Building Classrooms, One Bottle at a Time: SM Joins Generation HOPE Campaign

 SM Supermalls is proud to partner with HOPE and the Department of Education for Generation Hope—a collaborative campaign that transforms everyday consumer purchases into tangible support for Filipino students by helping build classrooms across the country.

Launched on May 26, 2025, at Samsung Hall in SM Aura, the initiative brings together a coalition of brands, including SM Supermalls, BDO, Aivee, Carmen’s Best, Grab, Penshoppe, and Sunnies, united in a shared goal: to bridge the country’s classroom gap.

Ms. Nanette Medved-Po and Mr. Steven Tan assemble puzzle pieces at the Generation HOPE launch, symbolizing SM’s support in building classrooms for Filipino students.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and HOPE Founder Nanette Medved-Po join representatives from seven brand partners in a united show of support to build classrooms and uplift Filipino education.

 

In addition to SM Foundation’s long-standing efforts—having built 110 school buildings with 374 classrooms—SM Supermalls is further extending its commitment to education by supporting Generation HOPE’s Build a Classroom Project, which aims to construct 10 new public school classrooms, funded in part through the sale of specially branded SM Bottled Water. Every purchase directly contributes to the classroom fund—empowering customers to be part of a nationwide solution.

“At SM, we believe that investing in education is investing in the future,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “Through this partnership, we hope to empower the next generation of Filipino students by creating safe, inclusive spaces where they can learn, grow, and thrive.”

“We are grateful to our partners for joining us in turning everyday actions—like buying bottled water—into lasting change,” said Nanette Medved-Po, Founder of HOPE. 

“Generation Hope is a reflection of our commitment to make quality education accessible to all,” said Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

 

This partnership aligns with SM Cares’ advocacy for children and youth empowerment, and invites every Filipino to make a difference, one bottle at a time.

Every bottle makes a difference—by choosing SM Bottled Water, customers directly contribute to building much-needed classrooms for Filipino students across the country. Start making an impact today by picking up a bottle at any SM mall and be part of the movement to empower education, one sip at a time.

SM Cares Earth Hour 2025 Unite Communities to Promote Environmental Awareness

 For the 17th consecutive year, SM Supermalls reaffirmed its continued commitment to environmental sustainability by joining the 2025 Earth Hour movement, a global initiative led by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). 

 

On March 22, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, SM malls across the country participated in the symbolic lights-off event, encouraging customers, tenants, and employees to “Give an Hour for Earth” by taking simple yet impactful actions to protect the planet.

 

SM Seaside City Cebu and the 86 SM Supermalls nationwide give an hour for Earth by turning off non-essential lights during Earth Hour 2025.

SM Mall of Asia participate in the Global Lights Switch Off to raise awareness about climate change.

 

A Collective Effort for a Sustainable Future

SM Supermalls took part in the Global Lights Switch Off, reducing energy consumption and raising awareness about climate change. According to PwC Isla Lipana and Co., the total energy saved during the one-hour switch-off in 87 malls nationwide will be equivalent to 319,759 number of smartphones charged or 1.4 tons of waste recycled.

 

With this year’s Earth Hour theme of “Creating the Biggest Hour for Earth,” beyond turning off non-essential lights, SM Cares encouraged the public to spend their 60 minutes engaging in sustainable activities. From musical performances, arts and craft to fitness activities, shoppersexperienced an hour away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoyed a soulful night with live music, an enhanced well-being after a good run and other eco-friendly events for the environment. 

An electrifying LED dance performance showing the 60+ Earth Hour symbol lights up SM City Clark, emphasizing a broader commitment to environmental protection.

SM Lanang takes part in the annual global initiative with live music, inspiring for change and adopt sustainable practices.

 

More than 200 cyclists in the Earth Hour: Go & Glow Bike Challenge 2025pedal forward to SM City San Mateo, demonstrating a collective effort topromote energy conservation.

Grooving and glowing, customers in SM City Masinag dance to ignite the community for a greener future.

 

In partnership with UPB Astronomy Society and Baguio Astronomy Enthusiasts, students enjoy a magical cosmic experience in SM City Baguio during Earth Hour 2025.

Customers and advocates from Marikina Run Club take part in a meaningful activity as a symbolic gesture of solidarity and commitment for the planet.

 

Beyond Earth Hour: SM Cares’ Commitment to Sustainability

SM Supermalls’ Earth Hour participation is just one of its many sustainability efforts. Through SM Cares, the company champions programs that encourage responsible waste management and environmental stewardship, such as the Trash to Cash recycling market, Plastic Waste Collection and E-waste Collection initiatives. Mobilizing thousands of volunteers, the International Coastal Cleanup helps keep the Philippine shorelines free from waste pollution. 

