SM BRINGS DELIGHTFUL FARE, FESTIVE DISCOUNTS WITH MARILAO FIESTA SALE

All roads lead to Marilao as SM throws the biggest and most festive sale this summer, with the Marilao Fiesta Sale happening on May 3, 4, and 5.

Shop all you want, as the Marilao Fiesta Sale offers discounts of up to 70% only at SM. Enjoy price slashes on countless items mall-wide while checking out the latest finds from The SM Store, SM Hypermarket, Ace Hardware, Watsons, SM Appliance Center, Our Home, and Miniso.

Whatever your plans are this summer, May 3-5 is definitely the best time to fill up those carts at SM City Marilao.

While shopping, also check out awesome dining deals at affordable prices from selected food tenants at the mall.

Get your calendars and mark May 3–5 all the way from 10am-9pm. Grab the best deals at the Marilao Fiesta Sale in SM! For mall events and updates, follow SM City Marilao on Facebook and Instagram.

All within 15 Minutes: Urban Planning Concept City to Rise in Pasay

An artist’s render of a 15-minute city, where work, food, housing, education and cultural activities are easily within reach.

For the modern urban dweller, 15 minutes is a lot of time.

A lot of productive things can be done – a high-intensity, interval training (HITT) workout or run a 1.5-kilometer route, clearing your emails, meditating, catching up on the news, or preparing a quick smoothie – all within 15 minutes. 

But for the Metro Manila commuter, 15 minutes is barely enough to get from point A to point B. During rush hour, it is most likely that within this time, you still haven’t moved an inch.

 

Ever heard of the 15-minute city? It’s a modern urban planning concept that puts people and the planet first. The term was coined by Paris-based urbanist and Sorbonne University professor Carlos Moreno wherein he said that the ideal neighborhood or city is built in such a way where work, food, housing, education and cultural activities can be easily accessed within 15 minutes, whether by foot or by using a bike.

Pasay City, in its forward-looking 360-hectare smart city development, aims to create an innovative tropical 15-minute city for over 300,000 residents. 

Situated at the edge of a densely-packed and overpopulated metropolis perpetually in a traffic gridlock, this city will provide respite to its residents and visitors with sustainable, inclusive, safe, and healthy living where all their needs can be accessed within reach. 

Among its intended features, the project is envisioned to have low carbon and safe mobility networks with multimodal public transport services and enhanced infrastructure that prioritizes active mobility like walking and biking. There will be parking lots equipped with electric vehicle charging stations, dedicated bike lanes, easily accessible public transport hubs, and unimpeded pedestrian walkways.

An artist’s rendition of a soon-to-rise 15-minute city in Pasay

This assures lower transportation costs, less carbon emissions, and most importantly, healthier and happier people. No more long and tiring queues at the EDSA bus carousel or sitting hours on end in the middle of EDSA traffic. 

The project has been thoughtfully planned and designed for many years, and finally it has received the green light by government to proceed. In fact, no less than Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda highlighted how the Pasay-led project is expected to earn billions in real estate assets for the government. 

Revenues from the project will generate a massive multiplier effect on our gross domestic product (GDP) and an estimated 300,000 new jobs from 2027 to 2040. By 2035, it is projected to employ 4% of the National Capital Region’s (NCR) total work force.

The Pasay 360 Project will be a city that nurtures lives and livelihood, is expected to revitalize the economy, and hone the next generation of Filipino leaders. It can be a source of pride for Filipinos as we push towards the 22nd century.

Title Option 1: Filipinos Love Concerts, but Venue Infrastructure Gaps are a Threat to the Experience

Countries with better, bigger, and more competitive concert venues have reaped economic benefits, especially with the massive and significant influence of popular international acts like pop superstar Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Coldplay’s World Tour in consumer behavior and spending.

Driving tens of thousands of ‘Swifties’ and concert enthusiasts, the success of these concerts was an economic stimulus for countries worldwide, including Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore and Japan.  Filipino fans alike had to spend big and travel miles to watch the exclusive performance of superstar Swift in Singapore’s National Stadium while others went to Japan’s Tokyo Dome and Sydney’s Accor Stadium in Australia. The massive concert gigs boosted the respective country’s economies, benefitting entertainment, hospitality, retail, and transport industries significantly.

While Singapore’s strategy for a Southeast Asia exclusive Swift performance piqued interest and likewise piqued its neighboring countries, the strategic move sparked conversations and brought to light what the Philippines can improve on in terms of concert venues.

