FEATURES

It was a festive, star-studded evening in celebration of Filipino heritage and fashion at the very first Paskong TernoCon 2023 at SM Aura. A joint project of SM Supermalls, Bench/Lifestyle + Clothing, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the inaugural Paskong TernoCon marked a milestone in Philippine fashion with visionary designers Joey Samson and Lesley Mobo taking center stage in TernoCon’s first fashion show in a mall.

Set against the backdrop of SM Aura’s exquisite Filipiniana-themed Christmas centerpiece, the runway showcased the impeccable technique and artistry of Samson and Mobo, as well as the range and versatility of the Philippine terno. Samson’s collection showcased masterful minimalism and tailored, architectural forms, while Mobo’s was a celebration of draping, unabated maximalism, color, and folk aesthetics.

But more than a fashion spectacle, Paskong TernoCon served as a platform for inclusivity, making the best of Philippine design more accessible to a wider audience.

“The event epitomizes SM Supermalls’ commitment to championing Filipino culture and artistry, and provides a platform to bring this closer to more people through our malls”, said SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan. “The exquisite designs by Lesley Mobo and Joey Samson beautifully represent our rich cultural traditions and Filipino creativity, and SM is honored to have been part of this trailblazing project”.

Paskong TernoCon’s glittering front rows comprised some of the biggest names from Philippine fashion, film, culture, business, and society – who all came out to support and celebrate Pinoy culture and fashion. Gracing the occasion were First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, SM Investments Corporation Chairperson Tessie Sy-Coson, Bench founder Ben Chan, CCP Vice Chairperson Margie Moran-Floirendo, and SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan.  Likewise, the runway featured actors Janine Gutierrez and David Licauco, Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ara Arida, model-photographer Jo Ann Bitagcol, and Michelle Dee in her first public appearance after the Miss Universe pageant.

Paskong TernoCon 2023 is a celebration of the Filipino spirit, artistry, and creativity that define the country’s vibrant culture. The event was also made possible by collaborators of the two featured designers. For Joey Samson: Lakat for the footwear and Unang Panahon for the jewelry. For Lesley Mobo: Ash & Muff and Harold & Harry for the earrings, and Adante Leyesa for the bags.

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

Effortless and speedy delivery services in time for the busy Holidays

WalterMart partners with 2GO for seamless online shopping experience.

2GO, the Philippines’ largest transportation and logistics solutions provider and a part of the SM Group, was recently selected to be the primary logistics solutions and delivery partner for WalterMart Supermarket’s E-commerce business. This strategic collaboration provides WalterMart shoppers the seamless convenience of having their groceries delivered through 2GO, to 13 key cities across Metro Manila.

This service operates across expansive areas within Metro Manila, encompassing Caloocan, Malabon, Valenzuela, Quezon City, San Juan, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, Pasay, Las Piñas, Bicutan, Parañaque, and Muntinlupa. Additionally, it caters to specific areas in Manila, including Binondo, Tondo, San Andres, and Santa Ana.

2GO is tasked to operationalize Waltermart’s Grocery Delivery Service which ensures same day, scheduled on time delivery of the freshest items for their customers. As the designated logistics partner, 2GO commits to delivering items promptly on the very same day these are ordered.

Victor Paul Intal, Assistant Vice President for Business Development at WalterMart, expresses confidence in 2GO, highlighting their enduring partnership dedicated to ensuring that customers derive the utmost benefit from this service. He shares, “We have had a long-standing partnership with 2GO, and we trust in their commitment to ensuring our customers receive the best service. With 2GO’s delivery services, we aim to maintain the high quality of goods delivered to our consumers’ doorsteps, aligning with WalterMart’s standards.”

WalterMart picks the freshest ingredients for holiday festivities.

The primary goal of this service is to provide customers with the freshest and highest quality goods, delivered directly to their homes. With a focus on quality in goods, delivery practices, and overall service, this initiative caters to busy.

This service aims to elevate the overall shopping experience for customers through user-friendly apps and online platforms, offering a convenient alternative to in-store visits, especially during the upcoming holiday season. Furthermore, it extends its reach to customers residing abroad who wish to shop for their families in Metro Manila.

“We are honored to be WalterMart’s chosen logistics partner. Through 2GO, our objective is to bring daily essentials from stores directly to customers while ensuring standards of product quality,” says Dennis Yaw, Business Unit Head of 2GO Retail.

