FEATURES

January 26-28, 2024 SMX Convention Center Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Philippines

The Health & Wellness CONFEX is the only international B2B2C trade fair, sourcing platform, business matching, knowledge exchange, and brand showcase exclusively focused on sustainable wellness & lifestyle products and services with one objective of promoting the Philippines as a world-class destination for health and wellness. It was launched in partnership with the Philippines’ Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board in April 2018 at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, UAE, the biggest travel show in the Middle East, alongside a festivity for Filipinos dubbed as “Kabayan Fiestahan.”

The event was held in 2019 at the SMX Convention Center participated by key players in the wellness & medical tourism sectors and by various related industry stakeholders.

It is considered the pioneer and the only trade fair of its kind in the Philippines.

A series of webinars dealing with the virus and health & wellness, in general, took the place of this modest wellness tourism campaign during the pandemic, together with the television

program “Graceful Living” aired on ANC Channel and hosted by Cory Quirino, focusing on the hows and whys of healthy living.

The 2024 event will even be a greater version with the following segments:

• Conference and Exposition (ConfEx) on January 26-28, 2024 at SMX Manila

• On Travel & Wellness (OTW), a TV-Vlog Travel Show on GMA 7’s GTV

• Philippine Wellness Festival dubbed Masigabo in honor of Filipino Migrants

2024 Theme: “Go & Get Better:Regenerative Tourism Recharges All”

With its theme “Go & Get Better: Regenerative Tourism Recharges

All”, this event will raise awareness of the criticality of traveling with a mission to contribute to regenerative tourism. It urges everyone to be cognizant in having more purposeful intentions as they travel.

Embracing a contributive mindset to support regenerative tourism enables us to help communities & tourist sites recover and progress as we explore them.

“Go & Get Better Metaverse App” Powered by Ark of Dreams (AOD)

The Health & Wellness CONFEX 2024 is supported by Ark of Dreams (AOD), a technology company that levels up brand user’s experiences with its interactive rewards platform, allowing the customers in engaging quests to redeem rewards from partnered brands.

By downloading the “Go & Get Better Metaverse App”, the visitors at the Media Launch and at the ConFex proper will be asked to explore the attractions or exhibitions, take part in the described quests, and earn points that entitle them to getting the rewards from the participating exhibitors.

“Go & Get Better”: The Deca-Wellness Tenets

The idea of taking responsibility not only for one’s own well-being but that of a community and nature may be challenging, if not down-right daunting.

For this reason, the Health & Wellness CONFEX with its “Go & Get Better” campaign has come-up with a lifestyle guide to wellness that is easy to understand and follow. Dubbed The Deca-Wellness Tenets, 10 key steps towards a better you and a better world are propounded for people to observe.

Why Support This Noble Initiative

The global wellness economy according to Global Wellness Institute was valued at US$4.9 trillion in 2019. It slowed down to

US$4.4 trillion in 2020 due to the widespread impact of COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the industry posted US$5.6 trillion, and is predicted to grow by an average of 9.9% per year to reach nearly US$7.0 trillion in 2025.

 In 2020, the Philippines ranked #21 in the Global Wellness Economy Country Rankings, behind our ASEAN neighbor Indonesia (#19), but ahead of Thailand (#24), Malaysia (#26), Vietnam (#33), Singapore (#44), Myanmar (#71), Cambodia (#85), and Laos (#113).

This shows that the country has the potential to rank among the Top 10 Wellness Economy Markets soon with the strong support of the government and the collective efforts of the private stakeholders.

“On Travel & Wellness” (OTW) 

OTW is an innovative television travel show-vlog that takes the viewers on a fun, vibrant, and informative virtual trip to the country’s breathtaking tourist spots while highlighting the importance of well- being, maintaining health, and staying safe while leading an active life.

Apart from captivating the viewers with stunning views of the sun-kissed beaches, magnificent dive sites, towering mountains, and verdant woodlands that the Philippines is famous for, it also takes an in-depth look at the country’s diverse wellness practices – including traditional healing arts – through compelling anecdotes and discussions with experts.

