Hamilo Coast through its developer, SM Prime’s Costa Del Hamilo, Inc. safeguards a 20-hectare mangrove forest, the largest of its kind in Nasugbu, Batangas. Together with the World Wildlife Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines), Hamilo Coast continues to preserve over 50,000 mangrove trees to date as it remains committed to its advocacy for environmental and social sustainability.

 

Education is always the driving factor of an individual, for individuals who want to be skilled, Tech-Voc education is the answer. That is why in the Philippines, Technical-vocational education is encouraged by private TVET institutions to have it professionally accredited and issue a proper licensing. A call to action to review the trifocal system of education in the country. More importantly, the need for tech-voc instructors with expertise are the ones qualified to train our future skilled professionals making way for the Philippines to be recognized as a globally competitive tech-voc school in Asia.

If our technical-vocational institutes (TVI) are managed and monitored well, they will be able to produce world-class and skilled graduates who can compete strongly against our neighboring countries. Tech-voc graduates fill an important role in different industries in the country and overseas. And if our tech-voc graduates become job-ready and globally competitive, they could contribute a lot to the national income and economy. One industry that is in dire need of skills and various technical knowhow is the service industry, and we are talking worldwide here, what a big void to fill!

Highly-industrialized countries like Japan, Singapore, and Korea have made necessary advancements in their educational system, focusing on academic excellence and technology innovation. These progressive countries teach their citizens to become productive, income-generating and contribute to the national coffers. They put emphasis on the quality of products and service and really invested in technical training. These countries believe in the strength of their manpower and their role in the national economy.

Tony Galvez an expert in the technical and vocational education and training industry in the country once said: “Philippine TVET ang pag-asa para sa kinabukasan ng mamamayan at ng bayan, kung maayos at maganda ang programa.” Noted for his strong advocacy of technical vocational professionalism for global competitiveness in the Philippines, Galvez also said: “Magagawa nating umangat at umasenso ang pamumuhay ng ating mahihirap na kababayan kung mabibigyan natin sila ng kahalagahan at maiaayos ang posisyon ng technical vocational education and training ng bansa. Hindi lang ang hangarin ay upang maging isang simpleng manggagawa. Kung hindi, tulungan natin silang linangin bilang mga tunay na eksperto sa iba’t-ibang larangan ng industriya upang ang lahat ay maging kapaki-pakinabang at mapabilang sa pandaigdigang kompetisyon na makapagpapalago ng ating ekonomiya.”
v It is therefore time to put an end in the fairy tale that a four-year course is the only avenue to attaining a decent lifestyle. The technical field is very, very wide, uncharted and not yet competitive, which is a far cry from the competitive, dog-eat-dog corporate world.

 

Philippines’ A&Q Entertainment and Prime Stream, Inc. has announced a groundbreaking link with South Korea's Sun Mobile Commerce (SBT) as the two companies signed an agreement on April 6 at their newly opened headquarters in Quezon City.

 

Vivamax welcomes you to a new place, an island that comes with so much mystery. Once you’re in, there’s no going back. This summer, a new slice of paradise is about to be explored. Let’s run to the Island of Desire, streaming on Vivamax this April.

Adding to the list of Vivamax Original Movies for 2022, Island of Desire is a sexy drama starring Vivamax’s rising stars, Christine Bermas, Sean de Guzman, Jela Cuenca and Rash Flores.

A young woman named Martha (Christine Bermas) is assigned to work remotely on an island called “Isla Bato.” She becomes a nurse at its Regional Health office, and she also befriends some of the residents, Tess (Jela Cuenca), a midwife on the island, and Leloy (Sean de Guzman), a Habal rider. Being a constant companion, Leloy becomes closer to Martha, and they end up falling for each other.

As she stays longer on the island, she begins to discover the strange things about the place and its secrets, including a cult with fanatic followers and an abusive leader. Here is where she also reunites with her long-lost sister, who warns her and tells her to escape the place while she can.

Witness how the mysteries of this enchanting island filled with passion, lust, and love unfold before Martha’s eyes.

Fresh from the success of her other Vivamax Original Movies - Siklo and Moonlight Butterfly, Christine Bermas will once again leave the viewers in awe in Island of Desire. It also stars Vivamax’s most in-demand actor, Sean de Guzman, who caught the crowd’s attention from his Vivamax Originals - Nerisa, Taya, Bekis on the Run, Mahjong Night, and Hugas.

