Ilonggo artists (L-R) Joel Ferraris and Joy Fernando at last year’s SM Art Market in SM City Iloilo.

Now, Art for Everyone expands that vision. This year’s initiative transforms participating malls into vibrant art destinations, where both well-known and budding local artists can exhibit to sell their works, engage with new audiences, and contribute to a flourishing creative community.

Throughout July, guests can immerse themselves in a rich artistic expression — from paintings, photography, and prints to digital art, mixed media, and sculpture—all proudly created by homegrown talent. The program invites art enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds to explore and celebrate Filipino creativity.

Art for Everyone is more than just an art fair—it’s a celebration of the imagination, passion, and skill of local artists. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a budding artist, or someone looking to discover a new favorite artist, there’s something here for you.

Feast your eyes on Art for Everyone at 18 malls nationwide.

Participating malls and schedules:
*Visit your favorite SM mall’s social media for up-to-date information:

● SM City Clark – July 1 to 14
● SM J Mall – July 1 to 14
● SM Lanang – July 7 to 16
● SM City Baguio – July 13 to 26
● SM Seaside City Cebu – July 14 to 31
● SM City Sorsogon – July 15 to 28
● SM City Iloilo – July 15 to 31
● SM City Bacolod – July 15 to 31
● SM Center Dagupan – July 16 to 30
● SM City Baliwag – July 18 to 31
● SM City Dasmariñas – July 20 to 27
● SM CDO Downtown – July 20 to 30
● SM City Santa Rosa – July 21 to 27
● SM Center Angono – July 21 to 31
● The Podium – July 22 to 27
● SM City North EDSA – July 25 to 31
● SM Aura – August 15 to 24

Be part of this dynamic celebration of art! Visit participating SM malls, browse the incredible works on display, and discover your new favorite artist. Spark inspiration, ignite your own creativity, and share the experience with family and friends.

For more details and updates, visit https://www.smsupermalls.com. Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in creativity and be inspired.

A group-wide movement for the EPR Law

The SM group, working with its Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), is pursuing a group-wide strategy to comply with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)’s EPR Act of 2022.

Formally known as Republic Act 11898, the EPR law requires companies to take responsibility for the recovery of their plastic packaging products and to pursue waste management programs.

Acknowledging the challenges and realities for businesses and on-ground operations through its EPR working group committee, the SM group commits to a plan of action in reducing and recovering its plastic footprint within the given five-year period, sharing alternatives and new technologies to respond to the growing global crises, and establishing partnerships with government agencies and other private institutions.

As the property arm of the SM group, SM Prime’s commitment to a waste-free future aims to create the needed infrastructure that will help support and maintain plastic waste management strategies.

Crucial to waste recovery efforts, SM Prime equips its properties with a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), and standardized waste segregation and management practices to help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. A joint venture with a Japanese environmental solutions company, the SM GUUN Environmental Company, Inc. (SGECI), converts non-recyclable waste into cement fuel or “fluff fuel” for eco-conscious cement companies like APO Cement, Holcim, and Taiheiyo Cement, as part of its “co-processing” practice.

Beyond compliance

SM Prime continues with its established programs such as the nationwide Trash to Cash recycling market. Since 2007, it has been one of SM Supermalls’ flagship programs that continues to be more relevant given the times.

Activating the SM malls to help their communities with sorted plastic waste, Trash to Cash incentivizes the exchange of recyclables to provide a venue for plastic recovery. Fifteen SM Plastic Waste Collection sites likewise serve as drop-off points for clean, empty, and dry plastics. In addition, the Solid Waste Action Program (SWAP) reverse vending machines at SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia enable the diversion of aluminum cans and polyethylene terephthalate bottles (PET), which are considered high-value plastic products.

The annual International Coastal Clean-up (ICC), supported by SM Cares, continues to empower volunteers to take part in this global effort for a record-breaking initiative. In 2024 alone, SM Cares helped mobilize 23,000 employees, students, and various communities that joined nationwide volunteer efforts to remove trash from the world’s beaches and waterways.

Aiming for a waste-free future

Reduction is always the best option. The SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has long since eliminated SUPs from all properties in support of the UNEP’s campaign to phase them out. Pico Sands Hotel was also one of the first hotels to sign with the World-Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF) in their Ayoko Na Sa Plastic Campaign in 2018.

SMHCC has successfully replaced all single-use amenities, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) shampoo and shower gel bottles, and PET water bottles in all its hotel rooms. Since 2019, as part of the SMX Convention Centers’ guidelines to promote sustainable events management practices, bamboo or starch-based environmentally friendly alternatives to replace plastic cutlery are encouraged to minimize waste generation.

Working collectively as a group to reduce the effects of the plastic waste crises creates a bigger impact at a greater scale. Through enhanced waste management systems, effective waste segregation practices, and proactive community effort, SM Prime aims to successfully divert a greater proportion of plastic waste away from landfills.

