SM Supermalls welcomes you into a new era of change

The honest truth: No one came out of the COVID-19 pandemic in quite the same way. The pandemic was an isolating period of self-discovery, emotional growth, and life-altering realizations. It changed people, and in the process, it shaped the way so many of us view ourselves and the world around us.

Because of this, consumer tastes and behaviors have shifted. Where in a pre-pandemic world, people often spent on luxuries and experiences that allowed them to celebrate their accomplishments, studies show that consumers now want a different experience, one that is kinder and more embracing of the changes that each individual had gone through in the past 2 years. People are now prioritizing their personal wellness and supporting products and services that champion growth.

As consumer tastes have shifted, brands are starting to adapt to these changes. And true to its foundational commitment to make people happy, SM is ready with a host of new offerings as the entire brand is poised for a refresh this year.

“The history of SM Supermalls is one that has been built on innovation and change to serve the needs of millions of Filipinos. We’ve been with our customers through their every milestone for almost four decades. And we are committed to always changing, always growing with our customers in the years and decades to come. I believe that now more than ever, it is important to recognize the new changes to our world. And people are continuing to grow as they invest in experiences that uplift their lives.” ~Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President

SM Supermalls: Welcoming Every Change in You

SM continues to stay true to its mission to provide Filipino families with a fun and engaging in-mall experience so they can go home with a smile on their faces.

There will always be a plethora of experiences for each person who comes through SM’s doors. This is true for the various personalities that emerged during the pandemic; from eco-warriors and Plantitas to health buffs and sports personalities who embraced biking, healthy eating, and home gyms, and bakers and homemakers who turned their passion projects into small businesses.

Ushering the Future with the Transformation of SM Supermalls

In the next few months, Filipinos across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will get to experience the wellness-oriented and sustainability-driven transformation of SM Supermalls with a host of new and exciting activities. These include paw parks for pet moms and dads, al fresco dining areas for hangout groups, plant hubs for eco-enthusiasts, bike facilities for the growing cycling community, co-working spaces, experiential retail, blockbuster and larger-than-life cinema escapades and so much more. 

As SM’s brand refresh campaign ushers in a newness to the Philippine mall experience, curious visitors, foodies, friends and families will have much to rediscover. So come on in, you’re always welcome here! 

For more information, follow SM Supermalls on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smsupermalls to experience what’s new in any SM Supermall near you today!

Have a #WorthEat Day with the New Subway® Chicken Katsu Curry!

Being physically fit and healthy is Mike’s regular regimen. More than going to the gym, Mike wants to achieve a body goal fit for his fast-paced career lifestyle. Burning those fats and maintaining healthy food options is a priority for him to stay fit and active day in and day out!

For Mike, what’s a better way to satisfy those cravings and get you back on track than with the newest Subway® Chicken Katsu Curry? 

From July 6 to September 27, 2022, savor Subway® Philippines' new curry sauce favorite to spice up your Chicken Katsu, your #wortheat quick meal after a refreshing day at the gym. The curry sauce is also available for the Cheese Steak Meal.

The Chicken Katsu Curry ala carte price starts at Php 155 for the 6-inch sub, Php 300 for the footlong sub, Php 165 for the wrap, and Php 205 for the salad.

The Cheese Steak Curry ala carte price starts at Php 165 for the 6-inch sub, Php 320 for the footlong sub, Php 175 for the wrap, and Php 215 for the salad.

You can also enjoy it as a regular meal with a 22-oz drink and 2 pieces of cookies for an additional fee of Php 85.

Treat yourself to a Subway® Chicken Katsu Curry. It will give you the energy and motivation you need for your next healthier workout session.To keep pushing forward, make sure not to miss out!

You can get these tasteful meals through dine-in and takeout transactions and/or delivery through Messenger "BOTTY".

For more information on the latest Subway® #BetterChoice promos, visit www.fb.com/SubwayPhilippines . 