Joining them is Vivamax’s crush, Jela Cuenca, who starred in Silip sa Apoy, Palitan, and Boy Bastos. The star of Palitan, Rash Flores, plays a very crucial role in this film.

Island of Desire is by the multi-awarded and highly regarded director in the Philippines, Joel Lamangan.

From Viva films, be enchanted by its beauty and find yourselves lost in the Island of Desire, streaming on Vivamax starting April 1, 2022. .

For you to watch this desiring film, all you need to do is subscribe to Vivamax for only P149 per month or P399 for three months.

Visit web.vivamax.net or download the app and subscribe via Google Play Store, Huawei App Gallery and App Store.

For payments via website, you may choose EC Pay, 7 Eleven, All Day, All Day, Pay Mongo, GrabPay, GCash, or PayMaya. For payment thru app, you can have Globe, Smart, GCash, Paypal, Visa, or Mastercard as options. For payment thru Ecommerce, you may choose from Lazada, Shopee, Comworks, Clickstore, or Paymaya. For payment thru authorized outlets, choose from Load Manna, Comworks, Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan Express, and Load Central. VivaMax’s cable partners are SkyCable, Cable Link, Wesfardell Connect, Fiber, BCTVI, Cebu Cable, Zenergy HD, Cotabato Cable Television Network Corporation, and Concepcion Pay TV Network, Inc.

Island of Desire can also be streamed on Vivamax Middle East. For kababayans in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar, watch all you can for only AED35/month. Vivamax can also be streamed in Europe for only 8 GBP/month.

Vivamax is also available in Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, Brunei, Macao, Vietnam, Maldives, Australia, New Zealand, and now also in Canada and the United States of America. Vivamax, atin ‘to.

Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano’s romantic series is finally making its highly-anticipated premiere this summer to bring more ‘kilig’ and lessons on family and friendship in “He’s Into Her Season 2,” following the record-breaking first season that topped all shows on iWantTFC.

The series will premiere first on iWantTFC on April 20 for iWantTFC premium users outside of the Philippines and all iWantTFC users in the Philippines and Indonesia can watch it for free on April 22.

“He’s Into Her” was the recipient of three awards at the 2021 Asian Academy Creative Awards for Best Direction (Fiction), Best Original Program by a Streamer/OTT, and Best Theme Song or Title for “He’s Into Her” (BGYO). The series was also the lone Philippine nominee in the Cross Platform Programming category at the 2021 Venice TV Awards.

In “He’s Into Her Season 2,” former-enemies-turned lovers Deib (Donny) and Max (Belle) are officially the newest power couple in Benison International school. Their relationship seems to be smooth sailing until problems from their past begin to haunt them and unanswered questions start to resurface.

Deib and Max will face the highs and lows of a young couple as they endure real problems that come with a more mature relationship.

The hit romance series also gets exciting as the ‘barkada,’ consisting of Lee, Naih, Michiko, Ysay, Lorde, and Migz (Joao Constancia, Criza Taa, Kaori Oinuma, Vivoree Esclito, Gello Marquez, and Limer Veloso), gets entangled in more teen drama, including an unexpected love triangle, another chance to rekindle a romance, and a heartbreaking realization when one suddenly gets ghosted.

Will Deib and Max still get their happy ending? How will Deib and Max’s friends resolve the issues within their ‘barkada’?

The “He’s Into Her” gang also adds more fun and good vibes with the addition of new characters played by JC Alcantara, Reich Alim, Zach Castañeda, Shanaia Gomez, River Joseph, CJ Salonga, Rajo Serrano, and BINI member Mikha.

 

Lazada’s Epic 10th Birthday Sale is just around the corner--this means exciting deals and incredible treats await OPPO shoppers in this once-in-a-year event. And yes, this time, you will get first dibs on the best deals as OPPO offers up to 57% off on selected OPPO gadgets, such as Reno7 5G, A16 (3GB), and A94.

Starting this March 27, you can also enjoy and take advantage of many exciting vouchers. For instance, you can get Php 200 off for every minimum purchase of Php 9,999, a Php 400 discount for a Php 14,999 minimum spend, a Php 1,000 off for each Reno7 Series purchase, or a free shipping voucher for every minimum spend of Php 500.

