Women entrepreneurs continue to shape local industries with creativity and determination. At SM Lanang Premier, their work took center stage through a three-day trade fair that not only showcased products but also highlighted the stories and purpose behind each growing business.

Women-led businesses took the spotlight as the WomenBizPH Trade Fair opened at SM Lanang Premier from March 12 to 14. The three-day event, organized by WomenBizPH in partnership with SM Supermalls, highlighted the creativity, resilience, and growing influence of Filipina micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Participating entrepreneurs showcased a wide range of locally made products, including artisanal pastries, handcrafted accessories, healthy snacks, woven apparel, delicacies, and wellness items.

Beyond the display of products, the trade fair underscored the stories behind each brand. It showed how women entrepreneurs are turning passion into purpose while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through innovation and enterprise.

Women entrepreneurs take center stage at the WomenBizPH Trade Fair at SM Lanang Premier, where women-led MSMEs proudly showcased local products in celebration of Women’s Month.

Filipina entrepreneurs proudly present their brands at the WomenBizPH Trade Fair, highlighting the creativity, resilience, and innovation of women-led MSMEs.

From handcrafted fashion pieces to artisanal food products, women-led MSMEs showcased a diverse array of Filipino creations at the WomenBizPH Trade Fair.

Sustainable fashion takes the spotlight as women-led brands present handcrafted apparel that celebrates Filipino craftsmanship and modern design.

Inspiring Stories Behind Women-Led MSMEs 

Behind every product on display is a powerful story of determination, innovation, and purpose. Across the country, women entrepreneurs continue to transform challenges into opportunities, building businesses that uplift communities and preserve Filipino craftsmanship.

Empowering Artisans Through Creativity

Sustainable and timeless—these two words define the aesthetic of Sassy’s Creation Enterprise, a brand where traditional Philippine craftsmanship meets modern innovation. By blending heritage weaving techniques with contemporary design, Sassy’s Creation produces ethically curated fashion staples designed for EveryBODY, using upcycled fabrics and locally sourced weaves that reflect both sustainability and style.

Behind every Sassy piece are the skilled hands of women artisans, including home-based mothers and women from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Antipolo, Rizal, who carefully craft each item with dedication and pride. Through these collaborations, the brand provides meaningful livelihood opportunities while celebrating Filipino craftsmanship.

For the founder of Sassy’s Creation, entrepreneurship is not only about building a brand—it is also about uplifting communities. “Our goal is not only to create meaningful products but also to support local artisans and weaving communities across the country,” she shared.

By working closely with weaving communities and showcasing their handcrafted pieces through trade fairs and retail platforms, Sassy’s Creation continues to help preserve traditional Filipino crafts while bringing them into today’s lifestyle and fashion landscape. Discover their products on Instagram: @sassyscreationph

Carrying Forward a Legacy

For Cynthia M. Eusebio, owner of Magpoc’s Pastry Products Manufacturing in Bataan, entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in family heritage.

“Magpoc’s isn’t just a label—it’s a legacy of providing for our community. I stepped into this role to honor the women who came before me while evolving the brand for the next generation,” she shared.

Now a third-generation leader of the brand, Eusebio continues to innovate by expanding Magpoc’s reach through digital platforms and new product offerings while preserving the traditional recipes that built the business. Discover their products on Facebook: MagpocsAraroCookies

From Survival to Strength

For Cebu-based entrepreneur Cuevas Planas, founder of Kirby’s Chicharon, her business journey represents resilience and the courage to start over. “I started small, making chicharon and quietly selling to stores and offices. That small income became my hope and my courage—it helped me rebuild my life and prove that even from nothing, you can rise again,” she shared.

Through perseverance and faith, Planas built her brand from humble beginnings, eventually gaining the confidence to showcase her products in larger markets and trade fairs. Discover their products on Facebook: kirbyschicharonph

Turning Passion into Healthy Innovation

Meanwhile, Flaviano’s Health Food Products, based in Laguna, was born from a shared passion for creating innovative food products.

“Every challenge teaches us something. Even during difficult times like the pandemic, we continued innovating and moving forward—because every step we take brings us closer to success,” the entrepreneur shared.

Today, the brand continues to develop healthier food options while exploring new opportunities to reach more customers through platforms like SM Supermalls. Discover their products on Facebook: FlavianosFood

SM Supermalls: A Launchpad for Future Filipino Brands

Through initiatives like the WomenBizPH Trade Fairs, SM Supermalls continues to serve as a marketplace where MSMEs can grow, gain visibility, and reach new markets.

