FEATURES

The Podium came alive with youthful energy as budding entrepreneurs showcased their innovative business concepts at the Kiddo-preneur Fair held last January 20 and 21, 2024.

Founded in 2011, Kiddo-preneur is a socially-focused organization dedicated to fostering business and entrepreneurship among Filipino youth.

From crochet items to accessories, delectable sweets, and an assortment of novelty products, the diverse array reflected the passion and creativity of these young minds.

Last January 21, amid the vibrant market ambiance, the event offered invaluable insights from Robby Go, the Country Head and Head of Global Markets at UBS, the leading universal bank in Switzerland. Robby shared profound insights into developing financial literacy in children, emphasizing the event’s goal to not only spark interest in finance among children but also to highlight the importance of raising financially literate kids.

Robby Go, Country Head and Head of Global Markets at UBS, the leading universal bank in Switzerland, shares valuable insights on cultivating financial literacy in children.

Getting kids interested in finance isn’t just about numbers; it’s about instilling a sense of responsibility. Robby stressed the importance of starting early and involving kids in age-appropriate financial discussions.

Kiddo-preneur co-founder Maiki Oreta (left) engages in an enlightening conversation with Robby Go, the Country Head and Head of Global Markets at UBS, the leading universal bank in Switzerland, gathering suitable financial knowledge for young business minds.

(L-R): Allan Jarantilla, Mall Manager of The Podium; Robby Go, Country Head and Head of Global Markets at UBS, the leading universal bank in Switzerland; and Maiki Oreta, Kiddo-preneur co-founder

Raising financially literate kids involves creating a positive and open environment for conversations about money. Encouraging them to set savings goals and gradually introducing concepts like budgeting and investing are essential steps.

The event culminated with awards bestowed upon promising young entrepreneurs and their ventures. Pets R Us was honored with the Best Design award for featuring the most visually appealing booth, Chibi Phebe earned the Best Service award for delivering an exceptional customer experience, Brick Craft Station secured the Best Concept award for their innovative approach, and The Happy Blue House claimed the Best Ad award for their impactful social media promotion.

The Podium Assistant Mall Manager Anthony Ryan Sales joins the young entrepreneur winners in displaying their awards for Best Service, Best Concept, Best Ad, and Best Design.

To discover more about SM’s exciting events, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

The Philippines’ only government-owned school for the deaf now features new facilities to boost the skills of its students.

 The Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) has been a cornerstone of the deaf community in the Philippines and throughout Asia.

Established in 1907, PSD has a long and proud history of providing educational opportunities for deaf students. As the only government-owned institution for the deaf in the country, it plays an essential role in empowering individuals with hearing impairments and fostering their inclusion in society.

Years of dedicated use had taken its toll on PSD’s facilities, leaving them in need of significant refurbishment. This was particularly true for the senior high school laboratory building, which was in dire need of rehabilitation.

“Our challenges include the rehabilitation, major repairs, and maintenance of the school facilities and buildings,” PSD principal Shery Funcion said. “Because of these, limited ‘yung mga magagawa ng ating mga learners. The teachers cannot really maximize the tasks and activities they give to the students.”

“Before the rehabilitation, alongside other challenges, we had issues with the ventilation and the lighting inside the senior high school laboratory building. Dahil mainit at madilim, nahihirapan ang mga guro gawing effective at efficient ang kanilang pagtuturo,” she said.

Creating an inclusive learning hub

Differently abled students inside the newly rehabilitated PSD beauty care room

With the common goal of empowering the youth and fostering a culture of achievement, the Henry Sy Foundation and SM Foundation collaborated with DepEd’s School’s Division Office-Pasay and Pasay Local Government Unit to strengthen the capabilities of PSD students.

The collaboration for social good paves way for a more hands-on learning experience for students.

Through social good collaboration, the Foundations ensured that the infrastructural limitations of the past were replaced with modern learning spaces specifically designed for practical subjects like dressmaking, electronics, and IT.

A dedicated dance studio with a dressing room and a conference room provides spaces for creative expression and collaboration. New tools and furniture in the baking and cookery laboratory facilitate hands-on learning, while thoughtfully placed ramps and railings ensure accessibility for all students.

The new laboratory building enables teachers to impart essential skills to help their students pursue careers outside the four walls of the classroom.

A handwashing station and PWD-friendly toilets have been rehabilitated with clean, functional amenities The restored covered court, complete with a spacious stage, creates a dynamic area for outdoor learning and recreation.

