Persons with Autism Learn Life Skills at the Supermarket

Tweet

It was already three o’clock in the afternoon, and 18-year old Brad was supposed to be home by 12 noon. His worried mom began to think if teaching him to commute was the right decision. Brad Gutierrez is a person with autism (PWA), and that was his first time to travel by public transportation.

As it turned out, it was one of those days when UV Express shuttles get delayed by traffic congestion. Brad waited patiently for three hours, fighting hunger and sweat along with other passengers in line. But unlike most people, he got home with pride that he was able to come home by himself.

Commuting to and from Savemore Market is just one of the many life skills Brad and 60 other participants are learning from AutiSM at Work – an immersion program designed by SM Markets, the SM food retail brand comprised of SM Supermarket, Savemore Market, and SM Hypermarket, and Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) to promote workplace inclusion for PWAs. Now on its 2nd year, the program continues to expand from the pilot run at Savemore Market Light Residences to the current 17 SM Markets branches nationwide. 

ASP President Mona Veluz affirms that by exposing PWAs in a work environment through AutiSM at Work, the participants get to learn the necessary skills they need in life.

“PWAs need to transition into adulthood in a significant way beyond what they learn in school. They need to know how to be independent, socialize, interact, be responsible. This immersion program with SM Markets teaches them just that,” says Mona. Soft skills like engaging customers and co-workers, taking directions from supervisors, coming to work on time, and even taking a bath before going to work, are important for PWAs to be truly included in society. 

Being a mother of a PWA herself, Mona gets emotional when talking about the overall development that program participants are showing during their three-month internship. She remembers how one of the participants, 20-year old Rhav Lomboy, turned from a struggling beginner to a confident mentee. 

According to Mona, Rhav was uncomfortable when he first tried to put grocery items in a bag. Now, he has transitioned from that task to putting back unwanted items in the shelves, giving shopping carts to customers, and greeting everyone he encounters. “It makes me so happy and proud seeing them improve, the difference in personality, the confidence. As a parent, that’s what you want to see,” Mona shares.

Seeing PWAs thrive in a place like Savemore Market where people from all walks of life come and go every day is indeed promising. It builds possibilities for PWAs like Brad, who dreams of being a chef in his own restaurant someday. For Rhav, his future is where he is a successful graphic designer. And for 24-year old JD Sagala, a graduate of computer electronics, his vision includes working in big companies like Samsung electronics.

The possibilities that SM Markets and ASP’s immersion program opens up are indeed infinite not just for PWAs, but for SM employees and its customers as well. “It’s enriching, meaningful, and inspirational for our employees and customers. Seeing them (PWAs) do what they do motivates us to be even better so we can help create a truly inclusive society,” says Dorothy Sobrevega, AVP for Human Resources of SM Markets. 

“Learning life skills is really more important especially when you’re learning how to survive. We’d like to think that we are showing them the right path as they begin to dream of becoming somebody someday,” Dorothy concludes.

SM Cinema celebrates SM’s 60th Anniversary with “Cinema Surprises”!

Tweet

SM Cinema presents the “60-minute Cinema Blitz”, a 60-minute period in the SM Cinema website where 200 lucky customers can get a PhP 60 discount for every ticket bought during the set happy celebration hour

SM Cinema as it marks SM’s 60th anniversary, celebrates the occasion with exciting activities for its patrons across the country starting this May. 

Today, SM Cinema is the largest film exhibitor in the country with a total of 361 screens in 62 SM Cinema branches and 6 WM Cinemas nationwide. It also brought the latest innovations in the local cinema industry with eight (8) IMAX theatres, nine (9) Director’s Club Cinemas and three (3) Mega Screen Cinemas, fully expanding their theater portfolio that will give the total movie experience for all movie patrons.

In line with the 60th year celebration, SM Cinema launches Cinema Surprises, a set of exciting activities and fantastic treats for movie goers that will allow them to enjoy even more real-to-reel experiences during this milestone occasion.

At the start of Cinema Surprises, SM Cinema presents the “60-minute Cinema Blitz”, a 60-minute period in the SM Cinema website where 200 lucky customers can get a PhP 60 discount for every ticket bought during the set happy celebration hour. Stay tuned on SM Cinema Facebook page for details!

Select SM Cinema branches will also be giving away free movie items for group purchases of movie tickets on upcoming movie offerings, such as Solo: A Star Wars Story and Crazy Rich Asians, in their respective ticket sale periods.

For more exciting offers and ticket bookings, visit the SM Cinema website,www.smcinema.com or for an even more convenient experience, download the SM Cinema app through the App Store and Google Play. You may also follow /SMCinema on facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for more information and updates!

The Director's Club Cinema invites you to go crazy with ‘Unsane’

Tweet

SM Cinema invited guests to get intimate with Sawyer Valentini and her fears at the exclusive media screening of Unsane, held at the Director’s Club Cinema in SM Megamall.

Against the lush leather seats and delectable snacks of the luxe Director’s Club Cinema, movie-goers were engrossed in the psychological terror that was insanely, ‘Unsane.”

Directed by Steven Soderbergh, Unsane is about a young woman who visits a psychiatrist, as she believes she is being stalked by her estranged boyfriend for the last two years. The real terror begins when she becomes involuntarily committed to a mental institution only to find out she’s been followed in by her greatest fear. Drugged and isolated, Valentini starts doubting herself—is everything her delusion?

