Daily Newsmakers

Access to clean and potable water is one of today’s most pressing challenges, with rapid urbanization and  population growth straining freshwater resources. United Nations (UN)-Water emphasizes that effective water management is crucial for society and the environment.

Every first Friday and Saturday of the month, SM Supermalls transforms into a hub of sustainability through  its nationwide ‘Trash to Cash’ (TTC) recycling market, where individuals can exchange recyclable waste for  cash. This initiative, part of SM Supermalls’ Waste-Free Future campaign, has been a long-running program  since 2007 that encourages waste segregation, recycling, and environmental awareness while also benefiting  communities financially.

SM Supermalls is making job hunting easier, faster, and more rewarding! February’s job fairs set the stage for 2025, with the SM Retail Job Fair at SM North EDSA successfully connecting more than a thousand job  seekers with top employers. Now, the momentum continues with a nationwide series of job fairs this March,  offering even more opportunities for Filipinos to build their careers. The March schedule includes: March 21 (Friday) – SM City Trece Martires and SM City Naga March 25 (Tuesday) – SM City Bacoor March 27 (Thursday) – SM City Daet March 28 (Friday) – SM City Sta. Mesa and SM City Trece Martires March 29 (Saturday) – SM Seaside City Cebu

This March 30, 2025, thousands of families, advocates, and supporters will come together to celebrate Happy Walk 2025 , a nationwide movement dedicated to fostering awareness, inclusion, and empowerment for  individuals with Down Syndrome.

Manila’s food scene is about to get a major upgrade. Global dining sensation Burger & Lobster is finally  making its Philippine debut at SM, the #HomeofFirsts, bringing its world-famous wild-caught lobsters and  prime cut burgers to Manila’s most discerning foodies, ready to redefine casual dining with a premium feel in  the country.

In a dynamic celebration of Filipino entrepreneurship, SM Supermalls proudly unveiled the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) Champions' Wall, a visual tribute to the resilience, dedication, and excellence of the country’s 17,000 MSMEs. Held at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA), the special event gathered distinguished  guests to honor the 2024 Presidential Awardees for MSMEs, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the  nation’s business landscape.

In recognition of National Women’s Month and Fire Prevention Month, SM Cares launched Women on Fire, a celebration of the remarkable leadership, strength, courage, and resilience of women in fire prevention,  disaster response, and community safety. Through collaboration with key government agencies and private  organizations, Women on Fire served as a platform for education, awareness, and empowerment, reaching over 25,000 participants across all initiatives.

The SM Waste-Free Future initiative endeavors to reduce waste generation and increase the rate of diversion. It is not “out of sight, out of mind”; landfills are not just eyesores in remote areas, but they also pose a  significant health risk to the communities around them and emit a substantial amount of greenhouse gases from decaying food waste.

The National Resilience Council (NRC) of the Philippines convened a diverse group of stakeholders for the  event “ From Surviving to Thriving: Transformative Strategies through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and  Innovations .” As a science and technology-driven public-private partnership, the NRC unites national and  local governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector to advance the interconnected objectives of  t he Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Climate AgreementNew Urban Agenda, and other global commitments.

The irresistible aroma of freshly baked dough, the rich tang of slow-simmered tomato sauce, and the creamy indulgence of delicate milky mozzarella–all coming together in perfect harmony. This is the unmistakable experience of Rossopomodoro–, the largest pizza chain in Italy, now officially landing in the Philippines, with its first-ever branch in Asia at SM Mall of Asia.

In a joint effort for Manila Bay, SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime), together with the Department of  Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), was present for the handover of a state-of-the-art catamaran  trash boat to complement the ongoing battle against water pollution. DENR received the boat last January 31,  along with essential navigation and safety equipment as well as cleaning tools. The 30-foot catamaran will be  operated by the DENR Metropolitan Environmental Office - South Zone and will contribute to the agency's  capacity to combat water pollution and preserve the vital marine ecosystem.

As the world continues to grapple with depleting resources, the need for renewable energy has never been  more urgent. Malls, as significant energy consumers, have a unique opportunity to lead the charge towards a  greener, more sustainable future by adopting renewable energy solutions that can significantly reduce their  environmental impact.

Milksha, Taiwan’s beloved milk tea brand, proudly opens its first-ever concept store in the Philippines!  Get ready for a delightful sip filled with pure, fresh, and natural milk tea creations made with the finest  ingredients. Officially opening its doors at SM North EDSA, the Milksha concept store is inviting even more  Filipinos to experience its fresh and most flavorful milk tea straight from Taiwan. 

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Private Sector Alliance for Disaster  Resilient Societies (ARISE) Philippines, a leading resilience network in the country, held its first annual  general meeting for 2025 on January 27 at the ARISE Secretariat headquarters in MOA Square, Mall of Asia  Complex. With a growing membership of 156 private sector companies, civil society groups,  non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academic institutions, ARISE Philippines is poised to  significantly impact disaster resilience efforts nationwide.

The SM Book Nook Reading Festival, held on January 31, 2025, at the Book Nook in SM Aura, drew 500  book lovers of all ages for a dynamic celebration of Filipino literature and creativity. From engaging author  meet-and-greets to lively performances and informative workshops, the festival offered a rich array of literary experiences.

SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, has joined hands with the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Philippines to support the transformative All Lights Village project. This partnership was solidified with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on February 14, 2025, at the SM Prime Headquarters, marking another significant step forward in promoting sustainable development and empowering underprivileged communities in off-grid areas.

The much-anticipated second leg of the Viyline Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises ( MSME)  Caravan is setto take place at SM City Baguio from February 19-25, 2025, bringing together an exciting array of MSMEs  and community members for a dynamic shopping experience. This collaboration  between Viyline and  SM aimsto boost local businesses while promoting community engagement, and  the event is poised to  be a  game-changer for MSMEs in the region. 

This year’s Panagbenga has been nothing short of a color spectacle showcasing Baguio’s arts and  culture.  through its artistry. This display features works by Kabunyan de Guia, Guiller Lagac, and  Oliver  Olivete— collectively known as The Mighty Bhutens. Their pieces, inspired by National Artist Kidlat  Tahimik, reflect a  spontaneous, playful approach that remains true to the rich heritage of the  region.

Discover what’s next and what’s new at SM Supermalls—your ultimate destination for the freshest flavors, trendiest lifestyle finds, and exclusive collectibles. With exciting new openings and upcoming must-visit spots, there’s always something to look forward to!