Say goodbye to bulky coins and bills! You can now receive e-sukli at SM, powered by PayMaya

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Receiving a handful of coins and bills as change can be pretty inconvenient, especially if you need to carry them around as you go about your day. Sure, you can stuff them neatly in your wallet or coin purse, but as they pile up, there should be another solution to hold your endless barya.

And who hasn't encountered the perennial "meron po ba kayong exact amount" question when paying at the cashier?

The good news now is there is e-sukli! Digital financial services leader PayMaya and the Philippines' largest department store, The SM Store, launched this innovative solution to make receiving change more convenient for shoppers. e-sukli allows customers to receive a change of up to P50 directly to their PayMaya accounts instead of taking bulky coins and bills from the cashier.

Now available in over 60 The SM Store branches nationwide, E-sukli makes receiving change much easier and eliminates the need to find a smaller bill for your purchases. It is also a great way to accumulate funds in your PayMaya account so you can use it when paying cashless the next time you go shopping, dine at your favorite restaurant, or pay bills.

Not only is using e-sukli easy and convenient, but just like any PayMaya experience, it can also be rewarding. From April 1 to 30, 2022, those who use e-sukli in any of The SM Store branches will get an additional bonus of P5, P10, or P25 on top of their actual change. Be sure to avail yourself of this unique promo by SM and PayMaya for a hassle-free shopping experience that can help you earn a little extra for yourself!

E-sukli can be used at the checkout counter in The SM Store by simply asking the cashier to send your change via PayMaya. On your PayMaya app, tap the icon in the upper-left corner and tap the QR code beside your name. The cashier will then scan your PayMaya account QR code and transfer your change.

The e-sukli initiative with The SM Store is just among the many programs and innovations that PayMaya is rolling out to its enterprise partners to encourage more Filipinos to adopt digital payments for their everyday transactions.

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. As of end-December 2021, PayMaya provides more than 44 million Filipinos access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 63,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country, including "every day" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as well as government agencies and units.

Get ready for summer with The SM Store and PayMaya

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Up to P1,000 cashback rewards when you pay with PayMaya

After two years of pandemic travel restrictions, summer vacations are officially back with a vengeance. We are all ready to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand, or perhaps, go on a trip to somewhere cooler in the mountains for a chiller vibe.

Wherever your summer destination is, you can get everything you need for the season when you shop at The SM Store. What's best about it is that you can get up to P1,000 in cashback rewards when you shop and pay using your PayMaya app.

Getting these rewards is easy. For new users, register for a PayMaya account and use the special invite code PAYMAYASM to qualify for cashback rewards. Until June 30, 2022, you can get a 10% cashback or up to P500 when you make your first cash in at The SM Store. You can get another 10% cashback or up to P500 when you scan to pay with PayMaya QR for the first time. Check out the full promo details here: http://pymy.co/paymayasmregistrationpromo

For everything you want and need this summer, The SM Store and PayMaya can make your shopping more convenient and more rewarding. Here are just some of the must-haves you can get there:

1. Resort wear

You're ready to go in the water, but don't hit the beach without some stylish and comfortable resort wear. You want your summer OOTDs to look good, and The SM Store has a great selection of swimsuits, casual wear, loungewear, and summer accessories - for all genders and sizes.

2. Travel gear

Your summer travel look won't be complete without a good set of luggage or travel bag and other accessories. Invest in good quality pieces that can last several summers over. From overnight bags and backpacks to heavier duty pieces, The SM Store carries various brands that can suit your budget. Don't also forget your first aid kit and health accessories like masks and sanitizers.

3. Skin essentials

You love basking in the sun, but take care of your skin! The best summer look starts with a healthy complexion. Invest in a good skincare line, and don't forget to use sunblock. Check out the local and global skincare brands available at SM Beauty sections of The SM Store.

4. Summer Toys

Summer vacations and getaways are also a great time to bond with your family and friends. Beyond taking a dip in the water, you'll also need some fun activities and games. Stock up on toys like balls and inflatables to play with on your trips.

5. Gadgets and accessories

Experience the sounds and sights of the summer of 2022 and remember all the reasons to celebrate family, friends, and life. The SM Store carries mobile phones and electronic items such as power banks, portable chargers, and portable speakers.