1. Location is key

The Philippines doesn’t lack in big venues. In fact, it boasts of venues that can rival Singapore’s National Stadium and Japan’s Tokyo Dome. Accessibility to the location as well as public transportation and nearby commercial establishments are key.

2. Concert Experience

Photo credit to Stanley Quek. An empty Singapore National Stadium, viewed from the front stage.

Singapore’s pride, the National Stadium, has innovative features such as the world’s largest free-spanning dome, a retractable roof and comfort cooling technology for spectators’ convenience. Its innovation, strategic location, and efficiency bring positive and immersive experiences for enthusiasts and concert fans, making it a magnet for entertainment acts from all over the world. A similar concert venue and experience is something that Filipino concertgoers are hoping the country can replicate. 

3. World-class concert amenities and facilities

Accessing the venue's amenities and facilities should offer a premium music experience for concert enthusiasts or convenience in a sporting event.

Architectural “Eyecon” SM Mall of Asia Arena prides itself on having exceptional world-class amenities unique in the Southeast Asia region. –Photo from SM MOA Arena official website

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 held in SM Mall of Asia Arena – Photo from SM MOA Arena official website

Take for example the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena – a flexible indoor arena developed in 2012 by leading integrated property developer SM Prime – that has been a top-of-mind venue for all sorts of events and offers a unique concert experience. With a full house seating capacity of 20,000, it has been a haven for thrilling sports events, remarkable OPM shows, and unforgettable international superstar performances. 

Meanwhile, the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City is likewise an enormous outdoor venue that can accommodate at least 50,000 people. Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour and Rivermaya The Reunion were among the performers that have graced the stage recently.

4. Achieving Filipinos’ concert dreams

One of the most forward-looking plans of SM Prime is its 360-hectare smart city development which is envisioned to bring in a centerpiece to the country’s entertainment and sporting events – larger in capacity and a more enhanced venue infrastructure that would attract legendary icons in the entertainment scene and compete against Southeast Asia and the world’s best. It will feature an estimated 70,000-capacity stadium and concert arena connected to one of the island’s main destination paradises called Central Park. The sizable arena is envisioned to be the Philippines’ biggest concert venue, with world-class facilities and sustainable features, comparable to other big concert venues worldwide. Once that’s built, Filipinos won’t have to fly overseas because they can watch top-tier performances right from the comfort of their home country.

An artist’s render, visual sketch of the proposed concert venue at Pasay 360 project.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/band-playing-on-stage-2747446/

Without a doubt, Pinoys live and breathe entertainment shows. In fact, Filipinos are the 4th top concert spenders in Asia-Pacific according to digital payments company Visa, proof of how passionate we are about concerts. By investing in the development of modern, smart, and accessible concert venues, Filipino concert enthusiasts can continue to embrace and celebrate live performances with the convenience, comfort, and enjoyment they deserve. Beyond entertainment, well-curated, smart, and innovative concert facilities can further drive economic benefits to the Philippines’ national and local economies, including ancillary local spending in retail, tourism, and hospitality.

Century Tuna unveils Top 36 Finalists vying for Superbods 2024 Best You Ever

Century Tuna, the Philippines' leading tuna brand, finally unveiled the highly anticipated Top 18 male and female Finalists for Century Tuna Superbods 2024 Best You Ever who have inspiring stories to share as they strive for the healthiest and fittest versions of themselves with Century Tuna.

Launched in 2006, Century Tuna Superbods celebrates individuals who have embarked on remarkable journeys of physical transformation, personal growth, and a commitment to healthy living. Now in its 9th season, Century Tuna Superbods has become an iconic national fitness challenge and movement that motivates Filipinos to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle.

After a rigorous evaluation process including online and onsite auditions, the finalists were selected from hundreds of hopeful applicants, each with a unique and inspiring story to share. The finalists were announced at the recently held Century Tuna Superbods Final Callback Event at Ayala Malls Market! Market! in Taguig City.

The Top 18 finalists for the male category are Nikko Nackaerts, Tony de Oteyza, Angel Mallari, Jerico Ejercito, Jether Palomo, Kris Guevarra, John Jenric Saldivar, Michael Ver Comaling, Jose Vicente Sobrevilla, Patrick Patawaran, John Paulo Dela Cruz, Carlo Adorador, Aaron Davis, Jeff Ong, Enzo Bonoan, Derick Hibaler, Naia Ching, and Joshua David Spider Webb.