 In short, OTW shows how travel can be a way to refresh, revive, and bring back balance and harmony to one’s life. This 30-minute, 13-episode show will be aired on GMA 7’s GTV.

The Philippine Wellness Festival: “Masigabo”

The Philippine Wellness Festival dubbed “Masigabo” is a celebration of life, love, togetherness, and family. Envisioned to be a campaign for Filipinos to start living a healthy lifestyle, it is a program educating the people on the basics of a healthy lifestyle, like eating the right food, getting enough sleep, and doing simple exercises, among others.

The expected result of this campaign is “wellness of community” where love abounds and people grow as one happy individual.

Forming part of the Health & Wellness CONFEX, “Masigabo” pays tribute to Filipino Migrants in  recognition of their sacrifices and contributions to strengthening our economy and securing the well-being of their families back home.

“Masigabo” is a Filipino word for loud and hearty that is often used in the phrase “masigabong palakpakan”, which means a loud and cheerful round of applause – and that is exactly what Filipino migrant workers, better known as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), deserve.

Aptly referred to as the Philippines’ new heroes, OFWs have for years been faithfully sending money to their families back home, which immensely contributed to the Philippine economy with their remittances reaching US$36.14 billion in 2022 alone.

Our vision is to reach out to as many Filipino migrants as we can beyond Philippine shores through a wellness tourism roadshow, a global campaign that seeks to promote the country as a world-class health and wellness center. With so many Filipinos living, residing, or working abroad, “Masigabo” seeks to encourage our Filipino migrants to become our country’s active tourism ambassadors to help speed up realizing our goal.

A pioneering event promoting the Philippines as a world-class health and wellness destination
will have a rerun on January 26-28, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia
Complex in Pasay City.

Dubbed the Health & Wellness CONFEX 2024, the three-day event will gather under one roof
the stakeholders of the multi trillion-dollar health and wellness industry – from award-winning
wellness resorts to globally accredited hospitals that provide medical tourism packages, all the
way to organic farms and specialty shops that offer a wide array of innovative, sustainable and
eco-friendly health and wellness products and services.

With the theme “Go &Get Better,” the event highlights the promotion of regenerative tourism,
which, in essence, is a strong call for making the places we visit better than we found them and
pursuing economic growth while managing the social and environmental impacts of our visit.
The event is, in fact, the centerpiece of a global multi-media campaign that aims to showcase
the country’s many health and wellness destinations and will feature an exhibit, a conference,
business matching sessions, and various experiential activities. It is considered the the only
trade fair in the Philippines promoting health and wellness tourism, products, and services.

The ConFex will also launch its innovative television travel show-vlog that will allow the viewers
to explore the fascinating world of health and wellness amid the breathtaking natural wonders of
the Philippines. Called OTW, the acronym for “On Travel & Wellness,” it will take viewers on a
virtual trip to the country’s many tourist spots while highlighting, at the same time, the
importance of wellbeing, of keeping healthy and safe while leading an active lifestyle.

The 13-episode show will provide stunning views of the sun-kissed beaches, magnificent dive sites,
towering mountains and verdant woodlands that the Philippines is famous for, and it will also
provide an in-depth look at the country’s diverse wellness practices – including traditional
healing arts – through compelling anecdotes and discussions with regional experts. OTW will air
on GMA 7’s GTV.

On its third day, the event will likewise hold a Wellness Festival called Masigabo with various
programs and activities that pay tribute to the industry and sacrifices of the migrant workers,
better known as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). On hand activities are designed to make
them feel better, relaxed and loved. Health and wellness experts will also deliver talks about
financial health, physical wellness, beauty, sustainability, environmental protection, government
regulations, and more.

Health & Wellness CONFEX 2024 is co-presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT), in
partnership with the Department of Health DOH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),
Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority
(TIEZA), Duty Free Philippines (DFP), and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).
The event is likewise supported by the following:

Sponsors: Lifecore Bio Integrative Inc., Dean and Deluca Philippines, The Zen Institute,
Enjoy Health, Aba Padres Hydroponics, Conrad Manila;
Event Partners: Philip Dizon, Ark of Dreams, Market Social, Tourism Congress of the
Philippines, Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines, Philippine Green Building
Initiative, SMX Convention Center, IQ Capture Printing Corporation, and DigitalCircles;
Media Partners: GMA Network, ABS-CBN Corporation, GMA 7 GTV, Aliw Channel 23,
Business Mirror, and DOOH PH

The Health & Wellness CONFEX is spearheaded by a team of seasoned event organizers,
wellness advocates, travel & tours agencies, and marketing & communication professionals, as
headed by the country’s wellness guru, Cory Quirino, its Executive Director.

