The SM Mall of Asia Arena welcomed over 230,000 families for the run of Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero from December 21 to January 5. The event was a colorful celebration filled with fun, collectible merchandise, and unforgettable memories.

The wait is finally over! Warabimochi Kamakura, the internationally acclaimed Japanese dessert brand, has officially opened at Level 3 of SM Megamall’s Mega Fashion Hall. Famous for its soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats, this viral sensation is the newest addition to SM Supermalls’ legacy as the #HomeOfFirsts, offering Filipino food lovers unique first-to-market brands and exceptional culinary experiences.

A Taste Fit for Royalty

Once a delicacy reserved for Japanese royalty, warabimochi has been reimagined by Warabimochi Kamakura into a global phenomenon. Crafted with a secret recipe and premium ingredients, their signature warabimochi boasts a delicate, jelly-like texture that dissolves blissfully in your mouth. Available in Kinako (roasted soybean flour) and Matcha, each serving is paired with a luscious Kuromitsu syrup that elevates the flavor.

But the experience doesn’t end there—Warabimochi Kamakura is also famous for its warabimochi drinks, a modern twist on the classic dessert. These refreshing beverages come packed with chewy warabimochi pieces in flavors like Matcha, Hojicha, Strawberry, Coffee, and the zesty Matcha Lemonade. Don’t miss out on their limited-edition seasonal flavors, with the first to be launched this Valentine's Day, which are always worth the wait!

A Global Sensation Lands in Manila

With over 65 stores across Japan and a growing presence in foodie destinations like South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, USA, Australia and China, Warabimochi Kamakura has captured the hearts of dessert lovers around the world. Known for its viral appeal and signature taste, it’s no surprise that the brand has become synonymous with long lines and eager customers. Now, as part of SM Supermalls’ #HomeOfFirsts, SM Megamall is proud to be the exclusive Philippine destination where you can experience this sweet sensation firsthand.

Discover What’s New at SM Megamall

SM Supermalls takes pride in being the #HomeOfFirsts—bringing you the best in world-class dining, first-to-market brands, and groundbreaking experiences that redefine what it means to have it all. Warabimochi Kamakura’s arrival at SM Megamall expands the mall’s roster of brands offering Filipino mallgoers unforgettable experiences that both inspire and connect communities. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in the world-renowned Japanese dessert phenomenon—come visit and be part of this sweet sensation!

Stay connected! Follow @kamakura_philippines on Instagram for updates, exclusive content, and sneak peeks. For more sweet discoveries and exciting first-to-market brands, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

SM City Baguio is making significant strides in water stewardship with its innovative rainwater treatment facility (RTF), launched in July 2023. In the months since, the facility has already processed over 17,111.80 cubic meters of rainwater – equivalent to 7 Olympic-size swimming pools, or enough to fill over 6,800 standard water tankers – into potable water for the SM mall’s operations and for their lessees’ use.

Sustainability has become a driving force across every industry. For SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Asia’s leading integrated property developers, sustainability is elevated through a strategic framework that leverages the company’s extensive operations, significant economic impact, and cultural influence.

 

HONOR, the eminent global provider of smart devices, clinched the top spot among leading smartphone brands in the latest study conducted by the International Data Corporation (IDC). According to Antonio Wang, Vice President at IDC, HONOR secured a remarkable 17% share in the charts, with a staggering Year-over-Year (YoY) shipments surge of 123.3% in Quarter 1, 2024.

The recent debut of the HONOR Magic6 Pro in China witnessed First Quarter shipments surpassing the combined shipments of its predecessors in the initial two quarters. This achievement is attributed to its cutting-edge AI functionalities. Excitingly, the HONOR Magic6 Pro is set to hit the Philippines market on May 8.

"Being part of a prestigious and competitive global technology company like HONOR, it's truly an honor for us. We're excited about the challenge ahead and fully committed to bringing technological breakthroughs and innovation to the Philippines. We aim to achieve significant milestones in this dynamic market,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

Moreover, HONOR’s overseas market has gained significant growth during the past year with a 200% growth rate. By Q1 2024, HONOR has entered more than 100 markets and ranked Top 5 in many markets including Europe, Midde East, Latin America and Malaysia.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), a prominent property developer in Southeast Asia, is launching a comprehensive waste management and segregation campaign to tackle the escalating global waste issues. The initiative, tagged #SMWasteFreeFuture, aims to rally all its property groups and stakeholders towards a sustainable solution.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlights a staggering statistic: humanity churns out over 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste every year, with a troubling 45 percent being poorly managed. If left unchecked, this figure could balloon to nearly 4 billion tons annually by 2050. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the United Nations General Assembly designated March 30 as the International Day of Zero Waste on December 14, 2022.

The subsequent year saw the inception of the inaugural International Day of Zero Waste by UNEP, designed to galvanize efforts in combating the global pollution crisis. This day serves as a platform to spur worldwide action and draw attention to the importance of striving for zero waste.

Strong foundations

SM Prime’s founding leader, Henry Sy, believed that “business growth and social development must go hand in hand.” The company follows this guiding principle and has formed a sustainability policy that commits to the following: Resource Conservation and Efficiency, Disaster Resilience, Climate Advocacy, Social Integration, and Transparent Reporting.

