Entrepreneurs and partners gather at the MSME Summit 2025 hosted by Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines in partnership with SM Supermalls at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia.

Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines, in partnership with SM Supermalls, welcomed entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and key stakeholders to the MSME Summit 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. The event showcased the shared commitment of Jobstreet and SM Supermalls to empower Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and foster sustainable growth for the nation’s backbone industries. Ms. Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines, highlighted the summit’s goal: supporting MSMEs as a driving force of the Philippine economy. 

“SM is not just a venue—it’s a partner in every MSME’s success story,” said Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls. “When MSMEs grow, the nation grows. Every small business that thrives represents a dream realized, a livelihood sustained, and a community strengthened.” SM’s own growth story mirrors that of its MSME partners. From a small shoe store in Carriedo to 88 malls nationwide, SM understands the value of small beginnings. “Almost 70% of our tenants are MSMEs—their success is the foundation of SM’s continued growth,” San Agustin added.

Through the SM for MSMEs program, the company provides high-foot-traffic spaces, market access, and visibility to help entrepreneurs scale sustainably. 

Ms. Arlynne Roa-Awayan of Asia Pacific College accepts her Plaque of Appreciation from Mr. Henry Jose “Joey” Yusingco of Jobstreet (right) by Seek Country Marketing head.

Key sessions addressed practical needs for MSMEs. Participants learned how to scale their first hire with Mr. Henry Jose “Joey” Yusingco of Jobstreet, explored AI applications for small businesses with Ms. Arlynne Roa-Awayan of Asia Pacific College, and received insights on logistics and operations from Lalamove PH, 2GO Travel, and DITO BizBayan. Ms. Life Dawn Cervero of TikTok guided attendees on smart marketing on a budget, while a panel from BDO, Maya, RCBC, BanKo, and Asialink shared finance hacks for sustainable growth. 

Industry experts Ms.Flor Tanay of Lalamove PH, Mr. Francis John Cha of 2GO Travel, and Mr. Gabriel Cui of DITO of BizBayan present logistics and digital solutions designed to help MSMEs scale. 

 

MSME Summit 2025 partners BDO, Maya, RCBC, BanKo and Asialink host a panel learning session tackling finance hacks for MSMEs

Success stories, like Kay & Karl Santos of 1919 Chocolate, inspired participants with real-life examples of scaling Filipino businesses. Partner demos and the Partner Passport Challenge reinforced networking, learning, and practical engagement.

Attendees make their rounds at the Partner Passport Challenge, visiting different booths to learn about hiring solutions, business tools, digital platforms, and partner services that support MSME growth.

The MSME Summit 2025 reaffirmed SM Supermalls’ commitment to Filipino entrepreneurship, providing programs, spaces, and partnerships that help MSMEs innovate, scale, and thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. 

Sweet & Savory at SM City Cebu 

Craving for some authentic Japanese food experience? Check out the newly opened YAYOI—savor the taste of traditional Japanese Teishoku, offering a completely satisfying set meal of main entrée, steamed rice, miso soup, and seasonal sides.

Lookout for these food spots heading your way this May, serving food items you’ll love closer to you:

Manam—a celebrated Filipino bistro offering both classic and modern interpretations of traditional dishes is opening its first-in-Cebu branch this May 26.

Ooma—a modern Japanese dining spot known for its bold flavors and creative dishes, blending traditional Japanese cuisine with contemporary twists. It is opening its first-in-Cebu store this May 28.

Café Laguna—a well-established Filipino restaurant chain, renowned for its authentic Tagalog-style dishes, bringing the comforting flavors of Luzon to the Visayas, is set to open this May 8.

Abaca Baking Company—beloved Cebu-based café and bakery chain serving artisan-crafted breads, all-day breakfast offerings, and premium coffee selections, opening this May 10.

Ramen Kuroda—a popular Japanese restaurant serving authentic, high-quality ramen, crafted with homemade noodles and rich, flavorful broths. 

Indoor Sports & Japanese Favorite Meals at SM J Mall

The experience of Japan continues in Mandaue City, Cebu with Yuki-Kun—savor Japanese cuisines, featuring familiar flavors and beloved dishes available at the mall’s Food Hall area. Expect more fun soon with even more First in Cebu experiences:

Ramen Nagi—authentic, customizable ramen bowls featuring rich, savory soup and handcrafted noodles, because your J Mall experience isn’t complete without a sizzling bowl of this Japanese favorite. iSwing Golf Arena—enjoy a round of golf without the scorching heat of the sun, all thanks to their indoor, high-tech golf simulation experience. 

Coffee & Treats at SM Seaside City Cebu

Satisfy your sweet cravings with these new dessert and dining destinations opening their first stores in Cebu:

Beard Papa’s—Japanese cream puff chain known for its freshly baked choux pastries which opened last April 25.

Conti’s—the Filipino bakeshop beloved for its iconic cake specials and signature comforting savory dishes, opened its first-in-Cebu store last April 30.

Giving coffee lovers more to look forward to, the rapidly growing Pickup Coffee headlines their upcoming first-in-SM premium café concept, offering elevated brews perfect for a productive lifestyle.

Never run out of things to add to your itinerary. Explore beyond limits and discover exciting firsts here in Cebu with SM Supermalls.

