SM Supermalls, in collaboration with its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units and partner schools and organizations joined the rest of the world in celebrating Earth Day at SM malls nationwide on April 22, 2023.

With the theme "Invest In Our Planet, Invest In Our Youth," SM Supermalls and SM Cares lined up various activities that aimed to raise awareness among children and their families about the importance of coming together across various sectors to take care of the environment. SM malls nationwide simultaneously held relevant and impactful celebrations with activities such as Children’s Storytelling, Coloring, and Sustainability Tours, gathering 1700 children and 350 employee volunteers. These activities aimed to encourage everyone in the family, particularly the young ones, to protect and respect Mother Earth.

Earth Day is an annual celebration led by the Earth Day Network that puts the spotlight on issues that are affecting the environment. First held in 1970, Earth Day was the result of a need for a unified response against various environmental problems like pollution and resource depletion. Today, the event is considered the biggest environmental movement in the world, with millions joining celebrations every year.

 

The topic of sustainability in property development has surged since the world experienced Covid-19. Having to redefine the use of spaces, people soon realized how instrumental real estate is in the journey towards a more sustainable way of life. With the threat of climate change looming in the horizon and a growing population to sustain, the need to build more sustainable and resilient cities only continue to rise.

SM Prime traces its journey on sustainable design and development way before the concept has gone main stream. At the heart of SM is its commitment to serve its customers – designing its malls to bring better comfort and an enjoyable experience in every visit to SM Supermalls.

Sustainable Comfort

Built through several phases of development, SM Megamall, among SM’s 78 malls across the country, has grown into the complex it is today with 800 shops including 250 dining outlets and 16 anchor tenants. Customers explore the expanse of the 10-hectare development from its convenient parking grounds, relaxed atmosphere and beautiful façade. Behind this is sophisticated engineering anchored on sustainable design and technology.

• SM Megamall is energy and water efficient. The building is enveloped with EIFS or Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems board which helps boosts wall insulation, making it more resistant to heat. It only uses LED lighting system allowing a 50% energy saving. The mall also tracks a lighting operating schedule following the supply requirement of our mall activity and does not contribute to environmental lighting pollution so as not disturb nocturnal animals. It also uses sensor activated escalators that contribute to about 30% energy savings. It’s air handling system uses high-efficiency air-conditioning system that has greater environmental stewardship. Lastly, it uses efficient water fixture for water savings and recycles water.

• SM Megamall works with the natural environment. The mall utilizes green walls, skylights and clerestory or a high section wall that contains windows above eye level to increase the flow of natural light. It is surrounded with plants of local varieties and selection of trees and shrubs.

• SM Megamall promotes mobility. Situated in the middle of EDSA, SM Megamall brings 550 buses into one integrated system to promote easier mobility. Green hybrid transports provide options for the more environmentally conscious passengers. All public transports are required to meet mandated emission levels in support of the Clean Air Act. The mall is pedestrian-friendly with about 1,595 square meters of covered walk ways. Throughout the mall, designated bike lanes and parking spaces are provided. Lastly, parking sensors not only make parking easier but has also reduced emissions in the parking areas.

• SM Megamall practices responsible materials management. The mall uses Echostop ceiling finish for noise absorption which is made from gypsum and paper liner made from 100% reclaimed and recycled paper. The Mega Tower uses insulated glass units which keeps heat out during summer months and Low E-glass to minimize the amount of ultraviolet light that comes through the windows, with both features maximizing energy savings. It also has a Material Recovery Facility dividing recyclables, biodegradable waste, residual waste and hazardous waste.

Environmental Strategy

All these initiatives are aligned with SM Prime's environmental strategy of developing, designing, and building integrated lifestyle cities with sustainability and resiliency considerations in mind. Echoing these efforts, SM Prime continues on its transition to clean energy. Aside from investing in energy efficient programs, the company is broadening its renewable energy investments. SM Prime targets to increase its demand for electricity sourced from renewables by more than 50% across all of its business segments by end of 2022 in support of the Department of Energy's goal of moving the country's renewable energy supply component up to 35% by the end of the decade.

Moreover, as part of a growing movement of responsible and sustainability-centered enterprises, SM Prime has joined the 2,500 organizations worldwide in supporting the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and its goal of creating a more resilient financial system through better climate risk disclosures. Through this, it hopes to continue to drive its business to adopt more sustainability initiatives related to climate change.

At Hamilo Coast, SM property in Nasugbu, Batangas, it continues to uphold its commitment to sustainability and conservation as it planted 50,000 more mangroves which covers 100,000 square meters of the estate. This is also touted as one of the largest mangrove areas in Nasugbu. Hamilo Coast continues to protect its mangrove ecosystem together with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines—a partnership it has nurtured since 2007.