Amazingly the movie is shot completely on an iPhone. Without compromising its grubby aesthetics and rich still frames, Unsane creates phenomenal tension to disconcert your composure and stimulate your senses as this psycho-thriller movie intensifies the paranoia not only of Valentini but also of the viewers. 

If your taste in horror movies is more for psychological terror rather than ghosts and zombies, this movie is right up your alley. Bring your family and friends and test your limits with Unsane, screening exclusively in SM Cinema theaters nationwide starting March 21. 

Book your tickets now through the new website, www.smcinema.com or for an even more convenient experience, get the SM Cinema app. 

Stay tuned to SM Cinema on facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for more information.

GetGo partners with SM Hotels for rewarding stays and free getaways

Tweet

GetGo Loyalty Division general manager Nik Laming and SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. executive vice president Peggy Angeles seal the partnership during the MOA signing.

Spending a relaxing day or a week at some of the country’s luxurious hotels is now even more rewarding as GetGo, the lifestyle rewards program of Cebu Pacific, partners with SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. to bring its members closer to free flights to their dream destinations!

GetGo members can earn rewards points when they call Taal Vista Hotel at (02) 917-8225, Radisson Blu Cebu at (032) 402-9900, Park Inn by Radisson Davao at (82) 272-7600, Park Inn by Radisson Clark at (45) 598-7000, or Pico Sands Hotel at (02) 464-7800, to book a stay based on qualified room rates. Members need to mention their GetGo number when booking and present their cards upon check-in.

"We are very excited to launch this partnership with SM Hotels as it offers more relaxing and rewarding ways for our members to earn GetGo points, towards availing of free Cebu Pacific flights," said Nik Laming, GetGo Loyalty Division general manager.

“We are excited to partner with Cebu Pacific through its loyalty program, GetGo. Cebu Pacific is heralded as the leader in innovation and creativity in the country’s aviation industry. Since its foundation more than two decades ago, it has been one of the stalwarts in the promotion of Philippine tourism, a passion shared by our hotel properties," said Peggy Angeles, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. executive vice president.

For more information on memberships and partners, visit www.getgo.com.ph, or call +632 71-GETGO (43846). The latest updates are also on GetGoPH's official pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The secret ingredients in Mary Grace’s recipe for success

Tweet

Anyone who has ever dined at any Mary Grace Café will attest that everything about the place reminds you of the comforts of home – from the comfy interiors, to the flavorful dishes that remind you of Lola’s home-cooked meals. 

The secrets are in the restaurant’s memoirs of the mother behind the cafe.

Unknown to many, restaurant owner Mary Grace Dimacali started this business when she was already 44 years old. Although the idea was already planted in her early 30s when she would experiment with different recipes in her own kitchen, the plan of selling to the public outside of the home had to be put on hold when she got pregnant with her first baby.

She knew her priorities early on. Her passion for cooking and baking would have to wait. Her focus was on the family. 

“I had to lay down the foundation first – my family – before I even open at least a kiosk. Today, my kids are the pillars of the business. Everything would not have materialized were it not for my family’s support,” Mary Grace said.

The first Mary Grace kiosk was put up when her kids were already in college. She was already 50 when one of her kids decided to help her out after graduation. 

She still marvels at the fact that the name is serendipitous. While it is eponymously named, the two names that comprise it has separate representations. A devotee of Our Lady of Fatima, the name “Mary” holds a very special spot in Mary Grace’s heart. On the other hand, the first letters in each of her five children’s names form the name “Grace”: Gabriel, Raphael, Adrian, Chiara, and (Marian) Ernestine. Four of them are currently involved in the business operations, while the eldest Chiara is expected to join them once she returns from London.

Today, Mary Grace kiosks and restaurants can be seen in major malls around Metro Manila. Her branches are favorite go-to dining places for office people during weekdays, and families on weekends. Her SM branches are especially strong especially during big events and Sunday masses.

“The daily foot traffic and locations of SM malls are important considerations for me whenever I put up branches. It attracts a good mix of customers – families, friends, and working people – who are also my target customers,” Mary Grace said.

Now a grandmother to seven children, Mary Grace admits she could not have gone through the success that her brand is receiving without the ingredients that God has placed in her life. 

“My personal symbol for this is the triangle: family, business, community. I keep these three balanced through fervent prayers, and a lot of support from friends,” she reveals. 

“On the business side, our purpose is to give hope to people who seek employment, as well as to represent the country through a quality brand of products and service that is truly Filipino.”

Asked what she would give as advice to mothers who also want to go into business while looking after their family, Mary Grace has this to say: 

“Handle being a mom first, and everything will fall into place in God’s time. Only then can you handle every kind of challenge that go your way, using all your God-given talents.”

Mary Grace Cafes and Kiosks are located in select SM malls in Metro Manila, and is one of over 5,000 partners of SM Supermalls who offer family fun and extraordinary mall-going experiences for all. 

For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through SM’s Viber Public Chat. 

Tweet your thoughts, upload and share your photos about your memorable moments at SM, then use its official hashtag #EverythingsHereAtSM. 

​SM consistent top taxpayer nationwide

Tweet

Consistent with its value on good governance, SM maintained its position as one of the country’s top taxpayers for taxable year 2015. 

The mall company received several awards from different communities where it emerged as the no. 1 taxpayer in the Local Business Tax and Real Property Tax categories, while keeping its top positions in other localities spread across the country.

For local business and real property tax categories, SM Megamall, SM City Masinag, SM City Bacoor, SM City Molino, SM City Baguio, and SM City Naga emerged as the no. 1 taxpayers in their respective communities. SM Malls located in Quezon City namely SM City North Edsa, SM City Sta. Mesa, SM City Fairview and SM City Novaliches received the Hall of Fame award for being a consistent top taxpayer in 2015.