Customers can start their grocery shopping by logging into WalterMart.com or downloading the WalterMart app. Customers can also call the WalterMart hotline at (02) 8981-0099 or chat at Call Me Wally Viber Number: 09190883729

About 2GO Group Inc.:

2GO GROUP, INC. enables the movement of goods and people throughout the Philippines. It is the largest point-to-point transportation and logistics provider in the country. At its core are five business units, namely 2GO Sea Solutions, 2GO Special Containers and Value-Added Services (SCVASI), 2GO Express, 2GO Forwarding and 2GO Logistics.

A part of SM Investments Corporation, the country’s leading conglomerate, 2GO offers multimodal transportation, warehousing and inventory management, special containers, and project logistics as well as e-commerce logistics, including last-mile deliveries, and express courier deliveries. 2GO also provides sea travel, and a wide range of peripheral logistics such as freight forwarding, import and export processing, and customs brokerage. 2GO leverages on all its services to create unique supply chain solutions for all its customers.

Backed by 148 years of expertise in transportation and logistics, 2GO has made a mark for providing the best travel experiences, efficient movement of products and cargoes, and for catalyzing business growth in domestic and international markets.

About Walter Mart Supermarket:

Walter Mart Supermarket’s vision and mission is simple: to make Happy Customers, develop GREAT PEOPLE and become a GREAT COMPANY.

Established in 1992, armed with years of strong retail experience, Walter Mart Supermarket is now one of the major players in Philippines’ retail industry today. Walter Mart Supermarket continues to expand its market share with a network of 46 stores across Metro Manila, Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Quezon, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan. Part of which is to continue its expansion in developing areas with the goal of elevating the shopping standards in more communities to a whole new level.

Love Fresh –WalterMart guarantees “freshness everyday” with its wide array of fresh foods sourced from community farmers. This is true for online orders as they are picked on the same day and delivered within one hour of the time of picking.

Love Savings – getting your money’s worth and actually getting more is what WalterMart promises to provide its customers. With bundle deals and promos almost every day, and same as store prices for its online delivery platform. And time-saving features such as bigger aisles for a shopping breeze and more check-out counters too so there’s less waiting time.

Love Convenience – with over 20,000 competitively-priced items, WalterMart sees to it that it provides consumers with a wide range of choices from pantry and breakfast essentials, baby essentials, health and beauty products plus ready to cook and food to go for those who seek convenience, a “One Stop Shop”.

Walter Mart Supermarket launched the first Grocery Delivery service in the Philippines (WalterMart.com) in 2015. WalterMart.com is the solution for hassle-free grocery shopping. With a wide range of fresh products, same day delivery options and no picking fee, there are more reasons to love WalterMart everyday!

There is something new and enjoyable about the customers’ everyday trip in Walter Mart Supermarket. Customers can expect sales and promotions all year round, matched with various family events, activities, product demos and sampling that will makes each of the family members’ everyday happy. Walter Mart Supermarket has continually proven itself to be a Family, Food, & Fun place by making sure that we stay true to our core values and business philosophy. This is all part of its unwavering commitment to make Happy Customers, develop Great People, and become a Great Company.

SM Foundation recently concluded its two-day medical mission in Leyte, bringing essential healthcare services to nearly 1,800 beneficiaries.

The missions, held at Alang-Alang and Tanuan, aimed to address the medical needs of the underserved population and underscored SM Foundation’s dedication to making healthcare accessible to all.

The beneficiaries received a range of services, from basic check-ups and consultations for various health concerns to free blood tests, medicines, and vitamins.

Meanwhile, SM Foundation’s Mobile Clinic, a state-of-the-art facility on wheels that brings healthcare services, played a key role in providing free Electrocardiograms (ECGs) and X-rays to attendees, enhancing the diagnostic capabilities available during the mission.

SM Foundation was joined in this initiative by partners from DMIRIE Foundation (MX3), Leyte local government units, and volunteer medical professionals from various groups.

The SM group’s foundation, through its Health and Medical Programs, upgrades public health centers in its host communities, complemented by its medical caravans across the country.
To date, it has renovated more than 180 health and wellness centers and served over 1.2 million patients during its medical missions.

