FEATURES

From tykes to tycoons: Cultivating the business stars of the future

Calling all budding entrepreneurs! It’s time to unleash your entrepreneurial skills and ideas at the upcoming Kiddo-Preneur Fair, taking place from Saturday, November 25, to Sunday, November 26, 2023, at the SM Aura Level 3 Atrium, from 10 AM to 6 PM.

At SM Aura’s Kiddo-Preneur Fair, young minds can cultivate business acumen, sharpen problem-solving and communication skills, and discover the art of generating profitable ideas.

Established in 2011, the Kiddo-preneur initiative is an annual gathering of aspiring business owners aged 5 to 17 to encourage and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit. The event serves as a dynamic platform for budding entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and products within a supportive and safe environment. 

“At SM, we believe that fostering the entrepreneurial spirit from an early age is key to shaping future leaders who will drive positive change in our communities. Through the Kiddo-Preneur Fair, we get to do that and so much more by creating a culture where young minds are empowered to dream, create, and innovate,” said SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan.

Kids and their parents participating in the Kiddo-preneur Fair can set up booths and sell their products at the bazaar. Additionally, on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at 2 PM, the event will feature an inspiring talk from Hans Sy, Jr., President of Engineering Design and Development at SM, to motivate young participants to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

Don’t miss SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans Sy, Jr.’s inspiring talk at SM Aura’s Kiddo-Preneur on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at 2 PM, motivating young minds to dream big and embrace their entrepreneurial journey.

Awards for Best Design, Best Concept, Best Ad, and Best Service will be given to the young entrepreneurs at the end of the bazaar.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up now via this link and be an entrepreneur in training at the Kiddo-Preneur Fair at SM!

To know more about Kiddo-preneur and SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. 

SM Supermalls has recently garnered awards from esteemed recognition platforms for its impactful endeavors that enhance the well-being of Filipinos, including the Asia CEO Awards, Healthy Pilipinas Awards for Partners by the Department of Health (DOH), and the 2023 Dragons of Asia Awards.

Asia CEO Awards

SM Supermalls was recently awarded by the Asia CEO Awards as part of the Circle of Excellence for Top Employer of the Year 2023 during the Gala Night held on October 24 at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom. Since 2010, the Asia CEO Awards has been recognizing notable companies and leaders for their contributions in building the nation.

SM Supermalls successfully steered back to business growth this year after emerging stronger in an industry heavily impacted by the pandemic. A critical factor in achieving this is the company’s employee experience transformation program, which touches on the various stages of the employee journey from attraction, development, and engagement.  Targeted people programs gave employees opportunities to learn new skills, grow their careers, and give back to communities, while contributing to business growth. These efforts yielded desired results for the company, including a strong retention trend year-on-year since 2019.

(L-R): Vice President for Mall Operations Junias Eusebio, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources (HR) Joseph Anthony Rodriguez, Senior Assistant Vice President for Mall Operations Jocelyn Lapid-Carino, Senior Assistant Vice President for Mall Operations Johanna Melissa Rupisan, Vice President for HR Cheryll Agsaoay, Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno, Regional HR Manager Lolibeth Esmana, Senior HR Manager Chloe Delos Santos-Chua, and Vice President for Business Planning and Operations Enablement Jerry Paul Manus

Healthy Pilipinas Awards for Partners

SM Cares and SM Supermalls were honored by the DOH at the concluded Healthy Pilipinas Awards for Partners. The ceremony was held last October 27 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

SM receives Gold and Bronze recognitions for its initiatives and programs geared toward sustainable and healthy living.

Celebrating success in promoting a healthier Philippines, SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, earns Gold recognitions from the DOH for its impactful initiatives. The Bike-Friendly projects across all SM malls nationwide are committed to sustainable and active living. This includes the establishment of dedicated bike lanes, convenient bike parking facilities at nearly all SM malls, and thoughtful additions like bike repair racks. Meanwhile, the breastfeeding awareness recognizes its crucial role in infant and maternal health. While it is free to feed anywhere within SM premises, the campaign goes a step further with the provision of breastfeeding stations. These stations, available in 80 SM malls nationwide, create a supportive and comfortable environment for mothers to nurture their babies.

