Tracking Expenses

When we talk about financial stability, many people were skeptical if they are financially stable. How much money you're able to save in a single day? or in a month? Do you actually save anything? Whenever we aren't in need, we have a tendency to neglect to save for the future, which is not a good thing. Aside from saving, we can invest, which is prudent thinking when considering the future. There will come a time when you will have enough money to wait in emergency situations.

Everything has changed since the Pandemic, and we are all affected. It will take years for all of us to recover. So many realizations for me, that everything we have will be gone in a short period of time. Having considered saving and investing in things that will be important in the future. Now, our lives are gradually returning to normal, but the world has changed and this is our normal way of life.

When it comes to financial stability, many of us are uncertain if they are stable. Financial stability provides us with peace of mind.




I personally struggle with budgeting, and I believe that most people do as well. The household's daily budget is difficult to manage. When you become a parent, budgeting becomes more difficult than when you are single and providing becomes more difficult because members of the family may incur unexpected expenses. Because I try to save the majority of the time, everything becomes costly for me. I even tried saving money on my clothing; yes, we can do that as long as the clothes are comfortable to put on.

I want everything calculated as much as possible; trying to keep track of our expenses helps to ensure that I did not overspend. I use https://www.savingscalculator.org/ to keep track of the flow in and out and with this, I managed to follow my simple plan, my budget plan for our household. Not only that basic computation, but it can automatically calculate everything for you. Simply enter the required data numbers, and viola, all the necessary information, such as your savings after tax, will be provided. I also like to set goals because it motivates me to work harder financially. 

If you ask me, there are many ways and tips on how to save money on budgeting, but one question you must answer for yourself is, when do you begin?

MAKUKU Diapers For Cool Moms


It’s a pleasure to be part of @makukuph First Intimate PR & Bloggers Event held last November 29 at Seda Residences, Makati City with friends from media, blogger influencers, and VIP Moms. The event aims to educate the market on the unique features of MAKUKU diapers, as well as learn about stress-free parenting tips from clinical Psychologist, Alodia Cueno-Mercado, and exciting surprises for guests.





Makuku has given a year's supply of diapers to Maria Margarette Villorente, the mother of the world's 8 billionth baby, to kick off their product launch in the Philippines. Vinice Mabansag of Delpan, Tondo, Manila is the symbolic 8th billionth baby born in the Philippines, and as such, he deserves one of the best brands on the market. Rita "Badjao Girl" Gaviola also attended the event to share her MAKUKU experience with her firstborn baby.

MAKUKU was founded in 2020 in Shanghai, China. Makuku is dedicated to the research and development of high-quality, long-lasting products for moms and babies. A high-end user-oriented brand whose mission is to become a part of their customers' lives by creating the best products for mommies and babies all over the world.



Us moms, always make sure that the diapers we choose for our babies provide the comfort we wanted. Diapers have such a direct effect on a baby's comfort, movement, and, of course, peace of mind. Good thing, MAKUKU created its Slim and Comfort diaper series, especially for humid Asian countries like the Philippines. It provides the babies the comfort they need overnight because it is ultra-thin, lightweight, and made with Super Absorbent Polymer. It is also incorporated with Vitamin C to protect the baby's skin from redness and irritation.

MAKUKU's newest product, Balance Care diaper is also out on the market! Made with bubble waist wrap preventing red marks and skin irritation making it more comfortable to wear for our active babies.

Experience the MAKUKU diapers! Available at Puregold, SouthStar Drugstore, Watsons, Divimart, Landers, All Day Mart, Metro Gaisano, Shopwise, or Hi-Top Supermarket. Exclusive discounts and coupons are also available to first-time customers through popular online stores through Lazada, Shopee, Zalora, and Edamama. Visit www.makuku.com.ph for more details.


Follow @makuku_ph social media accounts to find out more about the high-quality, mom-and-baby products they'll be launching soon. 

Galing Pook Foundation Recognizes Outstanding Local Government Programs for 2022

 

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. recognizes the 10 winners of the Galing Pook Foundation 2022 at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacanang Palace. He commended the Galing Pook Foundation for recognizing and incentivizing top-performing LGUs. With them in the photo are Galing Pook Foundation chairman Mel Sarmiento, Local Government secretary Benjamin Abalos, and Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.


Ten outstanding local governance programs were recognized in the 2022 Galing Pook Awards held at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacanang Palace last Tuesday, November 22, 2022.

Galing Pook Foundation with its co-presenters SM Prime Holdings Inc., and the DILG-Local Government Academy, and sponsors Cebu Pacific and Airspeed-named local government units from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao that promote innovation and excellence.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. commended the Galing Pook Foundation for recognizing and incentivizing top-performing LGUs. He stressed how strong collaboration between the public and private sectors can lead to more meaningful and successful programs that truly benefit the Filipino people.

The recognition you give to cities and municipalities inspires them to accelerate their drive towards improvement and encourages LGUs to adopt practices that make us paragons of excellence in public service. It is necessary for us to underscore the importance of strengthening partnerships between the government and private organizations, such as the Galing Pook Foundation, especially as we bring about meaningful progress in the country.


Galing Pook Chairperson Mel Sarmiento expressed his gratitude to all the local executives and LGU teams that participated this year: “It’s truly inspiring to see the impact of the work that you do, and I’m sure you’ve brought value to many Filipinos all over the country. Our collaborations bring us closer to realizing our shared vision, na ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino, may simple pero kumportableng buhay.”


The winners of the 2022 Galing Pook Awards were: The Green Wall of Alcala (Alcala, Cagayan); Advancing and Sustaining Good Governance and Community Actions towards Resiliency and Empowerment (Basilan Province); Bataan Public-Private Partnership Programs (Bataan Province);
Balik-Biñan Project: Tourism Development through Heritage Conservation (Biñan City, Laguna); From Black to Green: Fishponds, Eco-Tourism and Full Employment (Brgy. Cayabu, Tanay, Rizal); Trekking to Unlock Community Ailments and Difficulties (TUCAD) (Goa, Camarines Sur); “I-BIKE” A Program Promoting the Development of the Iloilo City Bike Culture (Iloilo City); Yaru: A Whole-of-Community Approach Towards Disaster Management (Itbayat, Batanes); Libertad Fish Forever Savings Club (Libertad, Antique); and Basta Piddigueño, AgriHenyo: Consolidated Farm Production System (Piddig, Ilocos Norte).

