From August 1 to 31, a celebration of e-sports and all things tech that make our lives easier and more convenient will take place at SM Supermalls. Essential gadgets, thrilling activities, and new discoveries are waiting to be made will welcome every individual with various needs.

At first, I didn't have any ideas of what to write for the 'Unmasked' theme of Comco. It is the company's seasonal event to encourage bloggers to write compelling and inspiring stories, igniting the passion to write creatively.

So, this made me think again—a deep thought, like the one you see in movies where things start to move in slow motion. I just don't know why they do that when someone is always in deep thought. But anyway, I was in that notion when one past event hit me.

I remember the two stories of our young Pastor.

The first story starts with a little boy who just begins schooling at 7 years old. On his way home, he seems to lose his way and couldn't find the path back home. He started crying. As he was crying, an old man approached the little boy and asked why he is crying. The little boy said that he was lost and couldn't find his way back home. To calm the little boy, the old man asked where he lives and who his parents are. Fortunately, the old man knows the little boy's parents and their address, and the little boy safely returns back home.

After 6 years, the little boy turns into a teenager. He was invited to visit a church, but he was shy and hesitant. Then, as he enters the church, an old man approached him and said, "I think I know you. You're that boy who lost his way home, right?" The teenager suddenly smiled, seeing a familiar face, and said, "Hello po." From then on, the teenager was mentored by that old man.

The second story was about the Janitor and the helper of the church. Every Saturday, both of them happily clean the sanctuary of the church in preparation for the Sunday Worship. After the Sunday Worship, they clean the aftermath of the morning and afternoon service.

At the end of the afternoon Worship Service, there is always a small fellowship. Everyone enjoys that small 'salu-salo' (feast) with coffee and pudding. When everyone has left, the Janitor and the helper finish cleaning. Then what's left of that small 'salu-salo' (feast)  becomes the snack of the two, but often the Janitor would tell the helper to eat already and leave some for the Janitor.

The helper follows the instruction of the Janitor, but what piqued his interest is that the Janitor will not partake in the pudding; instead, he will wrap it and place it inside a plastic bag. Eager to know the reason behind it, the helper decided to wait for the Janitor and left together from the church.

As they reached near the highway, a few street children started walking towards the Janitor. They were already waiting for him. As the Janitor reached them, he started giving them pieces of pudding. That is their meal for the night.

This gesture touched the heart of the helper, and he decided to follow that footstep.

Both stories are not fragments of imagination but actual life instances that happened. Not just to someone but to people closely related to us. Stories that I didn't know until they were shared. For me, that mask is not to hide but to simply humble the deeds. There are things that do not need publicity.

Though they were two different stories, both are connected to one person. The little boy and the helper are the same person who happens to be our young Pastor. The intriguing part is that the unmasking of both the Old Man in the first story and the Janitor in the second story are the two Tatay (father) Lito of our church. And one of them is my father.

I never thought that things like this happen in real life; I thought it was only in movies and teleserye. And I never thought there are things that I don't know about my father. He is not a perfect father but knowing things like that is something that made me proud of him. He has his pride, and he also has a soft spot. 

Now I realize that all fathers are liars. They lie not intentionally but because they have to. They tend to hide the reality of life to us, how they struggle and what they have to go through everyday to provide us what we need. They hide it to give us hope of the future that we don't know of. They hide it not to discourage us about to have faith in the beauty of life even if it is full of challenges.  But in front of all that lie and secrets their positive outlook and their smile is their façade. 

Maybe I should have worn my eyeglasses more often. Or maybe I should have worn the Ocular Device Ben Franklin invented in the movie National Treasure to see beyond what a regular eyes can see. 

The story happened to be shared during the two Necrological Service for my father and for Tatay (father) Lito.

Before, I had this belief that people who shared their stories during the wake were all meant to appraise the person. But when it happened to our family, I came to realize that all the good characteristics and memories shared during the necrological service were not to appraise the dead but to let his deeds be an inspiration for the living.

Though his days have ended, I would always remember his positive thoughts about life and his words
with a smile during his bedridden days, "Good morning chief!" which to us it means looking forward to seeing you again!

SM Store offers up to 50% discount on selected items plus an additional 10% to Prestige Card holders on Friday, August 18, and to SM Advantage Card holders on Saturday and Sunday, August 19–20, from 3–7 PM only, per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB 170249, Series of 2023

For more details and on-sale items, check out SM City Masinag on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

It's another feature of cuisines at Cafe Ilang-Ilang. 