OPPO has more treats in store for you for this big birthday sale because you get a chance to have free G25 Bluetooth earphones for all mobile phone purchases for a limited time on March 27, from 12 AM to 2 AM and 8 PM to 11:59 PM.

 

As the Filipino’s partner in health, Sun Life Philippines (Sun Life) is ramping up its fight against diabetes with the launch of initiatives that promote diabetes awareness and prevention through a healthier lifestyle.

The efforts kick off with the launch of the Sun Life Diabetes Corner. These will be integrated in the recently established Sun Life Barangay Health Stations (SLBHS), an initiative of the Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation), and will be piloted in Barangay Pansol, Taal, Batangas.

The Diabetes Corner will integrate a diabetes program in the SLBHS to promote awareness and prevention. Basic medical services such as blood sugar screening will be provided for pre-diabetic patients, while informative dissemination will be done through fliers and educational videos. Healthy diet options will also be shared to diabetic patients to help them better manage their condition.

“Diabetes prevention is a global advocacy for Sun Life. We remain optimistic that with proper education and access to basic medical services, patients will triumph over this debilitating illness,” says Benedict Sison, Country Head and CEO of Sun Life. “We are grateful for this chance to help our countrymen live healthier and brighter lives.”

To reach even more Filipinos, Sun Life will also activate the “Sun Life Wellness on Wheels,” a mobile diabetes clinic that will go on a caravan to partner communities to conduct blood sugar screening, offer free consultation, and share relevant information. This will be done in the next phase of the program.

Moreover, Sun Life, in cooperation with Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance, will also launch the SUNPIOLOGY Family Challenge to make health and wellness a shared goal among families as they fight diabetes. Everyone is encouraged to follow Sun Life’s social media pages, @sunlifeph on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, for details to be shared soon.

All these align with Sun Life’s current campaign dubbed “Partner in Health,” which aims to encourage more Filipinos to live healthier lives for a brighter future.

Today, living an eco-friendlier life has become much more manageable. With many simple yet effective ways to make our everyday lives more sustainable, and with many groups ready to help us take that first step toward a greener future, there is every reason to start today. Living a personal sustainable lifestyle can be impactful only if we do it together to preserve our planet for generations to come.

  One of the best things to live sustainably is to reduce your carbon footprint. Many seemingly harmless daily activities can contribute to a higher carbon footprint or other greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere, leading to dramatic climate changes. An increased carbon footprint includes high electric consumption, driving our cars over short distances, and the excessive use of aerosols and air conditioners, to name a few. Try to identify and minimize these activities if you can, or look for more eco-friendly alternatives, if available.  

You can also lower your carbon footprint by using energy efficiently. Use energy-efficient appliances, replace your old lighting fixtures with LED lights, and turn off energy-consuming items when not in use. Doing these eliminates energy waste in your home and helps you save more on utility expenses.  

The 2020 Climate Transparency Report disclosed that the Philippines generated 1.18 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per capita in 2017. The country will need to reduce its emissions to below 132 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030 and below -198 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050. It is to meet the 1.5°C-compliant climate change mitigation goals of the Paris Agreement, of which the country is a signatory.   

 

Click the link to try this simple and fun quiz https://gosm.link/ShoppingQuizFB  Who knows, you might be one of the 3 lucky winners of P5K SM Gift Certificates!!! You have the whole Women's Month to play. Make sure to join every day for more chances of winning!

Queens, share your results on social media and use the hashtag #WomensWorldAtSMQuiz20200

After trending on Twitter for several days, Mang Inasal has an awesome surprise for food lovers everywhere as it launched another craze, and this time it's an experience that dares netizens and their families to take on the #MangInasalPorkBBQChallenge.

Even celebrities like Dimples Romana and Kim Atienza have jumped on the trend! They were not able to resist the tender and juicy goodness of Mang Inasal’s Pork BBQ that is paired with flavorful java rice and made even better with its newest addition, the peanut sauce.

Interested to take on the #MangInasalPorkBBQChallenge too? All you have to do is to dine-in at your favorite Mang Inasal stores, take a photo while enjoying the NEW Pork BBQ with Peanut Sauce and Java Rice, and share it on social media for a chance to be one of the three winners of Php 1,000 worth of Mang Inasal gift certificates.