Top real property tax awards went to SM Southmall, SM Center Las Piñas, SM North EDSA, SM City Fairview, SM City Novaliches, SM City Dasmariñas, SM Marketmall Dasmariñas, SM City Sta. Mesa, SM Baliwag, SM Cauayan, SM City Lucena, SM City Olongapo, SM City Rosales, SM City Rosario, SM City San Pablo, SM City Taytay, SM City Tarlac, SM City Consolacion, SM City Cebu, and SM City Bacolod. Other cities and municipalities that benefited from taxes paid by SM include Apalit, San Fernando and Mexico (Pampanga); Batangas City; Calamba City and Santa Rosa City (Laguna); Iloilo City; Lipa City; Manila; Marikina City; Marilao (Bulacan); Muntinlupa City; Pasay City; and Valenzuela City.

For taxable year 2014, SM landed on the 9th spot of the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s top non-individual taxpayers list, contributing over Php3.1B in paid taxes.

“Part of our mission is to provide opportunities where we are present. It is our social responsibility to pay our taxes transparently and on time so that our respective communities can continue to finance its own economic development programs,” said Ms. Annie S. Garcia, President of SM Supermalls.

SM’s presence in communities has helped create jobs and opened doors for local businesses, big and small, to take advantage of the mall’s large customer traffic. The mall company has also helped in turning communities into tourism destinations because of its premier shopping, dining and lifestyle products and services.

Dream Big, Work Hard - SM Foundation celebrates 20th batch of scholar-graduates

Tweet

SM Scholars 2016

SM Foundation celebrated another milestone under its education program as it produced 225 graduates from its 20th batch of scholars since its college scholarship program started in 1993. 

This year’s Presentation of Graduates produced 71 honor students of which, 4 are summa cum laude, 11 are magna cum laude, 44 are cum laude, and 12 finished with academic distinction.

This year’s theme of ‘Dream big, Work hard’, emphasizes and strengthens SM Foundation's continuing commitment of providing opportunities for the youth who best exemplifies its founder Henry Sy, Sr’s words of ‘Dream Big’.

Henry Sy and his vision has been a constant inspiration to the youth, SM scholars. As the heart of the SM group of companies, SM Foundation is focused on social development and helps the underprivileged in communities where SM is present.

SM Foundation was established in 1983 by Henry Sy, Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy, anchored on its founding principle of PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE.

Henry Sy, SM Founder and Board of Chairman, celebrates with the SM  Scholars 

SM Foundation is committed to serve by supporting and empowering its host communities through education, healthcare, shelter, disaster response, farmers’ training, environmental programs and care for persons with special needs. SMFI work hand in hand with our communities to create opportunities and improve lives.

Creating Better Opportunities for the Future

Henry Sy, Sr. believes that education is the best defense against poverty. We at SM Foundation provide the youth both college and technical-vocational scholarship grants to help them achieve their dreams.  

Dream Big Work Hard: SM Foundation 20th Presentation of Scholar Graduates press conference held at the SMX Mall of Asia, May 25, 2016.

During the SM Scholars presentation, Kim Atienza, more known as ‘Kuya Kim’, was  the guest this year’s as keynote speaker. Atienza hosts a weekly science and environmental-centric show Matanglawin and is currently the resident weather anchor in ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol segment ‘Weather-Weather Lang’.

An exclusive job offer was also held for scholars preceding the event. The SM scholar-graduates completed their courses in accountancy, computer science, information technology, education, computer engineering, electronics and communications engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering and mechanical engineering.

They were interviewed by the human resources team of participating SM companies which include SM Investments, Inc., Shopping Center Management Corp., SM Department Store, SM Retail, SM Food Group (Supermarket, Hypermarket, Savemore and Alfamart), Uniqlo, H&M, Body Shop and Asia Pacific College, to name a few.

SM Foundation has, to date, produced a total of 2,385 graduates under its college scholarship program. Most of its graduates are now gainfully employed or running their own businesses here and abroad. A number of them have opted to work with SM and its related companies. 

#smiskolarako

The genuine benefits of employee volunteerism

Tweet

A wise man once said: Choose a job you like, and you will never work a day in your life. For some employees, this becomes true once they volunteer for the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects.

According to Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, employees who participate in their company’s CSR activities gain a lot from the experience. One of the most important benefits they get is the feeling of physical and emotional health. For the employee volunteer, the opportunity of being part of something as important as community engagement is one that no amount of money can buy.

One company that maintains its employee volunteerism program (EVP) is SM, which has won local and international awards for its CSR campaigns through SM Cares. The company gives its employees opportunities to be part of its programs for persons with disability (PWD), elderly, children, women, senior citizens, and less privileged communities.

“I really enjoy doing such activities with my colleagues. It makes me feel better and reminds me of my childhood days when even the simplest gift and show of concern from someone will bring you genuine happiness,” said Kevin Bonifacio, a Resident Engineer of SM City Tarlac. Through the mall’s Adopt a Daycare program, Kevin was able to take time off from his work and spend it meaningfully for underprivileged kids of their community.

Needless to say, employees who are given a chance by their employers to take part in community engagement become motivated and get a morale boost. Mall Manager Michael Uy affirms that the experience is humbling. A volunteer at SM North EDSA’s Brigada Eskwela, he helped repair damaged classroom furniture and repaint walls of a public school. “It inspires us to work harder. The most fun part is the teamwork that all volunteers had during the whole activity,” Michael shared.