Anchored on these sustainability commitments are the SM Supermalls’ Environmental Programs on Waste Management. Through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, SM Supermalls has pioneered longstanding programs such as the Trash to Cash recycling market, and provided support to the annual International Coastal Clean Up, among other national events.

One of the most talked about senator, Senator Nancy Binay brought in her big guns about cyberbullying as she talks about it in a launched book “Charcoal Confessions: 46 Home-Brewed Tips vs. Online Bullying.” This is a new book where she detailed her experience with cyberbullying and imparted lighthearted ways to project positivity amidst online harassment.

“After three heat-intensive years of being the center of online hate, there are many personal realizations that somehow led me to understand the feelings of those who have been bullied in social media and the painful experiences they’ve been through,” she said.

“Charcoal Confessions,” published by ABS-CBN Books, is a product of the senator’s self-reflection and features tips on dealing with online bullies based on her own experience with bashers and also the experience of her family.

She also underscored her inspiration for writing the book. “Truth be told, social media has negatively impacted today’s generation. It has become more of an obsession rather than a way to help build relationships and encourage communication,” Senator Binay said.
\
“This is why I wanted to share how my perspective and positive attitude about life helped me in my journey towards healing,” she added, citing that the new read has tips on rebuilding one’s self worth and becoming self-aware and tips on ‘taking all the bad and making something good out of it.’

“Charcoal Confessions” follows the success of her first social media manual, “Make Love Not War,” also published by ABS-CBN Books featuring her collaboration with social media celebrity/ parody Senyora Santibanez.


Find amusing ways to counter cyberbullying with Sen. Nancy Binay’s “Charcoal Confessions,” now available in ABS-CBN Store, Lazada, and Shopee and in leading bookstores nationwide for only P299. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit abs-cbn.com/newsroom/.

Renowned Australian singer-songwriter and producer Rick Price partners with our Filipina artist and pop sensation Morissette in a classic ballad song that will hit the waves, this is a 2020 version of “Heaven Knows.”

Released on Valentine’s day, the classic ballad is rearranged with a fuller sound and a more contemporary touch. “The original recording of Heaven Knows is basically piano and voice only,” the award-winning Rick Price discloses. “The new version is a duet and has a full band added with lush strings and background vocals. It was such a delight to record and I can’t wait for you to hear it.”

Morissette, on the other hand, gave the previous iteration a different spin with her adept and powerful vocals. The Asia’s Phoenix, who happens to be a Wish 107.5 Hall of Fame awardee, stayed true to the song’s enduring message of romantic longing, while making sure to deliver a transcendent performance. “Working on this track, RP and I kind of agreed that we didn't want to make the verses predictable, but to keep the chorus singable and heartfelt,” the Akin Ka Na Lang songstress shares. “He also allowed me to put my own flavor and twists into the melodies.”

Pairing made in heaven

After working with Asia’s songbird Regine Velasquez on the remake of “Nothing Can Stop Us Now,” Rick Price returns with a lovely duet featuring one of the biggest music stars in the country, Morissette. The collaboration, according to Rick, was indeed monumental not only because it pays tribute to one of the biggest hits of his career, but also gives him a chance to revisit the song with a talented singer who knows how to interpret the material with precise emotional heft. “Thankfully my record label Sony Music was able to put me in touch with Morissette,” the multi-platinum recording star gushes. “I fell in love with her voice. She made me cry: truly the voice of an angel. Morissette is a wonderfully talented artist and a delight to work with.”

The young diva shares the same sentiment on collaborating with Rick Price. According to Morrisette, “Getting to work with an international music icon such as Rick Price is already such an honor, and with a song that I didn't only grow up to but should continually be passed on through generations. This project inspires and challenges me to appreciate and do different types of music.”

A classic love anthem

“Heaven Knows” was originally released in 1992, and peaked at #6 on ARIA Singles Chart. In the Philippines, the beloved Rick Price anthem became a staple adult contemporary smash with longevity that spans for more than 25 years. Resonating with music fans from opposite sides of the generation spectrum, young and old, the chart-topping tune is perfect for the season of love and romance this month.


Even Rick Price himself has no idea why the song continues to make a mark up to the present day. “It’s hard to say why this song has stayed around for so long. It just seemed to strike a chord with so many people. I imagine almost every human being experiences heart break and loss at some point in their life and it’s comforting to know we are not alone in that process.”

The 2020 version of “Heaven Knows” is available now on Spotify and all music streaming and download platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

Here's another musicality with pinch of Filipino heart in music. Fresh from reaping various accolades and wrapping up the first part of the sold-out I Used to Know H.E.R. Tour, two-time Grammy winner H.E.R. has recently released a soulful single called “Comfortable.”

Produced by DJ Camper with additional backing vocals from Anthony Clemons, Jr., the latest jam from the Filipina-American R&B star showcases a more stripped-down approach reminiscent of her early releases. Thev earnestness of her lyrics, paired with the sultry mood of the song, arrives with captivating grace beyond her years—a quality that makes “Comfortable” a standout.