 

"Through Earth Hour and our year-round sustainability programs, SM remains committed to inspiring and enabling communities to take meaningful steps toward environmental conservation," said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group and SM Cares Program Director for Environment and Sustainability.

 

Empowering the Next Generation of Climate Advocates

This year, SM also engaged students from National University and Asia Pacific College in creating a special social media campaign showcasing how they can "Give an Hour for Earth." The video highlights the importance of disconnecting online to reconnect with the environment and the community. Watch the Earth Hour videos via these links:https://bit.ly/SMEarthHour2025-NUxSM and https://bit.ly/SMEarthHour2025-APCxSM.

 

Young volunteers in SM City Butuan spend an hour away from their phones and reconnect with the community.

SM Center Ormoc and Earth Hour Ormoc join hands with students to perform a dance of lights to the song “Liwanag saDilim”, strengthening their commitment to make a difference year-round.

 

SM Supermalls invites everyone to continue practicing sustainability beyond Earth Hour by making small yet impactful choices every day. For more updates on SM Cares’ environmental programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow @SMCaresOfficial on social media. 

 

SM Supermalls and TikTok Shop Unite to Empower Women Entrepreneurs with 'She Leads: Fun Beyond Shopping

Everything’s here at SM, even TikTok Shop!

SM Supermalls has long been the heart of Filipino shopping and lifestyle, offering everything you need under one roof. With its recent partnership with TikTok Shop, SM Supermalls has taken things up a notch by launching She Leads: Fun Beyond Shopping, a three-day event held at SM Mall of Asia’s Main Atrium. 

Actress Marian Rivera graces the She Leads: Fun BeyondShopping event, highlighting the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs.

This unique celebration championed Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly women-led businesses. By blending digital innovation with physical retail, it transformed the shopping experience and empowered online entrepreneurs to connect with customers in a real-world setting. This is consistentwith SM Supermalls' thrust to promoting MSMEs and strongly advocating for women's empowerment, giving these online entrepreneurs the experience of selling their products in the electrifying atmosphere of a mall.

Content creator Rei Germar, founder of Tapies, which offers nipple covers that are functional and eco-friendly.

A new way to discover and shop

At SM Supermalls, shopping has always been about more than just ticking off a list—it’s about the joy of discovery. TheShe Leads: Fun Beyond Shopping highlighted this by seamlessly integrating TikTok Shop's live-selling platform with SM's unmatched in-mall experience. Visitors explored booths featuring women-led brands, while live-streamed content brought the event to life for online audiences.

Lifestyle vlogger Ashley Yap runs Sip2Glow, a wellness brand that offers beauty and health products designed to promote glowing skin.

A carefully curated selection of 13 TikTok Shop beauty, fashion,wellness, and home brands were available, including Tapies, Gorgeous Glow, Azul, Sip2Glow, Huga, Mikana, HB Jewelry, Dood PH, Perfume Dessert, Pina Beauty PH, Urban Scent, Tiny Buds, and Wise Cleaner.

Entrepreneur Rosenda Casaje is the mastermind behind Gorgeous Glow, a beauty and skincare brand focused on providing products that enhance natural beauty.

Shoppers snagged exclusive SM Malls Online deals from the SM Store, The Body Shop, Decathlon, and more, and interacted with brands in real time, whether at the mall or online on TikTok Shop. This seamless integration of platforms solidified SM's continued lead in delivering a complete shopping experience.

Miss Universe Philippines 2022, Celeste Cortesi, is the founder of Azul, a brand that specializes in wellness and beauty products.

Event guests can scan the QR code and grab exclusive deals from The Body Shop, Lay Bare, Mendrez, and more on SM Malls Online and TikTok Shop.

As part of the SM Advantage Card (SMAC) Thanksgiving, mallgoers can enjoy 10% off at the SM Store from November 28 to December 1 on SM Malls Online and TikTok Shop.

Attendees can enjoy 50% off The Body Shop's Freestyle Multi-Tasking Colour Flow 15ml on SM Malls Online and TikTok Shop.

Innovation meets empowerment

"Our partnership with TikTok Shop represents an innovative step forward in the retail industry. By combining the dynamic world of social commerce with the experiential retail of SM Supermalls, we're creating a unique and engaging shopping experience for our customers,” said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing, Jonjon San Agustin. “Whether you buy from TikTokShop, from an SM Mall tenant partner, or vice versa, we provide you with this unique experience.