So what are you waiting for—get your summer must-haves today at The SM Store and get the rewards you deserve when you download PayMaya for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. As of end-December 2021, PayMaya provides more than 44 million Filipinos access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 63,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services. 

Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country, including "every day" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as well as government agencies and units.

PayMaya and The SM Store bring the best mall shopping experience with exciting rewards

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 Get a chance to win an iPhone 13 Pro Max and earn cashback rewards from shopping

With more people now going out to buy their essentials and enjoy some retail therapy, PayMaya and The SM Store are making shopping more convenient and rewarding with two new exciting promos!

Shop and get a chance to win an Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

Five Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max are up for grabs until March 15, 2022, as shoppers can avail of one raffle entry for every P1,000 spent at the SM Store using PayMaya QR. The raffle draw is on March 23, 2022, and the posting of winners will be on March 31, 2022, via PayMaya and The SM Store's social media accounts. 

Meanwhile, shoppers who will reach a total of P3,000 worth of PayMaya QR transactions at The SM Store during the promo period will get a one-time cashback of P200! To get to know more about how you can win an iPhone 13 Pro Max and get a P200 cashback, read the full promo details here:  http://pymy.co/SMStoreQRRafflePromo 

Double cashback for new PayMaya users

PayMaya and The SM Store also have something in store for first-time PayMaya users! Those who will register their PayMaya account for the first time from February 1 to June 30, 2022, can enjoy more rewards for their SM Store transactions.  

Here’s how to enjoy double cashback at the SM Store:

• Download the PayMaya app from Google Play for Android users or the Apple Store for iOS users. 
• Register using the invite code “PAYMAYASM”. 
• Cash-in at any SM Cash-in touchpoints to enjoy a 10% cashback. SM's Cash-in touchpoints include the following The SM Store customer service centers: Bills Payment counters; Business Service Centers; Consumer Welfare Desks; Government Service Express centers; Mall Information Booths; Servicio centers; and The SM Store Bills Payment center in Waltermart branches.
• Scan-to-pay at The SM Store using PayMaya QR for the first time and enjoy another 10% cashback! 
• Users can avail of a maximum of P500 each for their first cash-in and first-time use of PayMaya QR. Check out the full promo details here: http://pymy.co/paymayasmregistrationpromo 

Qualified PayMaya users for the two The SM Store promos can easily claim their cashback rewards on the “Vouchers” section of the PayMaya app. Cashback rewards can be credited anytime from the day of the valid transaction up to 14 business days after the promo period.

"Filipinos love mall shopping and as the public health situation continues to improve, we want to reward our consumers with delightful on-ground experiences. We are happy to work with the country's largest department store chain, The SM Store, in bringing joy and convenience to shoppers as we also promote the use of cashless technologies," said Pepe Torres, PayMaya Chief Marketing Officer.

"We are again seeing higher foot traffic in our malls and we are happy to welcome back our long-time mall-goers with the best shopping experience. With this offering with PayMaya, The SM Store shoppers are guaranteed a safe and more rewarding retail experience," said Dhinno Francis S. Tiu, The SM Store SVP and Head of Business Development.

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. As of end-September 2021, it provides more than 41 million Filipinos access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 380,000 digital touchpoints nationwide. 

Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 60,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country, including "every day" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as well as government agencies and units. 

To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  

 

 

Shoppers and partners of The SM Store give back to communities

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Sharing the gift of learning. The SM Store’s Donate-A-Book gathered more than 130,000 books in 2021 from customers and partner organizations. The books were distributed to over 100 public schools and community organizations nationwide. 

Through the generosity of its shoppers and partners, The SM Store was able to gather more than 130,000 books and 45,000 toys through its Donate-A-Book and Share-A-Toy programs in 2021. The SM Store gave shoppers a Php 100 discount coupon for each toy or book that they donated. Along with the books and toys, The SM Store also donated backpacks and school supplies.

The community programs were implemented in partnership with SM Foundation for children in public schools, orphanages, pediatric hospitals, health centers, Christian- and Muslim-run charitable institutions, non-government institutions, and Indigenous People communities. Each of the 68 branches of The SM Store identified two or more community beneficiaries for the donation drive. A list of beneficiaries can be found at www.thesmstore.com.

