SM Foundation and Phoenix Publishing House have partnered in a social good initiative called ‘Pages for Progress.’ The publishing company has donated 15 million pesos worth of books, totaling around 270,000 volumes, which will be distributed to public schools and libraries nationwide. SM Foundation and Phoenix Publishing House team up for ‘Page for Progress.’ Joining the turnover ceremony are (from left) Phoenix SVP Juan Carlos Sibal, SM Foundation (SMFI) Executive Director for Education Carmen Linda Atayde, Phoenix President Pilar Fatima Sibal-Balbin, Phoenix Board of Directors Chair Alegria Sibal-Limjoco, SMFI Executive Director Debbie Sy, and SMFI SAVP for Education Program-Scholarship Eleanor Lansang. A key recipient of the book donation will be the 92 libraries of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, furthering the organizations' shared mission of empowering youth through educational resources. “Through initiatives like this, we reaffirm our belief that education ...

To strengthen its efforts in promoting the responsible disposal of electronic waste, SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, recently tapped PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), two of the leading telecommunications providers in the country for a strategic partnership that will expand SM's Electronic Waste Collection (EWC) Program and drive further positive change in electronic waste management in the country. The partnership was launched to the public last April 22, 2024. SM Supermalls, PLDT and Smart launched the joint initiative last April 22, just in time for SM's Earth Day 2024 celebrations, making the annual observance more meaningful. Shown in the photo are (from L-R) PLDT Home Marketing National Key Accounts Partnership Head Anne Leonardo, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President and Head of Sales and Development John Palanca, PLDT and Smart Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT...

Recognizing Filipinos' shared aspiration for meaningful employment, SM Supermalls takes a crucial role in connecting Filipino talent with job opportunities by hosting the biggest mall-based job fair and offering the chance to be Hired-on-the-Spot (HOTS). In partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Public Employment Service Offices (PESO), Local Government Units (LGUs), the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Jobs Committee, various industry associations, and SM Retail; SM Supermalls – a proud partner of DOLE since 2008 – will host a series of job fairs scheduled from April 26 - May 10, 2024. Across the Philippines, Filipinos connect with careers at the SM Job Fair. SM is committed to empowering Filipinos and is hosting weekly job fairs across various SM Malls nationwide, removing geographical barriers to employment. Since January 2024, these weekly job fairs have connected over 800 employers with more than 15,000 job seekers, with a remarkable 15% ...

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPH), the leading integrated property developer in the Philippines, marks its 30th anniversary as a publicly listed company with the announcement of its highest-ever recorded income and a ₱100 billion investment for its partners, stakeholders, and communities they operate in. With eyes set on the future, SM Prime reaffirms its position as a catalyst for economic development and community advancement. SM Prime’s (L-R): Assistant Corporate Secretary Arthur Sy, Corporate Secretary Atty. Elmer Serrano, Chief Finance Officer and Chief Compliance Officer John Nai Peng Ong, President Jeffrey Lim, Independent Director Atty.   Darlene Marie Berberabe, Chairman of the Board Henry Sy Jr., Vice Chairman and Lead Independent Director Amando Tetangco Jr., Non-Executive Director Herbert Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, and Non-Executive Director Jorge Mendiola Record-Breaking Performance During the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on April 23, 202...

The Autism Society Philippines Angels Walk for Autism, held in partnership with SM Cares, returned to the MOA Arena! More than just a walk, it is a united show of support for the autism community and a call to build an Autism-OK Philippines. This year’s ASP Angels Walk for Autism brought together families, professionals, and allies from the private and government sectors, here and abroad. The main event happened at the Mall of Asia Arena last Sunday, April 21, 2024, with simultaneous walks taking place in Cebu and Davao. More walks are happening at later dates in Iloilo, and Lucena. The main ASP Angels Walk for Autism, first launched in 2000, was first held in SM MOA in 2009 before finding a home at the MOA Arena in 2015. The advocacy event continues to resonate with the autism community and its allies, even finding supporters in the Filipino diaspora in North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, the Autism Society Philippines has grown to an astoni...