“Our work is never done. There are new technologies, innovative solutions, and more avenues for collaboration to look forward to in making the EPR Act work for our communities,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director of SM Cares for Environment. “But we all have a role to play--it is every individual’s responsibility to create a waste-free future.”

Ninepot—Quality Taiwanese Hot Pot Experience

With the growing popularity of East Asian hot pot restaurants, Ninepot—its name reflecting the Taiwanese cultural belief that the number nine brings good fortune—sets itself apart by putting traditional Taiwanese flavors in the spotlight at the Tech Hub 2 of SM City Clark.

Unlike many hot pot restaurants that focus on unlimited servings, Ninepot prioritizes quality by offering carefully curated ingredients in each customizable set meal. Following a six-step process, Ninepot creates a well-rounded dining experience that highlights the richness of Taiwanese cuisine.

Each order includes a choice of protein, sides, broth, and vegetables, complemented by a dessert and a weekly special drink—completing a satisfying dining experience.

But what truly makes Ninepot stand out is its flavorful selection of soup bases, ranging from classic Taiwanese savory specials to hot and spicy picks. Among these are the signature Taiwan Stone Hot Pot, the aromatic Sesame Oil Hot Pot, the refreshingly sweet Dashi Broth Hot Pot, and the delectably spicy Szechuan Hot Pot.

The Matcha Tokyo—Haven for Premium-Grade Matcha

Matcha-inspired drinks and desserts are popping up left and right. However, despite the growing accessibility, matcha has proved to be a difficult flavor to handle—especially since matcha lovers are even more difficult to please!

But when it comes to perfecting that earthy, rich, and refined flavor, no one does it better than The Matcha Tokyo with its authentic, premium-grade selections at the Ground Level of SM City Clark.

Highlighting 100% organic matcha specials, The Matcha Tokyo is committed to promoting health and sustainability by bringing Japan’s finest matcha for daily and casual consumption.

For starters, their definite must-tries include the #1 best-selling Organic Matcha Latte—popular across all The Matcha Tokyo branches worldwide—and the Philippine-exclusive Ube Matcha Latte, which features a delightful blend of their high-quality matcha and the iconic sweet taste of purple yam (ube).

From a wide variety of matcha-infused beverages and pastries to chocolates, snacks, and conveniently available pure matcha powder—everything you can imagine to satisfy your matcha obsession is possible with The Matcha Tokyo.

Purple Rice—Thai Flavors with an Innovative Twist

Nothing is more delicious than sustainably crafted meals made rich with their culture of origin. This is exactly what Purple Rice brings to the table—introducing Thai flavors cooked through future-forward approaches to food at the Ground Level of SM City Pampanga.

Rooted in stories of heritage, environmentally conscious agricultural practices, and ultimately, a deep love and respect for Thai cuisine, Purple Rice offers a variety of creative Thai flavors fused with touches of Filipino warmth and food traditions.

Dedicated to serving authentic Thai cuisine with signature innovative twists, the uniquely colored Purple Rice takes center stage—often paired with popular Thai dishes and set against an inviting interior that enhances the experience.

Their menu features a variety of dishes, including soups like Tom Yum Talay, salads such as Purple Yam Woon Sen, and mains like Khao Soi and Pad Thai, with their best-selling meals including the Red Angus Beef Curry and Thai Halo-Halo, among other noteworthy selections.

Allow yourself to explore flavors that greatly satisfy your Kapampangan taste buds and visit Ninepot at Tech Hub 2 and The Matcha Tokyo at the Ground Level of SM City Clark, as well as Purple Rice at the Ground Level of SM City Pampanga."

Whether you see yourself as a connoisseur of particular dishes or a casual food enjoyer, SM Supermalls ensures you get the best from across different cuisines—serving flavors suited to our own taste and culture while introducing food innovations that integrate familiar practices with new experiences.

There’s always more to enjoy and more to share at SM Supermalls! For more exclusive dining experiences and first-to-market brands, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

In its first year, it implemented a new waste management segregation system across its properties, including all malls, residences, offices, hotels and convention centers, and estates nationwide.

Beyond SM Prime, the campaign on waste has extended its reach to other SM groups and portfolio companies, making SM Waste-Free Future a group-wide endeavor.

A bigger picture of waste

The Recyclable, Disposable, Composable (RDC) bins are central to the program’s segregation practice. RDC makes it simple and consistent, providing key visual cues to bin it right.

Despite its infancy stage, the rapid and wide-scale integration underscores SM Prime’s ability to operationalize sustainability across diverse asset classes and ecosystems, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovative waste diversion strategies.

SM Prime also celebrates the efforts of SM Retail in advancing a waste-free future. All SM Store branches have successfully deployed their RDC bins, while SM Markets continues to implement its reusable bag system. In support of waste management efforts, Goldilocks Bakeshop has also implemented the RDC system across its stores in all SM Supermalls.