The 10 winners were chosen from 18 finalists and a record field of 196 applications from different LGUs in the country.

Launched on October 21, 1993, the Galing Pook Awards has recognized 329 LGU programs from 200 LGUs in the country that has been promoted for replication to benefit more communities.




SM provides learners with environment conducive to learning

 

SM School building in General Santos City




More than just an area where students gather to hold classes, a school environment plays a vital role in learners’ cognitive development. Research has shown that with an environment conducive to learning, students increase their attention and focus, and they are more motivated to practice higher-level critical thinking skills.

Adamant to provide students with venues where they can fully hone their skills and knowledge, SM Foundation (SMFI)—the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM group—cemented its partnership with the Department of Education (DepED) in 2002 through DepEd’s Adopt-A-School Program.

Through this, SMFI builds SM school buildings in grassroots communities with basic furniture and equipment. More so, SMFI integrates specialized features into each SM school building to address the unique needs of their school recipients—some received rooms dedicated as a guidance office, a clinic, a mini-library, and some even got a water tank and a handwashing facility.

To date, SMFI has turned over more than 100 SM school buildings nationwide with the help of its partners, which share the same aspirations for Filipino learners and teachers. One of which is SM Prime Holdings (SMPH) - one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia. Since the project’s inception, over 90 SM school buildings out of the more than 100 have been built through the social good collaboration with SM Prime.


SM school building in Sorsogon City



Infrastructure for calamity-prone areas

SMFI and SMPH ensure that the SM school buildings incorporate a disaster-resilient design to guarantee the safety of the students, teachers, and other school personnel. Emergency lights at both staircases, and fire and earthquake alarm bells are also installed.

Principal Joji Buelvo, school principal of Basud Elementary School (BES) in Sorsogon City, shared the state of their school community before they accepted the fully furnished SM school building from SMFI and SM Prime in 2021: “Ang aming paaralan ay saksi sa maraming kalamidad. Kaya karamihan ng mga classrooms ay may kalumaan na, ang mga kisame ay malapit na bumagsak—talagang hindi na conducive for learning.

But through your [SMFI and SM Prime] donation, our BES learners now have a haven where we can nurture their young minds to be academically-ready and well-rounded members of the community,” Buelvo further expressed.


Every classroom in an SM school building is well-ventilated and spacious enough to allow the students to have a better learning experience.




Addressing classroom shortage

The continuous rapid growth of the country’s population is taking a toll on schools—leaving the students, even the teachers, with overcrowded classrooms which affect learners’ academic performance.

In 2012, the Banisil National High School (BNHS) in General Santos City received its first SM school building. But being the only secondary school in Barangay Tambler, BNHS records a significant increase in their enrollment per year. With this challenge, SM Foundation decided to provide another edifice of hope for the sub-urban Muslim community in 2021, addressing the growing needs of BNHS learners and teachers.

BNHS then principal Shiela Balbon said, “Yung patuloy na paglobo ng population every year ay talagang naging suliranin namin.”

Pagpasok ng 2020, nagkaroon ng COVID. So naisip ko baka hindi na matuloy. Pero itong SM Foundation, walang pande-pandemya sa kanila. Talagang desidido silang matugunan yung pangangailangan sa classroom ng mga estudyante,” she added.

Our salute to our longtime partners, SM Foundation and SM Prime, for being so generous and proactive in providing us with school buildings that are conducive to learning. We are so grateful for your extended support to our school amidst the pandemic,” Balbon concluded.

SM Foundation, through its School Building Program, is an active partner of DepEd’s Adopt-a-School project. This social good initiative aims to promote quality public education by building classrooms nationwide.

UST’s Henry Sy Sr. Hall to boost health education

Designed by C.A. Ventura & Partners, the upcoming Henry Sy., Sr. Hall in UST is envisioned to propel the health education of future physicians in the country.


The Henry Sy Foundation, Inc. (HSFI) recently announced a partnership with the University of Sto. Tomas to further its goal of driving Philippine social development by fostering youth and a culture of excellence through education. Tomas (UST) Research and Endowment Foundation to build a facility that will improve health education in the country.
Named after the late SM Founder,  Henry Sy, Sr. The UST Hall will be built on the main campus in Manila to meet the needs of digital medical education.

The Hall will include cutting-edge technology and equipment that will complement UST's teaching, learning, and research practices. It will house the simulation and research facility of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, as well as a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration in medical studies (UST-FMS).

Leaders of Henry Sy Foundation Inc. (HSFI), led by the Sy family (L-R: Harley Sy, Hans Sy, Elizabeth Sy, Debbie Sy, Tessie Sy, Henry Sy Jr, Engr. Ramon Gil Macapagal (extreme right)), formalize its partnership with the University of Sto. Tomas (L-R: UST Rector Fr. Richard Gaw Ang, OP, Dr. Ma. Lourdes Domingo, Fr. Angel Aparicio, OP, Fr. Maximo Gatela, OP)


Paragons with passion

Fr. Richard Gaw Ang, OP, Rector of UST, thanked the Sy family as they work together to provide the best education to future physicians and increase UST’s research productivity to fill the gaps where communities are disadvantaged.

“Your family consists of industry leaders with visions for the Filipino community. Your choice to support this endeavor of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery is a significant stamp of approval to the work and tradition of this medical institution,” Fr. Ang said in a letter to the Sy family.

“Your family’s Patriarch, Henry Sy, Sr., had principles in life that we, as an institution, give our best to also follow. We aim to lead as paragons with passion, integrity, far-reaching and optimistic vision, sensible priorities, and discipline. At the core of this is a deep sense of charity for God, the church, and the nation,” Fr. Ang added.

