This Christmas season, SM Supermalls gives you an
immersive, adventurous and experiential holiday celebration. Yuletide will be packed with experiences to pique your curiosity as SM
takes you to the deep oceans with SM Megamall’s first-ever 3D Whale Shark LED billboard, see the
Northern lights at the Aurora Trail of SM City North EDSA, Sparkle at the Light show and Holiday fireworks
at SM Mall of Asia, enter the Golden gateway of SM Aura Premier and explore the outer space at the
Mega Space Odyssey.
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Sunday, November 6, 2022
3D LED Billboard, Space Tunnel, Golden Gateway and Dazzling Light shows take centerstage at the SM Malls
MEGA SPACE ODYSSEY & 3D WHALE SHARK
Travel to majestic galaxies in outer space and take videos with your space explorer friends. Experience the first-ever immersive 3D LED tunnel in Manila until December 25 at the ground level Mega Fashion Hall (at the back of the Giant Christmas Tree).
SM Supermalls introduces the new 3D technology along EDSA by screening a hyper-realistic 3D Whale Shark at SM Megamall’s LED billboard. Be mesmerized with the one-minute motion, realistic display of the whale shark as it hits a huge water-filled tank and later falls out of it. This specific installation theme pays homage to our country and recognizes the fact that Philippines holds the second largest population of whale shark in the world at over 1,950 count.
This High-Definition Immersive content is the first in the Philippines. Netizens were awestruck of a larger-than-life Whale Shark
peeking out of a digital billboard spanning over 2,000 square foot. The Mega Whale Shark was first
teased on April 27 but tourists and motorists may still catch the short preview every 15 minutes from 12NN to 10PM daily. Watch out for the new 3D content this Christmas.
MOA SPARKLE OF LIGHT SHOW AND HOLIDAY FIREWORKS
Feel the Christmas spirit as you watch the brightest and merriest indoor Christmas tree music and lights show. Be in awe as you watch over one hundred thousand lights set to music. Catch the show DAILY, every hour from 10AM to 10PM until end of December at the Central Atrium. Enjoy the most awaited and better than ever fireworks display at the MOA Complex every Friday and Saturday from November to December 2022. Make sure to experience this magical moment with your families and loved ones.
AURA’s GOLDEN GATEWAY and NIGHTS OF DAZZLING LIGHTS
Tucked behind the giant Christmas tree is a golden gemstone-shaped immersive experience. In partnership with global smartphone brand TECNO Mobile, technology and art meet to transport all who enter this enclosure into scenes of an opulent holiday palace and fantastical golden worlds. Simply present ₱1,000 in single or collected receipts and enter a whole new world filled with glitz and glamour.
The theatrical room isn’t the only technological experience the mall has. Equally spectacular is a choreographed light and sound display at SM Aura Premier’s Skypark at Level 5. Visitors of the Skypark enter a space with tall tree-like sculptures made of strings of lights. As they go through a forest of lights, a jaw-dropping will excite them. Visitors may enjoy the choreographed audio-visual performance at 7PM on all Sunday nights of December, including December 25th itself.
Visit https://gosm.link/AHappyChristmasAtSMmedia and follow @smsupermalls on social media to stay updated on the various holiday happenings.
Sunday, October 23, 2022
NAMALISA environmental group: planting dreams with the ‘Grow Trees Community’ in Benguet
John Dizon, Jr. head of Benguet-based environmental conservation group, Nagawa, Manganese, Liw-Liw, Sadle Agroforestry Assoc. Inc. (NAMALISA), and his family have been long-time stewards of protected trees in their community in Tuba, Benguet. NAMALISA plants trees in support of SM Foundation’s and Fast Retailing Foundation’s Grow Trees Community project.
Like his father before him, John Dizon, Jr. had willingly taken up the mantle when the time came for him to honor his father’s legacy.
“My father passed away in 2012. It was then that we found out that the area he is managing in collaboration with the government was part of a community-based forest management program,” said Mr. Dizon.
Mr. Dizon had since worked closely with the SM Foundation for its inaugural tree-planting campaign back in 2013 to pick up where his father had left off in his advocacy.
With the impact of climate change more felt in recent years, Mr. Dizon shared the importance of planting more trees in communities to thin out air pollutants in keeping the air fresh and people healthier. The trees which his father planted also helped prevent soil erosion and landslides caused by earthquakes.