SM Cares’ campaigns to promote Bike-Friendly Communities and Breastfeeding Awareness were each given Gold distinctions by the Department of Health.

The Healthy Pilipinas Awards, together with its partner Galing Pook Foundation, recognize citizen-led organizations that embody innovation, sustainability, and citizen empowerment and have made positive contributions to improving the quality of health, life, and well-being in their communities.

SM Supermalls was given the Bronze award for its comprehensive COVID-19 Vaccination Program, reaching 10.6 million jabs as part of nationwide immunization across 77 SM malls. 

SM City Davao was also awarded Bronze specifically for its One-Stop Venue for Health initiatives targeting the communities in the southern part of Davao.

Dragons of Asia Awards

SM Supermalls took home two major awards at the 2023 Dragons of Asia Awards held last October 27, at the Eastin Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

SM clinched the coveted Blue Dragon award for having the best campaign in the Philippines and another Silver Dragon under the Best Event or Experiential Marketing category for its captivating Christmas activations – SM Mall of Asia’s “Night of Lights” and SM Megamall’s “Mega Christmas In Space.” 

The winning campaign showcased the brand’s commitment to connect with local communities and create memorable experiences for its shoppers. Both activations wowed visitors with immersive, interactive holiday displays, turning the malls into enchanting Christmas wonderlands not far away from home.

SM Mall of Asia’s “Night of Lights” features larger-than-life Disney-themed installations.

SM Megamall’s Mega Space Odyssey is Manila’s inaugural 3D LED tunnel that invites enthusiasts to explore the universe without a rocket ship.

“These accolades reaffirm our commitment to fostering health, innovation, and excellence in our initiatives. At SM Supermalls, we dedicate these awards to our hardworking teams and the communities we serve, as we continue to strive for a healthier, more vibrant, and sustainable future,” said SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan.

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

As part of OUR HOME’s advocacy in paving the way for future interior designers to carve a niche in the interior design industry, OUR HOME and the PHILIPPINE SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN collaborated on an event entitled, “DESIGNING ACCENT CHAIRS, A NEW PERSPECTIVE.

The event, which features designs from the Third-Year Studentsof the Philippine School of Interior Design, aims to promote awareness in furniture design and construction as another avenue where interior designers can make a name for themselves. Students from PSID were carefully selected and their designs curated.

Then, through OUR HOME’s mentoring and guidance, they were exposed to talking and meeting with furniture suppliers and manufacturers where their designs were scrutinized, analyzed and critiqued.

Additionally, fabric selections and finishes were decided upon, and factory visits were scheduled. The students saw this as a learning opportunity while at the same time an exciting experience in getting their feet wet in the world of furniture design.

Ultimately, eight designs were chosen and will be exhibited at the OUR HOME, Megamall Branch. Through this collaboration, OUR HOME creates an opportunity for budding furniture designers to try out their skills in designing furniture pieces, in this case, accent chairs.

Interior design opens a lot of doors as far as career options are concerned and OUR HOME recognizes talent in designing, executing and styling furniture pieces as one of them. Through the collaboration with the PHILIPPINE SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN, OUR HOME nurtures the dream of future furniture designers to make a name and become luminaries in the field.

The PHILIPPINE SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN has always been an institution that hones talent in designing and has given the interior design and furniture industries its share of luminaries. Working together for more than a decade, OUR HOME and PSID recognize the merit that the symbiotic relationship developed.

The event is a culmination of OUR HOME’s vision to provide not only creative endeavors to reach a wider market but with the collaboration with PSID, positions itself as a company that grants excellent opportunities for a rewarding design experience.