SM City Mindpro, one of the leading shopping and lifestyle destinations in the region, recently conducted a highly successful Joint Tactical Inspection and General Assembly today, April 18. The event brought together key stakeholders – including uniformed forces, the mall management, tenants, operators, and security personnel, in a collaborative effort to enhance safety and security measures within the mall premises. The annual Joint Tactical Inspection, which is the first in SM City Mindpro, led by the Customer Relations Service (CRS) Department of SM and local law enforcement authorities, focused on assessing and fortifying security protocols. This initiative aimed to ensure the safety and well-being of shoppers, tenants, and employees, further reinforcing SM City Mindpro’s commitment to providing a secure environment for all. “We are dedicated to level up our security measures to uphold the highest standards of safety for everyone who visits or works at SM,” said Lester Tanto...

CBS China Bank Savings has moved up two notches in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 2023 ranking of thrift banks in terms of total assets.  From top four in 2022, CBS is now the second largest thrift bank with P153.45 billion in resources as of December 31, 2023. CBS finished strong in 2023, achieving a record high of P1.85 billion in net income, up 17%, and P113 billion in loans, up 25%, as its client base grew by 21% year-on-year.  CBS is determined to reach as many new clients as possible this year, already registering 22% growth in its total customer base in the first quarter of 2024 vs. year-end 2023.  “We are aware of the challenges facing the banking sector this year. Inflation just won’t go away, and movements in international banking continue to be a key consideration for local monetary policy. Nevertheless, we are confident that we will be able to adapt and adjust accordingly,” CBS President James Christian T. Dee said, noting that CBS is do...

IMAX Corporation hosted the 11th Annual CEO Forum at the Ojai Valley Inn in California, USA from April 4 to 7, 2024. This IMAX conference welcomed global heads of the entertainment industry to discuss current trends in the industry and its future.   (From L to R) EVT, Ltd. Managing Director and CEO Jane Hastings, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, and P-THREE Co-Founder Thomas Rose discussed the role and future of cinemas in providing entertainment at the 11th Annual CEO Forum hosted by IMAX. IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond provided welcoming remarks for the four-day conference, with guests including CEOs of AMC Theatres, Cineplex, and Tokyu Recreation amongst others. Panel discussion topics ranged from the changing tastes of moviegoers, new sources of blockbuster entertainment, and the role of AI in cinema. Panelists for these included the CEO and Founder Illumination, Chris Meledandri, A24 co-founder David Fenkel, Legendary Entertainment CEO Josh Grode, and Lucasfilm President...

In the Philippines, a significant number of students often face uncertain paths to higher education, especially those from low-income communities. Often, the pressing need to support their families leads them to consider skipping college altogether and entering the workforce straight out of high school. At one point, this could have been the story of Prince Mangahas and Queenie Alfonso–SM scholar alumni from Pampanga, whose lives took a turn through their scholarship opportunity. Queenie Alfonso (left) and Prince Mangahas (right) join the SM Scholars’ general assembly at SM City Clark. Determined no matter the odds Prince's family background painted a picture of hardship. With his mother returning from overseas work and a struggling household, a college education seemed out of reach. “I felt I needed to step up for the family and be the provider,” he said, contemplating enrolling in a short vocational course instead of going to college. “I was really determined to ge...

Fostering a thriving workplace built on teamwork, innovation, inclusivity, and diversity has been a longstanding focus for SM Supermalls. The company is committed to creating a vibrant workplace. This commitment pulsates through every corner of its 85 malls nationwide, resonating with the heartbeat of more than 7,000 employees. Highlighting women for success In SM, women shine brightly in leadership roles, embodying the essence of empowerment and equality. These women make up 59% of both executive roles and the overall workforce. SM cultivates a comprehensive work environment that empowers all employees, with a particular focus on helping women excel. This commitment extends to ensuring their safety and dignity. SM strictly upholds the Bawal Bastos Law, providing a safe space for all employees to report any form of harassment and fostering a culture of respect and equality. SM City Cagayan de Oro's female employees stand united in purple for Women's Month last March...