Hamilo Coast also undertook the initiative to declare three of its coves, namely Pico de Loro, Etayo, and Santelmo as Marine Protected Areas in 2009. SM is regreening the country sides through its tree planting program led by SM City Baguio. This is in partnership with the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR), Baguio Water District, the local government of Baguio City and 25 media organizations in Baguio. As of January 2022, over 600,000 trees have already been planted in Baguio City and neighboring towns in Benguet.

SM further promotes sustainable practices through water recycling and the adoption of technologies that promote smart water use. In 2020, it was able to recycle 28.9 million cubic meters of water.

In terms of solid waste management, SM Prime has intensified its campaign by requiring all contractors to implement proper waste management procedures during construction. A long-running program through SM Cares, the monthly Trash to Cash (TTC) provides an avenue for the community, including properties’ tenants, to participate in solid waste management. This initiative ran for nine months in 74 malls and five SM Development Corporation properties in 2020, saving 134,067 seven-year-old trees to date.

It also undertakes paper recycling in partnership with the Trust International Paper Corporation and the responsible transport, treatment, storage and disposal or processing of the properties’ generated hazardous waste, compliant to the government’s implementing rules and regulations.

Resiliency as a Necessity

While SM serves millions of customers every day, its impact goes beyond its businesses – touching the lives of millions more in the communities wherever it is present. For a country like the Philippines, the impact of climate change can already be felt with typhoons getting stronger and more frequent.

Hans T. Sy, chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime has served in leadership roles in both national and international organizations focused on disaster resiliency and its impact to business and society. Leading by example, SM integrates disaster resiliency in its business strategy as well as its city and mall designs and developments. This, not only allows SM businesses to operate during calamities, instead, also helps communities become more resilient to typhoons.

“I believe in an age-old adage; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. SM Prime has taken deliberate steps to reinforce resiliency across its properties and provide a focused approach on sustainability in order to preserve communities and save lives,” said Mr. Sy.

Such is the impact created by SM Masinag.

Vermont Park Phase 1 is located near SM Masinag. For years, it would undergo flooding during typhoons. However, the story has changed. Since SM Masinag opened to serve the community, it has been equipped with a water catchment facility that can detain 17,681 cubic meters of water, which is equivalent to 7 Olympic size swimming pools. This helped control the flooding of nearby villages during typhoons.

Meanwhile, SM Marikina, which is also in a high-flood rate zone, is able to serve as first responder and a safe haven to affected families during times of calamities. This is because it is standing on 246 stilts with an elevation higher than the highest recorded water level rise in Marikina City.

Sustainability and Resiliency as Strong Foundations for Responsible Development

SM Prime anchors its development on both sustainability and disaster resiliency. For SM, both serve as strong foundations for responsible development – to address the increasing demand for urban areas and to address the threat of climate change.

From the onset of concept design, SM Prime allocates around 10% of capital expenditure to incorporate sustainability features and disaster resilience when building malls, offices and even integrated lifestyle cities.

"The safety of the communities, employees, customers, and the facility structure remains top priorities in all SM Prime developments. As I tell my design teams ever so frequently, ensuring safety is the only way I can sleep well,” Mr Sy said.”

For SM, this means the hard infrastructure capacities as well as how spaces are designed to facilitate mobility, green transport options, greener buildings and even green technology such as being powered by solar energy. As such, wherever SM operates, SM Prime makes every effort to help create the spaces and cities we need in order to sustain ourselves into the future.

Gleaming with festive yet cozy ambiance at SM City San Mateo is its Holiday Garden for its annual Christmas centerpiece this year.

It's not easy to make things happen but with SM they've got it all for us and one of the latest news they have is their interactive mall attendant, a customer service robot.

Say hello to SM’s newest interactive mall attendant! Not yet sure of the name of the robot but I'm sure they provide some good name to the thing so that when it respond to customers it may feel more interactive.

Taking mall-going experiences to a whole new level, the country’s first ever in-mall smart customer service robot debuts at SM Supermalls during 1st quarter of 2019, in partnership with New Kinpo Group – a Taiwan-based tech company. Your newest in-mall, go-to guide will provide mall directions, deals, promos, and other new happenings to watch out for at SM!

“In pursuit of bringing family fun experiences for all, SM is excited to bring to customers another fun innovation that aims to transform shopping and retail experiences in the country,” said Steven Tan, SM Supermalls COO.


The New Kinpo Group (NKG) is a Taiwan-based technology company that specializes in global electronic and original design manufacturing services. This tech giant is known for its developments in robotics, smart-home appliances, and electronic beauty products among others.

Be the first to experience the initial run of SM’s newest smart robot at SM Megamall. Truly, shopping has never been this fun and interactive at SM Supermalls!