Rural health centers are more than just buildings—they’re lifelines, offering a comprehensive range of health services at a minimal cost or even free to the most vulnerable. The presence of dedicated healthcare providers, who truly grasp the local struggles and share the community’s cultural fabric, imbues these centers with a profound sense of purpose, fostering genuine trust.

Underscoring its firm belief in the power of health centers to improve lives and strengthen communities, the SM group’s foundation has recently unveiled the revitalized Santa Cruz Rural Health Unit (SCRHU). This marks a significant milestone for the organization, representing its 200th health center nationwide.

Service amidst challenges

SCRHU lies in the bustling landscapes of Laguna province, serving nearly 140,000 residents. Its reach extends beyond the immediate community, welcoming those from neighboring municipalities, primarily from low-income households.

For nearly a decade, Dr. Elmina Montesa has been the guiding force behind the old SCRHU. For years, she and her fellow health workers continued to extend services amidst the cramped spaces, inadequate facilities, and timeworn structure.

“Marami kaming programa na hindi namin malagyan ng lugar kasi kulang ang space kaya’t naghahagilap kami kung saan ito ipu-pwesto. Minsan, dahil sa challenge ng space, napapaisip kami kung sa labas na lang ba namin gagawin ang ibang programa. May kakulangan din po sa furniture noon,” she shared.

“Napupuno po kami lalo na pag may diabetic clinic—puno sa labas. Bagamat may tent, hindi sapat ito lalo na kapag umuulan. Hindi namin sila mapapasok dahil wala silang pu-pwestuhan. Hindi namin mai-provide ang comfort na nararapat para sa mga pasyente,” she added.

Despite the challenges, Dr. Montesa and her dedicated team of health workers report for duty daily, their hearts set on serving the community, particularly the most vulnerable—because for them, public service wasn’t just a job; it was a calling.

“Iba ‘yung nararamdaman mong fulfillment sa trabahong ito. Napakasaya tuwing natutulungan mo ang pasyente at kita mo sa mga ngiti at mata nila na thankful sila dahil binigay mo sa kanila ang pangangailangan nila ng walang kapalit,” she said.

The center now exudes warmth, with comfortable waiting areas for patients and reception for health workers.

Uplifting community anchors

Dr. Montesa emphasized the value of health: “Kayamanan ng tao ang kalusugan. Kahit wala kang masyadong pera, pero intact ang kalusugan mo, maituturing mo nang kayamanan iyon.”

One with Dr. Montesa, SM Foundation collaborated with Sta. Cruz, Laguna to provide the best possible care to communities to increase access to healthcare and boost the morale of modern-day heroes.

A doctor measures the blood pressure of the patient using the new equipment provided by the SM group.

 From the once cramped center, the SM Foundation elevated SCRHU, following DOH’s guidelines. It now has clearly defined areas for different programs and functions, including patient consultation, examination rooms, treatment rooms, utilities, and staff areas. It improved the center’s layout to ensure accessibility, ample lighting and ventilation, and spacious walkways to avoid congestion and contamination.

The rainwater catchment system hels lessen the center’s reliance on municipal sources and contribute to water conservation efforts.

It is equipped with a rainwater catchment facility for non-potable purposes to help lessen their reliance on municipal sources and contribute to water conservation efforts.

Beyond this, through the much-needed rehabilitation, the center now exudes warmth, with comfortable waiting areas for patients and reception area for health workers. Ensuring that the center remains community oriented, SCRHU has designated facilities for breastfeeding mothers, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. It also has a mobile play cabinet with gender-neutral toys to nurture comfort and promote coping in the face of illnesses.

As SM Foundation turned over the health center, Dr. Elmina and SCRHU turned over a new leaf in health care.

The center features a mobile play cabinet with gender-neutral toys to nurture comfort and promote coping in the face of illnesses.

“Masaya,” she smiled as she looked around the new SCRHU. “Dati, nakakapaghatid kami ng serbisyo kahit hindi conducive to working ang lugar. Kaya’t itong renovation mas magiging fulfilled kami dahil maganda ‘yung environment na aming gagalawan. Mas mapapaigting pa namin ang pagsisilbi namin sa komunidad.”

“Iba kasi pag maganda ang surroundings mo. Minsan, ‘yun lang ay sapat na para gumaan ang pakiramdam mo. Ngayong comfortable na ang center, mae-enhance na ang communication namin. Sa tulong ng organized at good environment, maipaliliwanag ng mabuti at magagawa kung ano ang nararapat na treatment para sa pasyente,” she added.