ABOUT Subway®

As one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant brands, Subway serves freshly made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, salads and bowls to millions of guests, across more than 100 countries in more than 37,000 restaurants every day. Subway restaurants are owned and operated by Subway franchisees – a network that includes more than 20,000 dedicated entrepreneurs and small business owners – who are committed to delivering the best guest experience possible in their local communities.  Visit www.Subway.com for more information.

Subway® is a Registered Trademark of Subway IP LLC. © 2022 Subway IP LLC.

Capitol Medical Center celebrates 52nd anniversary with ISO certification, gala

Capitol Medical Center (CMC), a premier medical institution based in Quezon City, recently celebrated its 52nd anniversary with a gala celebration to honor hospital service awardees from the medical staff and employees. 

 

The celebration was made more memorable as CMC received its ISO Certificate from the Certification International Philippines for conforming to the Quality Management System requirements of ISO:9001-2015.

 

Held at the Matrix Creation Events Venue last June 17, 2022, 27 doctors were recognized for rendering from 35 years to 45 years of service. On the other hand, 68 employees were given awards for their service and loyalty to the institution. Recognized were employees who have worked at CMC for five to 35 years.

Another significant highlight of the anniversary celebration was the handover of the ISO certificate by Renato Navarette, President of Certification International Philippines, to the CMC management represented by Rhais M. Gamboa, CMC Chairman of the Executive Committee; Victoria Tan, CMC President; Dr. Ma. Mystica Flodalyn Bautista, Quality Management Representative; Gil Faustino; Finance Director and Norielee Magsingit, Nursing Service Director. Also, on hand to witness the activity were Drs. Maria Realiza Henson, Corazon Logarta, Members of the Board, and other officers of the Medical Staff.

Last March 23 to 25, 2022, CMC underwent a comprehensive online audit of its processes and procedures to establish its conformity with the Quality Management System requirements of ISO:9001-2015 and the Department of Health for healthcare facilities.

“Passing the ISO Accreditation is a testament of CMC’s commitment to continuously improve on its service delivery through increased customer satisfaction, patient safety and clinical excellence across all of the organization.” ~Rhais M. Gamboa, CMC Chairman of the Executive Committee

 

The gala celebration was CMC’s first face-to-face gathering of its Medical Staff and employees in two years.

“The 52nd anniversary celebrates CMC’s relentless spirit as an organization to continue to persevere, committed to give the right care all the time, being sensitive to the needs of our clients and constantly thriving to face a changing competitive landscape in delivering quality healthcare.” ~Victoria Tan, CMC President

CMC is a tertiary hospital located along Quezon Avenue cor. Sct. Magbanua. It is equipped world-class medical practitioners and state-of-the-art facilities that is ready to serve and fulfill its mission of providing the “Right Care, Right Here” at CMC. 

Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex: A sterling landmark of disaster resilience

We all know that the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) is a popular destination for unforgettable gastronomic and recreational experiences, but did you know that the 67-hectare Mall of Asia Complex where MOA stands is engineered to withstand disasters caused by natural hazards?

The foundation of the Mall of Asia Complex was built to be safe and secure because SM Prime Holdings, Inc., one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers incorporates disaster resiliency measures in every project, with the MOA Complex as one of its biggest investments.

SM Prime collaborated with a team of local and international experts to ensure the feasibility of both water and land before the MOA complex was built and once finalized, Belgium’s renowned coastal development construction company, Jan de Nul, developed it from the ground up.

The reputable Jan de Nul made sure the terrain was stable and the complex’s roads were made resistant to earthquakes and erosion, in accordance with the National Structural Code of the Philippines and approved by both the Philippine Reclamation Authority and the National Government.

Three important disaster resiliency features were used in protecting the Complex and the coastal community of Pasay from tides and waves: One, a three-kilometer seawall built to stand against liquefaction; two, a meter-high inverted wave return to serve as defense against high waves; and three, a drainage channel to prevent floods during storm surges. This was put to test when Typhoon Pedring hit in 2011, and the Mall of Asia Complex was spared from destructive waves and flooding that submerged many other surrounding establishments.