For any inquiries or to participate at Health & Wellness CONFEX 2024, you can reach its
Secretariat by email at secretariat@wellnessconfex.com or by phone at 09277227670
(attention: Sarah Timonera).

INSPI Philippines is thrilled to introduce its latest collection, a stunning ensemble of
fashionable pieces that are sure to captivate fashion enthusiasts and creators nationwide. Inspi
launched its newest collection with the event entitled: Inspi Creators Night last November 17,
2023 through a get-together party and runway. The event is all about celebrating individualism,
expressionism, and the influential voices that help drive it forward.
Inspi’s influencers, creators, and affiliates play a crucial role in showcasing the latest
trends and have brought to life the Inspi masterpieces on the runway. There are different
stylings from casual chic, streetwear aura, and to a high-fashion look, definitely, each one of
them has styled up with their own personality. These influencers, creators, and affiliates made
Inspi their go-to fashion brand whenever and wherever they are. They have been the voices of
Inspi, which in turn have helped them find great opportunities through its products.
Making Inspi the go-to fashion brand, the new collection has set another record by
showing a perfect blend of creativity, innovation, and high-quality craftsmanship. Inspi product
development team has poured their expertise into creating these exquisite clothing that embody
the latest trends and showcase its creators’ unique style. With a diverse range of designs and
colors, there is something more exciting for everyone in this new collection. Whether you are
seeking a sophisticated look for a special occasion or a casual yet chic outfit for everyday wear,
Inspi's new collection has it all.
It is perfect for individuals who are looking to make a bold statement, promote a specific
mood, or simply showcase their fashion creativity. From eye-catching graphics to specific
statements, these wearable canvases allow you to express your style and captivate attention
wherever you go. Inspi have really become a must-have item in everyone’s wardrobe and have
explored endless possibilities to offer.
Truly, the creative Inspi canvases show freedom of self-expression and allow each and
every individual to showcase their passions, interests, and creativity. These pieces will make
you stand out giving you the freedom to make a statement and display your unique identity to
the world. Inspi Philippines is excited to bring these extraordinary pieces to its valued customers
and cannot wait to see the incredible fashion statements they will make with the Creators
collection.

Visit Inspi Philippines social media pages to see the new collection:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspi.ph
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspi_ph
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inspiph

Thirty-one student ambassadors from 13 Metro Manila high schools gathered in an eco-camp last November 24 to 26 organized by SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) and WWF-Philippines (WWF-PH). Participating schools include Assumption College, FEU Manila High School, La Salle Greenhills, National University of Nazareth, Las Pinas Science High School, Manila Science High School, Muntinlupa Science High School, School, Paranaque Science High School, PAREF Southridge, Pasay Science High School, Pasig Science High School, Philippine Science High School, and Quezon City Science High School.

Held at the Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club, the three-day eco camp marks the second leg of YOUth are the Future–a joint environmental leadership program by SM Prime and WWF-PH aiming to empower environmental stewards among the youth sector. By enhancing their understanding of biodiversity conservation and sustainability, the program aims to instill a strong sense of responsibility and commitment towards the protection of the environment.

The immersive weekend kicked off with a fireside chat on climate action where leaders Jessica Sy, Assistant Vice President of SM Development Corporation, WWF-PH Executive Director Katherine Custodio, and marine biologist and WWF-Philippines National Youth Council member Romina Lim engaged in a discussion on facing the climate crisis, inspiring the attendees to take proactive steps towards preserving our planet and promoting the advocacy towards a sustainable future.