Thumbs up! Leaders of the Henry Sy Foundation Inc. (HSFI) and the University of Sto Tomas during the Henry Sy Sr. Hall partnership signing.


UST’s future Henry Sy, Sr. Hall

Rising as an intellectual hub for future physicians, the building has a dedicated floor for the Faculties of Medicine and Surgery Research Center and the Medicine and Surgery Graduate Programs and Ethics Review Board. Here, medical education research and various medical-related specialty research will be reviewed and conducted.

The building will include specialized centers, rooms, and laboratories, such as Medical Simulation Centers, Care Ultrasound Institute, and Otorhinolaryngology Laboratory. These will be equipped with cutting-edge tools and technology to develop medical students’ competencies in multiple simulated healthcare settings crossing the human lifespan. 









The HSFI is a non-stock, non-profit organization inspired by SM founder Henry Sy, Sr.’s desire to aid educational institutions to drive Philippine social development. Its projects are undertaken in partnership with the SM group and its foundations to honor the SM founder by supporting educational institutions in promoting academic excellence as a key to a brighter future for the youth. Through the years, the foundation established and supported several academic infrastructures, such as the Henry Sy Sr. Primary School Building in Xavier School, Nuvali Laguna; Henry Sy Sr. Innovation Center in Miriam College, Quezon City; NU Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna; NU Nazareth School in Manila; and a Henry Sy Sr. Hall each at Immaculate Conception Academy, San Juan City, and Assumption College.










LEVEL ZERO II CONCERT PARTY AND RAFFLE FOR A CAUSE





On December 11, 2022, at Amoranto Sports Complex - Filed Oval, featuring Al James, Pricetagg, Jp Bacallan, the Maneuvers/Street Boys /UMD Selection, DJ Jennifer Lee, Urban Crew, V2 sisters, King Murph with 1008 and Surprise Guests. The car and bike show will be provided by VIP Productions.

Tickets for the raffle are PHP 100.00, and two tickets will get you into the venue with two raffle tickets purchased through Yogo.ph. In collaboration with the Fraternal Order of Eagles Philippines, a portion of the concert proceeds will go to "the gift 6, #alaykapuspalad2022" to purchase basic necessities for less fortunate families and indigent communities throughout the Philippines. Eagles is our country's first fraternal socio-civic organization. Raffle prizes include a brand-new sedan car, 30 motorcycles, more than 100 smartwatches, phones, laptops, and other gadgets, 200 JVE devices with pods, and 10 cash winners.





Level zero is set to be a nationwide event with 20 key cities already signed up including a grand celebration in March 2023 at the Philippine arena
Presented by LZ Media and produced by Master J. For more information about the Level Zero event: https://www.facebook.com/levelzero.II.

A 3D Whale Shark billboard, Space Tunnel, Golden Gateway and Dazzling Light shows- ALL Immersive experiences lead to SM

 

(Hero picture: 3D Whale and Space Tunnel)







SM Supermalls celebrates not just joyful, but also fun, immersive, and experiential holidays. This year, we take you to the deep oceans with SM Megamall’s first-ever 3D Whale Shark LED billboard, see the Northern lights at the Aurora Trail of SM City North Edsa, Sparkle at the Light show and Holiday fireworks at SM Mall of Asia, enter the Golden gateway of SM Aura Premier and explore the outer space at the Mega Space Odyssey.

NORTH EDSA’S AURORA TRAIL
The illuminating lights of the Aurora Borealis are at the North this Christmas. Walk and indulge in a family-friendly immersive experience at the Aurora trail ascending the giant holiday tree with a magical array of lights, forestry, reinbears & holiday polar express.

MEGA SPACE ODYSSEY & 3D WHALE SHARK
Travel to majestic galaxies in outer space and take photos and videos with your space explorer friends.
Experience the first-ever immersive 3D LED tunnel in Manila on October 21 to December 25 at the
ground-level Mega Fashion Hall (at the back of the Giant Christmas Tree).

SM Supermalls introduces the new 3D technology along EDSA by screening a hyper-realistic 3D Whale Shark at SM Megamall’s LED billboard. Bringing you the first in the Philippines, High-Definition Immersive content at the heart of the bustling metropolis. Netizens are awestruck by a larger-than-life Whale Shark peeking out of a digital billboard spanning over 2,000 square feet. The Mega Whale Shark was first teased on April 27 but customers, tourists, and motorists can catch the short preview every 15 minutes starting April 28 at peak hours from 12nn to 10pm daily. Watch out for the new 3D content this Christmas. The Philippines has the 2nd largest population of whale sharks in the world at over 1,950.

MOA SPARKLE OF LIGHT SHOW AND HOLIDAY FIREWORKS
Feel the Christmas spirit as you watch the brightest and merriest indoor Christmas tree music and lights
show. Be in awe as you watch over one hundred thousand lights set to music. Catch the show DAILY,
every hour from 10am to 10pm until the end of December at the Central Atrium. Enjoy the most awaited and better-than-ever fireworks display at the MOA Complex every Friday and Saturday from November to December 2022. Make sure to experience this magical moment with your families and loved ones.

AURA’s GOLDEN GATEWAY and NIGHTS OF DAZZLING LIGHTS
Tucked behind the giant Christmas tree is a golden gemstone-shaped immersive experience. In partnership with global smartphone brand TECNO Mobile, technology and art meet to transport all who
enter this enclosure into scenes of an opulent holiday palace and fantastical golden worlds. Simply present PHP 1,000 in single or collected receipts and enter a whole new world filled with glitz and glamour.

The theatrical room isn’t the only technological experience the mall has. Equally spectacular is a choreographed light and sound display at SM Aura Premier’s Skypark at Level 5. Visitors of the Skypark enter a space with tall tree-like sculptures made of strings of lights. As they go through a forest of lights, a jaw-dropping musical show will enter and excite them. Visitors can stop and enjoy the choreographed audio and visual performance at 7pm on all Sunday nights in December, including December 25 itself.