“We are grateful for the overwhelming support of our shoppers for our Donate-A-Book and Share-A-Toy. Our shoppers are looking for ways to give back, especially during challenging times, and we at The SM Store are happy to share this mission with them,” said Chelo Monasterio, President of The SM Store.

She added that last years’ programs were special because aside from the generous shoppers of The SM Store, academic institutions, private companies, and non-government organizations took part in the initiative and donated books and toys for the communities.

Schools, publications, and NGOs mobilized communities to share the joy of learning

For Donate-A-Book, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA); Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAPSCU); and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) mobilized their members to donate quality books and reference materials that will help rebuild and enrich the collections of community and public school libraries.

Olivia Camatog, principal of De La Salle Zobel in Alabang, a member school of PAPSCU and COCOPEA, said the books they donated came from their library collection, some of which have multiple copies. Through this program with SM, Camatog expressed their happiness in giving a meaningful contribution toto rebuilding other schools' libraries.

Publishing companies like Learning Is Fun WS Publication, one of the business partners of The SM Store Stationery, donated reference and activity books. Trailblazing Publishing from the PAPSCU network also shared brand new K to 12 books for public schools.

Representatives from Learning is Fun WS Publication turned over its book donations to The SM Store and SM Foundation through an online event. The donated books were given to children from hospitals, health centers and charitable institutions.

The Philippine Commission on Women and the National Council of Women of the Philippines also shared books they gathered from partner NGOs. “Through the distribution network of The SM Store and their presence all over the country, we are happy to partner with them so that our book collection will reach more girls and boys in far flung communities,” said Sandy Montano, Chairwoman of the Philippine Commission on Women.

Donate-A-Book was implemented in select branches of The SM Store from August 15 to September 30, 2021. Books were donated to more than 100 public schools and community organizations.

Trade partners and private firms shared toys to make kids happy

The SM Store and the Toy Kingdom teamed up for Share-A-Toy from December 1 to 31, 2021 in all branches of The SM Store and Toy Kingdom nationwide.

HSBC Global Service Center Philippines adopted the Share-A-Toy program as part of its employee engagement activity. HSBC employees shared 4,000 new toys and educational materials.

Sharing joy through toys. The SM Store and Toy Kingdom’s Share A Toy collected around 45,000 toys in 2021. The SM Store branches nationwide are currently rolling out the distribution to the selected communities.

The SM Store is currently rolling out the distribution of donations to the selected communities. The SM Store branches already distributed a portion of the donated toysto children from remote Aeta communities in Guimaras and Antique; Jalaud Elementary School in Iloilo; Bahay ni San Jose orphanage; Benguet General Hospital and Medical Center; Philippine General Hospital; Mary the Queen Parish in Quezon City; and San Mateo Elementary School and Guitnang Bayan Elementary School in Rizal.

This year, The SM Store started its donation drive with Share Your Extras to benefit communities impacted by Typhoon Odette. SM shoppers were encouraged to donate old and new clothes. Collections from Metro Manila and Luzon branches will be distributed to typhoon-hit areas in the Visayas and Mindanao. Share Your Extras will run from January 15 to February 15, 2021, for Metro Manila branches and February 1 to February 28 for north and south Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao branches. For every donation, shoppers will receive a Php 100 discount voucher valid for their next purchase.

Sharing clothes for Odette-hit communities. Share Your Extras is currently accepting clothing donations in participating The SM Store branches nationwide until February 28.

The SM Store opens 2022 by sharing toys with partner organizations around the country

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Despite the pandemic, The SM Store’s Share-A-Toy collected more than 45,000 toys in December 2021. Customers and partner organizations donated new and pre-loved toys to The SM Store and Toy Kingdom branches nationwide. Customers received a P100 discount voucher for every donation courtesy of The SM Store.

Representatives from The SM Store, Toy Kingdom and HSBC’s Global Resourcing Corp. during the turn-over of donations held at The SM Store North EDSA

The toys collected will be distributed to children from the SM Foundation and The SM Store partner organizations. Among the recipients in Metro Manila are pediatric patients from the Amang Rodriguez Medical Center, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, and the Philippine General Hospital.