“Climate change affects our daily lives and the youth have the most at stake being the ones who will face greater and greater impacts in the years to come. It is important that our young people find and use their voices, and be given opportunities such as the YOUth are the future program, to learn more about what needs to be done, and to discover where those intersect with their own individual talents and passions. It was also a strategic choice to focus the program on high school students, who would need to think about what further studies or careers they might pursue. I hope they understand that there is space for environmental advocacy whatever career or degree they choose.”, shared Custodio.

Campers attended learning sessions that tackled the most pressing environmental conservation and sustainability issues, specifically on water, energy, and biodiversity. Antoinette Taus, UN Goodwill Ambassador and founder of Project CORA, also graced the camp to share insights on waste management.

Apart from the talks, the campers immersed themselves in nature by hiking Pico De Loro’s Santelmo Eco-Trail and taking a guided walking tour of its vast mangrove forests.

As a symbol of their commitment towards the environment, the student ambassadors produced social media videos sharing their vision for the future and a call to action for their fellow youth. They also created a storybook based on lessons from their experiences at the camp. Xia Vigor, WWF-Philippines ambassador, gave tips on how the students can create good videos and share impactful messages.

implanted with that same seed that brought us all here together. We cannot lose hope,” shared Vigor in a message delivered to encourage her fellow youth to do their part for nature.

The camp concluded with a closing keynote by SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) President and sustainability champion Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., where campers were given a chance to ask questions and tips on sustainability and environmental leadership.

“Study, ideate, plan, and experiment. Use your creativity and experiment some more until you find the right solutions. You might fail, you might need to start from scratch again, but the most important thing you have to remember is to learn from your mistakes and try again. That, my young participants, is the only way for us to move forward to creating a better world”, shared Sy.

As part of its third and final leg, the YOUth are the Future program will culminate on January 2024 through a series of mall and school tours throughout Metro Manila to further boost youth engagement and student ambassador recruitment.

There is an undeniable surge in the number of young individuals dedicated to facing the current challenges that will impact the future. Their unwavering commitment is a powerful reminder that it is within our collective power to create lasting change and reimagine a sustainable future for all. Through programs like YOUth are the Future, SM Prime and WWF-PH hope to empower the youth further to become powerful agents of change, inspiring others to #ChangeTheEnding for the planet.

‘Make It Iconic’ is the global slogan being used by France this year to celebrate the daring French spirit, reaffirming how this spirit is made concrete in the arenas of tourism, gastronomy, culture, education, science, the economy, and infrastructure through innovation and strategic partnerships across different global concerns and initiatives. Here in the Philippines, we witnessed a stirring example of how such a partnership can resonate in a touching, emotional, and socially impactful manner when the Embassy of France, SM Supermalls, and the French Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) operating in the Philippines, Cameleon Association, banded together for a special charity dinner. 

Held at the Lanson Place, Mall of Asia, the dinner had several elements to highlight and recognize, but it was wonderful to note that the strongest spotlight of the night was reserved for Cameleon and its 26-year old struggle to develop a holistic approach to act on the causes of sexual violence and incest towards Filipino children and teenagers. Protected by a culture of silence and how it’s considered a taboo subject matter, Laurence Ligier, the founder of Cameleon, disclosed how 1 in 5 children below 18 has experienced sexual violence during their upbringing – and this alarming data applies to France, as it does here in the Philippines. 

That this evening was happening on the second day of the ongoing 26th French Film Festival at the SM Cinema of Mall of Asia and Megamall until December 3, 2023, was so appropriate. Ambassador of France to the Philippines, Her Excellency Marie Fontanel, mentioned how one of the films being screened during the festival, the documentary “Un Silence Si Bruyant” (A Resounding Silence), tackles this very subject of incest in the context of contemporary French society. Directed by French actress Emmanuelle Béart and Anastasia Mikova, Béart had flown to the Philippines to present her film and was the special guest of the night. The fact that this was happening on the weekend when we celebrated the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children was just one more element of serendipity, and how the stars had aligned to make this such a momentous occasion.