Meanwhile, the finalists for the female category are Monique de los Santos, Mariah Nicole Valdez, Justine Felizarta, Brooke Barredo, Lea Macapagal, Hazel Ortiz, Morena Carlos, Chrystel Mae Correos, Jasmin Ariola, Julia Sucgang-Bonoan, Nælah Alshorbaji, Clare Dacanay, Jessica Marasigan, Miaow Ayesa, Keylyn Trajano and Teodora Marie Reiss.

Completing the Top 18 female Superbods are Imelda Schweighart and Inka Magnaye who were announced as the two online wildcard contenders who were automatically named as Finalists.

The esteemed panel of judges evaluated the finalists' journeys including Century Pacific Food Inc. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Greg Banzon, Century Pacific Food Inc. Vice President and General Manager for Branded Tuna Division Mr. Carlo Endaya, Marketing Manager of Century Tuna and Vita Coco Ms. Bea Ballesca-Martinez, Multi-awarded Actress and Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, and Century Tuna Superbods 2022 Grand Winners Kirk Bondad and Christelle Abello who shared their expertise and insights throughout the competition.

The finalists were evaluated through a walk-off to showcase their physiques, charisma, and stage presence and a question-and-answer portion to demonstrate their ability to share their fitness advocacies and wits.

“This year, Century Tuna Superbods does what it does best - bringing out the best in individuals. The ‘Best You Ever’ campaign is truly a game-changer in how we define healthy living in today's times, as portrayed by every passionate heart that accepted this year's challenge. Congratulations to our Top 18 male and female finalists who have shown what becoming their best selves truly means and how different it can be for everyone's journey. We are excited to know more about your journey and watch you inspire others,” said Mr. Carlo Endaya.

The Century Tuna Superbods Final Callback Event was hosted by Robi Domingo with special performances by Sheena Belarmino and Klarisse De Guzman.

Century Tuna Superbods embraced the "Best You Ever" campaign this year, promoting self-love and holistic self-improvement beyond physical transformation. The theme encouraged participants to become the best versions of themselves, led by its celebrity Superbod ambassador, Kathryn Bernardo.

Be on the look out for the finals night of Century Tuna Superbods 2024 Best You Ever Campaign in July and witness the glorious moment of naming this year’s #CenturyTunaSuperbodsBestYouEver winners.

For more information, please visit https://centurytuna.ph/ or visit Century Tuna on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/centurytuna or @centurytunasuperbods on Instagram for more updates.

Farming Futures

While modern agricultural techniques boost yields for some, there remains a number of Filipino farmers who struggle to keep pace. These experienced hands find themselves falling behind in a market demanding higher production, clinging to familiar yet often inefficient methods passed down through generations.

One farmer from Pampanga, Jayson Garcia, sought to disrupt this prevailing narrative in his family. He knew that he had to chart a new course forward for his farm and innovate to remain competitive within the rapidly evolving landscape of modern agriculture.

“Noon, mahirap ang magtanim,” he recalled their life before joining SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan. “Para bang tsambahan, basta pag itinanim mo ‘yan, hintayin mo na lang mamunga. Mas mahirap pa lalo kapag nagkaroon ng kalamidad,” he added.

SM Foundation’s training program focused on high-value crop cultivation was the breakthrough Garcia needed to revitalize his farming techniques. These included selecting the best seeds and caring for them as well as strategic planting schedules.

Jayson attends the SM City Clark’s Weekend Market to observe best practices and gain insights into new agricultural techniques.

The livelihood program also gave way for him to discover alternative sales channels that enhanced his earning potential while extending fair prices to his customers. The knowledge and confidence he gained led him to expand his farm, and in effect, increased his monthly income to more than Php25,000.

Aside from directly selling his harvests, he is now planting a variety of vegetables–on his farm, including lemongrass, malunggay, and madre de cacao, which he sells online to small businesses that process the produce into other products. 

Embracing new techniques

Sharing the same story of hope is another KSK farmer from Pampanga, Juanito Dela Cruz. Despite his age, he actively pursued and adopted modern farming techniques. Building on his current success, he shared the importance of adaptability for farmers, calling for others to try and explore new practices.

From a modest monthly income of Php10,000, Juanito experienced an upsurge in his earnings, notably through participation in the Weekend Market at SM City Clark, yielding around Php30,000 weekly. “Kailangan maging bukas tayo sa makabagong pamamaraan ng pagsasaka para makahabol tayo sa demands ng panahon ngayon—ito ang itinuo sa akin ng SM Foundation-KSK,” he said. 

Juanito, alongside his wife, actively participates in the SM City Clark Weekend Market. They credit the market with contributing to their increased profitability.