Recipients outside Metro Manila include non-government organizations such as the Heart Warriors Tarlac Chapter and the Islamic orphanages under the Arkat Lawanen network in Mindanao. Indigenous groups, the Mangyan community in Sipitsaburan, Puerto Galera, Palawan tribe in Brooke’s Point, and the Panay Bukidnon in Calinog, Ilo-ilo, will also receive toys from The SM Store’s Share A Toy.

In addition to the toys collected from The SM Store and Toy Kingdom branches, a global resourcing company and its employees shared 2,000 gift boxes containing educational materials and toys. Students of Doña Luisa Obieta Elementary School in Amungan, Iba, and the Sta. Martha Elementary School in Pangolingan, Palauig, will receive these donations. Both schools cater to the Aeta community in Zambales. Children of fishing folks from Panglit Elementary School will also receive toys and learning materials.

Watch out for more stories as The SM Store visits and distribute toys to partner communities around the country. For more information, see The SM Store’s website.

PayMaya expands its widest network of cashless touchpoints nationwide with The SM Store

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PayMaya is making it even more convenient for Filipinos to make the cashless shift as it expands its Add Money partnership with The SM Store, allowing PayMaya customers to easily transact and add funds to their accounts at close to 600 additional top-up locations nationwide.

On top of the service being available at The SM Store branches nationwide, PayMaya users can now add money to their PayMaya account at the Mall Information Booth, Servicio and bills payment counters located in SM Supermarket, SM Savemore, SM Hypermarket, and Waltermart touchpoints across the country.

These new Add Money channels are the latest addition to PayMaya’s extensive network of over 200,000 touchpoints nationwide – the widest in the country to date - where customers can add, transact, and send money for their day-to-day needs. 

“With cashless now being the default and preferred mode of payment for many Filipinos, giving them access to safe and accessible ways to add money to their accounts is very important. We are glad to expand on our partnership with SM Supermalls so that our customers can enjoy the cashless convenience," said Shailesh Baidwan, PayMaya President. 

Adding money at the SM branch near you is easy— all you have to do is follow these simple steps: 

1. On the PayMaya app’s home screen, select Add Money 
2. Tap the SM icon 
3. Enter the amount you want to add to your account (minimum P100 and maximum of P20,000) and select Continue 
4. You will get a 7-digit code. Go to the customer service counter at The SM Store or the Bills Payment counter at SM Supermarket, SM Savemore, or SM Hypermarket and present this code along with your payment to the cashier 
5. Wait for an SMS confirmation, and that’s it! You can now pay for your purchases using your PayMaya account.

After adding money to your PayMaya account, you can now enjoy safe, convenient, and rewarding contactless transactions at The SM Store or your favorite restaurants at SM Supermalls via PayMaya’s #BetterQR. You can also pay cashless for your groceries at SM Hypermarket and SM Supermarket using your PayMaya card.  

With all the benefits and rewards of going cashless waiting for you, it’s a great time to start using PayMaya! Just download the PayMaya app at https://official.paymaya.com/CAK1/425eb133 and register an account to find out what it’s like to go cashless with the fastest, safest, and most rewarding way to pay for anything online and in stores. Remember, don’t pay cash. PayMaya! 

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country including "everyday" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants as well as government agencies and units.   

Through its app and wallet, PayMaya provides over 28 million Filipinos with access to financial services. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 200,000 digital touchpoints nationwide. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 33,000 partner agent touchpoints nationwide serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved with access to digital services. To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Shop at The SM Store in Shopee ! Save Php600 when you shop with your Mastercard from November 1-Dec 31, 2020

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Haven't you make your Christmas wish list? Just visit the Shopee and The SM Store Official Shop as we all know, at SM, We’ve Got it All for You… Online and especially, here at Shopee!

Check out SM's continuously expanding catalogue—ranging from homegrown favorites to the biggest international brands. Shop safely and securely anytime, anywhere from your most trusted retailer, The SM Store Online!

Get ready for your cart. Visit and shop at SM Store at Shopee. Here are some important items we can buy with special deals. Save Php600 when you shop at The SM Store in Shopee with your Mastercard from November 1-Dec 31, 2020.

Buy 2 Get 1 Cetaphil Gentle Skin Liquid Cleanser 250ml

Buy 2 Get 1 Cetaphil Gentle Skin Liquid Cleanser 250ml at Php937

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Liquid Cleanser - A cleanser that maintains the skin’s smoothness and softness like of a baby’s.