For more details, visit Mang Inasal's social media pages.

 

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.

Luxury and a premium lifestyle only come from one of the best who offers life at its best.  

When you reach a certain level of success in life, many expect for it to reflect in one’s lifestyle — from the clothes and accessories, you wear to the car you drive, and ultimately, to the address that you live in.

For many, Makati City is still the premium address of choice because of the allure of city living, and easy access to fancy restaurants and luxury retail establishments.

Amidst the tall buildings off Ayala Avenue is Air Residences, a modern residential high-rise developed by SM Development Corporation (SMDC), that offers opulent comfort with signature amenities that bring you to the doorstep of success.

A world-class development like no other

Air Residences was awarded the Best High-end Condo Interior Design at the 7th Philippine Property Awards last year and the Best High-rise Condo Interior Design (Philippines) at the 2019 Asia Property Awards.

The accolades truly show as soon as you enter its doors. The grand lobby’s high ceiling, dark-colored tiled floors, mood lighting fixtures, and extravagant furnishings all come together to remind you of luxury hotels around the world.

Nothing wraps up this hotel-like experience more than the cordial welcome of the doorman and the hospitality of the receptionist. The elegant furnishings and lounges are perfect not just for receiving guests or for waiting for a ride to your next meeting, but for locking in a lasting first impression on those who matter.

A lifestyle that propels your dreams

Find work-life balance and retreat to the comfort of the two-level amenity deck that’s only a few steps away from your doorstep — from sophisticated pavilions and terraces where you can simply relax, to lush gardens and inviting swimming pools where you can host celebrations with family and friends.

Push your limits and reach your maximum capacity in the many fitness amenities, where much-deserved workout sessions await you. There’s also a jogging trail, as well, surrounded by beautiful landscaping, where you can go for energizing runs whenever you need one. For days that you need to find peace, there is a yoga lawn to allow you to immerse yourself into focused and quiet workouts. However, if you feel like letting loose, there’s a game alley that provides unlimited bonding opportunities over table tennis, billiards, and more.

Each unit is designed for the wants and needs of an urban professional. Air Residences has 59 floors offering various types of units to fit both the space and budget that’s right for you — from studio units to one and two-bedroom units, all with spectacular views of the city and intricate details that spell elegance and sophistication.

No better time to invest than now

First-class amenities paired with a distinct location, and its proximity to Makati’s future subway system are what makes this property a sound investment. Whether you plan to make it your home, or to lease it out for extra income, great capital appreciation awaits you, either way, considering the Philippine property market steadily improving this year.

A recent Colliers Philippines report said there is foreseen growth in the housing sector in 2022. “We see the economic expansion supporting demand in the residential sector.” The report said the rental market is also seen to recover in the next 12 months, with the steady influx of foreign professionals, and with more companies welcoming back their employees.

This year sees the completion of various government infrastructure projects, which give property developments like Air Residences, strategically located close to the planned Makati subway, not just added convenience, but added investment benefits for its residents.

For those who might want to lease out their units, SMDC has made it easier for interested buyers through a worry-free leasing experience with SMDC Prime Key Leasing.

The best part is that these are all within your reach — right here, right now. Air Residences is a ready-for-occupancy (RFO) property, which means you can move in as soon as the paperwork is settled. With SMDC’s Early Occupancy Program (EOP), one can start enjoying the benefits of living at Air Residences with simply a 5% downpayment.

For more information about SMDC’s Air Residences, visit their official website at https://smdc.com/properties/air-residences/.

More fun and memorable time with the family. Are you one of those Dads or Moms who are looking forward to creating new fun moments with your family and friends this New Normal? 

If you are, well, don’t worry. Mang Inasal got you, fam!

With the easing of pandemic restrictions and now mindful of the safety precautions, diners of all ages are excited to do everything that they’ve missed, including get-togethers over their Ihaw-Sarap favorites – whether at home or at their favorite Mang Inasal stores.

And to make family bonding moments extra special, Mang Inasal has recently introduced another innovation in its menu. Foodies of all ages can now enjoy Mang Inasal's tender-grilled Pork BBQ with rich peanut sauce and flavorful Java rice. The meal is expected to be added to the growing list of Mang Inasal must-haves always shared with family members and friends.