Creating opportunities to expand

Partnerships with other organizations pave the way for the work ahead. SM Waste-Free Future strengthens tenant engagement for SM Supermalls and SM Offices, supporting businesses with similar goals on waste and helping them align with their global sustainability policies.

Similarly, it reinforces SM Hotels’ advanced Back of House operations, food waste policies, and textile recycling program. The SM Hotels’ Tela Tales program transforms discarded linen into sustainable products and provides livelihood for the women of partner communities, upcycling more than 2,000 yards of condemned linens.

Recognizing that technology greatly contributes to the solutions, SM Waste-Free Future has also strengthened collaborations with other organizations. SM Development Corporation (SMDC) works with Globe’s Hapag Movement to rescue surplus food from residents and help make a difference in the lives of Filipino families experiencing involuntary hunger and divert household food waste away from landfills.

In the mall’s Cyberzone areas, SM Supermalls’ Electronic Waste Collection Program and their partnership with PLDT and Smart make it accessible to dispose of old mobile devices and other electronic gadgets responsibly.

Join the movement

SM Waste Free Future invites more communities and stakeholders to participate through proper waste segregation, joining local clean-ups and collection drives, or supporting eco-friendly products and practices.

Positive reinforcement and catchy social media campaigns from SM Cares target the youth by promoting better waste segregation habits and encouraging them to become more involved with the state of the planet they will inherit.

Recently, in celebration of World Oceans Day, SM Cares mobilized communities across 18 SM Supermalls nationwide, bringing together over 5,000 volunteers and collecting more than 30,000 kilograms of waste from shorelines.

“Waste-Free Future is more than just a program—it’s a mindset shift. And we’re only getting started,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director of SM Cares for Environment. “We call on our tenants, partners, and customers to continue the journey with us—because a truly sustainable future is one we build together.”

With the growing momentum for a waste-free future, SM Prime believes that a cleaner, more circular Philippines is well within reach.

The Section G Job Blueprint, developed through extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, highlights the strong collaboration between government, the private sector, and mall leadership to address workforce gaps in retail and supply chain. Serving as a foundation for future reforms, it aims to boost employment growth by leveraging the sector’s vital contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and its role as a key employer of over 10 million Filipinos, according to the DTI.

Industry support and immediate impact

The job fair, which offered hundreds of career opportunities from leading retailers and logistics providers, drew a diverse crowd of job seekers eager to engage with PRA and SCMAP member companies recruiting for roles in merchandising, warehousing, logistics, and frontline retail.

“This is more than just a job fair—it’s a call to action,” said Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President of Marketing at SM Supermalls. “We are proud to partner with DTI, PRA, and SCMAP in hosting this meaningful initiative that connects people to opportunity and promotes inclusive employment.”

SM Supermalls, as host venue and promotional partner, reinforced its commitment to national workforce development and economic recovery. This event is part of SM’s ongoing support for programs that empower micro-, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), job seekers, and industry players.

With Section G now officially launched, stakeholders look forward to implementing its key recommendations and building a stronger, more resilient retail trade sector for all.

About SM Supermalls Job Fairs

SM Supermalls, a division of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the Philippines' leading developer, operator, and owner of world-class malls. SM Supermalls is dedicated to fostering sustainable and community-centric developments. Through initiatives like job fairs, SM Supermalls continues to play a pivotal role in nation-building, offering opportunities that transform lives and contribute to the well-being of Filipino communities. 

Private sector as a force multiplier in DRR

“Resilience strengthens businesses while safeguarding lives and communities,” Sy stated. “We know the government cannot do it alone. The private sector is ready to do more.”

He cited SM Prime’s integrated approach to DRR, which includes allocating a significant portion of project costs to disaster-resilient infrastructure and applying science-driven planning frameworks.

Sy also pointed to cross-sector initiatives such as the Adopt-a-City Program with the National Resilience Council and joint capacity-building programs with ARISE Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry as examples of effective public-private partnerships.

Embedding resilience into core business strategy

In a High-Level Dialogue on scaling DRR financing, Sy outlined SM Prime’s approach to mainstreaming resilience across its developments. He highlighted features such as elevated mall structures, built-in rainwater catchment systems, and earthquake-resistant designs—solutions that have minimized disruption and enabled rapid recovery in the face of disaster.

“Disasters may be unpredictable, but their impacts don’t have to be,” he said. “We can—and must—prepare, mitigate, and adapt.”

Call to scale resilience investment

To expand DRR financing, Sy called for enabling mechanisms that combine policy support, institutional cooperation, and targeted incentives. “From the standpoint of the private sector, financial, non-financial and regulatory incentives are among the most effective ways to accelerate investment in resilience,” he noted.

His remarks underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and long-term thinking in building resilient communities. SM Prime’s leadership in DRR continues to set a benchmark for sustainable development in disaster-prone regions.

“Together, we can embed resilience to build a sustainable and secure future for all,” he concluded.
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