- 3 x Cetaphil Gentle Skin Liquid Cleanser 250ml

- Gentle non-soap cleanser

- Soothing and PH balanced

- Mild, non-irritating formulation

- Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive and baby skin

- Can be used with or without water; - Fragrance-free

- Helps retain skin’s moisture

- Dermatologically tested

Hosh Memory Foam Pillow Bamboo Fabric 50 x 30cm.

Hosh Memory Foam Pillow Bamboo Fabric 50 x 30cm at Php299

This memory foam pillow is the stuff of dreams.

• Made of memory foam and bamboo fabric

• Provides support when sitting for an extended period of time

• Hypoallergenic • Ergonomic

• Measures L50 x W30 x H9.5cm

• Reduces pressure point discomfort

Firefly Rechargeable Table Fan with Night Light FEL-654 7in.

Firefly Rechargeable Table Fan with Night Light FEL-654 7in  at Php499

- This rechargeable fan comes handy during emergencies or just keeping extra cool on hot summer days.
- Includes USB charging cable - Made of plastic - Overchange and overdischarge protection
- Works on AC power supply using good quality mobile chargers
- Flame retardant - 3-speed control - Lightweight - Charging time: 4 hours
- Voltage: 220-240V AC 50/60 Hz, 5V DC
- Power: 10W Battery type: 3.7V 1.8AH - Lithium-Ion battery - Lamp: 6 pieces SMD LED
- SKU Code: WAP-10157834
- Blades measure approximately 7 in.

Travel Basic Ciao Cloe 20-Inch Small Hard Case Luggage in Blue

Travel Basic Ciao Cloe 20-Inch Small Hard Case Luggage in Blue at Php 1,000

Jet off to your dream getaway with your trusty travel buddy.

- ABS material - Nylon lining - Hard case

- TSA combination lock

- Dual compartments with gartered and buckled straps - Full zip closure - Top grab handle

- Weight: 2.73kg

- Telescoping lock handle - 4 x 360-degree double-spinner wheels - 36L capacity - 7-15kg capacity

- SKU Code: DSP-13651059

- Measurement: L 35 x W 20 x H 45 cm

Get ready on your cart and enjoy this Holiday season. 

Download Shopee for free on App Store or Google Play Store.

SM Share Movement goes to Nasugbu, Batangas The SM Store spreads holiday cheer with new school building, toys

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Smiles as bright as Christmas lights, and laughter that invigorated like Christmas carols—these filled the grounds of the Looc Elementary School in Nasugbu, Batangas as The SM Store gave the students there an early Christmas present that is #SoMagical. Staying true to its commitment of bringing joy to communities where it is present, SM recently turned over its 100th school building donation, and The SM Store distributed toys to children. 

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Students of Looc Elementary School celebrate after receiving their new toy from the SM Store’s Share a Toy program.

It was only October 16, but it felt like Christmas morning. The students and teachers of Looc Elementary School could not contain their excitement as they took part in a morning of fun and games, a day before the official unveiling of the two-story, four-classroom new school building. 

Christmas came early

Situated in front of the school’s sprawling grounds that offer the students an unobstructed view of nearby mountains is a covered court. On that day, employee volunteers from The SM Store Batangas, The SM Store Lipa and Savemore Nasugbu worked like Santa’s helpers to transform it into a festive spot, complete with balloons and party tables and chairs. 

SM employee volunteers happily welcome the kids to the Share A Toy activity. 

Christmas comes early for the students of LoocElementary School as an employee volunteer from The SM Store hands out gifts to them. 

Students from Kinder to Grade 2 eagerly lined up, thrilled to witness a lively program and party with their friends and their newfound ates and kuyas. They were treated to fun performances from a magician, clowns, a balloon-twisting artist and a bubble artist. They also had their faces painted with flowers, butterflies, and superheroes. At the end of the program, they were given cuddly plush toys from The SM Store’s Toy Department, clothes from its Children’s Wear section and grocery items from Savemore. Christmas came early for these kids. It was a new and unforgettable experience for the children of Looc, whose families are engaged in farming or are working at nearby resorts. 

Mikko, one of the students of Looc Elementary School, shared how he loved the gift and enjoyed the festivities, which was a rare treat in their school.