SM’s EVPs get big participation from its employee base. For the benefit of public schools, about 2,500 employees contributed their time, effort and personal resources for the activities. A program for the elderly gathered 67% of the total population of SM employees as volunteers, while a Christmas EVP received 66% participation, with 75% coming from mall-based employees.

Eventually, employee volunteerism leads to both personal and professional growth. Those who volunteer in company CSR programs became more engaged at work, creating a more dynamic and positive office culture. They develop better communication and leadership skills and become more fulfilled in their respective jobs. More importantly, they become more appreciative of the kind of work they do in and out of the four walls of the office.

“Bricks Click: Creating the New Marketplace”: Traditional and digital retail trends discussed in SM’s first Partnership Summit

Tweet

With the market’s adaptation to digital shopping, traditional retail businesses find it important to keep with the consumer’s growing needs and demands for shopping experience beyond the brick-and-mortar concept. 

SM Supermalls used this big idea for its first Partnership Summit titled “Bricks Click: Creating the New Marketplace” to create a venue for deeper discussion among retailers and business partners. The summit was held at the SMX Convention Center of the Mall of Asia Complex.

SM Supermalls President Annie Garcia and Senior Vice-President for Operations Steven Tan together with panelists (second from left) Margot Torres, Executive Vice President, McDonald’s Philippines; Hiebert Dimagiba, Head of Mobile & IT Business, Samsung Philippines; Aitor Gomez Maguregui, Head of New Business Sales, Google Philippines; and Mark Gamboa, Director of Marketing, Max’s Group.

The summit aimed to inspire and motivate players in the retail industry, local and regional, through knowledge sharing and market updates from distinguished experts in the field. During the summit, discussions centered around the impact of social media on businesses; ways to elevate customer experience, and strengthening customer satisfaction.

Esteemed guest speakers included entrepreneur and inspirational speaker Francis Kong, Disney Institute Regional Business Development Manager Wing-Hoe Tan, and Samsung Electronics Vice-President for Online David Kang. Panel discussions further elaborated the topics, with executives and veterans of known companies such as Samsung, Max’s, McDonald’s and Google contributing their insights and business experiences.

Francis Kong

In his presentation, Kong explained that a business should learn to utilize social media and technology not to compete with the traditional way of retail, but to enhance and further develop its reach. Technology, according to Kong, is not the competitor of traditional retail, but its complement.

Entrepreneur and inspirational speaker Francis Kong talked about creating new and meaningful experiences for the customer with the cohesive use of social media with traditional retail.

“Co-existence between analog and click technology can never replace human involvement,” Kong added.

Tan stressed in his speech that positive results and customer delight root from company culture, from how they treat their customers to how they treat their own employees.

Wing-Hoe Tan

A playful moment from Disney Institute’s Wing-Hoe Tan, his session discussing about ensuring delightful service and maintaining good company culture.

“An organization must cultivate the same internal customer service within their employees, gauged with the same intentionality as how they do with their external ones. It is not written on any handbook; rather, it is already imbibed in the employees’ hearts and minds to provide exceptional service,” Tan said.

Kang ended the sessions with his emphasis on how technology heavily influences consumers’ decisions, but in the end, the brick-and-mortar shops are still their preferred way of shopping for their desired products.

David Kang

Samsung Electronics Vice-President for Online David Kang delves deeper into his talk about the cohesive existence of technology and traditional retail to bring another level to the customer’s shopping experience.

There were 1,000 participants who attended the summit, hailing from businesses in the Philippines and abroad, all pioneers and heads of SM’s valued tenant companies.

The partnership summit is one of SM’s projects in line with celebrating its 30th year in the retail industry. SM currently has 55 malls nationwide.​

SM execs meet U.S. State Official to discuss PWD rights advocacy

Tweet

In a short visit to the Philippines this week, U.S. Special Advisor on Disability Rights Judith Heumann met with executives of SM Supermalls to discuss the company’s programs on the social inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWD). SM, through its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares, has been strongly promoting a barrier-free and disability-inclusive environment for everybody for many years now.

Vice President for Operations and Program Director for SM Cares Committee on Disability Affairs Bien Mateo presented to Special Advisor Heumann some of SM Cares’ initiatives like the Angels Walk for Autism, the Happy Walk for Down Syndrome, the special screening of movies for the deaf and the blind, earthquake preparedness conference for PWDS, and the special voters’ registration for PWDs and senior citizens. He also showcased the PWD assistance training that they require to all of their front liners.

(Seated, L-R): Manuel Agcaoili, President, Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PFRD); Judith Heumann, Special Advisor for International Disability Rights from the US Department of State; Annie S. Garcia, President, SM Supermalls.

(Standing, L-R): Former Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, Consultant, SM Cares; Arch. Jaime Silva, United Architects of the Philippines; Grace Magno, VP for Advertising, SM Supermalls; Bien Mateo, VP Operations and Program Director for SM Cares Committee on Disability Affairs; Rachael Parrish, Political Officer, US Embassy; Allison Colburn, DRL Assistant, Office of SADR Judith Heumann, Department of State; Jennifer Schuett, DRL Public Diplomacy, ‎Office of SADR Judith Heumann, Department of State.

SA Heumann expressed appreciation for all the projects presented, most especially for the satellite voters’ registration being held at SM malls nationwide. According to her, making the registration more accessible to PWDs foster a more inclusive election process.