As an added feature, both the Complex’s main road and all its structures are elevated 4 meters above the parameters set by the National Building Code. Pilings strengthened its foundation and greatly improved its soil bearing capacity.

Family fun, leisure and entertainment are the objectives behind the awe-inspiring grandeur of SM Mall of Asia, but this vision is founded on a commitment to safety and a secure foundation throughout the Complex. This is a firm philosophy of SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Mr. Hans T. Sy, a champion for disaster resilience, who continuously invests in DRR and in allocating 10% of the company’s expenditure for DRR in all of SM’s infrastructures throughout the country.

“Today, disasters have become more frequent and severe. The government and the private sector must work together to find solutions for greater resiliency.  SM prime as a responsible property developer places Disaster Risk Reduction as one of its core strategies. It simply makes good business sense.” ~Mr Hans Sy

Mr Hans Sy believes that not only is DRR an effective way to grow the business but it protects the communities where SM is located amid the increasing risks of climate change.

Today, the MOA Complex is a bustling realization of Mr. Henry Sy Sr.’s grand vision for it to become both a premiere integrated leisure destination with a complimentary business and lifestyle district – one of the country’s truly revolutionary mixed-use developments, and a thriving example of disaster risk reduction at work.

The next time you visit the MOA Complex – whether it is to visit the world’s largest IKEA, or to view the sunset from the top of the MOA Eye, or to simply shop and dine with your loved ones – it will be good to know that SM Prime has ensured your safety and security from the time the development was conceptualized and opened in 2006.. to today and tomorrow.

Find out more about SM Prime and the SM Green Movement visit www.smprime.com and www.sminvestments.com/sustainability/sm-for-the-community/sm-green-movement/.

SM Prime Holdings Inc., one of the leading property developers in Southeast Asia, is committed to providing safe and sustainable spaces for its stakeholders.  Its development strategy is anchored on the responsible use of resources. In the communities it serves, it is able to promote resource conservation, environmental protection, and disaster resiliency by implementing solutions for water, waste, and energy management.

SM Prime is a key player in the SM Green Movement that aims to improve the quality of life of communities through sustainable solutions to promote a green planet, green living and a green culture.

SM Supermalls joins the Metaverse with an AweSM SuperKids Zone in Roblox!

Get ready for an aweSM summer as SM Supermalls gives kids a glimpse into the future with a brand-new virtual entertainment zone in the Metaverse where they can immerse themselves in the biggest gaming and social experience platform for kids, Roblox! 

This new aweSM space by SM Supermalls is now open for super kids to safely explore, play, and meet with friends. 

With restrictions easing up, SM Supermalls wanted to bring the excitement of going back to the malls online through a virtual space in the metaverse gaming platform, Roblox – the most popular gaming app for Filipino children. Roblox serves as an avenue for kids to express themselves through custom 

avatars, while also serving as a safe place for kids to reconnect with their friends digitally in over 4 million different worlds! 

SM Supermalls partnered with SVEN The Digital 1st Agency, as its metaverse partner, to become the first mall chain in the Philippines to enter the metaverse. With this simulated digital reality, kids can reimagine the mall experience in a way that they will appreciate and enjoy – a safe but free-to-play space with no rules and no limits:

Splash into the AweSM Super Pool!

Bump it out with the SuperKids with the AweSM Bumper Cars!

Bump it out with the SuperKids with the AweSM Bumper Cars!

Have a ball and jump into the colorful AweSM Glowing Ball Pit!

Climb up the AweSM Rainbow Obby (obstacle course) and discover a secret maze on the rooftop – our favorite! 

And there’s so much more! SuperKids of all ages are welcome to explore and do their own thing in the same fashion as a real-life mall experience, only this time it’s virtual and made especially for them.

What are you waiting for? Check it out and get your kids to play the AweSM SuperKids Zone at Roblox today! Roblox is available online or via the app that you can download for free through the App Store or Google Play.

For more information on the AweSM SuperKids Zone in Roblox, visit www.smsupermalls.com or like and follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms.