Visit us and take a look at the Accent Chairs, A New Perspective exhibit which runs until Nov. 30 at Our Home Megamall located at the Lower Ground Level Bldg. A of SM Megamall.

Follow Our Home FB and Our Home IG to know the next stop of our Accent Chair Design exhibit.

OUR HOME celebrates its 26th year this year with its first store at SM Megamall.

WEBSITE

https://www.villageconnect.com.ph/designing-accent-chairs-a-new-perspective-exhibit-with-psid-and-our-home/16679

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/villageconnectmagazine-ab3924234_ourhome-ourhomeph-philippineschoolofinteriordesign-activity-7132721021152870400-DAHB?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz6OHeZvDNU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=ODhhZWM5NmIwOQ==

VC FACEBOOK

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MITSUKOSHI BGC is set to bring a touch of Japanese magic to the heart of Manila this holiday season as it officially launches its Christmas concepts with a Christmas Display Lighting Ceremony.

This year, MITSUKOSHI BGC unveils a dazzling display of lights and activities that promises to capture the essence of a Japanese Christmas in the Philippines. The ceremony will feature traditional Japanese elements infused with the festive spirit, including performances, seasonal treats, and, of course, the grand illumination of MITSUKOSHI BGC’s light installation and its unique centerpiece, featuring Shirakawa-go, which is registered as a World Heritage Site that is illuminated only six times a year during winter. The light-up event here is a popular event that represents winter in Japan.. Shoppers can expect an immersive celebration that blends cultural richness with the warmth of the holidays.

“We are thrilled to share a slice of Japanese Christmas with the Manila community,” said Mitsunori Morohoshi, MITSUKOSHI BGC General Manager. “Our goal is to create a magical experience that blends Japan’s and the Philippines’ cultural richness with the warmth of the holidays.

Holidays Made Fuyu

Join MITSUKOSHI BGC as it celebrates the yuletide season with various Japanese Christmas concepts and activities for a unique and distinctly Japanese experience – starting with the mall decorations, where guests will be treated to depiction of winter destination in Japan.

From November 18 to December 24, shoppers can engage in exciting activities taking place in different areas of the mall. Patrons have the opportunity to indulge in immersive activities the whole family can enjoy, such as Bag and Chopstick Making Classes. Kids can also try their hand at making mugs and bowls at the Christmas Pottery Class or blending traditional matcha drinks at the Christmas Matcha Making Class.

Make sure to visit the gift-wrapping booths to give your Christmas gift list a colorful twist. For every single or accumulated receipt amounting to Php 3,000, shoppers can have their purchases gift-wrapped Furoshiki style.

Get a chance to win all-access shopping and dining tickets to your favorite stores at MITSUKOSHI BGC! From December 4-21, every purchase of Php 1,000 or more in single receipts from any MITSUKOSHI BGC store grants you an entry into the raffle. Simply scan the QR Codes around the mall, complete a e-raffle coupon, and submit it along with the validated receipt. Winners will be announced after the raffle draw on December 23, 2023. 

On Christmas Eve, select shoppers will receive a free authentic Japanese Christmas cake, a famous Christmas Eve delicacy in Japan. Rounding up the holiday cheer is a musical play with Santa & Friends. Sing to your heart’s desire and create a memorable experience for the whole family.

Don’t miss out on a truly unique Christmas experience at MITSUKOSHI BGC.

To know the latest about MITSUKOSHI BGC, visit their website, Facebook, and Instagram page. Don’t miss out on your chance to own a slice of Japan in the heart of BGC. Learn more about The Seasons Residences. Visit The Seasons Residences website or email invest@federalland.ph to schedule a private viewing at the showroom located at 7th Avenue corner 34th Street, Grand Central Park, BGC.  

HONOR Philippines just opened its newest Experience Store in SM City Dasmariñas and officially unveiled the limited-edition HONOR 90 5G Peacock Blue!