It’s a Happy Christmas at SM Supermalls!

 


SM Supermalls brings back excitement in every visit, joy in every sight, and a magical connection in every experience that will make every Filipino’s Christmas happier and brighter.
Ode to outer space: An out-of-this-world celebration starts at SM Megamall
SM officially ushered the holiday season with an out-of-this-world celebration at the Mega & Bright: Christmas in Space 2022 at the SM Megamall on October 20.

The mall’s mega Christmas Tree decked in stars and lights was lit, signaling the start of SM’s nationwide Happy Christmas campaign. And from October 20 until December, SM shoppers can glimpse the universe through SM Megamall’s Mega Space Odyssey. The 3D LED tunnel transports individuals into space and allows them to view it immersively.

If you missed the SM Megamall Christmas event, there are still more ways to celebrate the joys of the holidays. SM Supermalls has lined up exciting and festive activities for you and your loved ones! Check out the details below:

More Christmas Tree lighting activities in your favorite SM mall!
Apart from SM Megamall, other premier SM malls will light up their massive 50-foot Christmas trees to share hope, joy, and love with every SM shopper. Check out the dates below so you can drop by your favorite SM mall and watch the lighting of its dazzling trees full of lights, stars, and colorful ornaments.

Santa-approved Christmas Playpark
Witness as your favorite SM mall opens a new world of Christmas with towering centerpieces, functional spaces, and sprawling activities at the Christmas Playpark. Explore the Christmas markets and play areas, and watch out for Santa appearances, character meet and greets, and other surprises! Plus, you also get to have a multisensory experience at the playpark’s light and sound shows, festive eats and holiday treat, and a whole lot more scents and feels that will embrace you in holiday warmth and ambiance.

Sparkling lights to brighten up your holidays
Christmas won’t be festive without lights. Be in awe as you pass by hallways decked with twinkling lights, illuminated tunnels, beaming driveways, and parking spaces as they glow at their best.

Dining out al fresco style at the Super Spots decked with lights
SM Supermalls has also created outdoor attractions for that picture-perfect, memorable shopping, dining, and leisure activities for the whole family. At The Podium, shoppers are in for Joie De Vivre with its Holiday Night Cap on October 21-23 and 28-30 at the ADB Al Fresco, and the Food Lab on October 24-30 at the Atrium East Level 2 so everyone can discover new food
specials this Christmas. You can also enjoy special treats, promos, and exclusive deals from your favorite restaurants and food merchants at the SM mall near you!

Turn Christmas AReality at SM
Don’t miss out on a phygital Christmas experience as SM incorporates the festive season with Augmented Reality. In SM Megamall, four AR filters have been made available, including Santa Claus, Reindeer, Snowman, and Sparkle. You just need to scan the QR code at the SM mall near you and see the Christmas centerpiece and magical spots come alive!

Check out the Happiness Stations
SM installed various happiness stations where you can create lasting memories with family and friends. Spot the giant bears with lights at Bears of Joy corner, the happiness photo wall, the Christmas tree decors with your family photos, or the huge TV screen where you can watch your recently filmed Tiktok or IG video at your favorite mall.

Make your furbabies feel the happiness and love
Christmas is for the whole family including furbabies! Make them happy and feel loved by joining the Holiday Paw Play Dates and Costume PAWty. You can also flex them at the Christmas photo challenge and win amazing prizes, or shop for them at the Christmas markets. Also, SM Supermalls will be partnering again with organizations for a pet adoption drive so you can help the little ones find a home in time for the holiday.

Unlock a bigger, better, and brighter virtual Christmas Village
SM will reopen its virtual Christmas Village to bring an exciting, engaging, and rewarding holiday experience to Filipinos. Check out https://gosm.link/ChristmasVillage2022 as it goes live from October 28 to January 5 for an awesome augmented reality shopping, dining, and leisure experience. Create your own avatar, e-meet fellow shoppers and SM ambassadors, and enjoy bonding time with your family and friends while playing fun games at the immersive virtual Christmas zones made for you.

Create circles of happiness by buying products for cause-oriented programs
Since it’s the season of giving, you can support cause-oriented advocacies of individuals and organizations by purchasing products that provide opportunities and livelihood to marginalized sectors. For this year’s 100 Days campaign, SM partnered with bag designer Zarah Juan, Spark PH, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), the Association of Foot and Mouth Artists of the Philippines, and the Quezon City LGU for its Vote to Tote initiative.

This Christmas, we are sending a message of happiness to every Filipino. With every activity we have for them, we hope to inspire everyone to spread sparks of happiness in their homes and communities as we celebrate this year’s holiday festivities,” said Steven T. Tan, president of SM Supermalls.

A new light of experiences will bring happiness and kindness to every Filipino as SM Supermalls create more magical memories and opportunities to touch other people’s lives this holiday season. Check out www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts to stay updated on the various holiday happenings.

SM Prime builds better, greener offices

E-com Centers at the Mall of Asia Complex


Many people have become more aware of the importance of sustainability in everyday living during the two years that the world faced the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Environmental awareness has caught on through practices such as shifting to paperless, reducing plastic use, and planting more trees. For property developers, taking part in this movement means transitioning into green buildings and developments.

Such is the case for SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), a publicly listed subsidiary of SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) that is committed to building innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities. SM Prime is future-proofing its developments to be more responsive and adaptive to community needs and the effects of climate change in line with comprehensive sustainability goals ranging from energy to ecology.

Over the years, SM Prime has continued to elevate its approach to the building and development of community spaces. All these green initiatives have been recognized by reputable and well-known organizations such as the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) which awarded Conrad Hotel Manila and SM Aura Premier the Gold certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

When we build, we build with the community in mind. This is why it is important to integrate sustainability into our developments and operations. We remain committed as an environmentally-conscious and responsible integrated property developer ready to serve the ever-changing needs and aspirations of our communities and stakeholders,” said SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim.