He nurtures a dream that some of his children will take after him to help protect the environment. Getting closer to that dream, one of his sons is eyeing a career in forestry, a nod to his father’s chosen field.
To further this advocacy, Mr. Dizon supports the reforestation initiative of SM Foundation, Inc., the social good arm of SM and the Fast Retailing Foundation (FR Foundation), a general incorporated foundation in Japan through the Grow Trees Community campaign.
The said project aims to plant and grow forest trees such as the Benguet pine, Alnus or Calliandra and Coffee trees to help create livelihood opportunities for the community by working closely with People’s Organizations such as NAMALISA in Tuba, Benguet.
People’s Organization NAMALISA plant trees at the launch of Grow Trees Community in Tuba, Benguet
The proponents teamed up with SM Supermalls and government partners such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine National Police, Philippine Information Agency and the local government of Tuba.
Grow Trees Community was previously launched in Nasugbu, Batangas and Macabebe, Pampanga. Across the three locations, the project aims to plant over 200,000 seedlings and propagules.
It is in support of the SM Green Movement that seeks to improve the quality of life of communities through sustainable solutions to promote a green planet, green living and a green culture.
FR Foundation focuses on promoting research designed to help make the world a better place, spurring technological development, nurturing human resources, and supporting socially vulnerable individuals or groups.
It is part of Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., the leading Japanese retail company that owns well-loved casual wear brand, Uniqlo.
Thursday, October 20, 2022
SM Prime: Building Better, Greener Offices
In two years that the world faced the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, awareness on the importance of sustainability in everyday living had been highlighted. Environmental awareness eventually caught on through practices such as shifting to paperless, reducing plastic use and planting more trees. And for property developers, taking part in this movement means transitioning into green, environmentally sound offices and developments.
Such is the case for SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), a publicly listed subsidiary of SM Investments Corporation (SMIC). It is transforming the way urban spaces are built and managed as it commits to building innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities. SM Prime is future-proofing its developments to be more responsive and adaptive to community needs and the effects of climate change. It recognizes the importance of green spaces and had developed comprehensive sustainability goals ranging from energy to ecology.
Over the years, SM Prime has continued to elevate its approach to building and development of community spaces. All these green initiatives have been recognized by reputable and well-known organizations such as the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) which awarded Conrad Hotel Manila and SM Aura Premier the Gold certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) in 2016 and 2017, respectively.
“When we build, we build with the community in mind. This is why it is important to integrate sustainability in our developments and operations. We remain committed as an environmentally-conscious and responsible integrated property developer ready to serve the ever-changing needs and aspirations of our communities and stakeholders,” said SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim.
having the whole life cycle of a building in mind. We invest a tenth of our capital expenditure to ensure that sustainability is integrated into our properties as we carefully plan our developments for our communities, the environment, and future generations ,” SM Prime’s Mr. Lim said.
Such is the case for SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), a publicly listed subsidiary of SM Investments Corporation (SMIC). It is transforming the way urban spaces are built and managed as it commits to building innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities. SM Prime is future-proofing its developments to be more responsive and adaptive to community needs and the effects of climate change. It recognizes the importance of green spaces and had developed comprehensive sustainability goals ranging from energy to ecology.
Over the years, SM Prime has continued to elevate its approach to building and development of community spaces. All these green initiatives have been recognized by reputable and well-known organizations such as the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) which awarded Conrad Hotel Manila and SM Aura Premier the Gold certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) in 2016 and 2017, respectively.
“When we build, we build with the community in mind. This is why it is important to integrate sustainability in our developments and operations. We remain committed as an environmentally-conscious and responsible integrated property developer ready to serve the ever-changing needs and aspirations of our communities and stakeholders,” said SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim.
having the whole life cycle of a building in mind. We invest a tenth of our capital expenditure to ensure that sustainability is integrated into our properties as we carefully plan our developments for our communities, the environment, and future generations ,” SM Prime’s Mr. Lim said.
Saturday, October 8, 2022
SM Prime Holdings spearheads 2022 International Coastal Cleanup 2022 in partnership with SM Cares and SM By the Bay
Last September 17, 2022, SM Prime Holdings, together with SM Cares and SM By the Bay have joined in the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), bringing together 2,438 volunteers to collect an estimated 12,158 kgs of plastic and debris, equivalent to a total of 1,613 filled trash bags.
