na thalassemia si Hadjula. Ang isa niyang kuya, hindi na nakapag-aral dahil sa kaparehong karamdaman.

Ang thalassemia ay isang genetic o namamanang blood disorder kung saan hindi nakagagawa ang katawan ng sapat na protina na tinatawag na hemoglobin na mahalaga sa red blood cells.

Dahil hindi sapat ang hemoglobin sa katawan, nagiging anemic ang nakararanas ng karamdamang ito.

Ayon kay Hadjula, “light” lang naman ang kanyang kaso, ngunit nahirapan pa rin siya dahil kailangan niyang manatiling gising kahit gabi upang mag-aral.

Gayunman, naging mabunga ang kanyang pagsisikap dahil hindi lang siya nakapasa sa pinaghandaan niyang exam, kundi naging Top 1 pa!

Lubos naman ang pasasalamat ni Hadjula sa suportang ibinigay sa kanya ng kanyang pamilya na binantayan ang kanyang kalusugan.

Payo niya sa kabataan, panatilihin ang mga paa sa lupa at hanapin ang sarili, dahil kung masaya sa ginagawa, hindi mararamdaman ang anumang pagod.

On May 15, 2024, 16 couples exchanged vows at the 8th Kasalan sa SM, an event organized by SM Supermalls and the Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, Inc. (FTSFI). Notably, some of the happy couples were proud members of SM’s Supermoms Club.

The 8th Kasalan sa SM mass wedding tied the knot for 16 couples on May 15, 2024, at the Shrine of Jesus the Way, the Truth and the Life Church, MOA Complex, Pasay City. This event, organized by SM Supermalls and the Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, Inc. (FTSFI), also included proud members of the SuperMoms Club, making the occasion even more special.

This event is also in partnership with Goldilocks and Gandang Ricky Reyes, whose generous contributions helped create a memorable experience for the couples and their families.

The Kasalan sa SM initiative is one of the religious projects of the Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, Inc. (FTSFI), an affiliate of the SM Foundation.

This endeavor, which began almost a decade ago, is among the numerous religious activities championed by SM Group matriarch Nanang Felicidad T. Sy, who is dedicated to promoting spiritual well-being within communities.

Nanang’s vision has also led to the operation of masses and rehabilitation of churches/shrines within and near SM malls, providing accessible places of worship for Catholic mallgoers and communities that the group serves.

Collaborating for social good, grooms donned beautiful barongs from Kultura while brides were dolled up by Gandang Ricky Reyes.

The mass wedding ceremony, officiated by clergy members, brought joy and blessings to the 16 couples who celebrated their union in the presence of family and friends. This event not only strengthens the bond of marriage but also underscores SM Group’s commitment to upholding the Filipino Catholic faith and fostering strong family values within the community.

According to recent data from Google Trends, the Philippines now ranks third in all searches for AI-related topics across the world and #4 specifically for generative AI over the past 12 months, indicating an interest in the technology among Filipinos.

Google Trends provides data on the topics that people from a certain country or area are searching almost in real time. The data is measured by recording how many times a particular keyword is searched for compared to other terms within a certain period.

Only China and Ethiopia outrank the Philippines at #1 and #2, respectively. There are several reasons for the increased search interest around AI in the Philippines including the availability of AI tools and platforms that have made it easier for Filipinos to experiment with and learn about AI.

One of the AI tools available today is Gemini, Google’s AI chatbot. It is a versatile AI assistant capable of handling various tasks like writing, planning, learning, and generating content like images and more! Gemini offers a free version for everyone and a paid version called Gemini Pro with advanced features.

Overall, the search interest around AI in the Philippines is a reflection of the country’s growing technological awareness, economic aspirations, educational initiatives, government support, and the global trend towards AI adoption.

Find out how generative AI can help your daily life by trying Gemini here.

Enchanted Kingdom (EK), the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, once again created magical memories for all during its Enchanting Mother’s Day celebration on May 12, Sunday.

With the launch of its Ilaw ng Tahanan Promo, guests enjoyed unlimited magic to almost 30 rides and attractions inside the park, including the first and only flying theater in the Philippines, AGILA the EKsperience. Mother’s Day at EK was full of special offers, treats and activities highlighting the magic of a mother’s love with their kids and family – all for only Php 1,200. This exclusive EK online store promo also included one (1) Firefly e-gift card worth PhP 200 and a chance to win a Smart Wifi Portable Air Conditioner.

Moms were also serenaded by mother-daughter tandem Pinky and Karel Marquez with An Enchanting Mother’s Day Concert, joined by the Women of Song and Music Making Company as they paid tribute to all the mothers with a night of music, dance and entertainment. EK’s very own Circle of Artists, SMS, Victoria’s Way and the Kingsmen also spiced up the Mother’s Day concert with a series of heartwarming musical performances to remember.

Enchanted Kingdom shared more magic through unique offerings for Mother’s Day around the park. Kindermagic, EK’s indoor play area, gave fun passes to moms accompanying their children. EK’s award-winning merchandise stores created Mother’s Day Corners, where guests can take their instagrammable photos while they shop for selected EK merchandise.

EK’s very own restaurants LaunchTime and Amazon Grill offered a special Mother’s Day Group Meals for a magical dining experience. Selected EK tenant partners also joined the fun with discounted treats and freebies. Lastly, EK’s Laser Mission and EKaleidoscope provided group discounts for moms to create more magical adventures at the park.

The celebration was even made more magical with the following sponsors: Baby Dove, Surf, Dove Deo, Rexona, Snailwhite, Snake Brand, Oxecure, Beauty Dream Hall, Pastel, Sparkle, Krunnnch, Piattos, Dewberry, Cloud9 Chocolate Milk Drink, Cream O, Nissin Ramen, Great Taste Iced Coffee, Koreanna, Nutri10excel, Lightskin, Landers, Cher-Aim Thai Herbal, McCormick, Nido, Zim, and Nurture. The following tenant partners also extended their support for this special day: Dash Premium Ice Scramble, Dairy Queen, Subarashii Manju, Lil’ Orbits Mini-Donuts, Tater Tots, Teho, Angel’s Corn, and Sigue Trading.

For more information and updates regarding this event and EK’s other upcoming events and offers, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media accounts @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and Tiktok, and @ek_philippines for Twitter and Instagram.