The dinner also served as the opportunity to continue a tradition that commenced last year during the 75th anniversary of Philippine-French Diplomatic Relations – and this was to honor Filipinos who had spent years in French education and had subsequently excelled in their respective fields. The list of the 2023 awardees was a sterling example of the diversity and fruitfulness of this kind of education and cross-cultural exposure. There was filmmaker and film historian Nick Deocampo of the University of the Philippines (UP) Film Institute, internationally recognized Balai Palma chef Aaron Isip, Design Center of the Philippines Executive Director Rhea Matute, and SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan. 

Entertaining video clips of the four awardees were presented, and it was lovely to watch Steven Tan recount how he pursued his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at the Ecole Superieure de Commerce de Paris, and that his love for French cinema was nurtured back then, making the current partnership between SM Cinema and the Embassy of France’s French Film Festival so meaningful to him. 

Isip is an alumnus of the renowned Le Cordon Bleu. Deocampo obtained a certificate of film from the Atelier du Formation Au Cinema Documentaire, and Matute obtained a master’s degree in International Brand Luxury Management at École Supérieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales (ESSEC) in Paris. 

Hosted by French-Filipina Anne Gauthier and attended by a guest list led by Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay and SM Hotels and Conventions President Elizabeth Sy, the most meaningful points of the evening were undoubtedly the speech of Cameleon founder Ligier and her introducing the set piece of drama and movement that followed, as performed by the young women, men, and children who form part of the Cameleon population in Iloilo. Empowered by Cameleon and striving to right their lives, the performance was an incendiary reminder of what they had undergone, and a blazing testament to how they were not going to let the culture of silence get the better of them. 

Béart interacted with the Cameleon troupe after their performance and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house, as the French actress went into long hugs with the young girls and children, promising them that she would continue the struggle to break this culture of silence. Cameleon founder Ligier did not mince her words when observing how ironic it is that the bulk of the financial support she gets for Cameleon’s operation here in the Philippines still comes from French donors. She fervently hoped that their participation in the evening would help build up awareness and lead to more support for their noble, uphill struggle of a cause. To cap the evening, SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan led the spirit of giving by personally committing his support to Cameleon. 

Cameleon Association Inc. can be followed on social media and they welcome donations. Cameleon is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a non-stock, non-profit, and is accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It is also a Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PNCC)-accredited donee institution.

Get ready to elevate your fun and dive into an action-packed experience at the newest sports destination in SM Mall of Asia (MOA)—SM Game Park!

Prepare for an exciting recreational and active lifestyle facility, launching you into a sporty era with an electrifying lineup of games and activities. SM Game Park MOA is the brand’s flagship branch, designed by the award-winning Hong Kong-based company, Alexander Wong Architects. It marks the fourth branch in the country, following SM Southmall, SM City Fairview, and SM Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Downtown.

Situated on the 3rd Level of the South Entertainment Mall of SM Mall of Asia, SM Game Park MOA spans 1,947 sqm of everything fun, offering top-notch amusements and the best amenities for everyone of all ages.

At SM Game Park MOA, let the good times roll at its massive 16-lane regular bowling area. Plus, have an unforgettable and exclusive experience with your social circles at the new four-lane private bowling, equipped with state-of-the-art Augmented Reality (AR) technology—a first in the country.

Gather the hoop crew and shoot your shots at the mini indoor basketball court, accommodating a team of 3×3 players. For those exploring other sports, test your skill with a bow and arrow at the archery zone by PANA.

Master the art of billiards at any of the six billiard tables available. Serve up intense rallies at the table tennis area, or challenge a friend to a game of basketball hoops or E-darts at the arcade games corner.

There’s no shortage of heart-pumping thrills at SM Game Park MOA. Sing, dance, and play your hearts out to your favorite songs and games inside the Game Room. You can now enjoy karaoke, and soon there will be additions like board games, dance consoles, and various other recreations, offering a multitude of options for passing the time. If you need to wind down or simply chill with the squad after a fun day, grab some delicious grub and refreshing drinks from the Sports Bar by Taters.

Exciting promos await customers, so make sure to check out the official social media accounts of SM Game Park on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more information.

From the success of the beloved SM Turon comes our latest sensation. Say hello to BBQ
Master! It's tender, tasty, and ready-to-cook, making it perfect for any get-together.