The event underscored the importance of protecting the world’s seas, oceans, and other bodies of water. It was held at the SM By the Bay Central Park, SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.
Among those who graced the event were Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson Sec. Robert Borje, Department of Environment and Natural Resources – National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) Regional Executive Director Jacqueline A. Caancan, DENR-NCR Regional Executive Director for Technical Services Engr. Ignacio R. Almira, DENR-NCR Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group Head Chris Villarin, DENR-NCR Communication Development Officer II Ariz Abad, SM Investments President and CEO and 2GO Group President and CEO Frederic DyBuncio, SM Prime Holdings Inc. SVP Glenn Ang, SM Supermalls SAVP for Operations Perkin So, SM By the BAY Mall Manager Marie Charlene Claire K. Canoy-Narvasa and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Philippines’ Markets and Assurance Executive Director Allan Cao.
Plastic pollution is a massive problem everywhere and Coastal Cleanup drive is one of the most immediate ways we can help keep our ocean healthy. The ICC is a yearly global event that encourages individuals to be part of the movement for cleaner seas and oceans. Every year, thousands of Filipino volunteers from various sectors and communities join the efforts to help ensure the cleanliness of the shorelines and waterways in the country.
individuals can drop off their recyclable waste in exchange for cash; the Plastic Waste and Electronic Waste Collection Programs which promotes responsible plastic and electronic waste management affecting our seas, just to name a few.
SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, responsible for initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community. SM Cares’ advocacies include programs on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative, in addition to its Programs on Environment.
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
SM Prime, UNDRR commend women leaders in disaster resilience
SMPHI is sponsoring Women’s International Network on Disaster Risk Reduction (WIN DRR) Leadership Awards, a flagship program of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
SMPHI Vice President for Corporate Compliance Liza B. Silerio said that the support is aligned with the company’s drive to recognize women’s leadership in disaster risk reduction. “This is important in inspiring other women to fully and effectively participate in promoting gender equality and empowerment while building our collective resilience.”
There were 15 shortlisted finalists from 420 nominations received from across 24 Asia-Pacific countries in the WIN DRR Excellence Awards 2022 sponsored by SM Prime. Pacific geo-hazards expert Esline Garaebiti & Indian researcher of river flood risk Dr. Homolata Borah were awarded top honours for achieving exceptional professional success in DRR at the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Brisbane last September 21, 2022. Excellence award winner, Ms. Garaebiti is the Director General of the Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards, Environment, Energy and Disaster Management in Vanuatu, while Rising Star award winner Dr. Borah, works with communities on Majuli, the world’s largest inhabited river island where river erosion is an existential issue. The awards come with a cash prize to celebrate women's achievements in reducing disaster risk. There are two award categories – the Excellence Award, proudly sponsored by SM Prime Inc., worth US$10,000 and the Rising Star Award worth US$7,500.
The WIN DRR partnership is consistent with SM Prime Holdings’ social commitment towards women empowerment, resilience, good health and well-being of women. The company’s corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, supports programs that advance these causes.
The Women's International Network on Disaster Risk Reduction (WIN DRR) is a professional network to support women working in disaster risk reduction, in all their diversity. Its overall goal is to empower women to attain leadership and enhance their role in decision-making in disaster risk reduction in Asia-Pacific. The WIN DRR Philippine Network is powered by SM Prime and Asia Pacific College.
Earlier this year, SM Prime through its SM CARES, partnered with UNDRR in celebrating women empowerment through a webinar on the role of women in disaster resilience. In her keynote message, Mizutori emphasized “women’s equal participation and leadership in public life including disaster risk reduction is important and it is also essential to reducing disaster risk in achieving the United Nations sustainable development goals.”
Visit www.smprime.com for more information on SM Prime Holdings and its other programs towards disaster preparedness.
SMPHI Vice President for Corporate Compliance Liza B. Silerio said that the support is aligned with the company’s drive to recognize women’s leadership in disaster risk reduction. “This is important in inspiring other women to fully and effectively participate in promoting gender equality and empowerment while building our collective resilience.”
UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction Mami Mizutori expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “The awards highlight the key role of women as leaders and agents of change in building resilience and actively participating in the creation and implementation of DRR strategies, policies, plans and programs in their regions. Their stories reflect the diversity of solutions required to meet the converging challenges of accelerating climate change and disasters in the region.”
“We look forward to continued collaboration with SM in our DRR agenda,” Secretary General Mizutori added.
There were 15 shortlisted finalists from 420 nominations received from across 24 Asia-Pacific countries in the WIN DRR Excellence Awards 2022 sponsored by SM Prime. Pacific geo-hazards expert Esline Garaebiti & Indian researcher of river flood risk Dr. Homolata Borah were awarded top honours for achieving exceptional professional success in DRR at the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Brisbane last September 21, 2022. Excellence award winner, Ms. Garaebiti is the Director General of the Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards, Environment, Energy and Disaster Management in Vanuatu, while Rising Star award winner Dr. Borah, works with communities on Majuli, the world’s largest inhabited river island where river erosion is an existential issue. The awards come with a cash prize to celebrate women's achievements in reducing disaster risk. There are two award categories – the Excellence Award, proudly sponsored by SM Prime Inc., worth US$10,000 and the Rising Star Award worth US$7,500.
The WIN DRR partnership is consistent with SM Prime Holdings’ social commitment towards women empowerment, resilience, good health and well-being of women. The company’s corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, supports programs that advance these causes.
The Women's International Network on Disaster Risk Reduction (WIN DRR) is a professional network to support women working in disaster risk reduction, in all their diversity. Its overall goal is to empower women to attain leadership and enhance their role in decision-making in disaster risk reduction in Asia-Pacific. The WIN DRR Philippine Network is powered by SM Prime and Asia Pacific College.
Earlier this year, SM Prime through its SM CARES, partnered with UNDRR in celebrating women empowerment through a webinar on the role of women in disaster resilience. In her keynote message, Mizutori emphasized “women’s equal participation and leadership in public life including disaster risk reduction is important and it is also essential to reducing disaster risk in achieving the United Nations sustainable development goals.”
Visit www.smprime.com for more information on SM Prime Holdings and its other programs towards disaster preparedness.
Thursday, September 8, 2022
SM Prime forges partnership with WWF Philippines towards driving Fundamental Climate Change Solutions
SM Prime Holdings, Inc., and leading conservation organization World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines have entered a collaboration in adopting a more robust reporting framework to address the climate crisis.
Sustainability at SM Prime is at the core of its corporate identity. SM Prime is at the forefront of spearheading sustainable practices as well as setting records in pioneering programs to consciously protect the environment and strongly focus on resilience in its developments.
This major partnership of WWF with a Philippine company is expected to develop practical pathways to decarbonization. Under the partnership, SM Prime will adopt the Corporates for a Better Planet Initiative (CBPI), WWF-Philippines’ flagship program that provides an actionable framework for organizations to operate sustainably within the paradigm of the climate crisis.
“We are delighted to work with WWF Philippines on this sustainable journey. Focusing sustainability within the context of the Philippines ensures that our strategies and projects are highly material, efficient and more responsive in addressing local concerns surrounding resilience and adaptation. We need to be one with the worldwide community to achieve this and we need to work with global experts to get this right,” SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim said.
Climate change is one of the most pressing and defining global issues today. The Philippines is extremely vulnerable to climate change. It currently ranks third globally when it comes to climate change vulnerability. Due to its geographical location, it is more exposed to altering intensities of climate change manifested through erratic weather systems and natural calamities.
Organizations should rise up to the challenge and set the tone from the top in delivering transformative change as they transition to net zero commitment. Curbing global temperature rise will take commitment and partnership. Businesses should reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, and take other steps to reduce its carbon footprint. Firms typically fail to properly assess their implications. The CBPI program takes a holistic approach towards this pivotal issue, addressing these risks from a custom-built, science-based perspective.
By partnering with the WWF, SM Prime will be able to enhance and determine climate change solutions that will be reflected through responsible and transparent reporting.
The first phase of CBPI involves gauging where SM Prime stands in its sustainability initiatives and setting a science-based target in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels. SM Prime published its first Integrated Report in 2021 under the Integrated Reporting Framework which provides an overview of our value creation model — how we seek to create value for our stakeholders by contributing to national progress through investments and interventions critical to the country’s socio-economic growth.