For Principal Shery, the SM group’s contribution went beyond the classrooms. “Part of our program is to equip our students with essential skills and competencies to help them pursue their careers outside the four walls of the classroom.”

“And the rehabilitation of the entire building helped with that. Most especially in the home economics laboratories, maayos na nilang magagawa ang mga performance tasks nila. Mai-apply nila ang mga concepts na natutunan nila sa loob ng classrooms, giving the opportunity to hone their skills and competencies.”

With the completion of the building, the Henry Sy Foundation ushers in a new era of diverse and upgraded learning spaces—one that amplifies the often-unheard calls of differently abled members of the community.

The vibrant lobby warmly welcomes the PSD community.

After the grandiose launch of HONOR X9b 5G in the Philippines on January 12, the pre-orders skyrocketed day by day. Before stocks run out, HONOR Philippines is encouraging shoppers to pre-order theirs now for only Php 16,999 and extended until January 21, FREE HONOR Gift Box and HONOR Choice X5 Earbuds worth Php 4,000 will be given away for every purchase. Run to your nearest HONOR Experience and Partner stores or online via Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop!

“The success of HONOR X9b 5G is not a surprise for us, but HONOR fans never fail to overwhelm us with their support! This was the very reason why we are extending the FREE HONOR Gift Box and HONOR Choice X5 Earbuds until January 21,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

The successful HONOR X9b 5G was officiated by HONOR Philippines Brand Marketing Manager Joepy Libo-on, PR Manager Pao Oga, GTM Manager Steven Yan, Vice President Stephen Cheng, National Sales Head Blake Garcia, National Training Head Jaynard Lamarca and is hosted by The Miss Philippines Pauline Amelinckx. To the delight of guests and viewers online, Parokya ni Edgar’s lead vocalist Chito Miranda performed their greatest hits such as Your Song, Harana, and Bagsakan. Revisit the memorable launch here: https://bit.ly/HONORX9b5GLaunch.

The Toughest Phone is here!

Showcasing an industry-leading drop resistance and durability, the HONOR X9b 5G’s display incorporates the HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop technology. Certified by SGS’s Five Star Overall Drop Resistance, the HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Display utilizes advanced cushioning technology using newly developed materials, which increases the shock absorption capacity by up to 1.2 times, ensuring utmost durability even when subject to drops from a height of 1.5 meters and all angles.

The HONOR X9b 5G also boasts a triple camera system consisting of a 108MP Ultra-Clear Camera, a 5MP Ultra-Wide Camera, and a 2MP Macro Camera. The 108MP Ultra-Clear Camera comes with a large 1/1.67-inch sensor and a large f/1.75 aperture, allowing it to capture more light and produce images with vivid clarity. The camera also offers high optical quality with 3X zoom and an outstanding motion capture engine, ensuring the HONOR X9b 5G produces clear snapshots with fascinating detail.

In addition to the main camera, the 5MP Ultra-Wide Camera offers a 110° field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes, group shots, or architectural marvels. The HONOR X9b 5G also features a 2MP Macro Camera with 4cm minimum focus length, enabling users to capture close-up shots with stunning clarity and sharp details.

The HONOR X9b 5G is still available for pre-order now at only Php 16,999 in three colorways – Sunrise Orange, Emerald Green, and Midnight Black. Get a FREE HONOR Gift Box and HONOR Choice X5 Earbuds worth Php 4,000 at select HONOR Experience and Partner Stores or online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_X9b_PressRelease), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9b_PressRelease), and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_X9b_PressRelease).

Good news for HONOR Fans! You can get your own HONOR X9b 5G with Home Credit and Skyro for 0% interest! Also for Globe Postpaid Subscribers, you can apply or upgrade with GPlan 1299 to enjoy an Unli All-net Calls and Text and 8GB All-access Data for a one-time cash out of Php 3,300 only! Get it online or head over now to any Globe physical store!

To know more about the complete features of HONOR X9b 5G, you may visit: https://bit.ly/HONORPH_X9b_Pressrelease and head on to HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms for exciting announcements: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Great things start from small beginnings. It’s the start of a new year so why not start something great like going green with the help of SM Store.

Together with its supplier partners, customers and communities, SM Retail is championing the SM Green Movement. It is a collective effort towards green living, green culture and a green planet.

With the many brands of SM, you can start your green journey with a greener shopping experience through SM Green Finds. SM Store took these first steps to offer products that help promote the well-being of our communities and our planet so that we can all enjoy a greener shopping experience.