SM Foundation’s Senior Project Manager Albert Uy places the 200^th Wellness Center marker as they complete the final stages of the renovation.

Some of the KSK farmers tend their urban garden in Sto. Cristo Elementary School

The world is steadily redefining how cities are deemed. Through the transformative power of urban gardening, cities are no longer concrete jungles but vibrant oases, teeming with life greenery.

As urban gardening takes root, it allows people to rediscover the bountiful benefits of connecting with greenery, even in the heart of urban environments. Two homemakers, Lisa Alcantara and Jennie Fernandez proved just this as they completed SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan’s urban gardening program.

Nourishing the community, one harvest at a time

Lisa has been ingenious ever since her former company closed down due to the global economic crisis in 2007. She tried venturing into multiple side hustles and micro businesses, helping her make ends meet.

Always looking for ways to put food on the table, she learned about the basics of urban gardening years back and has become passionate about it since then.

“Noong sumali po ako sa KSK ng SM Foundation, mas lalo ko po naintindihan kung paano ba alagaan at mas palalaguin ang bawat uri ng halaman. Natuto rin po kami kung paano po paikutin ang puhunan at kita,” she shared, adding that she and her fellow KSK farmers can rely on their garden for their daily meals.

Lisa proudly shows some of eggplant they grew in their urban garden in Sto. Cristo Elementary School, Quezon City.

The program not only brought fresh produce to her table but also allowed her to give back to her roots. Collaborating with fellow community members, Lisa and her batchmates cultivated the garden at her alma mater, Sto. Cristo Elementary School beside SM North EDSA in Quezon City. Teachers and other staff members can harvest from the surplus vegetables, creating a cycle of generosity that echoes Liza’s newfound commitment to her community.

“Dito po talaga ako lumaki sa Brgy. Sto. Cristo at dito din po ako nagtapos ng elementarya. Masarap po sa pakiramdam na marami pong nakikinabang sa aming mga pananim. Dahil po nakapalibot‘ang classrooms sa garden, maganda po ang kapaligiran ng mga bata habang minsan naman ay nakakapagbigay ito ng gulay sa mga teachers at sa aming mga urban farmers,” she said.

Cultivating hope

Much like Lisa, Jennie from East Ortigas faced the challenging aftermath of her online business closure due to the pandemic.

“Gusto ko po talagang bumalik sa pagne-negosyo na malapit sa puso ko,” she said, seeking a sustainable and personally fulfilling venture. Through KSK’s urban gardening initiative, she acquired the skills needed for cultivating vegetables in their urban community and rediscovered her entrepreneurial spirit as an urban farmer.

Together with her batchmates from the program, they envisioned establishing a cooperative to formalize their business, opening doors to new entrepreneurial opportunities and creating a sense of empowerment among the participants.

Jennie, an SM Foundation KSK urban farmer, joins the market tour in SM East Ortigas to learn about marketing and supplying fresh produce.

“In the next two years, gusto po naming i-institutionalize ang urban gardening sa aming subdivision para rin po makatulong sa mga kapitbahay namin those na wala o nawalan ng trabaho,” she said.

As the homeowner’s association president, she also looks forward to sharing her new skills so that houses in their village would be filled with produce they can always rely on.

Both Lisa and Jennie shared how they see gardening in a whole new light. For them, it goes beyond putting food on the table but also serves as a catalyst for empowerment and community collaboration.

Christmas is just around the corner and that means the festive spirit is truly in full swing! Malls sparkle with glittering decor, nostalgic Filipino carols fill the air, and our gift-giving lists are growing. Make this a meaningful Christmas with sustainable gift giving with SM Green Finds.

 Celebrate Sustainably This Season

Go green this festive season with SM Store’s Green Finds! Discover eco-friendly choices from home essentials to unique local crafts, and sustainable supplies for your gift-giving. Check out SM Store’s Green Finds collection for a brighter, greener holiday.

Nestle into the holiday comfort with eco-friendly home selections. SM Home offers decorative and sustainable home organizers such as buri hampers. For a festive yet eco-friendly home fragrance, SM Home offers a collection of home fragrance products such as room sprays, scented candles and diffusers made by a social enterprise called Bright Ideas.