The SM Group’s KSK program has changed the lives of roughly 30,000 Filipino farmers, including Jayson and Juanito. Through its initiatives, farmers who once lost hope have been able to embrace modern farming techniques, leading to adaptability in the face of the evolving agricultural landscape.

The SM Group, through SM Foundation, remains steadfast in its commitment to spreading social good. This dedication extends to SM’s forthcoming endeavors to be led by its future smart city property development – with focus on enhancing positive social impact in the communities where SM operates.

SM Prime Embarks on a Unified Waste Management Program for an #SMWasteFreeFuture

MANILA – SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, is embarking on a unified waste management and segregation campaign in response to the growing global crises on waste. SM Prime aims to bring all its property groups and stakeholders toward an #SMWasteFreeFuture. 

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), humanity generates more than 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste annually, of which 45 percent is mismanaged. Without urgent action, municipal solid waste will double to almost 4 billion tons each year by 2050. On December 14, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 30 as the International Day of Zero Waste.

The following year, UNEP inaugurated the First International Day of Zero Waste, to bolster actions to address the global pollution crisis. It aims to encourage global action and bring the world’s attention to zero waste. 

Strong foundations 

SM Prime’s founding leader, Henry Sy, believed that “business growth and social development must go hand in hand.” The company follows this guiding principle and has formed a sustainability policy that commits to the following: Resource Conservation and Efficiency, Disaster Resilience, Climate Advocacy, Social Integration, and Transparent Reporting. 

Anchored on these sustainability commitments are the SM Supermalls’ Environmental Programs on Waste Management. Through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, SM Supermalls has pioneered longstanding programs such as the Trash to Cash recycling market, and provided support to the annual International Coastal Clean Up, among other national events.

(Photo caption) The largest haul and biggest participation to-date: The 38th International Coastal Clean-up had 17,000 volunteers across 15 SM Malls in 12 locations nationwide. It is an annual community-driven partnership between SM Supermalls, SM Cares, the DENR, LGU’s and the volunteers from the SM community. 

(Photo caption) Scaled to perfection: One of the first recycling markets the country, Trash-to-Cash’s valuable example that waste can have monetary benefits. The recycling market is held every first Friday and Saturday of the month in all SM Supermalls to encourage waste segregation and recycling among SM customers, tenants, and the community. The recycling market is open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

In the hotel and tourism sector, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has taken the lead in mitigating global food waste by implementing sustainable initiatives across its properties in the Philippines. Their key initiatives include the World Wide Fund for Nature’s Sustainable Diner Program, that aims to transform and help the food service sector minimize its impact on the environment thru resource efficiency, plastic refusal and food waste management and contribute to the world’s future food security. 

(Photo caption) Closing the loop: SMHCC’s sustainability efforts are anchored on the 7Gs or Seven Green Goals, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). The overall thrust for sustainability is cascaded to the rest of properties, ensuring that it is embedded at every step of the hotel’s operations, ensured by property Sustainability Champions.

To support these programs, SM Prime also recently unveiled its waste-to-fuel partnership with GUUN Co. Ltd. (GUNN) to implement the Japanese technique of reducing landfill impact. The technology converts non-recyclable and hard-to-recycle packaging into alternative fuel. 

(Photo caption) No time to waste: Sorting through the amount of trash at the GUUN Facility in Cebu. Unfit for recycling and reuse, the waste material recovered avoids the landfill and is then reconverted to fuel resource. 

A Vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture 

To mark the International Day of Zero Waste on March 30, 2024, SM Prime is releasing its vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture. “As a community, we strongly believe in our ability to contribute to solving today's waste issues,” said Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM sustainability champion. 

SM Prime’s announcement of its vision of an #SMWasteFreeFuture demonstrates the company’s strong commitment and sustainability stewardship, by inviting its stakeholders to engage in activities that will help spread zero-waste awareness and work for a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach on waste management.

“We understand that this may seem like a daunting challenge to overcome However, by joining forces, we can create a world that our future generations truly deserve – if we have the courage to take on this journey together,” said Sy. 

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.

HERE’S YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE HOTTEST DEALS AND BEST EXPERIENCES THIS SUMMER

MANILA, Philippines – When you think of summer, exploring under the sun and having fun with your family and friends come to mind. This season, let GCash be the gateway to more unforgettable moments, because with the country’s top finance super app, you can enjoy the best that the season has to offer through the hottest deals in dining, shopping, travel and more. 