“At SM Supermalls, we see MSMEs not just as exhibitors but as future brands in the making. By providing accessible platforms where entrepreneurs can showcase their products and connect with customers, we help nurture the next generation of Filipino brands,” said Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing at SM Supermalls.

For many entrepreneurs, showcasing their products in SM malls represents a major milestone—opening doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and customers.

This commitment reflects SM Supermalls’ long-standing advocacy of supporting MSMEs as drivers of inclusive economic growth and community development.

Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs

This Women’s Month, SM Supermalls invites shoppers to discover the inspiring women behind these brands and support their journeys toward growth and success.

Because when women entrepreneurs rise, they do more than grow businesses—they uplift families, empower communities, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

In Mindanao, confidence shows in quiet but clear ways. There is a strong sense of identity—marked by bold choices, sharp style, and a clear sense of direction. It’s a presence that doesn’t need to be loud to stand out.

That same standard carries into the spaces people choose to visit. Across the region, SM Supermalls continues to introduce new experiences designed to match that energy. With a growing list of first-in-Mindanao offerings, the malls provide places where atmosphere, variety, and everyday moments come together. mall, SM Supermalls–the mall of firsts.

The Opening Act: Serving Cravings And Lewks

Because once the plans are locked, it’s never just about the food. It’s about how you show up. The table becomes the backdrop, the look comes together, and suddenly your first act is in full motion

Soul Kitchen / Fast Fresh

Some scenes call for comfort, and at the first soon to open Soul Kitchen/Fast Fresh in SM at the expansion wing, level 1 of SM City Davao, that comfort is about to come plated just right. The Banana Pecan Pancake will bring that sweet, indulgent moment, while the White Chicken Rice can keep it classic and satisfying. Ez great food down, so you can keep your main character on.

King’s Feast

Some scenes call for royal treatment–and at the first soon to open King’s Feast in VisMin at the level 2 expansion wing of SM City Davao, it will begin with an all-you-can-eat spread fit for main characters who don’t do small portions. This is where plates will stay full and tables will feel like your own feasting hall. Because if you’re stepping out in full looks, the food should rise to the occasion.

The Second Take: Brewed and Booked

Every great story has an in-between moment, a pause before the climactic scenes–the kind where things slow down just enough for the main character to decide what happens next. At the 2nd level, expansion wing of SM City Davao, the first soon to open ZUS Coffee in Mindanao will offer exactly that kind of reset: good coffee, a solid spot to regroup, and just enough caffeine to cue the next scene.

The Turning Scene: Confidence In Center Frame

It’s time for your close-up with a glow up. At the lower ground level of SM Lanang, the first Idara Aesthetics in Davao will bring advanced aesthetic treatments closer so you can step into frame polished, confident, and fully in your main character energy.

The Final Shot: Go All Out, Icon

Every main character needs a great ending, and the first DJI in Northern Mindanao at the 3rd level of Cyberzone in SM CDO Downtown Premier–makes sure yours is nothing short of cinematic. Because in every story worth telling, it’s the final frame that can turn something good into a masterpiece.

From the opening act to the final shot, the scenes are set–and now it’s your move. Because when you know you’re the lead, you don’t wait for the spotlight. You step into it.

Main character energy? Fully secured–only at your most-loved mall, SM Supermalls.

Follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events.

For many Filipinos, finding a job can take time, patience, and a bit of luck. At SM Supermalls, that journey is becoming faster and more accessible. The SM Group Job Fair at SM City North EDSA brought together job seekers, employers, and government agencies in one space—turning a single day into a real opportunity for employment. For some, it meant walking in with hope and leaving with a job offer in hand.

“Hindi ko po akalain na matatanggap ako ngayon,” shared Felo Garcia, hired on the spot as a Sales Associate. “Salamat po SM dahil makaka-provide na ako sa mga pangangailangan ng anak ko at pamilya ko.”

Another hired-on-the-spot applicant, Joel Azores, emphasized the credibility and impact of the event, saying, “One hundred percent ka po matatanggap sa Mega Job Fair dahil puro legit na company dito.”

With 25 participating employers, more than a thousand job seekers, and 236 or 22% hired on the spot, the annual SM Group Job Fair at SM City North EDSA once again proved to be a powerful platform for connecting Filipinos to real and immediate employment opportunities.

Led by SM Retail, the job fair gathered companies from across the SM Group’s diverse businesses—spanning malls and real estate, retail, food and beverage, logistics, education, and banking. More than just high foot traffic, the event delivered high intent, high engagement, and strong hiring outcomes.