SM Green Finds offer products that are made from natural ingredients and promote local artisans and support community livelihood. Through the SM Green Finds initiative, it is easier for customers to choose products that consider the well-being of our communities and our planet every day.

To begin your green journey with SM Store, you can start by creating a greener home with SM Home which offers a wide variety of linens such as bedsheets and towels made of bamboo and Tencel^TM fibers. You can also organize your homes with KEA baskets made of sustainable materials like abaca and buri.

Towels made of Bamboo and Tencel fibers

ACE Express at the SM Store also offers a line of products that can help you adopt sustainable living. These products include LED lighting that saves energy, solar powered products, bathroom fixtures that conserve water, non-toxic cleaning solutions, sustainably sourced gardening supplies, waste segregation bins and conventional products that use natural or recycled materials.

For your beauty regimen, SM Beauty carries a Clean Beauty line with better packaging and better ingredients. It’s a host of products that are mindfully created, made from natural ingredients and free from harsh chemicals. SM Beauty also promotes the sale of refill packs that allow not just more saving but less plastic usage.

Refresh your wardrobe sustainably with SM Fashion’s Green Finds collection. Explore eco-friendly options, including Repreve denim clothing made from recycled plastic. Broaden your sustainable choices to encompass innerwear and accessories crafted from bamboo, showcasing SM Store’s commitment to stylish and environmentally conscious outfits.

SM Woman Plus Upcycled Denim – repurposing old denim into new denim outfits

Look for the Green Finds label in the SM Store and embark on your green journey with SM Store as your destination for sustainable living.

SM Green Finds makes green living easy for its customers by promoting products that are eco-friendly, made from natural and local ingredients and supports local communities. To find out more about our sustainability programs, search for The SM Green Movement, at https://smgreenmovement.com

Sining Filipina National Art Competition now open for entries

The submission deadline is until January 31, 2024.

In a celebration of art, women empowerment, and the boundless creativity of Filipina artists, BDO Unibank, Inc. and SM Supermalls, in collaboration with the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, proudly announce the launch of the first-ever all-female national art competition in the Philippines – Sining Filipina.

Entries for Sining Filipina, the pioneering all-female national art competition in the Philippines, are being accepted until January 31, 2024.

This groundbreaking competition aims to provide a platform for Filipinas to express their artistic talents, promoting them as originators of art and empowering them in the creative realm. With both Figurative and Non-Figurative categories, Sining Filipina invites participants to showcase their unique perspectives on the contemporary woman.

Contestants should submit original artworks, entirely conceptualized and executed by themselves, until the deadline on January 31, 2024. The competition offers a generous cash prize of up to P250,000 for the First Place Winner, providing not only recognition but also a significant boost to their artistic journey.

For a detailed understanding of the mechanics, application process, and guidelines, interested participants can visit https://zontaclubme.com/sining-filipina/. Additionally, inquiries can be directed to siningfilipina.secretariat@gmail.com.

This initiative reflects the commitment of BDO Unibank, Inc., SM Supermalls, and the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, to champion the flourishing talents of Filipina artists. As a testament to their support, the competition seeks to amplify the voices and visions of women in the realm of art.

(L-R): SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno, Zonta International Foundation for Women District 17 Ambassador Armita Rufino, Zonta Club of Makati and Environs (ZCME) Past President Maritess Pineda, Zonta International Past President Olivia Ferry, ZCME Vice President Joanne Zapanta-Andrada, BDO Unibank Vice President and Head of Sustainability Office Marla Alvarez, BDO Private Bank Executive Vice President and Head of Wealth Management Group Stella Cabalatungan, ZCME President Rosario Abaya, SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, BDO Unibank Senior Vice President and Head of Cash Management Services, Transaction Banking Group Carlo Nazareno, and BDO Unibank First Vice President and Officer in Charge for Marketing Communications Group Hannah Lopez

SM Supermalls’ President, Steven Tan (right), with BDO Unibank Vice President and Head of Sustainability Office, Marla Alvarez (second from right), Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Vice President, Joanne Zapanta-Andrada (second from left), and host Ces Drilon (left), during the panel discussion at the recent Sining Filipina National Art Competition Media Launch at the SM Aura Samsung Hall Lobby.

Join us in celebrating the richness of Filipina creativity – Sining Filipina awaits your masterpiece!

To know more about the exciting events at SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.