“We continue to work with our partners to provide our shoppers with products that make sustainable living easy. We also make sure that despite it being sustainable it still gives value for money for our customers,” said Janice Yang, SM Home Business Head.

Paskong Kultura

Paskong Kultura is all about celebrating the holidays with purpose and embracing the joy of giving back. Kultura actively contributes to SM Green Finds with several collaborations with local artisans and small businesses who share this commitment to eco-conscious products. These products are on display in Kultura inside SM Stores and at over 45 Kultura stores nationwide.

“Sustainability is and has always been integral to Kultura. We prioritize the use of natural or recycled materials, support traditional craftsmanship and aim to minimize waste in our operations. We do this by continuously seeking out partnerships with local communities to create a positive social and economic impact, ultimately contributing to long-term sustainability,” said Sheila Tan, Operations Head of Kultura,

Kultura, which can also be found inside SM Stores, offers a wide array and well-curated selection of sustainable and handcrafted gift items by local artisans like the Bankuan Sawali Sling Bags with Crocheted Lemons, Abaca Slippers with Canvas Straps, Bamboo Tumblers, and Bamboo Dining Utensils Flasks.

Clean Beauty

Christmas time is also a good time to advocate Clean Beauty. SM Beauty carries a Clean Beauty line, a host of products that are mindfully created, made from natural ingredients and free from harsh chemicals. Not only are these products made without all the bad stuff you need to avoid; they are also just as effective as the ones you are used to.

SM Beauty works together with suppliers that are taking steps towards green practices to make more green options for customers. Specialty brands that offer a wide variety of natural, eco-friendly and locally sourced products take the spotlight. With the goal of meeting the needs of customers, SM Store makes sure that these brands follow clean beauty practices and use green technology and eco-friendly ingredients.

Clean beauty products to look for are those which uses plant-based ingredients which are free from harsh chemicals and brands which have introduced refill pouches for their products. “Clean beauty is something that more and more shoppers should try. At SM Beauty, we try to give our beauty customers the best and widest array of clean beauty choices to support a more eco-conscious lifestyle. Whether it be for their every self-care routine or for gifting this holiday season, I am sure they will find something here,” said Sharon P. Decapia, AVP for Marketing, PR & Sustainability, Watsons Philippines.

Eco-Friendly Wraps

Wrap your presents with care for your loved ones and the planet.

Customers can purchase green gift wrapping and packaging such as packs of Kraft bags, corrugated boxes, e-flute resealable bags, eco jute bags and non-woven reusable sando bags at Supplies Station Inc (SSI) found inside SM Stores.

“We make sure that SM store offers a wide variety of giftwrapping materials for the creative and eco conscious customers”, said Jessalyn Uy, Business Unit Head for Supplies Station Inc.

As your ultimate holiday gift-shopping destination, SM Store has carefully curated a selection of sustainable gifts, locally crafted homeware, and so much more, all in one place.

Be sure to swing by SM stores, and Go for Green Finds this holiday season.

Sa ngalan ng tatlumpung mga kabataan na galing sa CHILD Haus, at ng kanilang mga magulang at tagapag-alaga, sinalubong ni SM Prime Holdings Chairman ng Executive Committee, Hans Sy, at Mader Ricky Reyes ang mga kinatawan ng Metro Manila Mayors’ Spouses Foundation Inc. upang magsagawa ng isang buong araw ng Christmas-inspired na mga activity sa SM Mall ng Asia – na hindi man opisyal, ay maaari na ring ikonsiderang “CHILD House #3.”

Si Mader Ricky Reyes (kaliwa) kasama si SM Prime Holdings Chairman ng Executive Committee na si Hans Sy (ika-5 mula kanan) at mga miyembro ng Metro Manila Mayors’ Spouses Foundation Inc., at kanilang mga kinatawan, habang namamahagi ng mga aginaldo para sa tatlumpung benepisyaryo ng CHILD Haus at kanilang mga magulang. Ang CHILD Haus ay isang institusyong itinatag upang maging kanlungan ng pag-asa para sa mga batang may kanser. Ang nasabing aktibidad na naglalayong lumikha ng isang hindi malilimutang Christmas outing at merienda party, ay ginanap noong Nobyembre 28, 2023, sa SM Mall of Asia (MOA). Ilan sa mga naging aktibidad ay shopping spree sa SM Store, meryenda sa Shake Shack, at rides sa MOA SM By the Bay Amusement Park.