A Tapestry of Flavors
Through this exciting collaboration, Café Ilang-Ilang brings the essence of Western Visayas directly to its dining tables. Acknowledged as the Food Haven of the Philippines, Western Visayas boasts a vibrant food culture that reflects its history, geography, and cultural influences. The partnership showcases a diverse array of dishes, highlighting the region’s local recipes, distinct ingredients, and time-honored cooking techniques.

A Champion of Heritage Cuisine
Chef Tibong, hailing from Western Visayas himself, has his culinary journey deeply rooted in his love for preserving and promoting the region’s culinary heritage. Drawing inspiration from his upbringing and family traditions, his creations offer a contemporary twist to classic dishes, presenting an elevated experience that resonates with both locals and global food enthusiasts.

Embark on a Gastronomic Adventure
At Café Ilang-Ilang, guests can embark on a gastronomic adventure that celebrates the flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques unique to Western Visayas. Throughout the whole month of August, Café Ilang-Ilang patrons can enjoy selected dishes for lunch and dinner buffet. The weekly cycle of featured dishes includes: Guimaras Mango with Ginamos sa Tulapo, KBL (Kadios, Baboy, Langka), Laswa, Pancit Molo, Pancit Efuven, Beef Morcon, Chicken Binakol, Lengua Estofado, Bitchuelas, Sopa de Ajo, Fabada, Kinilaw na Tanguigue, Paella Negra with Chiperones, Canonigo, and Lapaz Batchoy Ice Cream.

Experience the “Flavors of Western VIsayas” at Café Ilang-Ilang until August 31. For inquiries and reservations, call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, or email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.

And that would probably be my line dreaming!

So, this vast majestic land is actually called the Esguerra Farms & Stud Inc., comprising the 54 hectare of property nestled in Lipa City, Batangas. It beckons with its diverse array of animals, lush vegetation, and delightful experiences. However, before we embark on a journey to this idyllic farm, there are five (5) things to know that would somehow give you a second thought... not to give in to this opportunity.

1. A Sanctuary for Animal Health:
Upon visiting Esguerra Farms, guests must abstain from visiting other farms or markets for at least three days. This seemingly peculiar rule serves a critical purpose: to safeguard the health and well-being of the animals within the farm's confines. By reducing potential exposure to external contaminants, the risk of spreading viruses and diseases is minimized. Such measures is common in various farms, showcase a thoughtful and responsible approach to animal welfare.

2. Beware the Allure of Nature and Farming:
If you possess an unyielding love for nature, farming, and raising animals, you must proceed with caution. Esguerra Farms possesses an enchanting quality that can captivate hearts and ignite dreams of starting your own farming venture. The sheer beauty of this sanctuary can awaken a deep-seated desire to embark on a similar journey of agricultural pursuits.

3. An Immersive Learning Experience:
A visit to Esguerra Farms offers a rare opportunity to gain a holistic perspective on animal husbandry. From nurturing of the famous Kurobuta or black pigs of Berkshire, Boer and Anglo Nubian goats, lambs, racing horses, Peking ducks, and Tilapia fish to cultivating fruits and vegetables, the farm embraces a comprehensive approach to sustainable living. Engaging with this diverse ecosystem imparts invaluable knowledge, making it a compelling destination for anyone seeking hands-on, educational experiences.

4. The Irresistible Temptation of Kurobuta Meat:
Prepare yourself for a tantalizing culinary encounter at Esguerra Farms! The farm proudly presents the exquisite Kurobuta, or Black Pig, meat—a delicacy that surpasses the ordinary pork found in the market. It's the wagyu of pork! Kurobuta are farmed in a strictly regimented natural and stress-free way without any synthetic antibiotics and growth hormones. It is similar to how wagyu is raised. Once you have savored the delectable flavors of this premium meat, purchasing regular pork might forever be a choice marred by hesitation.

5. A Priceless Encounter with Mr. Herminio "Hermie" Esguerra:
If fortune smiles upon you during your visit, you might have the incredible opportunity to be personally guided by the farm's visionary, Mr. Herminio "Hermie" Esguerra. A veritable treasure trove of wisdom and experience, Mr. Esguerra's guided tour is an extraordinary privilege. While the experience comes with a symbolic price tag of $100 per hour, the memories and insights gained from this encounter are utterly priceless.