Mula sa inyong pinagkakatiwalaang pangalan sa kalidad at abot-kayang presyong mga produkto, ipinakikilala ng SM Markets ang kanilang bagong handog sa lahat ng shoppers: ang BBQ Master. Sunod sa tagumpay ng SM Turon, ipinagmamalaki ng SM ang masarap, malambot, at easy to cook na marinated pork BBQ on stick, na siguradong magiging mahalagang bahagi sa lahat ng salu-salo.

Media guests enjoying the BBQ Master

Tinaguriang “Ang National Merienda” ang SM Turon at tunay na katangi-tangi ang lasa, kalidad, at abot-kayang presyo nito. Ang SM Turon ay tunay na pumukaw sa puso at panlasa ng mga Pilipino—mapa-commuter na nagmamadaling umuwi, mga pamilyang nagpapahinga pagkatapos mag-grocery, o kaya naman office workers na nasa meeting. Una itong inilunsad noong 2013 at ngayon ay nabebenta ng mga 60,000 na piraso araw-araw.

Patuloy na maghahatid ng sarap sa bawat salu-salo ang SM Markets kasama ang BBQ Master. Ang lambot at lasa nito ay swak sa panlasang Pinoy. Mura na, pinadali pa ng SM ang paghahanda ng BBQ kaya swak din ito sa mga salu-salo tulad ng birthdays, Christmas parties o kahit isang simpleng handaan.

SM Markets mascots Cassie and Casey with Customer Assistants presenting SM’s Christmas gifts for the guests

Bakit BBQ Master?

Sa puso ng tradisyong Pilipino, hindi lamang isang putahe ang barbecue, isa ito sa sentro ng hapag-kainan kung saan nagtitipon-tipon ang mga bisita. Hindi ba’t mas masarap ang kwentuhan kapag may barbecue? At dahil pinadali nga ng SM ang paghahanda sa BBQ Master, mas nabibigyan nito ng maraming oras ang bawat pamilya at magkakaibigan na bumuo ng masasayang alaala.

Sarap Na Walang Kapantay: Pinag-aralang mabuti ng SM ang sikretong marinade na nagbibigay ng di malilimutang lasa ng BBQ Master, na tiyak na hahanap-hanapin sa bawat handaan, tuwing Pasko man o sa kahit anong okasyon.

Ready to Cook: Nais ng SM na pabilisin ang iyong paghahanda. Hindi na kailangan pang i-marinate, i-season, o itusok sa stick. Iihawin o piprituhin lang ito nang limang minuto sa bawat side. Kung kayo man ay nag-aaral pa lamang na magluto o bihasa na, kayang-kayang i-achieve ang perfect barbecue nang dahil sa BBQ Master.

Ang Sarap Kasalo: Kaugnay sa pangako ng SM na gawing bida ang BBQ Master sa mga salu-salo, maaari nang ma-enjoy ang BBQ Master sa Fiesta Packs. Mabibili ang 30 piraso nito sa halagang P585.00, habang nagkakahalaga naman na P975.00 ang 50 piraso. Sulit na sulit para sa lahat.

Iniimbitahan ng SM Markets ang buong bayan na subukan ang BBQ Master at tikman ang sarap na hatid ng isa sa mga classic Pinoy handa. Mabibili na ito sa piling SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket at Savemore branches.

BBQ Master is available in select SM Markets stores nationwide

Be on the lookout for weekend sampling activities of BBQ Master at select SM Markets stores in Metro Manila

SM City Tarlac joins the annual “Belenismo sa Tarlac”, a Belen-making competition in the province highlighting the Yuletide season.

The moment the clock strikes midnight every first of September marks the start of the longest-running celebration of the Christmas Season in the Philippines. This time of year, families put up their trees; streets get illuminated by twinkling lights and lanterns; and go about their holiday traditions.

Taking inspiration from the Filipino’s vibrant appreciation for the Yuletide season, SM City Tarlac relates its vivid stance in giving the best mall experience through the creation of a visual display that translates culture and environmental sustainability with a captivating centerpiece for the eyes and soul.