Building green office spaces
SM’s Commercial Property Group is renowned for balancing green design features with operational and practical considerations, enabling more companies and locators to enjoy environmentally sound commercial developments.

The CPG’s flagship properties are its five E-com Centers – all future-forward buildings catering mainly to technological, business process outsourcing, and Fortune 500 companies. All five E-com Centers are located in the MOA Complex. Each building has a proportionate amount of green open spaces and communal areas where workers can socialize and decompress from work.

CPG further promotes sustainable practices with its LEED gold-certified office buildings, solidifying its foothold and commitment to building green offices and commercial developments. These certifications are a testament to SM Prime’s dedication to reducing its contribution to global climate change—all while enhancing the quality of life within its communities.

The three E-com Center boasts architectural wonders and green features that eventually earned its LEED Gold certification. These include water recycling for landscape and non-potable use. The building is fitted with glass windows that minimize heat from entering the building, allowing tenants to use less air conditioning. This 15-story, semi-circular twin-tower office building features function, and aesthetics complemented by state-of-the-art facilities. While it was the first office building in the Mall of Asia Complex to receive such an honor, the new FourE-com Center also recently achieved the same certification—designed with its tenants’ needs in mind, improving work-life balance and office culture accordingly.

Both designed by a globally renowned firm, Arquitectonica, the Three and Four E-coms are unique amongst business centers. “We designed the E-coms to functionally meet the BPO industry’s need for large, continuous floorplates, but also sculpted them in interesting ways so as to allow views and airflows between the buildings, while also, of course, giving them interesting architectural identities. At the same time, their landscaped podium decks create attractive communal green spaces for the tenants; they are envisaged to be interconnected via landscaped sky bridges in the future. The combination of all these factors, architectural design, and green spaces, have made the E-coms highly attractive to multinational companies and brands,” said David Zaballero, Arquitectonica Director.

SM Mega Tower



Meanwhile, SM Prime’s tallest skyscraper located along EDSA will also join the company’s growing roster of LEED-certified green buildings. Called Mega Tower, the 50-story office building is future-ready as it provides spaces that respect both its tenants and nature itself.


Strategically located in the busy Ortigas Centre, the 50-story LEED-registered skyscraper is flexibly designed to meet the requirements of both corporate and BPO tenants. Though its design is highly sculptural, each floorplate remains efficiently planned – combining functionality and iconic identity.


Incorporating sustainability in property development means having the whole life cycle of a building in mind. We invest a tenth of our capital expenditure to ensure that sustainability is integrated into our properties as we carefully plan our developments for our communities, the environment, and future generations,” SM Prime’s Mr. Lim said.

In close collaboration with the SM Group’s other business units, the CPG’s multi-segment or mixed-use approach maximizes the socio-economic potential of its buildings and developments. As a result, SM’s commercial developments are connected to our malls, residences, parks, and civic spaces. Notably, they are all easily accessible to transport hubs to ensure mobility for pedestrians and the commuting public. This interconnectivity, alongside each property’s green and safety features, reduces the company’s carbon footprint, attracts more tenants and locators, and encourages greater productivity among its workforce.

Planting dreams with ‘Grow Trees Community’ in Benguet

John Dizon, Jr. of Benguet-based environmental conservation group NAMALISA plants trees in support of SM Foundation’s and Fast Retailing Foundation’s Grow Trees Community project.
 

Like his father before him, John Dizon, Jr. and his family have been long-time stewards of protected trees in their community in Tuba, Benguet. When the time came for him to take up the mantle, he did so willingly to honor his father’s legacy.

My father passed away in 2012. It was then that we found out that the area he is managing in collaboration with the government was part of a community-based forest management program,” said Mr. Dizon.

A year later, Mr. Dizon heads the Benguet-based environmental conservation group, Nagawa, Manganese, Liw-Liw, Sadle Agroforestry Assoc. Inc. (NAMALISA), started working closely with the SM Foundation for an inaugural tree-planting campaign back in 2013 to pick up where his father had left off in his advocacy.

With the impact of climate change more felt in recent years, Mr. Dizon shared the importance of planting more trees in communities to thin out air pollutants in keeping the air fresh and people healthier. The trees which his father planted also helped prevent soil erosion and landslides caused by earthquakes.

He nurtures a dream that some of his children will take after him to help protect the environment. Getting closer to that dream, one of his sons is eyeing a career in forestry, a nod to his father’s chosen field.

To further this advocacy, Mr. Dizon supports the reforestation initiative of SM Foundation, Inc., the social good arm of SM, and the Fast Retailing Foundation (FR Foundation), a generally incorporated foundation in Japan through the Grow Trees Community campaign.

The project aims to plant and grow forest trees such as the Benguet pine, Alnus or Calliandra, and Coffee trees to help create livelihood opportunities for the community by working closely with People’s Organizations such as NAMALISA in Tuba, Benguet.

People’s Organization NAMALISA plant trees at the launch of Grow Trees Community in Tuba, Benguet


The proponents teamed up with SM Supermalls and government partners such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine National Police, Philippine Information Agency and the local government of Tuba.

Grow Trees Community was previously launched in Nasugbu, Batangas, and Macabebe, Pampanga. Across the three locations, the project aims to plant over 200,000 seedlings and propagules.

It is in support of the SM Green Movement that seeks to improve the quality of life of communities through sustainable solutions to promote a green planet, green living, and a green culture.

FR Foundation promotes research designed to help make the world a better place, spurring technological development, nurturing human resources, and supporting socially vulnerable individuals or groups.

It is part of Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., the leading Japanese retail company that owns a well-loved casual wear brand, Uniqlo.

Borrow Money Online Quick and Simple

Accountant Counting Money


Adulthood is difficult. Many of us, if not all, are constantly struggling to manage our expenses, especially if you are a minimum wage earner like me. Even if we prioritize what we need first, it's not always enough for me, and I always struggle with our daily budget. Budgeting for bills, food, and other necessities is always a priority for me, but there are times when I overspend or fall short due to unexpected dues, expenses, or emergencies.