Expand your horizons here in Cebu—only here at SM Supermalls, bringing you a #NewEraOfFirsts.

Don’t forget to like and follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events! 

Dining Hotspots Ready to Serve You
Hungry? You’re in for a culinary treat as we bring you a lineup of handpicked restaurants serving everything from casual fine dining to comforting Filipino classics and bold Singaporean flavors.

Brique - If there’s one thing our bisaya brothers from Cebu know best, it’s good food! Bringing their distinctly Cebuano flavors for the first time in Davao, Brique—soon to open at the 2nd Level, Main Mall Expansion—combines modern cuisine with a provincial touch that’ll fondly remind you of nanay’s home cooking.

Nanyang - For the first time in Davao, get the best of what Singapore has to offer. Serving some of Southeast Asia’s finest delicacies, Nanyang at the 1st Level, Main Mall Expansion, delivers hearty dishes that cater to the Filipino palate. From aromatic Laksa to savory Curry Chicken Rice, the possibilities are endless.

The Joy of Fluffiness
Making its first mark in Davao, Puffy’s is bringing its signature charm to the 1st Level, Main Mall Expansion. Known for its cloud-like soufflé pancakes, this sweet spot is the newest must-try in SM Supermall’s irresistibly crave-worthy lineup. Whether you go for Original, Crème Brûlée, or Tiramisu, every bite is delightfully light and perfectly Instagrammable!

Your Unique Finds
Looking to add a little more everyday flair? From customizing your Aquaflask tumbler to finally grabbing that self-help book you’ve been eyeing—or even spotting that one item you didn’t know you needed—discover a specially chosen mix of finds to make your every visit more exciting.

Aquaflask - Find their newest designs at the 2nd Level, Main Mall Expansion and drink in style! Now fully customizable, these vacuum-insulated bottles let you enjoy your cold or hot drinks anywhere without breaking the bank.

Gashapon Bandai - Collect high-quality gacha toys, keychains, and accessories while having a bit of thrill—or dismay—with the first Gashapon Bandai in Davao at the 2nd Level, Main Mall Expansion. From Dragon Ball and Gundam to Demon Slayer and Pokémon, just pop a coin into these vending machines and score a surprise collectible.

Fully Booked - For the first time in Davao, a true bookworm’s haven awaits. Find your next great read as you experience a warm, cozy ambiance here at the 1st Level, Main Mall Expansion. Featuring a wide selection of books across various genres—including hard-to-find titles—Fully Booked is a true bibliophile haven.

Flying Tiger - In search of unique knick-knacks and quirky finds? For the first time in Davao, Flying Tiger at the 2nd Level, Main Mall Expansion is the novelty store for you. Liven up your living space and personalize your room with their playful crafts, trinkets, and ornaments.

Level Up Your Style
Who says activewear has to be drab? For the first time in Davao, Anta at the 1st Level, Main Mall Expansion lets you turn the gym into your personal runway. Featuring a premium sports line of ready-to-wear apparel, trainers, and bags, it’s everything you need to break a sweat—in style!

From crave-worthy food hubs and fashion finds to accessories and quirky trinkets, every corner is made to make your feed more aesthetic. No matter how you spend your time, enjoy curated experiences not just to enjoy, but to share, only here in this #NewEraOfSMSupermalls.

Don’t forget to like and follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events! 

  At SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), water stewardship has come a long way since its early initiatives. As part of its environmental sustainability strategy, the programmatic Water for Tomorrow campaign looks beyond water recycling and efficient water management.

For SM Supermalls, this urgent call to action to protect and preserve a valuable resource makes any large-scale investment in water security a sound opportunity to do good for both people and planet.

Amplified impact
With 89 malls nationwide, SM Supermalls high-impact yet practical water management systems and circularity practices build long-term capacity for future water disruptions and reflect the malls’ greater ecosystem.

Having introduced sewage treatment plants nearly three decades ago, well before any compliance requirements, SM Supermalls also made significant investments in efficient low-flow fixtures and water-saving technologies to prevent unnecessary consumption at scale. In 2023, the first rainwater treatment facility by a mall opened in Baguio to convert rainwater into another potable resource, alleviating pressure on the local water grid.

At a cultural level, SM Supermalls becomes a living sustainability classroom where mallgoers, employees, and tenant-partners are made aware of its water, waste, and energy programs. Partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and civic groups also sustain water conversations through the mall’s broad reach and are crucial to the sustainability agenda.

Embedding the message of water sustainability, SM Cares champions UN SDG6 – using every mall touchpoint and social media to create content on water conservation, access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for health and well-being

As a vital community hub, the malls promote the wider SM Green Movement campaign, empowering people to practice responsible water use.

Building what matters, today
Water’s essential role supports human activity and economic growth. As climate concerns accelerate and affect water supply, SM Prime’s unified stance on water stewardship prepares for challenges ahead.

SM Supermalls not only assists larger partner-tenants with compliance and the bottom line. It similarly inspires smaller businesses and other stakeholders that depend on mall operations to adopt innovative solutions.

“The scale of what we are doing today for water is already proof that we are reaping the benefits of the innovative vision of our leadership,” says Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls.

“What makes our programs truly meaningful is how they bring people and purpose together. It creates a ripple effect of sustainability that reaches beyond our walls,” said Tan.