SM City Tarlac’s entry to this year’s Belenismo is a stunning tapestry of hues and textures. The Belen is beautifully nestled against a bamboo wall adorned with multicolored gel lights, rice straw and bamboo trellises. The use of bamboo is widely used in art in the Philippine setting with its durability and flexibility to create intricate designs and patterns. It is also said to represent the Filipinos’ resilience, strength and adaptability.

To complement its backdrop, the biblical characters – the Holy Family, Three Kings, and the Angel were garbed with vivid colored satin and textured fabrics, which harmonize beautifully with the backdrop, as the multicolored lights reflect upon the fabrics in a remarkable manner. Adding to the simple yet refined ensemble is the sophisticated use of sinamay fabric – an indigenous material made of abaca.

This life-size Belen stands on a 32-foot base made up of bamboo wrapped up with traditional woven flattened bamboo mats called “amakan” or “sawali.” These recycled interwoven strips are painted with gem blue and violet patterns resembling the colors of crown stones symbolizing God’s kingship. Beneath the bright Star of Bethlehem lies baby Jesus placed on a golden sliced hemispherical dome-shaped platform often used for religious architecture. The combination of bamboo and color gold signifies God’s humility that despite being the Supreme Being, he chose to come to Earth as human, out of His great love for mankind.

Made out of acrylic glass, the four translations of the “Prayer Before the Belen” – English, Filipino, Kapampangan, and Ilocano (Tarlac being the melting pot of Northern Luzon where you’ll meet Tagalogs, Ilocanos and Kapampangans daily) are displayed to serve as a reminder to acknowledge the sacredness of the nativity scene.

SM City Tarlac’s Belen is a heartfelt offering to the community, a powerful testimony to environmental consciousness, and a reminder of the values that bind Filipinos together during the holidays. Locals and visitors are invited to have the opportunity to experience and capture the mall’s Belen from 04 November 2023 until 06 January 2024 (Epiphany).  With hope, this display brings warmth to the heart and soul and ignites the spirit of togetherness making this time of year so special. Let the vibrant colors and the deeper meaning behind this display be a beacon of hope and unity for all.

The new two-floor school building of Laguna Resettlement Community School features four fully equipped rooms with PWD-friendly facilities.

Overcrowded classrooms, insufficient learning time, inadequately designed learning spaces, and teacher dissatisfaction pose challenges to the Philippine education system.

The challenges faced by the Philippine education system are multifaceted. With inadequate time for instruction, students are unable to grasp concepts thoroughly, leading to a compromised educational experience. Non-conducive learning environments contribute to an atmosphere that hampers intellectual growth. These challenges not only impact students’ academic performance but also the job satisfaction of teachers, who navigate these obstacles daily.

Believing in the power of education, the SM group, through the collaboration of SM Prime and SM Foundation, continuously builds school buildings to help address the challenges faced by the education system in the Philippines. A testament to this is the school building they recently built at the Laguna Resettlement Community School (LRCS).

Beyond the structure

LRCS has a sheer number of over 2,600 students packed into 52 classrooms, which Principal Rosalie Mabale says affects the performance of the learners and the job satisfaction of teachers.

The school day for some pupils in grades 1 and 2 extends until 6 pm, an unusually late hour for elementary school. This extended schedule leads to long working hours for teachers, leaving them with limited time to provide additional support to students who need it most.

“The intervention classes are very important as we intervene with the problems that may come along the way of learning. Ginagawa natin ito para hindi pa man dumarating ang problema, nabibigyan na natin ng solusyon,” Principal Rosalie shared, adding that lack of facilities hamper them from providing the quality of education they hope to give.

“Let’s say you have learners who are non-readers or non-numerates at natutukan sila dahil mayroon kang maayos na silid-aralan. Through this, masasabi mong you were able to make a difference in the lives of the learners kapag natuto silang magbasa at magsulat. Mabo-boost natin ang kanilang academic performance at maiiwasan natin ang bullying, na siyang makakatulong sa kanilang mental health,” she added.

By providing spacious and well-equipped facilities, students now have room for growth, fostering an environment conducive to effective learning. The expansion of school infrastructures has allowed LRCS to end class shifts in second grade, ensuring that students receive the adequate learning time necessary for a more comprehensive education.