The Farm Tour Experience

When I say priceless, it is indeed priceless! Sometimes words aren't enough to describe the emotion, the feeling, and the experience. The Esguerra Farms & Stud Inc. offers far more than the enticing blend of nature and agriculture but of human-animal connections.

Before entering the premises all are subjected for disinfection or decontamination. Even vehicles are sprayed with disinfectants to kill any contaminants, bacterias or viruses. This is one way of keeping the farm uphold with its health and sanitation standard for the safety of the animals inside the farm.

For me, it is a rare opportunity that the owner, Mr Herminio "Hermie" Esguerra personally led the tour and shared his stories on how the farm started and formed to what it is now. From just a simple horse farm it grew to include other livestock such as the Berkshire pigs, goats, lambs, ducks, chickens, fruits and even vegetables. 

During the summit, three finalists vied for the winning title according to the following criteria: innovation and disruption, market potential, customer adoption, marketing/ buzz, quality of pitch and long-term potential.

Peddlr ultimately aced on all points and was lauded for its disruptive innovation led by CEO Nel Laygo and COO/CXO Aiko Reyes, both entrepreneurs and repeat startup founders with proven track record in finance and operations.

The founding team pride themselves of being close to the problem space and Peddlr’s target market comprising the Micro-Small-Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) who they believe are the backbone of the economy accounting for 36% of the Philippine’s GOP yet they are broadly fragmented, inefficient and rudimentary.

(left to right) Noel Bonoan, Ida Tiongson, Sharon Dayoan, Nel Laygo (CEO Peddlr), Russell Pili, Amor Maclang, Mon Ibrahim

Peddlr aims to address this problem via a free OS Lite Point-of-Purchase inventory management app made and designed to manage simple inventory tracking for MSMEs. It has a simplified user interface making it easy for the vendor to upload products. The POS records sales, serves a calculator and generates easy-to-read financial reports. It comes with micro-accounting modules to manage cash, accounts receivables and accounts payables seamlessly.

Peddlr’s merchants are peppered across the Philippines in 1,400 cities and municipalities. What sets it apart is the way its innovation helps their merchants on both top-line and bottom-line operations. Peddlr’s merchants find the startup’s services efficient in increasing sales and revenue through e-commerce and digital products including features such as store links, e-loads, bills payment, Kanto Ads, and product sourcing. Likewise, it enhances operational efficiency through stock insight and movements, margin monitoring, P&L Accounting reports, automated bookkeeping, and receive and send payments.

This Urban Farming initiative is led by the SM Foundation through its Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP). It’s about uplifting the farmer community, fostering environmental consciousness, food security, and creating livelihood and income opportunities for marginalized urban communities. Through the KSK-SAP, a comprehensive program of urban farming techniques, product development, marketing, and basic accounting are offered in strategically-located field schools.

The KSK program has successfully conducted over 260 sustainable agricultural trainings, benefiting a total of 28,550 farmers. These trainings have taken place in both rural and urban settings, where participants have been exposed to sustainable farming modules that promote the cultivation of nutritious, high-quality vegetables and fruits. 

Partnering with the SM Foundation, SM Supermalls, and SM Markets are the following government agencies; the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Tourism, and the Quezon City Government. Each government organization and LGU plays a vital role in maintaining the viability of the program, and so that no stone is left unturned in ensuring its success.

As an example, the SM Foundation has brought SM Supermalls and SM Markets into the picture so that as these urban farmers successfully harvest, they’re given an opportunity to market and sell their produce at the Sunday Markets that are now being held in several malls across the nation. When the produce reaches a volume that goes beyond this Sunday marketing mechanism, the SM Markets offer other alternatives.

It’s about creating integration and circularity so that a mini-economic ecosystem is realized. After all, it can’t be about teaching them what and how to farm and then leaving them with no outlet with which to monetize this harvest. The SM Foundation creates these strategic partnerships so that true income opportunities become part of the overall scenario.

Who would have thought that this vision of Henry Sy, Sr., back in 2007, would have been so uncanny in predicting the mounting problems and issues we face today in agriculture, sustainable food production, food security, and urban development? It’s a vision and dream that those in the SM Foundation are very proud to carry on, and deliver.

SM is in the business of creating a sustainable environment. From being the first to consider renewable energy in mall buildings, to implementing energy-saving devices, we continue to meet significant sustainability milestones. 

Join us as we commit to a more sustainable lifestyle at smgreenmovement.com and #SMGreenMovement.

SM City East Ortigas