My primary responsibility as a parent is to ensure that my children have everything they require, but doing so can be prohibitively expensive. As a result, seizing control right away is critical. To be honest, it's difficult to provide because members of the family occasionally incur unexpected expenses. Knowing where you stand financially allows you to seek any necessary short-term relief or additional assistance. Money isn't everything, and no parent wants to incur additional debt.

When your income remains stable while the cost of living rises almost daily, it is almost certain that you will suffer a temporary financial setback as a result of this condition at some point in your life. Furthermore, the shock of discovering that you do not have enough cash to deal with an emergency or pay for unexpected expenses necessitates the use of loans.

Borrow money online without having to fax, it is one of the most convenient and simple ways to obtain cash. The procedure is quick and easy. You can finish filling out the form and get a decision in as little as 5 minutes! If approved, funds will be transferred to your bank account within 24 hours. We don't have time to send hard copies of documents to submit if an emergency occurs. When you are in this situation, applying for a loan solely online makes life easier. Personally, I prefer this type of borrowing money over lending money to someone I am unsure about. 

Even if we have a full-time job, we need to lend some extra cash for things like medical bills, emergency expenses, and other unexpected bills and payments. Loans can be beneficial or disastrous for you, so think twice before taking the first step toward borrowing. Make certain that the money was truly required at that time. Don't borrow for fun or to buy expensive items. To avoid a negative credit score, be aware of your obligations and pay your bills on time this is a payday loan so pay it on your next payday, not in months or years. Considering also to understand the terms of borrowing as well, read the contract before accepting it, make sure that you understand the conditions. It is intended to be used in emergency situations such as paying for medications or hospital service charges. As a result, only borrow what you need. 

There are a few things you should look into before taking out or considering a loan. But, if not today, perhaps you will need this site in the future, or someone you know may need of this kind assistance at this time.

2022 International Coastal Cleanup

SM Prime Holdings hold the 2022 International Coastal Cleanup together with SM Cares, SM By the Bay

SM Prime Holdings, together with SM Cares and SM By the Bay once again took part in the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), bringing together thousands of volunteers into an event that underscored the importance of protecting the world's seas, oceans, and other bodies of water. The event was held last September 17 at the SM By the Bay Central Park, SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

A total of 2,438 volunteers joined this year's ICC, composed of students, professionals, and others from different private and public organizations. At the end of the activity, an estimated 12,158 kgs of trash, equivalent to a total of 1,613 trash bags filled, was successfully collected.


Among those who graced the event were Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson Sec. Robert Borje, Department of Environment and Natural Resources - National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) Regional Executive Director Jacqueline A. Caancan, DENR-NCR Regional Executive Director for Technical Services Engr. Ignacio R. Almira, DENR-NCR Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group Head Chris Villarin, DENR-NCR Communication Development Officer II Ariz Abad, SM Investments President and CEO and 2GO Group President and CEO Frederic DyBuncio, SM Prime Holdings Inc. SVP Glenn Ang, SM Supermalls SAVP for Operations Perkin So, SM By the BAY Mall Manager Marie Charlene Claire K. Canoy-Narvasa and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Philippines’ Markets and Assurance Executive Director Allan Cao.

SM By The Bay and SM Cares’ ICC event for this year was done in collaboration with different private and government agencies


The ICC is a yearly global event that encourages individuals to be part of the movement for cleaner seas and oceans. Every year, thousands of Filipino volunteers from various sectors and communities join the efforts to help ensure the cleanliness of the shorelines and waterways in the country.

The International Coastal Clean Up is part of the overall SM Green Movement. As a proven responsible property developer and community partner, SM Prime’s various Sustainability programs across its malls, residences, hotels, and leisure properties promote resource conservation & environmental protection for an improved quality of life in the communities it serves,” said SM Supermalls SAVP for Operations Perkin So.

This year's event was made possible by SM Offices, 2GO, PwC, Maynilad, and International Coastal Clean Up Philippines. DENR-NCR, the Climate Change Commission, and the Philippine Coast Guard were also present to provide their support.





Aside from the annual observance of ICC, other sustainability projects of SM Cares include the Trash-To-Cash Recycling Market where individuals can drop off their recyclable waste in exchange for cash; the Plastic Waste and Electronic Waste Collection Programs which promotes responsible plastic and electronic waste management affecting our seas, just to name a few.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, responsible for initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community. SM Cares’ advocacies include programs for Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative, in addition to its Programs on Environment.

To learn more about these, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.













UNDRR, SM Prime laud women leaders in disaster resilience

SM Prime Holdings (SMPHI) recently announced its support for the global search for women leaders in disaster resilience.






For the second consecutive year, SMPHI is sponsoring the Women’s International Network on Disaster Risk Reduction (WIN DRR) Leadership Awards, a flagship program of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

SMPHI Vice President for Corporate Compliance Liza B. Silerio said that the support is aligned with the company’s drive to recognize women’s leadership in disaster risk reduction. “This is important in inspiring other women to fully and effectively participate in promoting gender equality and empowerment while building our collective resilience.


UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction Mami Mizutori expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “The awards highlight the key role of women as leaders and agents of change in building resilience and actively participating in the creation and implementation of DRR strategies, policies, plans, and programs in their regions. Their stories reflect the diversity of solutions required to meet the converging challenges of accelerating climate change and disasters in the region.


We look forward to continued collaboration with SM in our DRR agenda,” Secretary General Mizutori added.

The WIN DRR Excellence Awards 2022 sponsored by SM Prime has 15 finalists shortlisted from 420 nominations received across 24 countries in the Asia-Pacific. The winner will be announced at the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Brisbane on 21 September 2022. US$10,000 will be awarded to an individual woman who has achieved exceptional professional success in DRR.


The WIN DRR partnership is consistent with SM Prime Holdings’ social commitment to women empowerment, resilience, good health, and well-being of women. The company’s corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, supports programs that advance these causes.