“Masaya po ako sa natanggap ko na regalo. Masaya at magandadin ang program kanina, nagpafacepaint pa nga po ako. Minsanlang po kasi may ganito dito sa amin. (I am happy with the gift that I received. I really enjoyed the program. I even had my face painted. It’s not often that we get to enjoy celebrations like this),” Mikko said. 

Dr. Luciana Tulagan, Principal of Looc Elementary, said that this event didn’t just bring joy to the kids but also taught them the value of sharing.

Employee volunteers of The SM Store prepare the plush toys for the gift-giving activity. 

The kids cheerfully cuddle their new plush toys. 

“Malaki pong kaligayahan ang naibigay ng SM dito sa mgamag-aaral ng Looc Elementary School. Dahil sa Share A Toy ngThe SM Store, maimumulat namin sa mga bata na dapat hindilang tuwing Pasko ang pagbibigayan, kungdi lagi. (The SM Store brought great happiness to the students of LoocElementary School. Because of Share a Toy, we can educate the children that sharing happens not only during Christmas, but there are everyday opportunities to do it.) 

#SoMagical Christmas

Christmas cheer fills the air as an employee volunteer of The SM Store and the children of Looc Elementary School smile for the camera after the Share a Toy activity. 

Truly, the spirit of Christmas is in sharing. This Holiday season, The SM Store continues to nurture just that through its Share A Toy campaign. 

“SM values creating a positive impact in the communities where we are present. We are really grateful that SM gave us the opportunity to be a part of this meaningful event and the chance to share the spirit of Christmas through the gift of toys with the kids of Looc Elementary School. This is a memorable experience that we’ll treasure,” said Shelamie Marasigan, Assistant Branch Manager of The SM Store Lipa.

The SM Store is encouraging its generous shoppers to give back and make a kid’s Christmas #SoMagical by donating a new or pre-loved toy at the Share A Toy booth in all The SM Store branches nationwide. For every toy donated, the shopper will get a P50 discount voucher. The campaign runs from November 15, 2019 until December 31, 2019, with toys to be donated to beneficiaries of the SM Foundation.

Magicians captivate the students of LoocElementary School with their bubble show and other tricks. 

These toy donations are a simple but meaningful gift for kids. More than just play items, toys are beneficial to a child’s development according to studies. Toys can help increase their learning retention, stimulate their creativity and imagination, enhance their senses, spur their emotional and social development, and help in developing their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Share A Toy is just one of the ways The SM Store inspires a culture of sharing and purposeful giving among its shoppers. Early this year, it conducted its Share Shoes program and Donate A Book campaign. Since its launch in 2015, The SM Share Movement has already collected more than 1.3 million items which include shoes, school supplies, clothes, toys, disaster kits and hygiene kits, which have been distributed across different parts of the country. 

For more updates about the Share Movement and ways you could donate, visit www.thesmstore.com and follow its social media pages @thesmstore on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

Small steps that go a long way The SM Store Share Shoes Program brings joy to kids in Isabela

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Shoes are essential in one’s journey through life, especially forstudents. With a pair of good shoes, they will not only be able to fulfill their daily tasks with ease, but it can also inspire them to work hard and take little steps to achieve their dream. 

Students of Diasan Elementary School in Echague, Isabela celebrate after receiving their new pair of shoes.

For most students in the city, a school bus or a stroll down the sidewalk are their usual commute. But for students in the province, it is a different story. 

Samantha, a student from the Diasan Elementary School, shared the hardships she and her classmates face to reach school. 

“Malayo po ang nilalakad namin ng nakapaa. Madulas po ‘pag umuulan at mahirap, maputik ang daan. ‘Yung mga iba po na nakatira sa may bundok, naglalakad po sila ng malayo. (My classmates and I have to walk a long way to get to our school. When the rainy season comes, the slopes become slippery and dangerous which makes it harder for us. The others who live near the mountain walk even farther),” Samantha said. 

Diasan Elementary School is tucked in the middle of the Barangay Diasan, a remote farming community in Isabela with over 600 residents. Students like Samantha have to walk an hour or more on rough terrain to get to and from school and are sometimes forced to skip classes if the river is swollen due to heavy rains.

Despite the challenges, one would be surprised at the great lengths they are willing to go to for their education. The simple gift of a new pair of shoes will allow them to walk to and back to school in comfort and safety. 