Going cashless this summer has never been easier thanks to GCash. Whether you want to purchase travel insurance, pay hassle-free at millions of merchants or pay abroad with just one tap, GCash makes it easier to have everything you need. 

As you keep using GCash this summer, you just might be one of the winners at the Shake It, Win It raffle! Earn raffle tickets with every transaction worth at least Php 100 when you Pay or Borrow with GCash, and you might just be one of the winners of exciting prizes like GCash credits, exclusive vouchers, brand-new gadgets, or the grand prize of free trips to top local and international destinations.

But that’s not all! Whether you're treating yourself to a delicious meal or refreshing your wardrobe with the latest fashion trends, GCash lets you enjoy the best that the season has to offer every day as you unlock these exclusive deals for your enjoyment the whole month of May! Here’s how: 

 

1. Treat your taste buds to delicious meals and pay with GCash to enjoy more savings at your favorite restaurants, including:

Angel’s Pizza	Get 30% off on Medium Pizzas when you pay via GCash at Angel's Pizza.
Tien Ma’s	Get a free dessert at Tien Ma's when you pay via GCash for your bill! Available for a minimum spend of Php 500.
Figaro	Get a free medium iced caramel macchiato for every minimum spend of Php 350 paid with GCash.
Foodpanda	Get P100 off with a minimum spend of Php 1,299 on your first order on foodpanda with GCash. Learn more through this link.

2. Achieve your summer OOTDs, accessorize your home, and treat yourself to the latest gadgets while enjoying exclusive deals and discounts when you pay with GCash at these merchants: 

Huawei	Grab up to P4,000 off on Huawei’s best-selling products when you pay with GCash via the official Huawei Lazada Store.
TikTok Shop	Enjoy free shipping on your order when you Pay Online with GCash in TikTok Shop.
Edamama	Enjoy up to Php 600 OFF on baby must-haves when you shop at Edamama! Pay Online with GCash and get big discounts when you check out using the following codes: GCASH2024 to enjoy P600 OFF with 3,000 minimum spend. Available for new users. GCASHMAMAFS for FREE shipping with a minimum spend of Php 2,000.  GCASHSAVE for 15% OFF for first-time subscribers.
Executive Optical	Get up to 50% off on exclusive frames when you pay via GCash at any Executive Optical branch.

3. Embark on unforgettable adventures and explore new destinations with GCash and enjoy seamless booking experiences as well as discounts on flights and accommodations on these platforms: 

Sunlight Air	GET 10% OFF on Weekdays max of Php 1,000, 20% OFF on weekends max of P2,000 and P2,000 OFF with min. spend of P10,000 (Travel Period until Dec. 31, 2024)
Airswift	Get 20% OFF when you book your AirSWIFT Airlines flight using GCash with the promo code: GCASH20.
Agoda	Get 8% OFF on Agoda Worldwide Hotel Bookings when you pay with GCash. No minimum spend and no cap on the discount.
Philippine Airlines	Fly to new discoveries this summer when you book your flight via Philippine Airlines and Pay Online with GCash to enjoy 10% OFF on roundtrip base fares with code GCASH10. Check out the PAL x GCash Mega Summer deals through this link.
SM Bowling	Buy 1, Get 1 on one bowling game when you Scan to Pay with GCash at SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM City Clark, SM City Cebu, SM Seaside City or SM Lanang.
SM Game Park	Buy 1, Get 1 on one bowling game at the SM Game Park Just Scan to Pay with GCash at SM Mall of Asia, SM Southmall, SM City Fairview or SM CDO Downtown during operating hours.
SM Skate Park	Buy 1, Get 1 on a 2-Hour Skate Pass when you Scan to Pay with GCash at SM Megamall or SM Seaside City.

4. Stay connected wherever you go while enjoying these promos when you pay with GCash:

Globe Prepaid	Get a free voucher with GO+99. Register to Go+99 via GCash and automatically redeem your free voucher for SM Malls Online & more!
Globe at Home Prepaid Wifi	Get 10% off FamSURF199 from May 7-10 and May 28-31 via GCash Buy Load. Get 10% off FamSURF999 from May 12-25 via GCash Buy Load.
Globe Roaming	Get P50 instant cashback when you register to Roam Surf 999, 1599, or 2199. Available for Globe Prepaid and TM.
Viu (via Alipay+)	Get 1 month Viu Premium Subscription for only Php 26! Claim this exclusive promo via A+ Rewards on the GCash app.

Let GCash be your passport to the most rewarding summer yet. Download the GCash app today and make every payment more rewarding. Tara, Summer Na with GCash!