Si Mader Ricky Reyes (gitna) kasama si SM Prime Holdings Chairman ng Executive Committee na si Hans Sy, mga kinatawan ng Metro Manila Mayors’ Spouses Foundation Inc., kasama ng mga kabataan ng CHILD Haus, at kanilang mga magulang at tagapag-alaga, ay masayang nakahelera sa harap ng kahanga-hangang, 65-foot ga-higanteng Christmas tree, sa SM Mall of Asia.

Tulad ng alam ng karamihan, ang CHILD Haus ay isang katangi-tanging tahanan kung saan ang mga batang kapus-palad at tinamaan ng kanser, ay pinagkakalooban ng pagkakataong manirahan (kasama ang isang magulang, o parehong magulang kung ang bata ay sanggol pa). Dito ay mayroon silang libreng pagkain at tirahan habang sumasailalim sa serye ng mga gamutan.

(Mula kanan hanggang kaliwa): SM Prime Holdings Chairman ng Executive Committee Hans Sy, Gng. Judy Chua (ina ni Gng. Tiffany Gatchalian, asawa ni Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian), Pasay City Mayor Imelda “Emi” Gallardo Calixto-Rubiano, kanyang asawa at Kinatawan ng Pasay City na si Ginoong Egay Rubiano, Gng. Tiffany Gatchalian (asawa ni Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian), San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora at kanyang maybahay, na sya ring Presidente ng Metro Manila Mayors’ Spouses Foundation Inc.—Gng. Keri Zamora. Kabilang din sa grupo na nasa SM Mall of Asia carousel ay ang iba pang miyembro ng foundation na sina Gng. Trina Biazon (asawa ni Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon), Gng. Aubrey Malapitan (asawa ni Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan), at Gng. Peggy Anne Riate-Sienes (kapatid ni Gng. Aileen Olivarez, asawa ni Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez).

Ang shopping spree sa SM Store ay sinundan ng isang nakabubusog na meryenda sa Shake Shack, at pagkatapos naman ay ang pagkakataong makasakay sa MOA Eye, na nasa SM by the Bay Amusement Park. Sa pagitan ng mga hiyawan at katuwaan, ng pagkamangha ng mga bata, ay naroon ang taos-pusong pagnanais sa bahagi ng mga asawa ng mga alkalde at mga kinatawan nila, na ang mga bata sa CHILD Haus, at mga magulang nito, ay pansamantalang maisantabi ang kanilang mga suliranin ukol sa kalusugan kahit lamang sa araw na ito. Mahalaga din na maipabatid sa kanila na mayroong mga taong handang magmalasakit at magpasiya sa mga batang ito. Ang CHILD Haus ay tungkol din sa pagkakaroon ng matatag na pag-asa at katunayang may mga panalanging sinasagot.

Si Mader Ricky Reyes (ikatlo mula kaliwa), kasama ng mga miyembro ng Metro Manila Mayors’ Spouses Foundation Inc., at ng kanilang mga kinatawan, sa harap ng Mall of Asia SM Store, kung saan nagsagawa sila ng Christmas shopping spree para sa mga benepisyaryo ng CHILD Haus.

Si Pasay City Mayor Imelda “Emi” Gallardo Calixto-Rubiano kasama ang mga benepisyaryo ng CHILD Haus sa kanilang Christmas shopping spree sa Mall of Asia SM Store.

Isang batang benepisyaryo ng CHILD Haus ang masusing pumipili ng gusto nyang laruan sa Mall of Asia SM Store, habang sila ay nag-sha-shopping spree, sa pangunguna ng Metro Manila Mayors’ Spouses Foundation Inc.

Buong galak na nagkaloob ang Shake Shack sa SM Mall of Asia ng malinamnam na mga hotdog at burger para sa mga bata, magulang, at tagapag-alaga ng CHILD Haus.

Ang mga bata ng CHILD Haus at ang kanilang mga magulang ay nagpamalas ng matatamis nilang mga ngiti, sa harapan ng MOA Eye, na matatagpuan sa SM By the Bay Amusement Park.