HONOR Philippines PR Manager Pao Oga, Retail Sales Director Tom Yuan, GTM Manager Steven Yan, and Brand Marketing Manager Joepy Libo-on with EC Panda Store OIC Evelyn Enong

Manila, Philippines, November 17, 2023 – The highly-anticipated HONOR 90 5G Peacock Blue has officially arrived in the Philippines and was seen during the opening of the HONOR Experience Store in SM City Dasmariñas, located at the Level 2 Cyberzone. The new limited-edition color officially hit stores on November 15 and until supplies last, you can get a FREE HONOR Gift box worth Php 2,499 for every purchase.

“This is another momentous event for us, having back-to-back celebration with the opening of our HONOR Experience Store in SM City Dasmariñas and of course the unveiling of the much-awaited HONOR 90 5G Peacock Blue. The year is far from over and so are we so for our HONOR fans, stay tuned,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

The successful store opening was officiated by HONOR Philippines GTM Manager Steven Yan, PR Manager Pao Oga, Brand Marketing Manager Joepy Libo-on, and Retail Sales Director Tom Yuan with EC Panda SM City Dasmariñas Store OIC Evelyn Enong.

HONOR 90 5G is now in stunning limited-edition Peacock Blue variant

Launched in August this year, HONOR 90 5G prides its flagship triple camera system consisting of a 200MP Main Camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor, a 12 MP ultra-wide and macro camera with a 112° field of view and a 2MP Depth Camera that helps the camera more accurately gauge distance. Supporting multi-frame fusion, noise reduction algorithm and pixel binning to achieve the light-capturing performance that is equivalent to having large 2.24µm pixels(16-in-1), the 200MP Main Camera produces excellent high dynamic range (HDR) photos and detailed, bright shots in low light situations.

Its superb display supports the industry’s highest Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Dimming frequency of 3840Hz, effectively minimizing the strain it puts on users’ eyes when it is set at low brightness. The display also features Dynamic Dimming which simulates natural light to alleviate eye fatigue, as well as HONOR’s Circadian Night Display technology which filters blue light and promotes natural melatonin secretion to improve user sleep quality at night.

The new limited-edition HONOR 90 5G Peacock Blue is now available for only Php 24,990 in all HONOR Experience and partner stores or online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/3YAczVu), Shopee (https://bit.ly/45snjI6), and TikTok Shop (bit.ly/HONOR905G-TikTok).

For more announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

About HONOR

HONOR is a leading global provider of smart devices. It is dedicated to becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating a new intelligent world for everyone through its powerful products and services. With an unwavering focus on R&D, it is committed to developing technology that empowers people around the globe to go beyond, giving them the freedom to achieve and do more. Offering a range of high-quality smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables to suit every budget, HONOR’s portfolio of innovative, premium and reliable products enable people to become a better version of themselves.

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Last year, among the top 10 leading causes of death in the country included chronic lung disease, tuberculosis, pneumonia, CoViD-19 infection, and lung cancer. Out of the four million Filipinos who contracted CoViD-19, 280,000 continue to suffer from long CoViD syndrome.

Despite the enactment of several laws to curb smoking in the country, many Filipinos are still suffering from smoking-related lung diseases. The need for pulmonary rehabilitation to help those suffering from difficulty in breathing remains. Along with this is the need for an improved venue where pulmonary rehabilitation can be best carried out—both for in person and virtual sessions.

Located at the Philippine General Hospital is the UP- PGH Pulmonary Care Center & Post CoViD Hub which aims to help Filipinos afflicted with chronic lung diseases and long CoViD-19 syndrome to breathe and live better. It is a milestone in healthcare as it is the first post-CoVid hub in the country.

It was recently inaugurated with PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi; Division of Pulmonary Medicine Head Dr. Lenora C. Fernandez; Dr. Joselito Chavez, former chief of the Division of Pulmonary Medicine; Dr. Carissa Paz C. Dioquino, Chair, Department of Neurosciences; Dr. John Anonuevo, Chair, Department of Medicine; and fellows of the Pulmonary Division, among others. SM Foundation was represented by Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs Connie Angeles; Board of Trustee Engr. Gil Macapagal; Senior Project Manager Albert Uy and Assistant Project Manager Roma Hierro in attendance.