From application to employment—on the same day

One of the strongest highlights of the job fair was the number of applicants hired on the spot (HOTS), showcasing the efficiency and accessibility of SM’s hiring ecosystem. For many job seekers, the experience was nothing short of life-changing. Through on-site interviews and real-time assessments, applicants were able to move quickly from application to employment—removing the long waiting periods often associated with traditional recruitment.

A job fair that works for real people

For many first-time job seekers and breadwinners, the SM Job Fair offered not just jobs—but relief, speed, and hope. 

 

“Makakatulong yung ganitong pa-event sa mga pamilya,” shared Joshua Bulauitan, hired on the spot as a Sales Clerk. “Kung wala kang trabaho at nagigipit ka na, pumunta ka lang dito—may instant trabaho ka.”

This immediate hiring momentum reflects SM Retail’s consistently strong hiring demand and absorption rates, ensuring that SM Job Fairs translate into real jobs—not just applications.

Employers meet job-ready talent, faster

Employers likewise cited the effectiveness of SM Job Fairs in reaching the right candidates efficiently.

“Sumali po kami dito because we are looking to hire more employees,” said Lyka Sababan of SM Appliance Center. “Alam po namin na maraming jobseekers ang pumupunta dito, and effective po talaga ang job fairs para sa mga companies na naghahanap ng new employees.”

Meanwhile, financial services firms highlighted the long-term success of hires from SM Job Fairs.

“The candidates we hired from our last job fair here at SM North EDSA have good profiles,” shared Tia Macatlang of BDO Life, “and we see that they are now successful financial advisers.”

Strengthening employment through public-private collaboration

The job fair was held in partnership with key government agencies, including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO)—underscoring the value of public-private collaboration in employment generation.

“Malaki ang tulong ng SM Supermalls sa PESO at DOLE,” said Jon Tito, Group Leader of QC PESO. “Kinakalat nila ang opportunities para sa mga naghahanap ng trabaho.”

SM Government Service Express: making hiring easier, faster

To further simplify the employment journey, the job fair featured SM Government Service Express, a one-stop hub where applicants could process pre-employment requirements in one location.

Participating agencies included the Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG Fund, PhilHealth, and the Philippine National Police for police clearance.

“Pinapadali ng ganitong job fairs ang mga oportunidad para sa jobseekers,” explained Adolf Hernandez of PhilHealth QC. “May hired on the spot ka na, at nandito na rin ang mga government agencies para sa requirements.”

SSS echoed this, emphasizing accessibility: “Importante na sumasali ang mga government agencies sa job fairs,” said Ava Michelle Estrella of SSS, “kasi on the spot, natutulungan namin ang applicants sa pagkuha ng requirements.”

Bringing opportunities closer, nationwide

Following the strong turnout at SM City North EDSA, SM Supermalls continues to bring job opportunities closer to Filipinos with a series of job fairs nationwide this March:

March 4 – SM Center Antipolo

March 6 – SM Mall of Asia

March 11 – SM City Davao

March 13 – SM City Trece Martires

March 20 – SM City North EDSA

March 25 – SM City Urdaneta Central

March 26 - SM City Tuguegarao

March 27 – SM City Trece Martires

March 27 – SM City Cauayan

Job seekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resume, valid IDs, and other basic pre-employment requirements, and to arrive early to maximize interview opportunities. Admission to SM Job Fairs is free and open to the public, unless otherwise specified.

For updates on schedules and participating employers, applicants may visit SM Supermalls’ official social media pages or inquire at the customer service desk of participating malls.

Turning malls into platforms for opportunity

The continued success of the SM Job Fair highlights how the country’s most loved malls are evolving beyond retail becoming platforms that deliver real-world solutions for Filipinos.

By bringing together employers, job seekers, and government agencies in one accessible space, SM Supermalls continues to max out experiences—turning malls into hubs where careers begin, requirements are completed, and futures move forward.

At SM Supermalls, opportunities don’t just exist—they feel possible.

We are living in a culture of devoted fandom. A new album from a rising artist quickly draws eager listeners. A concept store opening attracts curious crowds. A renewed focus on fitness gains support just as fast. Whether it’s a personality we admire or a lifestyle we aim to achieve, people are quick to show enthusiasm for what connects with them.

For more than three decades, SM Prime Holdings Inc. has promoted responsible water management through SM Supermalls, aiming to help build a more resilient water future. The company began investing in sewage treatment facilities in the late 1990s, starting with SM Southmall. These systems play a key role in protecting public health and the environment while supporting surrounding communities. Today, sewage treatment plants are standard in all 89 SM malls, helping reduce water waste, limit pollution, and protect vital water resources.