The newest track from the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has recently earned positive reviews from music publications. Hypebeast praised its “return to fundamentals,” and went on to acknowledge, “the right amount of modern production cues crescendoing by the song’s end.”

The song is also part of the official soundtrack of The Photograph, starring Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield.

“Comfortable” follows a handful of tracks released in previous weeks, which includes “Sometimes,” a heartfelt ballad that H.E.R. performed during the 2020 Grammy Awards Ceremony where she was nominated for five major awards, and “Slide,” a chart-topping urban radio hit featuring California-born rapper YG.

H.E.R.’s “Comfortable” is now available on Spotify and other music streaming/download platforms worldwide.

Ben&Ben makes time fly so fast as their busy schedules makes them show on different venues for and event for the band. They are showing no signs of slowing down. In terms of consistency, the nine-piece outfit continues to break streaming records and dominate cultural conversation with releases that resonate with people from various walks of life.

Last January 2020 alone, the acclaimed folk-pop band won Wish FM’s Group of the Year and Urban Performance of the Year for their chart-topper “Pagtingin.” On top of this milestone, the band is currently at number one on Spotify Philippines Top 50, with their cover of “Make It With You.” With overwhelming support from music fans and industry peers, there is no doubt that Ben&Ben is simply defining the times that we live in : the band pours their energy in uplifting our fellow countrymen with their brand of accessible but well-crafted music. “It really boils down to the heart behind the song,” Miguel Benjamin, vocalist and guitarist points out. “When a song is written as a vessel to carry a message that is beyond ego or prideful intent, and simply mirrors the feelings, experiences and lessons that come from a higher place, then somehow it may find its way from the artist's soul to at least one other person's heart, and that is always enough. We fully know that it isn't up to us to produce these works out of our own will, but we are simply vessels for some greater message to fulfill itself through us.”



Striking a balance between relatability and raw honesty, the band has managed to push things forward with songs that not only capture an emotional spectrum, but also throb at the core moment of one’s personal experience.

To give back to the community responsible for contributing to the group’s unrelenting success, the award-winning ensemble is releasing two new music videos from the best-selling full-length album, Limasawa Street and a brand new single this month, under Sony Music Philippines. “We just really wanted to put out new material that reflects the blissful and bittersweet experiences we've been through over the past few months, both visually and sonically,” Miguel Benjamin stresses. “All these we want to do for our fans, in the hopes that they get through whatever rough patch they are in. It was a spur of the moment decision, really. We felt that we owe it to them, cos they have been pouring out so much love for us in the past few months.”

In the next few weeks, Ben&Ben is set to debut the music videos of their hit songs “Fall” and “Masyado Pang Maaga”—directed by filmmakers Raymond Dacones and Jorel Lising, respectively. According to Miguel, the treatment for “Fall” represents them “as a band and the themes and moods” their art stands for, while “Masyado Pang Maaga,” depicts “a real story that most of us have found ourselves in at one point of our lives.” The talented musician-performer adds, “Both of them aim to paint a visual universe that is uniquely Ben&Ben, with whatever sabaw ideas we've come up with so far.”


As finale for the string of releases this month, Ben&Ben will be dropping the new single “Sa Susunod Na Habangbuhay” very soon. The Sindikato-managed outfit debuted a performance of the highly anticipated tune at the Samsung Awesome Concert last February 5, 2020, which trended on Twitter Philippines for several hours. “We don't want to say much about it yet, but it's our most personal, painful song so far,” says Paolo, the other half of the Benjamin brothers. “Miguel wrote and sung it, and we're playing it in our live shows. We've heard that lots of videos of the live version are going around, and we find that super cool.”

Expect more surprises from Ben&Ben after February’s wave of releases. As Paolo puts it, “everything is outward at this point, and whatever outpour of energy we give out is not because we want the love to be given back, but because ours overflows.”

The "Story of Yanxi Palace" is set to thrill the Philippines' Asianovela viewers. This record-breaking Chinese drama hailed as the Best Soap Opera in Asian Academy Creative Awards will give a glimpse of the Chinese culture inside the palace. Airing this coming January 27 on ABS CBN's Primetime Bida.

This drama series, “Story of Yanxi Palace”, will follow the journey of a woman from a humble background who's eager and set for her quest to bring justice for her sister.

The main character, Wei Yingluo (Wu Jinyan) who is a smart and cunning lady, enters the Forbidden City to uncover the truth behind her sister’s death and learns that Hong Zhou (Hong Yao), the Emperor’s brother and Fu Heng (Xu Kai), the empress’ brother are connected to the case. Using this as her motivation, she manages to rise through the ranks among the harem and obtains both the love and respect of the emperor.

Fate doesn’t make it easy for YingLuo as things start to become more complicated and unforeseen events begin to happen—both to her and the people she cares about.

Find out how YingLuo copes and journeys through the heartbreaks and struggles that will she face inside the palace and how she will find comfort in the emperor’s hands.


The 70-episode story has been viewed online more than 15 billion times and earned the reputation of being the most Googled show in the world on its first airing.

Don’t miss the premiere of “Story of Yanxi” on January 27 (Monday) after “A Soldiers Heart.”