The Women's International Network on Disaster Risk Reduction (WIN DRR) is a professional network to support women working in disaster risk reduction, in all their diversity. Its overall goal is to empower women to attain leadership and enhance their role in decision-making in disaster risk reduction in Asia-Pacific. The WIN DRR Philippine Network is powered by SM Prime and Asia Pacific College.


Earlier this year, SM Prime through its SM CARES, partnered with UNDRR in celebrating women's empowerment through a webinar on the role of women in disaster resilience. In her keynote message, Mizutori emphasized that “women’s equal participation and leadership in public life including disaster risk reduction is important and it is also essential to reducing disaster risk in achieving the United Nations sustainable development goals.” 

5 Easy Steps to Realize Your Dream Home

Buying a house might be a bit overwhelming, especially for first-timers, and it is not wrong to feel that way. After all, owning such property is both a great investment and a huge responsibility. Not to mention the fact that it is a daunting process that requires a lot of money, knowledge, and thorough research, among others. But among the many steps, where do you start?

Fret not because Lumina Homes got you covered with this 5-step Buyer's Guide by Lumina.

Project inquiry.
A good buyer is the one who asks. It is only understandable for every first-timer to have a lot of questions. Good thing the basic details about Lumina Home Properties are just a click away. Access information about your preferred property or house models at Lumina's website (www.lumina.com.ph) and even chat with a Lumina Expert using the chat button on the website should you need further assistance.

Site viewing.
This is probably one of the exciting parts of scouting your next home. Seeing the actual community you might be moving into, visiting those dressed-up units where you can draw inspiration when designing your new home, or just seeing for yourself if the place exudes a home vibe. Lumina understands this and offers a free site viewing with a Lumina expert to assist you.

A glimpse into one of Lumina’s established communities



Scan QR for a virtual tour of Lumina’s showcase area and bestselling home models


But if you have yet to set the date for your site viewing, make use of the 3D virtual tour of Lumina Homes Showcase Area (https://storage.net-fs.com/hosting/6413202/22/index.htm).

Reservation Application.
Once you're already set with the location and property that you wish to purchase, submitting the reservation application is the next step for you.

To go to Lumina Homes Online reservation portal, scan QR or go to https://onlinereservation.lumina.com.ph


Lumina makes it easier for homebuyers to make a reservation through Lumina Homes Online. It is an online portal where you can easily view and select your preferred block and lot, and settle the reservation fee through various payment channels such as credit or debit card, GCash, or over-the-counter. Upon successful application, you will receive an email confirmation that includes a link to Lumina Homes' Electronic Buyer's Information Sheet (EBIS), Electronic Quotation Sheet (EQS), and Electronic Reservation Agreement (ERA).

Marketing & Admin Briefing.
Lumina Homes is committed to providing quality service to all of its clients. After placing your reservation, an assigned Lumina Marketing and Admin Staff will be in touch with you for briefing, which includes information about the property you are set to buy, documentary requirements, step-by-step process prior to turning over of your Lumina Home, housing, and admin policies, and the project timeline.

Submission of Requirements.
After completing the briefing, you are only one step away from being a homeowner. The assigned Lumina expert will ask you to fill out some forms and submit documentary requirements within 30 days.

The list of documentary requirements varies and depends on two factors--employment status and financing options. Either way, Lumina Expert will be available to assist you with any further concerns.


Lumina Homes continuously evolves to accommodate the growing needs of its homeowners by providing digital real-estate solutions like virtual home tours and subdivision walkthroughs, online reservations, online appointment booking, and online payment options through digital wallets and digital banking in partnership with national bank players.

"Lumina Homes is committed to going beyond what is expected of an affordable housing community. We will maximize our developments' potential in providing our residents the quality home and life that they deserve," Estrellita Tan, Group Head of Lumina Homes said.

Start your homeowner journey at https://www.lumina.com.ph/property-listing.

100 DAYS OF HAPPINESS AT SM SUPERMALLS



The 100 Days of Happiness initiative by SM Supermalls, which aims to build a circle of happiness with 76 participating malls, customers, artists, cause-oriented groups, and certain local government units, was launched on September 16 to start the countdown to Christmas.

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan giving his welcome remarks during the launch of 100 Days of Happiness


"We want to create a circle of happiness in all our SM malls by featuring products of cause-oriented programs which we will offer to our shoppers who, in turn, give them to friends and family, and ultimately, benefit the communities that created these products," said SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan.

In photo: men and women of substance from the Quezon City LGU, SM Supermalls, Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Brownies Unlimited, Spark PH, and Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines


Through the campaign, SM Supermalls encourages Filipinos to support the advocacies of individuals and organizations that provide opportunities and create a livelihood for their communities. For this year, SM partnered with bag designer Zarah Juan, Spark PH, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), the Association of Foot and Mouth Artists of the Philippines, UNICEF, and the Quezon City LGU for its Vote to Tote initiative, among others.

The launch event held at SM North EDSA The Block was attended by SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and SVP for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin; Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, and select councilors of the city; Spark PH Founder Mica Teves; GSP President Dr. Nina Lim-Yuson; designer Zarah Juan; and Brownies Unlimited Marketing head Dustin Ngo.

In partnership with SM Supermalls and Brownies Unlimited, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines launch GSP-themed brownies from September 16 to December 15, 2022. For every purchase of a box of brownies, in-mall, and via the SM Malls Online app, one scout will be sponsored with a year’s free membership.

Equipping young girls to lead and build the future, one box of brownies at a time
For this year’s 100 Days campaign, SM Megamall, along with 9 other SM malls, is collaborating with Brownies Unlimited and the Girl Scouts of the Philippines. For every purchase of a special GSP-themed box of brownies in-mall and via the SM Malls Online App, one girl will be sponsored with a GSP membership for a year.

"We have a lot of young girls across the country and they've had such difficult times during the pandemic. Our membership dropped significantly. By buying a box, you can sponsor a girl for one year and she can learn so many things like being independent, loving her country more, and helping her community," said GSP President Nina Lim-Yuson.