SA Heumann notes, “In many countries, I have noticed that while facilities are improving, inaccessibility is growing as well. I am very happy to learn about this unique model that SM is implementing where the principles of PWD inclusion are integrated with work. I really want to commend SM for the great job they are doing here and for being a leader in PWD advocacies.

During SA Heumann’s visit, SM Cares also arranged a roundtable discussion with the different PWD rights groups including former Isabela Governor Grace Padaca, Philippine Institute for the Deaf Principal Maricris Ibayan, UP SPED Area Cluster Coordinator Prof. Myra Trinidad-Tantengco, DLSU-CSB School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies Prof. Maria Veronica Templo-Perez, Autism Society of the Philippines President Mona Magno-Veluz, Philippine National School for the Blind Dr. Rosalie Condes, Metropolitan Museum of Manila representative Johan Araro, St. Joseph’s College SPED consultant Dr. Elvira Rocal, Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Differently-abled President Noli Agcaoili, United Architects of the Philippines Ar. Jaime Silva, Tahanang Walang Hagdan Chief Operating Officer Joy Cevallos-Garcia, and Paralympian Weightlifter Adeline Dumapong. The roundtable session provided an avenue for the advocates to discuss their concerns and challenges with the Special Advisor.

SM Supermalls President Annie Garcia shares, “We are dedicated to helping people as much as they expect us and as much as how we think we can do. Our more than 10 years of partnership with these advocacy groups is a testament to that. From all fronts, you can trust that SM will continue to promote awareness, acceptance, and commitment to upholding PWD rights.”

For more than a decade now, SM has been living up to its commitment of being “a mall where no one gets left behind.” This recent engagement with the U.S. State Government’s Special Advisor on Disability Rights further affirms SM’s position as the most PWD-friendly mall in the country.

To know more about SM Cares and its program on Disability Affairs, you may visit www.smcares.com.ph orwww.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares.

SM shares PWD social inclusion efforts in US Embassy Forum

Tweet

Photo shows (L-R) SM Supermalls President Annie Garcia,  US Ambassador Philip Goldberg, SM VP Bien Mateo and United Architects of the Philippines’ Committee on Accessibility Chair, Arch. Jaime Silva during the event.

Just days after the culmination of the Philippine National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week, the U.S. Embassy held a forum to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) act. The forum, entitled “PWD Rights: Diversity and Social Inclusion”, served as an avenue for inclusive dialogue between PWD advocacy groups and various stakholders like the academe, the government, and private companies.

Distinguished members of the panel included Senator Sonny Angara, Honorable US Ambassador Philip Goldberg, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Executive Director Carmen Zubiaga, Executive Vice President and CEO of Tahanang Walang Hagdanan (TWH) Joy Cevallos-Garcia, Be-medaled Paralympian Powerlifter Adeline Dumapong, and SM Vice President for Operations and Program Director of Disability Affairs Bien Mateo.

US Ambassador Goldberg expressed his gratitude to all the stakeholders present during the forum, with special mention to SM, which according to him has done so much in the area of disability affairs.

SM VP Mateo affirmed during his talk that SM is strongly advocating for PWD inclusion and that several programs under SM Cares underscore this advocacy. Some of the projects he mentioned were the Angels Walk for Autism, the Happy Walk for Down Syndrome, the earthquake resilience briefing for Senior Citizens and PWDs, and the SM Supermalls’ special screening of audio descriptive movies for the blind and the deaf.

The forum concluded with the agreement that providing equal opportunities and helping PWDs to become active and contributing members of the community are necessary in creating a caring, nurturing, and more sustainable society.

SM Mega Fashion Hall sweeps top accolades at Philippine Property Awards

Tweet

Receiving the awards in behalf of the company were (from L-R) Mr. Christian V. Mathay, AVP for Operations, SM Supermalls; Ms. Anna Maria S. Garcia, President, SM Supermalls; Arch. Fides G. Hsu, Vice-President of Engineering, Design & Development (EDD) Design; Mr. Timothy Albert Go, Regional Manager of EDD Design; and Mr. Luis Enrique T. Manosing, CEO of Metro Development Management, Inc.

The Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall led the SM Group for excellence in the shopping and retail industry, bagging two key awards during the 2015 Philippine Property Awards held recently at Fairmont Hotel in Makati City. The global lifestyle hub received the Best Retail Development and Best Retail Architectural Design awards, with SM Prime Holdings getting the top honor as the Best Developer Award.

Launched only in January last year, the SM Mega Fashion Hall brought to the Philippines imported brands from all over the globe, housing them in a sleek and modern building to complete a world-class shopping experience. The five-storey shopping center boasts of a wide selection global brands that found its way to Philippine shores.

Home to the flagship stores of the world’s most popular fashion brands, H&M, Zara, Uniqlo and the furniture power house, Crate & Barrel.

Mega fashion Hall brings together exciting dining concepts, HongKong’s Michelin-star dimsum restaurant, Tim Ho Wan, the first St. Marc Café of Tokyo, gyoza specialist Osaka Ohsho and the most awaited ramen restaurant, Ippudo.

SM Group affiliates likewise garnered several commendations that include Best Landscape Architectural Design and Best Affordable Condo Development for Metro Manila for SMDC; and Best Office Development, Best Architectural Design, and Best Commercial Development for BDO.

The Philippine Property Awards is part of the Asia Property Awards series, which recognizes the best of Asia’s real estate, and has become a respected standard in the industry.