Tungkol sa CHILD Haus

Ang CHILD Haus ay isang non-profit organization na nagkakaloob ng pansamantalang matutuluyan ng mga batang may kanser, at kanilang mga magulang. Ang CHILD Haus ay nagbibigay ng ligtas at mapagkalingang kapaligiran para sa mga batang sumasailalim sa gamutan at pagpapagaling. Nag-aalok din ang organisasyon ng mga serbisyo ng suporta sa mga pamilya, kabilang ang pagpapayo at pag-gabay, tulong pinansyal, at transportasyon.

Over 30 young entrepreneurs showcased their ingenious business ideas at the first-ever Kiddo-preneur Fair at SM Aura last November 26, 2023.

SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr. (center) stands proudly alongside the young business owners.

Kiddo-preneur founder Maiki Oreta (center right) and SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr. (center left) join the more than 30 kiddo-preneurs.

Creativity and youthful acumen filled the air as kiddo biz owners displayed their entrepreneurial spirit, offering an array of products ranging from handmade accessories to stickers, grocery items to food and drinks, and an assortment of novelty items.

SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr. (right) purchases fan art stickers from the young entrepreneur, Carl Yap of CyberPokemon.

Beyond the lively market atmosphere, the event provided invaluable lessons from none other than SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr. He not only celebrated the young entrepreneurs’ endeavors but also shared pivotal lessons from his own journey.

SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr. shares that he learned the importance of saving and earning early in life when his father, SM Prime Holdings’ Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, gave him his first allowance, emphasizing the values of patience and perseverance in achieving one’s desires.

Kiddo-preneur co-founder Maiki Oreta interviews SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., gaining insights for tomorrow’s future tycoons.

Chico learned valuable business lessons from his grandfather, the late SM founder, Henry Sy, Sr. He recalled how his grandfather stressed that one’s reputation and treatment of others lay the foundation for lasting success. “How you deal in business or how you treat people is more important than money,” he said. “Your reputation– the way people perceive you– can never be bought with money. Money can be lost, money can be gained, but your reputation is forever.”

As parents also joined the event, assisting their children with booth setup, SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr. urged them to maintain a balanced approach, ensuring they provide just enough for their kids, drawing from his own experience of growing up in a family that valued moderation and comfort without excess.

For the budding entrepreneurs, Chico’s advice was simple yet profound: Love what you do and persist through challenges. He stressed the significance of genuine passion and continuous innovation, emphasizing that dedication eventually paves the way for success.

“My first and most important tip is to love what you do. Find that spark. But once you learn and do what you love, I am saying this: Keep doing it. There will be difficult times. There might be times when you do not have sales, but try to ask yourself: What can I do differently?”

At the end of the event, awards were given to promising young entrepreneurs and their business ideas. The Best Design was awarded to Candy Stix and its purveyors, Cassy (10) and Cara Pineda (6), for having the most visually appealing booth, which caught the attention of bazaar-goers. Beatrice Yu (9) was given Best Service for providing an exceptional customer experience while tending to her grocery store, Bea’s Supersavers. The B Force Squad, composed of siblings Faith Bea (5) and Brice Yap (9), and Beatrix (4) and Bryce Go (8), won the Best Concept award for having a unified execution from advertisement, packaging, to service and branding in selling giftable novelty items such as tote bags, tumblers, and educational toys. Lastly, Zo Keeper’s 7-year-old owner, Zoe Van de Leon, won the Best Ad award for garnering the most impactful social media ad for her products, reusable and eco-friendly snack containers.

The kiddo-preneur winners with their awards in Best Design, Best Service, Best Concept, and Best Ad.

Candy Stix, run by 10-year-old Cassy (right) and 6-year-old Cara Pineda, received the Best Design award for their visually appealing booth that captivated bazaar-goers.

Beatrice Yu, aged 9, earned the Best Service award for delivering an exceptional customer experience at her grocery store, Bea’s Supersavers.

7-year-old Zoe Van de Leon of Zo Keeper received the Best Ad award for creating the most impactful social media ad featuring her products: reusable and eco-friendly snack containers.

The B Force Squad, aged 5 to 9, won the Best Concept award for their cohesive execution in advertising, packaging, service, and branding while selling giftable novelty items.

Catch the next Kiddo-preneur Fair at The Podium Level 2, Atrium, on January 20 to 21, 2023, from 10 AM to 6 PM. To learn more about SM, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.