These are the kinds of stories that inspired the SM Store’s Share Shoes program to reach to the community to continue its mission of bringing joy - through the gift of shoes that can help make the journey of the students easier and more comfortable. 

Sharing the gift of new shoes

Most students in Diasan have not set foot in a mall before, let alone a shop selling shoes, so as a treat for the kids, employee volunteers from The SM Store, Savemore and SM Foundationtransformed one of the classrooms into a shoe store. They assisted the kids in choosing and fitting their very own shoes from the display of clogs, sneakers, sandals, flats and slip-ons donated by The SM Store MLC Shoes and Bags, and SM’s retail affiliates Crocs and Simply Shoes.

A volunteer washes the feet of one of the kids to teach him the value of proper hygiene. 

Replicating the shopping experience, an employee volunteer from The SM Store Cauayan assists a kid in fitting her new footwear. 

The employee and community volunteers also set up a “Feet Washing Corner” before the shoe fitting to impart the importance of taking care of one’s feet. The kids could not hide their joy as they selected and tried on their new footwear. 

Apart from receiving new shoes, the kids were treated to fun games and groceries from Savemore. The kids even gamely participated in a Zumba dance number led by The SM Store Cauayan employee volunteers. Wearing their new pairs of shoes, the kids enjoyed the activities knowing their feet were comfortable and secure. 

Taking steps to a brighter future

Samantha said that having a pair of shoes is important to protect their feet from injuries.

“Masaya po ako nu’ng nakita ko ‘yung mga kaibigan ko na suot na nila ‘yung sapatos kasi ‘di na sila mahihirapan maglakad ng isang oras papunta ng iskul (I was so happy to see my friends wearing their shoes because now, they won’t have a hard time walking an hour to school),” Samantha said. 

An employee volunteer from The SM Store Cauayan assists a kid in choosing his new pair of shoes. 

Teacher in charge Domenador Mayuyo Jr. shared that for some of the kids, it was their first time to own a pair of shoes, with many of them walking to school wearing slippers or barefoot. 

“It’s the first time for some of our students to receive a pair of shoes. Having a new pair of shoes is like a dream come true for them. It is a blessing for them to receive new pair of shoes that they can use to go to school,” Mayuyo said. 

Through the gift of new shoes, The SM Store hopes to inspire these kids to take those important steps toward achieving their goals. 

A student of Diasan Elementary School walkshome with his new pair of shoes from The SM Store’s Share Shoes Movement. 

Promoting the culture of sharing and purposeful giving

The shoe donation was also accompanied by a medical mission through the partnership of The SM Store with the SM Foundation, Caritas Philippines and the Diocesan Social Action Center of Ilagan. Residents of the community were able to avail of medical and dental consultations, laboratory works, and had X-ray and ECG examinations, and medicines courtesy of the SM Foundation’s Mobile Clinic, all for free.

An employee volunteer and student beneficiaries bond after the program. 

The activity was a part of the SM Share Movement, a program promoting a culture of sharing and purposeful giving among SM shoppers all year long. Since 2015, the SM Share Movement has collected over 1.3 million donations composed of shoes, clothing, books, school kits, disaster kits and toys.

The SM Store’s Share Shoes program encourages its shoppers to donate brand new and pre-loved footwear not just to help kidswalk safely and reach their desired destinations, but to also inspire them to take important steps toward achieving their goals. 

“We would like to thank all the shoppers and our partners who donated and participated in The SM Store’s Share Shoes Movement. This wouldn’t be possible without you. Given the rough terrain and the challenges that these students of Diasan face just to get to their school, the new pair of shoes is a great help to them,” said Cielito Velasquez, Assistant Branch Manager of The SM Store Cauayan. 

One of the classrooms is transformed by SM employee volunteers into a shoe store to give the kids a shopping experience. 

Through the #SMShareMovement Project, the SM Store remains committed to its promise to give back to communities and to be a partner in their development. Through the simple but valuable gift of shoes, they can continue to be a part of Barangay Diasan’s journey as the children take steps toward a brighter future. 

Find out more about the #SMShareMovement’s quarterly donation drives and ways to contribute to upcoming projects, by liking The SM Store Facebook page and by following @TheSMStore on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.