7th Business Management Students’ Convention : SM exec readies business students for climate risks

Tweet

SM Environment Committee head Liza Silerio, addressed the delegates of the 7th Business Management Students’ Convention held in De La Salle University in Manila, November 28, 2014.

"The future business leaders need to be ready for the risks associated with a changing climate, " according to Silerio.

In her speech, she stressed the importance of sustainable measures by future private sector leaders to safeguard local communities during calamities and cushion the impact of an increase in carbon emissions, population, and demand for basic needs. 

she bared the details of SM’s sustainability framework,  as an example of sustainable efforts, a five-level structure that aims to engage different stakeholders, from employees to multinationals.

“Each level reaches a wider array of people which holistically provides a foundation of the sustainability management system of the company,” she said. 

Further, she explained how the SM Group manages to improve its sustainability programs by using a Plan-Do-Check-Act-Report cycle, which plans out and evaluates the events and initiatives of the company within the year. 

“For 2013, our intensity power consumption decreased by 11% at 153 kilowatt hours per square meter per year. This is a 16% decrease since the benchmark year of 2010,” Silerio said, noting the positive impact of the cycle to the company’s energy consumption.

Apart from lowering the intensity consumption, SM also started using renewable solar power in China and the Philippines. 

The Business Management Students’ Convention aimed to spur awareness and commitment to corporate sustainability, environmentalism, and social responsibility by introducing attendees to business approaches, strategies and programs that incorporate sustainability principles.

SM Cinema hosts Chinese Film Festival

Tweet

SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated or SMLEI showcases movies that are part of the Chinese Film Festival.

In time for the celebration of Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese Moon Festival, SM Cinema is hosting the Chinese Film Festival this September 5 to September 9. 

This partnership between the Chinese Embassy of the Philippines and SM Cinema aims to promote cultural understanding between China and the Philippines. 

The screening presents novative Chinese films of high artistic value that gears towards Filipinos’ understanding of the Chinese cultural diversity and heritage.

Movies that are part of the Chinese Film Festival will be available in selected SM Cinema branches such as SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM San Lazaro and SM Manila.

SM Cinema will be running popular movies including the following :

“Back to 1942” which won awards at the International Rome Film Festival in 2012 and Hong Kong Film Awards in 2013; 

“Caught in the Web” whose story ensembles a young woman who was victimized by a massive viral internet campaign; 

“The Grandmaster” which won several awards and nominations from different organizations such as the 50th Golden Horse Awards and 33rd Hong Kong Film Awards; 

“Say Yes”, The Romance-Fantasy movie of 2013  is also included in the list along with the Comedy-Drama about old people “Full Circle” 

“Little Big Soldier” who was produced and written by Jackie Chan himself which he starred also in the movie.

As part of the celebration, SM Cinema will be holding the admissions for free.

SM Cinema is the cinema and exhibition brand under SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc, or SMLEI, the lifestyle and entertainment company of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. SM Cinema is one of the many premium brands managed by SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. Tucked under SMLEI’s belt are: Mall of Asia Arena, Snack Time, SM Tickets, e-PLUS Tap to Pay, e-PLUS Digital, SM Bowling and Leisure Center, SM Skating Rink, the Exploreum, IMAX, Director’s Club Cinema, WM Cinemas, and SM Cinema.

To know more about SM Cinema, you may visit www.e-PLUS.ph and www.smcinema.com.

The newly opened Sun Mall, finding its place under the Sun

Tweet

SM Prime Opens Retail Podium in Sun Residences

Property conglomerate SM Prime Holdings, Inc. opened its newest retail podium, Sun Mall in Quezon City within SM Development Corporation’s (SMDC) condominium development, Sun Residences. SMDC is SM Prime’s residential development arm. This is the third retail podium attached to an SMDC residential tower after Jazz Mall in Bel-Air, Makati and Mezza Strip in Quezon City.

Sun Mall spans a gross floor area of 15,000 square meters and offers a variety of commercial and retail stores that can accommodate the basic household needs of its residents. The retail podium is designed to provide every patron with a worthwhile lifestyle experience.

With its line-up of service and retail establishments such as flagship SM Hypermarket, Watsons, and BDO, as well food stores and specialty shops, residents will have a variety of options to choose from to satisfy their needs and provide utmost convenience.

Among the food concepts in Sun Mall are The Happy Bakery, the first inline store of Happy Dizon of the Dizon family behind Dizon Farms. Happy Bakery will serve breads, cakes, soups, salads and sandwiches; Chef Lau’s Pugon Roasters of Chef Rolando Laudico is a “fast good” restaurant that serves firebrick oven-roasted traditional Filipino dishes like roast chicken, pork liempo and beef at affordable prices. Gong Cha, the Taiwanese milk tea brand with over 200 branches in Asia is also part of Sun Mall.

“Sun Residences shines brighter with the opening of Sun Mall as this reflects the synergies at work in SM Prime. Through these retail podiums within our residential towers, we aim to provide our residents with access to everything that they will need,” SM Prime Executive Vice President and SM Development Corporation (SMDC) President Jeffrey Lim said.

Launched in 2009, Sun Residences is a two-tower, 43-storey development that offers studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom units with prices ranging between PHP1.8 million and PHP4.6 million.

True to SMDC’s promise of providing five-star homes in prime locations, Sun Residences features a list of stellar features and amenities- a hotel-like lobby, a swimming pool, a clubhouse with multi-purpose hall, function rooms, a student’s lounge, children’s play area, barbeque area, and a landscaped garden with gazebos and a jogging path.