(L-R): SM Mall of Asia Senior Assistant Vice President for Marketing Krisel Ramilo, TikTok Shop Philippines Marketing Lead Franco Aligaen, actress Marian Rivera, and SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Jonjon San Agustin

Franco Aligaen, Marketing Lead of TikTok Shop Philippines, echoed this sentiment. "Partnering with SM Supermalls for 'She Leads: Fun Beyond Shopping' has been an incredible opportunity to highlight the diverse stories of women entrepreneurs, especially those who have thrived on both TikTok Shop and physical retail spaces. This event wasn't just about showcasing products and businesses; it was about creating meaningful connections, sharing inspiring journeys, and promoting a community where women can empower each other and thrive."

An informative demonstration by Andrea Mae Ongchangco, CEO of Wise Cleaner, featuring sustainable cleaning products.

The event amplified its message with appearances from actress Marian Rivera and creator Zeinab Harake, who emphasized supporting female-led ventures. Their participation highlighted SM's role as a hub for connection, creativity, and empowerment, extending beyond just a shopping destination.

At the heart of the event was the celebration of women in business. Renowned women CEOs and creators, such as Rei Germar of Tapies, Ashley Yap of Sip2Glow, Rosenda Casaje of Gorgeous Glow, and Celeste Cortesi of Azul, shared their stories of resilience and success during an insightful panel discussion.

A showcase for the future
SM's adaptability to the evolving world of e-commerce was also on display. Hosting TikTok Shop's live-selling sessions at SM wasn't just innovative for shoppers; it created an empowering online-to-offline event. Mallgoers were able to experience their favorite TikTok Shop brands at SM with exclusive SM Malls Online deals, essentially shopping from both platforms in one place.

She Leads: Fun Beyond Shopping combines online and in-store shopping with exclusive SM Malls Online deals, live selling sessions, and a handpicked selection of top beauty, fashion, wellness, and home brands.

The event celebrates women entrepreneurs and content creators, showcasing their creativity and leadership.

SM Supermalls and TikTok Shop team up for She Leads: Fun Beyond Shopping at SM Mall of Asia, blending physical retail with social commerce.

More than just shopping

SM Supermalls goes beyond helping you find what you need; it's about inspiring and connecting through experiences. With SM, you'll always find more than you expect – because at SM, it truly has it all, including TikTok Shop!

For more information on SM Malls Online deals, visit: https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/SMxTikTok2024SheLeads.

Looking for more innovative, women-led events? Visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.

 

SM SUPERMALLS’ LADY SECURITY GUARD GILREN BAJADO HONORED FOR EXEMPLARY ACT

Gilren Bajado, lady security guard of RJC Security Solutions, was recognized as the Outstanding Security Guard of the Year at the 43rd Founding Anniversary of the Civil Security Group at Camp Crame. The recognition ceremony was presided over by PNP Chief PGen Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. SM Supermalls Customer Relations Services Senior Assistant Vice President Mr. Almus J. Alabe and Regional CRS Manager Harold James E. Herrera were also in attendance to witness the awarding ceremony.

LG Bajado's outstanding accomplishment stems from her remarkable act of honesty and integrity on August 3, 2023, at SM Cinema, SM City Marikina. During her clearing duties, she discovered a lost black pouch containing 64,800 pesos, along with ATM cards and assorted ID cards belonging to Mr. Starsky D. Paunan, a 44-year-old staff member of Palarong Pambansa.

 

L-R: SM City Marikina Customer Relations Services Manager Mr. Edward S. Masangcay, Regional CRS Manager Mr. Harold E. Herrera, Lady Guard Gilren Bajado of RJC Security, PNP Chief Bejamin Acorda Jr., SM Supermalls Senior Asst VP for CRS Mr. Almus J. Alabe, RJC HR Manager Mr. Wilmark Reyes

Without hesitation, she reported this to the CRS office, ensuring the safe return of the lost valuables to their rightful owner. Her integrity, honesty, and dedication have earned her this prestigious recognition and admiration from her peers and superiors.

SM Supermalls and RJC Security Solutions take immense pride in her achievement, as it reflects the company's core values of professionalism, honesty, and integrity. Her commitment to her duties, her sense of responsibility, and her exemplary character have brought honor not only to herself but also to RJC Security Solutions as a leading provider of comprehensive security services.

The recognition of LG Gilren Bajado as the Outstanding Security Guard of the Year strengthens SM Supermalls’ commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence. The company consistently strives to provide security solutions while ensuring that its employees embody the highest ethical standards. 

SM Supermalls extends its warmest congratulations to LG Gilren Bajado for her outstanding achievement and for being a shining example of integrity and professionalism. Her actions serve as an inspiration to all and remind us of the impact that a single individual can have on building a safer and more trustworthy society.