As a champion of climate action in the Philippines, SM Prime’s partnership with WWF adds another enhancement to transparent reporting by ensuring greenhouse gas (GHG) computations are accurate and use appropriate methodologies. This partnership forms part of group-wide efforts under 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 Prime’s partnership with WWF dates back to 2007 under Hamilo Coast, its leisure resort development in Nasugbu, Batangas.
WWF closely monitors the health and viability of the Hamilo Coast area including three of its coves designated as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)—the Pico de Loro, Etayo and Santelmo. And in recognition of its conservation efforts, Hamilo Coast was cited by WWF-Philippines as its longest standing Sustainability Partner in 2020.
Friday, September 2, 2022
Hamilo Coast and WWF: lifelong allies in eco-tourism and sustainability
Touting 5,800 hectares of prime seaside development, Hamilo Coast is a project of SM Prime's Costa Del Hamilo, Inc. (CDHI), which carefully integrates residential, resort, leisure, commercial, and institutional land uses in the sprawling estate. Beyond its vast scope and stunning vistas, Hamilo Coast embraces sustainable tourism at the core of its philosophy and shows how beautiful beachfront homes can harmonize with nature and the environment.
This premier beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas, has been working together with the conservation group World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF) on key areas for sustainability—coastal resource management, ridge-to-reef management, solid waste management, mangrove reforestation , the use of renewable energy sources, and environmental awareness. And 2022 marks Hamilo Coast's 15th year long-standing collaboration with WWF in pursuing eco-tourism and sustainability while upholding international standards for leisure property development.
Mrs. Imee G. Francisco, Vice President and Head of CDHI Projects and Operations, takes pride in the partnership's objectives. "More than building and maintaining a beautiful community, we seek to create and sustain a world that future generations can enjoy. To help serve this end, CDHI continues to develop Hamilo Coast without compromising the quality of wildlife living around it.”
This year, Hamilo Coast and WWF will focus on addressing the major components on waste management, which include assessment of solid waste, water and wastewater management practices, formulation of environmental management plan, and the promotion of food shed farming systems. Hamilo Coast and WWF will continuously work on programs that will help conserve, protect, and nurture the environment as well.
Hamilo Coast and WWF's Ridge to Reef program declared three of Hamilo Coast's 13 coves–Pico de Loro, Etayo, and Santelmo–as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These are coastal zones where human activities are strictly regulated to ensure their long-term conservation. Declaring more MPAs would also mean expanding Hamilo Coast's scope in safeguarding more marine ecosystems and resources.
Moreover, Hamilo Coast continues to implement a mangrove reforestation program in its 24-hectare mangrove belt—one of the largest in Nasugbu. Here, Hamilo has planted 50,000 propagules hand-in-hand with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines.
Mangroves are the first line of defense for coastal communities, stabilizing shorelines by averting erosion and providing natural barriers to storm surges, flooding, and hurricanes. As an effective carbon storage, mangroves absorb six times more carbon than mature tropical forests, making it all the more vital in slowing down the effects of climate change.
Finally, Hamilo Coast and WWF will further push for environmental awareness by celebrating occasions that show respect for biodiversity. One is the annually held Earth Hour, during which time people are urged to shut down electricity to make a substantial difference in energy consumption. Individuals, organizations, and establishments also come together on Coral Triangle Day to shed light on ocean conservation and the ways we can protect and preserve the world's epicenter of marine biodiversity.
The said development boasts of the largest volunteer effort for ocean’s health, made possible with the International Coastal Cleanup, where people gather on the Pico and Santelmo beaches to collect trash and record information on the collected debris. And for all these sustained efforts, WWF has awarded Hamilo Coast with the Longest Sustainability Partner Award, recognizing the development’s commitment to sustainable tourism and its positive impact on the Philippine tourism industry.
Francisco affirms, “CDHI is proud of how far we have come at Hamilo Coast with the help of WWF. This inspires us to do even more, in the hopes that our efforts will make it possible for future generations to witness the beauty of nature as we see it today.”
Hamilo Coast and WWF is set to further push for environmental awareness by celebrating occasions that show respect for biodiversity such as the Coastal Clean Up. Do visit www.hamilocoast.com for more info on this seaside residential community in Nasugbu, Batangas.
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