LRCS ends the class shifting for second grade, providing pupils ample time for learning activities and helping enable job satisfaction among teachers.

“Napakalaking factor na makakauwi na ang mga bata ng mas maaga at makakapahinga ang mga teachers sa tamang oras. Malaking factor ito sa mental health, quality of education, academic performance, and overall wellness of the children and teachers,” she smiled.

For LRCS, their new school building goes beyond the physical structure—it’s a symbol of something that is built to last.

“This building is not just about the school structure or the conducive learning environment. Ang pinakamalaking epekto nito ay nasa pagkatao ng mga bata. Through this building, they will be reminded that they are the next generation and the future leaders of the country, and they, too, can help the community they belong to,” she shared.

“Through their programs, they are making a difference in the lives of every Filipino learner, especially here in LRCS. Having this building helps nurture better individuals as they see that they belong to a community that genuinely cares for them. Initiatives like this help them learn about civic responsibility. When learners achieve their goals in the future, they will remember the value of giving back to the community,” she added.

SM Prime and SM Foundation turns over the new school building in LRCS, helping the students receive adequate learning time necessary for a more comprehensive education.

The SM Foundation (SMFI)  celebrates the feat of 397 SM scholars from class 2023, including 8 summa cum laude, 72 cum laude, 55 magna cum laude, and 26 academic distinction awardees. Joining the event is SMFI trustee Engr. Ramon Gil Macapagal, SM Investments (SMIC) Chairman Emeritus Jose Sio, SMIC executive director Harley Sy, SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) president Hans “Chico” Sy, SMFI independent trustee Dr. Lydia Echauz, and SMFI Executive Director for Education Programs Carmen Linda Atayde.

 The SM Foundation (SMFI) celebrated the graduation of its 397 scholars from the class of 2023, including 8 summa cum laude, 72 cum laude, 55 magna cum laude, and 26 academic distinction awardees.

Held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, the presentation of graduates served as a mark of the significant milestone in the scholars’ academic journeys and a testament to their resilience and determination to uplift their families and illuminate a path for future generations.

The inspiring event was joined by scholars’ families, esteemed partners, and the SM Foundation’s heads, including the foundation’s Executive Director for Education Programs, Carmen Linda Atayde.

In her address, Atayde emphasized the transformative power of education: “Behind these impressive statistics lie stories of triumph over challenges, stories of dreams pursued against all odds. These scholars, hailing from humble backgrounds, have shown that with opportunity and hard work, one can break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.”

Atayde also recognized the support of mentors, educators, and the Sy family, noting how their efforts have paved the way for success, not only for today’s graduates but also for the communities they represent.

Echoing the vision of the SM group’s founder, Tatang Henry Sy Sr., SMFI Executive Director Debbie Sy also emphasized the importance of education as a tool for social mobility and poverty alleviation.

“As we stand here today, let us remember the vision of Tatang, who believed deeply in the power of education to break the shackles of poverty,” she said.

Addressing the scholars, Sy reminded the SM scholars of their role as catalysts for change in their communities: “You are the living proof of the transformative power of education. The SM Foundation Scholarship Program’s goal is not just academic success but to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.”

“Now, armed with knowledge, be agents of social good in your communities. Your journey doesn’t end here; it’s a new beginning, and we can’t wait to witness the positive impact you’ll create,” she capped.

The SM Foundation’s Scholarship Program, established in 1993, has provided financial and holistic support to over 8,000 college and technical-vocational scholars, empowering them to pursue their academic aspirations and contribute to the betterment of their families.

This cements the SM group’s commitment to social good in the last 40 years, ensuring that deserving students, especially from low-income communities, have access to quality education and the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.

SM Foundation Senior Asst. Vice President for Education – Scholarship warmly welcomes the 2023 SM scholar-graduates

SM scholar-graduates from Batch 2023 during their special performance dedicated to their loved ones, the Sy family, and the SM group.

On the sidelines of the 2023 Presentation of the SM College Scholar-Graduates event, SM scholars from across the Philippines bond and create lifelong friendships.

Tears of joy. SM Foundation’s event honors the hard work of scholars and opens the limitless possibilities ahead of them.