SM Supermalls and Toy Kingdom launched a play and retail pop-up themed “The Wonder of Play” at SM MOA

SM Supermalls and Toy Kingdom launched a play and retail pop-up themed “The Wonder of Play” with four activity zones specially designed for families, available at SM Mall of Asia until May 7, 2023. As part of Disney’s 100^th anniversary, the Wonder of Play pop-up features beloved stories and characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.  

 

Families in the Philippines can look forward to four themed activity zones that strive to inspire new and creative playtime ideas. Visitors to the Wonder of Play pop-up are encouraged to unlock special moments together, every day through play.  

●      Dress up like your favorite Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters! Kids may try on and pose with costumes inspired by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse; Disney Princess heroines; characters from Cars and Marvel Super Heroes. 

●      Get groovy with your dancing shoes at the Mickey & Friends Music Jam backdrop where children and grown-ups alike will be able to take a fabulous photo for keepsake. 

●      Hit the ‘open road’ in the Pixar-themed zone. Inspired by Lightning McQueen’s journey in Cars, kids can hop on a bike or scooter to ‘travel’ around the zone. 

●      ‘Hang out’ with Spidey & His Amazing friends in the Marvel-themed zone. Families are invited to play with action figures of Marvel Super Heroes and imagine their own epic adventures. 

The Wonder of Play pop-up will bring together a wide assortment of new products like Disney Princess and Frozen dolls from Mattel; Spidey & His Amazing Friends action figures from Hasbro; Disney and Star Wars toys from Lego; Disney and Marvel-inspired play costumes; and bikes, ride-ons and more featuring many fan-favorite characters! Families and trendsetters of all ages will also be able to get their hands on a variety of cool fashion finds for kids, including apparel, bags, shoes and other accessories. 

For more info, visit toykingdom.com.ph or follow ToyKingdomPH on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok. You may also visit SM Mall of Asia and SM Seaside Cebu official Facebook accounts.

 

For more details, visit @OhMyDisneyPH on Facebook and @ohmydisneyasia on Instagram. Share your experience with The Wonder of Play using the official hashtags: #DisneyTheWonderOfPlay, #ShoppingWithDisney, #DisneyPrincessPH2023.  

 

SM Cares joins the rest of the world in observing Earth Hour this coming March 25

SM Supermalls, together with its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares, is joining the rest of the world in observing Earth Hour this coming March 25 as the company renews its commitment to environmental stewardship.

This year's Earth Hour is all about "creating the Biggest Hour for Earth," and those who want to participate in the global activity are encouraged to spend 60 minutes doing something positive for the planet, in addition to switching off their lights.

SM Supermalls has been supporting Earth Hour and the WWF since the initiative was first held in the Philippines in 2008. This year, customers, tenants and employees at SM malls nationwide are once again encouraged to “Give an Hour for Earth” as SM Supermalls joins the annual Global Lights Switch Off from 8:30 PM to 9:30PM on March 25. 

This day also marks the start of the World Wildlife Fund’s Virtual Earth Hour Run, a self-paced run supported by SM Cares, to be held from March 25 to April 30, 2023. The run aligns with SM Supermalls’ bid to make “Earth Hour, Any Hour” as participants are encouraged to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle by running and win prizes along the way. Joiners may register here and tag SM Cares and WWF as they post their stopovers at SM malls with hashtag #BiggestHourForEarth and #EarthHourVirtualRun.

Aside from these, SM Supermalls has been pushing to minimize its carbon footprint in support of the global green movement through various programs ranging from responsible energy consumption to investing in renewable energy.

For instance, more than 50 percent of the energy consumed by SM malls all over the country now come from renewable sources. In terms of solar energy usage, SM now has 12 malls equipped with energized solar panels, with SM Mall of Asia as the latest mall to receive a solar panel installation, which has a capacity of 2.003 MWp.

SM has also been recognized for exceeding compliance with RA7920 or the New Electrical Engineering Law, which regulates the practice, licensing, and registration of electrical engineers and electricians. This is proof that SM is operated and maintained only by highly qualified engineers.

SM Cares' sustainability initiatives include the Trash-To-Cash Market and the Plastic Waste Collection program, which encourage responsible solid waste disposal among Filipinos; the annual Green Film Festival which promotes environmental awareness among students and the youth; and the International Coastal Cleanup which encourages stakeholders to do their part in keeping our seas and oceans clean.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, the country’s biggest chain of malls built by one of Southeast Asia’s leading real estate developer, SM Prime Holdings. It is responsible for initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community, including 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.

To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.