For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com.
Read more of my stories here at www.mostwantedblogger.com!

Early this November SM City Fairview unveiled and opened its door for their Christmas center piece with the theme: Hometown Holiday. Instead of the usual Christmas Tree lighting they take it differently by ringing the Town's Bell to signify its opening. The event was hosted by the beautiful Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2016, Ms. Nicole Cordoves. The ceremony gave a spectacular show for the guests, viewers and mall goers.


SM Little Stars 2018 Grand Winner, Aleynah Redillas, graced the ceremony's presentation by playing the role as the little girl who has a magic snow globe that seems to teleport her to different towns whenever she shook it. It was a colorful and magical presentation.


Of course Christmas presentations definitely made a highlight with the presence of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus that made every child present glazed in amazement and awe.



There were also other performances that made the program even more colorful and fun like the NU Chorale and the group of acrobats who put everyone almost off of their seats. And the performance that made the audience go wild was the performance of the boy band In Real Life. It was like a magnet that made the placed crowded.


The "lighting ceremony" (which is actually the ringing of the bell) was lead by the Pratts Family together with the executives of SM City Fairview that ends the program and begins the opening of their instagram-worthy Christmas center piece. To make a memorable holiday just visit their center piece at the Atrium area.

Glad to be there and share the news with you all!

Holiday comes differently at SM City North EDSA as creatures from out of this world lead the festivities in the entire mall. Glitter Critter Characters from Planet Hapitu creates a more fun and festive mood inside the mall lead by Cap, Boom, Chum, Lox, Oola and Lala, Puchik, Ching, Twinkle, Mick, Baloo, and Baba.

This Glitter Critters are SM City North EDSA's original creation that will make the whole yuletide season to great.



During the launch of SM City North EDSA's centerpiece, SM COO Steven Tan and SM Supermalls Senior VP for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin lead the lighting of the 39 foot modern Glitter Critter Play Christmas Tree. Another reinvention of the usual Christmas Tree.

Present during the launch were celebrities Aubrey Montero and Family, Princess Velasco and Family Camille Pratts and Family, Vanessa Matsunaga and Family, Dimples Romana and Family as well as other important guests that joined in the fun and had their photo taken with the Glitter Critter Character mascots. The evening ended with a spectacular firework display and live concert featuring Autotelic.

Continuing the fun and festivity Glitter Critters have the play park installation at the Skygarden. The Glitter Critter characters lead by Cap with Boom, Puchik, Twinkle, Chum, Baba, Baloo and Lox invite everyone to PLAY with them at the KIDS Mountain. Baloo and Baba pilots the Space Shuttle Sleigh to deliver gifts and Christmas magic. Experience the thrill and Christmas chill with Glitter Critter characters Chum, Puchik, Ching and Mik at The Fun Christmas Roller Coaster Ride.

This Christmas, SM City North EDSA will make mall-goers go in awe and experience the different take of Glitter Critter Characters on November 17, 24 and December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29.

Other Christmas activities at the North include live performances from Ben & Ben, Keiko Necessario, Leanne & Naara and December Avenue in December.

Santa Meet and Greet on December 2, 9, 23, 24, and 25. NU Chorale Performance on December 7. A Magical Science Show by Nutty Scientist on November 30 & December 16, and Fireworks Display on December 15, 22, and 29.

The Glitter Critter Christmas is one of the many exciting seasonal events at SM City North EDSA. #SMGlitterCritterChristmas

We've always been expecting, specially the kids, the annual theme of every SM Malls that we know and visit. I think every shoppers are looking forward to that centerpiece design that they unveil every year. Since SM Fairview is one of the closest SM Mall to us, we were given a chance to witness the unveiling of their theme for this year's Christmas season. 
For SM Fairview's theme you'll definitely expect 3 things on their theme and centerpiece. And I'm pretty sure kids will love to be there and have their photos taken. On the side notes Moms and daughters will surely be more excited on this one. 

1. Be amazed of the Frozen themed centerpiece.
2. Enjoy taking photos at the created Kingdom of Arendelle.
3. Instagram that view of the grandiose castle, blue and white Christmas tree and the snowbuilder.

This wonderful Disney Frozen theme was unveiled last November 11 which was graced by Congressman Alfred Vargas, Oyo Sotto and Kristine Hermosa together with their kids. The Christmas centerpiece is located at the Atrium.


Starting from November to December don't forget to catch the scheduled magical events at SM Fairview. Of course these will happen at the Atrium area.

• Magical Winter Snowfall on all Sundays of November and December at 3pm and 5pm
• Disney’s Frozen Toy Fair from Nov. 11-January 7

So capture the moment and experience the joy!