It is the 199^th SM Foundation Wellness Center and is the third project of SM Foundation with PGH’s Division of Pulmonary Medicine. The first was the renovation of the Pulmonary room at the Out Patient Department. This was followed two years later with the renovation of another room to house the CPET (Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Testing) machine and as venue of Pulmonary rehab sessions.

The UP- PGH Pulmonary Care Center and Post CoViD Hub has the following services: multi-disciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation program; comprehensive diagnostic assessment for chronic lung diseases and long CoViD syndrome; smoking cessation program; asthma education program; lung cancer and interstitial lung disease multi-disciplinary care; and hoe care referral network provision.

It is under the Division of Pulmonary Medicine of UP-PGH headed by Dr. Lenora C. Fernandez, M.D.  Aside from the country’s top pulmonologists, it boasts of a multi-disciplinary medical team from the UP-PGH’s Departments of Rehabilitation Medicine, Neurosciences, Family Medicine, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine. Respiratory therapists as well as the Medical Social Services and Dietary Section are also partners in dispensing the Hub’s services.

SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) has consistently invested in critical areas such as health and education to support the country in attaining inclusive growth. A recent testament to this commitment is the transformation of the medical and dental clinic at the Quezon City Schools Division Office (QC-SDO) of the Department of Education (DepEd).

The refurbished clinic, nestled behind the Annex Building of SM North EDSA, features state-of-the-art equipment donated by SMFI.

The clinic will also serve as a platform for preventive healthcare, promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging regular check-ups.

SM group representatives, SM Foundation Health and Medical Program Executive Director Connie Angeles, Mall Operations SAVP Jocelyn Clarino, and SM North EDSA Mall Manager Miguel Gaspi joined the turnover.  This donation marks the beginning of the entry of the Foundation into the renovation of existing clinics in public elementary and secondary schools within the jurisdiction of the DepEd. In the past, the Foundation renovated community health centers and medical health units of the military (Navy, Air Force, Army).

Aside from the renovation and refurbishing, the Foundation is committed to do maintenance work in the upkeep of the facility.  Regular visits are made by the Foundation or Mall officials located within the vicinity of the renovated Center.

Building a healthier future

During the turnover ceremony, Dr. Connie Gepanayao, Regional Medical Officer of DepEd National Capital Region, and SDO Superintendent Dr. Carleen Sedilla underscored the crucial role of health in enabling students to achieve their academic potential and aspirations.

With 158 schools and over 436,000 students in public schools, along with 16,000 teachers, Dr. Sedilla shed light on the critical need for school-based health services. Its value is further highlighted as the country recorded increased cases of hand, foot, and mouth diseases (HFMD) among young students, along with the prevalence of other illnesses.

With this development, the DepEd NCR is hopeful that they will become better equipped to provide extensive medical services to promote the positive impact of health on academic performance.

Meanwhile, Dr. Gepanayao said that the close relationship between the SM group and the SDO, facilitated by the proximity of their locations, has played a pivotal role in this collaboration.

“A healthy student is a happy student,” Dr. Gepanayao also said, optimistic that the clinic will also help make wellness an integral part of daily life and serve as a hub for community building, fostering connections among teachers, students, and their families, and strengthening the educational community as a whole.

Teachers and teaching staff monitor their blood pressure inside the new clinic.

(From left) SM North EDSA Mall Manager Miguel Gaspi, SM Supermalls Operations SAVP Jocelyn Clarino, SM Foundation Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs Connie Angeles, Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Carleen Sedilla, Regional Medical Officer of DepEd National Capital Region Dr. Connie Gepanayao, and School and Governance & Operations Division Chief Dr. Maria Teresa Namoro.