Recently, SM Supermalls helped the GSP vaccinate all its 70,000 members nationwide. By providing them with convenient and safe COVID-19 vaccines, SM Supermalls was able to ensure that the GSP members have access to quality healthcare services.

SM shoppers can purchase a box of brownies from 46 Brownies Unlimited branches nationwide and the SM Malls Online App.

Giving marginalized women and persons deprived of liberty hope for the future
Apart from the GSP partnership, SM Supermalls also partnered with the local government of Quezon City for its Vote to Tote program, Spark PH, and bag designer Zarah Juan to sell upcycled tarpaulin handmade tote bags sewn by marginalized women and female persons deprived of liberty.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto advocate for the “Vote to Tote” project during the Happiness Walk

"Christmas is all about giving. We are very happy that this year, the communities of Quezon City are included as beneficiaries in this program. And apart from helping the women in our communities, we are also able to help the environment by upcycling 70 tons of election tarpaulins that we've collected." said Mayor Belmonte.

 
Members of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. and Girl Scouts of the Philippines come together to spread the holiday cheer.

Designer Zarah Juan, along with the local government of QC, Spark PH, and SM Supermalls partner on the Vote to Tote program - an initiative fueled for, and by, marginalized women and female persons deprived of liberty.


Juan, the designer, was the brainchild of the upcycling initiative. "During the elections, there were tons of election campaign wastes. I wanted to do something and I thought I have my platform– my designs. If my designs can actually solve this problem, then it's worthwhile. Then I pitched the idea to Maica Teves, the founder of Spark PH. From there, we gathered all the help we can– from the Quezon City LGU who will help us collect tarpaulins, the women communities that can help us create, and SM Supermalls who can provide us the platform to distribute."

A Happiness Walk was done to showcase the upcycled tote bags that shoppers can buy in SM malls. Joining the Happiness Walk were men and women of substance including select Girl Scouts members, Jeremy Lapena and Bernice Sevilla of the Downs Syndrome Association of the Phils, Mylene Abiva of WomenBiz, media celebrities Ces Oreña Drilon, and Gina Pareño among others.

 
Women of Substance Gina Pareño and Ces Drilon walk the runway to show support for the 100 Days of Happiness causes and initiatives.

The proceeds of the upcycled tote bags will be given to the women PDLs in Camp Karingal, and the marginalized women of Barangays Sto. Cristo, Greater Lagro, and Pinyahan in Quezon City. The tote bags will be sold in the following SM malls:
  • SM Aura Premier
  • SM Southmall
  • SM City Fairview
  • SM City North EDSA
  • SM Megamall
Helping a community of artists
And in the south of Metro Manila, the SM Mall of Asia family will be partnering with the Association of Foot and Mouth Artists in selling painted Christmas cards to the shoppers.

"All these and more will start to unfold in the coming days as we continue spreading happiness across all SM malls around the country. Let us not waste our next 100 days and use them to make one another happy by giving. Today, let the countdown begin to a hundred days of happiness!” Tan closed.

This is the second time SM Supermalls has started a holiday countdown campaign. In 2021, the biggest mall network in the Philippines showed the world more than a hundred ways of giving through 100 Days of Caring. Underserved communities surrounding the 76 SM malls were provided with their urgent needs through in-kind and monetary donations by the malls, their various business units, and the employees.

For the list of all partner institutions and their beneficiaries visit www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts.

Here are some video clips I took, which you can watch Happiness Walk below.




@maicasanguan Vote to Tote happiness walk at @smsupermalls ♬ Smooth Modeling - DJ BAI

How To Ensure Your Kids Are Healthier And Happier

A healthy diet and plenty of exercises are essential for a child's growth and development, but did you know that there are other things you can do to help your kids be healthier? The following blog post will discuss tips on ensuring your children are as healthy as possible. Follow these tips, and you can be sure that your kids will be happier and healthier!



1) Make Sure They Get Enough Sleep
Children must get enough sleep to function properly. A lack of sleep can lead to moodiness, difficulty concentrating, and decreased energy levels. Therefore, ensure your child gets at least eight hours of sleep every night.

You can do a few things to help your child get enough sleep. First, establish a bedtime routine and stick to it as best as possible. This will help signal to your child's body that it's time to wind down for the night. You should also ensure their bedroom is dark and quiet so they can easily relax and fall asleep.

If your child is having trouble sleeping, talk to their pediatrician. There are many helpful resources available that can teach you how to deal with sleep problems in children.

2) Keep Your Home Clean
One of the best ways to keep your kids healthy is to clean your home. This means regular vacuuming, dusting, mopping floors, and cleaning surfaces. You should also make sure to wash bedding and towels frequently. If you have pets, be sure to groom them regularly and vacuum up any pet hair. In short, a clean home is a happy and healthy home.


Another way to ensure your kids are healthy is to keep your home free of pests. This means regular pest control and eyeing for any signs of pests. If you do spot a pest, be sure to call preventative pest control services immediately. Pest-free homes are not only healthier, but they're also happier.

3) Teach Them Good Hygiene Habits
One of the most important things you can do for your child's health is to teach them good hygiene habits. This includes washing their hands regularly, brushing their teeth twice a day, and showering or bathing daily. It's also important to teach kids about safe food handling, such as not touching food with their bare hands and cooking food properly.

You can help your child develop good hygiene habits by setting a good example yourself. For example, wash your own hands regularly, brush your teeth, and so on. You should also ensure that plenty of clean towels and washcloths are available for your child to use. Finally, don't forget to praise your child when they practice good hygiene! A little encouragement can go a long way.

In conclusion, there are many things you can do to ensure your kids are healthy. Of course, a healthy diet and plenty of exercises are essential, but you should also make sure your child is getting enough sleep, that your home is clean, and that they're practicing good hygiene habits. Follow these tips, and you can be sure that your kids will be happier and healthier!
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