Located along España Boulevard corner Mayon Street – Welcome Rotonda, Sun Residences is the ideal abode for university and college students of the educational institutions along the university belt, and for professionals working in and around the area.

For a stress-free living experience, Sun Residences through SMDC Property Management offers a menu of services to address the various needs of its unit owners – front desk for hassle-free package acceptance and delivery processing; housekeeping and services for home improvements; and for investors, leasing services to help them achieve the best return for their investments.

Sun Residences is among 22 condominium brands by SMDC, the residential arm of SM Prime. These brands are Chateau Elysee Residences in Bicutan, Paranaque; Mezza Residences and Mezza II Residences on Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City; Berkeley Residences in Katipunan, Quezon City; Grass Residences and Fern at Grass Residences in Quezon City beside SM North EDSA; Sea Residences in the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay; Field Residences in Sucat, Paranaque; Princeton Residences in New Manila, Quezon City; Jazz Residences in Bel-Air, Makati; Light Residences near the BONI-EDSA MRT Station in Mandaluyong; MPlace@South Triangle in Quezon City ; Blue Residences in Katipunan, Quezon City; Shine Residences in Pasig; Green Residences on Taft Avenue in Manila ; Shell Residences in the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay; Grace Residences in Taguig; Breeze Residences in Pasay; Trees Residences in Novaliches, Quezon City; Shore Residences in the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay and Wind Residences in Tagaytay.

Celebrate Barney's Birthday In An All-New Live Show!

Tweet

Celebrate with “Mr. Knickerbocker, “Dino Dance”, “Baby Bop Hop” and “Rock ‘n Roll Star” and more!  Come along to Barney’s Birthday Bash! 

Join the loveable, huggable Barney & Friends as they sing and dance their way into your hearts in a new, interactive concert party happening on March 29 & 30, 2014 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Strictly 4 shows only, so don’t miss out!

Don't miss this ‘super-dee-duper’ live on stage concert featuring more than 25 much loved sing-along songs with Barney! 

Children will be dancing in the aisles to contemporary cuts of old favourites “If You’re Happy and You Know It”, “Wheels on the Bus” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider”. A show which celebrates fun and friendship, don’t miss all the laugher of the party when BJ pretends to be a magician and Barney blows out his birthday candles on the biggest birthday cake ever. 

Like television's Emmy-award winning series Barney & Friends™, this musical production encourages sharing, caring and imagination through the power of song, dance and the beloved cast of characters including dino pals Baby Bop™, BJ™ and Riff™.

Barney’s Birthday Bash! is sure to entertain families and create cherished memories for years to come. The Emmy-award winning television series Barney & Friends™ has been trusted by parents and adored by children for more than 25 years and is one of the top-rated pre-school shows today. 

Tickets for Barney’s Birthday Bash are available in all SM TICKETS outlets located in all SM Cinema ticket booths. In partnership with SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. to provide quality family entertainment, e-PLUS Cardholders are treated to a 30% discount on tickets. For schedule and ticket information, visit www.smtickets.com or call (02) 470 2222. A limited number of Special Barney Meet & Greet Passes are also available to ticket holders of Barney’s Birthday Bash! To avail of a Meet & Greet Pass, contact Vivre Fort Entertainment at (02) 470 6956 or 668 9535. 

Barney’s Birthday Bash! is produced by Smile Live Entertainment and Hit Entertainment. The show is promoted in the Philippines by Vivre Fort Entertainment in cooperation with Mall of Asia Arena, SM Cinema, e-PLUS Tap to Pay, Businessworld, Philippine Star and 105.1 Crossover.

This is from SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated or SMLEI, the educational, sports, and recreational arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. that offers the best in movies, events, leisure and technology.

Starting with SM Cinema, the largest cinema exhibitor in the country, as its sole marque, the company grew into 12 major brands in just a short span of five years. Currently tucked under its belt are brands such as Director’s Club Cinema, IMAX Theatre, WM Cinemas, SM Skating Rink, SM Bowling Center, SM Science Center, Snack Time, ePLUS and SM Tickets. SMLEI aims to promote bonding activities among Filipino families and friends, through entertainment and leisure facilities, while advocating the ease of use and personalized service created to complement the Filipino lifestyle. 

Come , celebrate and enjoy the wonderful world of SMLEI!

The Filipino Lifestyle with SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated

Tweet

People love to shop and we love shopping with entertainment. We love dining, restaurants and cafes, enjoying a good meal with our family and friends, and enjoying one-stop entertainment place, a comfortable cinemas with a wide selection of food and drink stalls and discovering or going to new places with new things to offer. These places for us to be able to create unique and memorable experiences with our loved ones.

The famous SM now launches Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated or SMLEI that aims to promote bonding activities among Filipino families and friends, through entertainment and leisure facilities, while advocating the ease of use and personalized service created to complement the Filipino lifestyle.

Starting with just SM Cinema under West Avenue Theatres Corporation, also known as “WATC,” it has grown to 267 cinemas in 47 SM Supermalls nationwide. Due to the success of WATC, the company broadens its services from SM Cinema as its sole marque to carrying 12 major brands in a span of five years.

With the success of the company under the leadership of Hans Sy Sr., founder of SM, and management of Mr. Edgar C. Tejerero, President of SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated, WATC could not hold true to its name as a sole corporation for cinemas anymore.

Thus the rebirth of the corporation from WATC to SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated: A 360 degree access to the best in lifestyle and entertainment services that the world can offer. It is an integrated world of services that redefines ‘convenience’ not as a privilege but an amenity.

SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated or SMLEI is now the educational, sports, and recreational arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. that offers the best in movies, events, leisure and technology. SMLEI aims to promote bonding activities among Filipino families and friends, through entertainment and leisure facilities, while advocating the ease of use and personalized service created to complement the Filipino lifestyle.

“At SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated, our mission is to make our entertainment and food brands the first choice among all Filipinos because of the great experience and value for money that we provide through our empowered managers and motivated co-workers. Our world-class recreational facilities, products and services aim to provide Filipinos more venues to create wonderful memories with their families, friends and loved ones,” says Edgar C. Tejerero, President. 

SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. is dedicated to its 12 major brands that caters to all Filipinos and would encourage a lifestyle of entertainment, leisure, and enjoyment.

SM Cinema – The pioneer brand of SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc, SM Cinema began in 1986 as SM’s household brand for movie watching. Now with almost 267 fully digitized theatres in 47 branches nationwide, and three big brands under its name, SM Cinema is the country’s leader in movie entertainment.

IMAX – Under the SM Cinema Chain, the IMAX is an international franchise famous for its state-of-the-art projection system; surround sound system, and .crystal-clear lifelike images that appear so real, it is like you were actually there. 

Director’s Club Cinema - Dubbed as the intimate and deluxe choice for movie watching,Director’s Club Cinema offers the best in comfort and style as it offers plush leather seats, butler service, and a menu created just for the theatre’s guests. With four branches around the metro, and expanding to other regions in the Philippines, the Director’s Club Cinema is open to all movie lovers who prefer the high-end cinema choice.

WM Cinemas - A recent acquire of SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated, WM Cinemas operates in six branches in Luzon, equipped with fully digitized screens and projectors that render clarity to both image and sound. Under SM Cinema, WM Cinemas is now fully renovated with upgraded facilities operating under the largest cinema exhibitor in the Philippines, SM Cinema.

Snack Time – The sole food concession unit of SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc., Snack Time caters to SM Cinema, Mall of Asia Arena, SM Science Center, SM Bowling Center, SM Skating Rink, and WM Cinemas. Snack Time offers a wide variety of food, from snacks such as popcorn, burgers, sandwiches, corndogs, drinks and candies to healthy gourmet meals fit for formal parties, Snack Time is one of the biggest food operators in the entertainment and lifestyle business. Snack Time also caters to events, and is the merchandise arm of SMLEI.

SM Tickets - SM Tickets is the box office and customer care center of SMLEI. SM Tickets is the only Ticket Center available nationwide servicing house brands such as Mall of Asia Arena and SM Cinema, SM Tickets has branched out to other events venues, entertainment parks, holiday destinations, concerts, galleries, zoos, hotels, and even airlines.

ePlus Tap To Pay – As an introduction into cashless consumption, ePLUS Tap to Pay provides not only discounts and freebies to its members, but convenience to travelers, shoppers, movie lovers, and event goers. With one tap of a card, members can enjoy perks in various restaurants, shops, theatres, and concerts. ePLUS is the card of the century.

ePlus Digital – Originally created to service digital sites for SM Cinema and ePLUS, ePLUS Digital formed into a web service brand catering to social media, e-commerce, mobile marketing, web development and other related areas. ePLUS Digital will be expanding into other venues and markets online.

Mall of Asia Arena – Known as the architectural “eyecon,” the Mall of Asia Arena is the venue for international sports and entertainment. Patterned after the centers abroad, the Mall of Asia Arena is the only stadium in the Philippines that has a floor dedicated to the Corporate Suites. Concert House to Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, J.Lo, Aerosmith, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift and the like, as well as sports center to One FC and the NBA, the Mall of Asia Arena is not only a local stadium for international acts but also a tourist destination.

SM Science Center – The SM Science Center, formerly known the Science Discovery Center, has just recently been acquired by SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated. Boasting of its planetarium with the Digistar 5 system (the world’s most advanced full dome digital theatre system), the SM Science Center provides an advance educational experience for children and adults alike. In the coming months, the SM Science Center will be launched with its new exhibits, galleries, and systems to better serve its guests. Branches of SM Science Center are Mall of Asia Science Center and SM Lanang Science Center.

SM Bowling Center - Recently positioned under SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc., and with World Champion CJ Suarez managing the SM Bowling Center Division, it boasts of state-of-the-art and fully-automated bowling facilities, modern billiard areas, extreme games and arcade stations, and a snack bar that caters to each guests cravings. The SM Bowling Center is truly a one-stop-entertainment hub that offers the total fun and recreational experience for the Filipino family and barkada.

SM Skating Rink - Starting as a leisure rink built by the inspired Henry Sy Sr., insert position, whose interest was piqued by the grace and class of figure skating, the SM Skating Rink is the only ice skating rink in the entire country. Aside from being a venue for events and leisurely skating, the SM Skating Rink also provides lessons for Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, and other sports on ice. Proving right of Henry Sy Sr.’s vision of a tropical country excelling in a winter-based sport, the SM Skating Rink has been home to world class figure skaters, such as Michael Martinez, who internationally compete in prestigious competitions such as the World Junior and Senior Championships, and the latest Olympics in Sochi. This year, the SM Skating Rink will introduce more sports and activities to learn on the ice, and events that will cater to the existing and new winter-based sports.

With its enhancements and steadfast vision, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated will be the leader in innovation, technology, and creativity purposed to enhance a lifestyle created for Filipinos.