Mekeni partnership with Hiraya Foundation

“We are fortunate to cross paths with Hiraya Foundation and a group of successful Filipinos who also advocate conservation of our heritage, especially during this time where everything seems to be at our fingertips. As a local brand penetrating the global arena, we recognize the importance of preserving one’s identity, being proud of your roots, and effecting positive change in society. We hope that our story will inspire them that if they are resolute in their dreams, nothing is impossible. No challenge is too big to bring them down.” ~Prudencio S. Garcia, Mekeni President

(L-R) Pampanga Press Club President Noel Tulabut, Mekeni AVP for Marketing Kathlene Gomez-Schultz, Mekeni AVP for HR and Export Marilou Uy, Consul General Elmer Cato, Mekeni President Prudencio S. Garcia, and Skills Simplified CEO Francis Miranda at the Gawad Alab ng Lahi event held at Whitby Hotel, New York (Photo credit: Troi Santos, CNN Philippines).

Mekeni Food Corporation, one of the country’s biggest food manufacturing companies, is further solidifying its commitment to promoting local heritage not just in the country but in the US.

The home-grown food brand recently partnered with Hiraya Foundation, a New York-based non-profit organization established by Filipino and Filipino-American professionals, for the first-ever Gawad Alab ng Lahi.

Gawad Alab ng Lahi is a program by Hiraya Foundation that aims to recognize individuals, enterprises, and communities that contribute to uplifting the lives of Filipinos and promoting progress in the Philippines.

Mekeni  President Prudencio S. Garcia and Consul General Elmer Cato at the Gawad Alab ng Lahi Awarding held at Whitby Hotel, New York. (Photo credit: Troi Santos, CNN Philippines)

Hiraya Foundation Chairman of the Board Romulo Aromin, Jr., MD added that the program honors those who made a meaningful impact on the lives of Filipinos abroad and in the Philippines. 

Garcia, who is also a former overseas worker, continued that like Hiraya Foundation, uplifting lives is at the core of Mekeni.

Mekeni was born out of a simple dream of a father who wants to give his family a better life ahead. This, however, changed and grew deeper after its founder, Felix Garcia, witnessed the hardships in their barrio after the devastating Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991. Since then, it has become their advocacy to uplift lives within and beyond their community.

“We are grateful to Mekeni for supporting and joining us in our cause. With a program such as this, we hope we could inspire the next generation to uphold our heritage no matter where success takes them.” ~Romulo Aromin, Jr., MD, Hiraya Foundation Chairman of the Board

This partnership between Mekeni and Hiraya Foundation was made possible by the Philippine Consulate in New York, headed by Consul General Elmer Cato who lauds the foundation for its patriotic advocacy. 

In the recently concluded awarding ceremony last July 11, 2022, at Whitby Hotel in New York, the following were the winners of the Gawad Alab ng Lahi award: Dr. Leo Felix Jurado for his unrelenting advocacy for Filipino nurses in the US; Concentrix Philippines for opening doors nationwide for Filipinos to provide for their families and thrive in unprecedented times; Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. for being at the forefront of advancing the interests and welfare of nurses in the US by providing professional and legal assistance; and Carnival Cruise Line for recognizing and rewarding Filipino talents through employment and ensuring their health and safety during the height of the pandemic. 

Photo shows Mekeni President Prudencio S. Garcia speaking before over a hundred overseas Filipino workers during the Pagpupugay event organized by the Philippine Consulate in New York and OWWA.

Apart from participating in Gawad Alab ng Lahi, Mekeni representatives also met with Filipino overseas workers in New York in a tribute event organized by ConGen Cato and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Mekeni was given a chance to impart to the attendees their experiences and learnings in overcoming challenges.

Industry heavyweights share their expertise at 3-day MSME Fiesta Sulong Negosyante

ICSB & UnionBank-powered event focused on empowering entrepreneurs through knowledge-sharing.

The International Council for Small Business Philippines (ICSB PH) and Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) recently held a three-day conference and expo for micro, small, and medium enterprises or MSMEs to empower the entrepreneurs and enable them to thrive in the digital economy. The event was held at the Resorts World Manila in celebration of the United Nations' (UN) International MSME Day, observed annually every 27th of June.

Prior to the fiesta, several experts from the public and private sectors as well as the academe gathered at The Sheraton Hotel for a panel discussion that tackled the most pressing issues concerning the MSME industry.

On day one, keynote speaker Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian stressed how important it was to hold activities such as the Sulong Negosyante giving attention and recognition to MSMEs. Being an entrepreneur himself, he shared valuable learning.

“We need to keep on innovating. We need to keep on finding new products and new services. We need to adapt.” ~Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, Keynote Speaker

Asian Institute of Management President and Dean Dr. Jikyeong Kang; Mansmith and Fielders Inc. Chief Marketing Strategist Josiah Go; and Wong + Bernstein Advisory Group Managing Director Prof. Enrique Soriano led the discussions on the importance of lifelong education and training for MSMEs.

Other presenters focused on digital and media, supply chain and delivery, research, as well as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and good governance.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Jose Victor Chan Gonzaga talked about how they and other government organizations put in effort to promote Filipino MSMEs globally. Asian Consulting Group's Founding Chairman and Chief Tax Adviser Raymond Abrea highlighted the significance of practicing good tax management. 

UnionBank's SME and Micropreneurs Segment Head Jaypee Soliman touched on understanding the needs and challenges MSMEs face to be able to help them succeed. He pointed out the necessity for entrepreneurs to prioritize.

“We need to identify the things that we have to continue doing and the things that we need to start doing. We have to stop thinking we are the solution, but start engaging MSMEs and collaborate on how we can be a solution for them. At UnionBank, we know how critical knowledge-sharing is to ensure that our MSMEs are able to thrive in the digital economy. This is one of the reasons we organized this event together with ICSB. We want our attendees to learn from the best, so they can be at their best in their businesses.” ~Jaypee Soliman, UnionBank's SME and Micropreneurs Segment Head 

Philstar Media Group Executive Vice President Lucien DyTioco’s talk was on why Filipinos should support local businesses. For his part, Airspeed Express President Rick Cruzado explained the role of delivery and logistics in today's digital economy, while Hotbox Philippines Founder Romeo Joven shared about innovation using his company's self-heating box meal product as an example.

Synergy Market Research and Strategic Consultancy President Germaine Reyes discussed consumer behavior and its relation to sustainable businesses and products. To cap off the presentations, Avanza Inc. President Yayu Javier talked about sustainability and the need for MSMEs to consider aligning their goals with that of UN's 17 SDGs.

For day two, Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Mary Jean Pacheco presented the current MSME landscape in the country. UnionBank's Head of Merchant Acquiring and Payment Gateway Gerry Austria focused on the various digital banking solutions offered by UnionBank to MSMEs, while Aboitiz Foundation's Program Manager for Enterprise Development Gero Torres outlined how the Aboitiz Group has been helping MSMEs become more digitally capable.

On day three, PLDT Enterprise Head of Small and Micro Business Armie Sason underscored the value of digital business tools and reliable business internet connectivity; Insular Life Head of Customer Relations Mia Gonzales shared the benefits of taking care of employees to improve business productivity; and UN Women's Consultant for Women's Empowerment Principles Jen Dingalan enlightened entrepreneurs with the need to build a business that works for women.

Continuing the discussions for day 3, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines' Assistant Division Chief Emmelina Masanque gave an overview of the intellectual property system for MSMEs and startups; Globe Business ICT Portfolio Marketing Director Anne Leonardo touched on digital transformation for MSMEs through ICT solutions; and finally, UnionBank's Chief Information Security Officer Joey Rufo provided MSMEs tips on how they can stay #CyberSure.

ICSB PH and UnionBank target to pursue the Negosyante MSME Fiesta events on an annual basis. Stay tuned for the next leg of events!