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What’s New at SM Supermalls? Must-See Firsts in Metro Manila


Let your thirst for trying out new things lead you this month of June.

Be fun, be free, and let spontaneity take the wheel with these new and upcoming gems heading your way. From immersive experiences to robust cuisines from around the globe, to standout fashion pieces—you have the power to make the mundane magical when you choose to see every day as a canvas of possibilities.

Wander to wonder, and embrace the magic of curiosity and exploration with SM Supermalls—right here in Metro Manila.


Variety & Great Options at SM Mall of Asia

With more options, you uncover more paths, opening doors to fresh experiences and delightful discoveries—whether it be trying out different meals at once or spicing up your everyday style!

Enjoy the diverse flavors of Japan at Kiwami: Japanese Master Kitchens, opening their first-ever SM flagship store soon—their biggest one yet! Offering a variety of authentic dishes all under one roof, indulge in an extensive dining experience and savor the best of Yabu (katsu), Ippudo (ramen), Hachibei (yakitori), and Hannosuke (tempura)—each offering their own distinct and authentic taste of Japan.

Meanwhile, our stylish go-getters can look forward to more soon-to-open stores, serving up options after options in everyday fashion and sportswear:

  • JD Sports—elevate your active lifestyle with impactful design and exclusive picks from top-performing brands. Britain’s leading retailer in street and activewear is bringing its first-ever store to the Philippines within the next few months.

  • 8 Seconds—an iconic Korean clothing brand is opening its first-in-PH store this July. Prepare to K-style your everyday look with trendy apparel ready to captivate you in under 8 seconds. 



Magical Moments at SM North EDSA

Having the heart to wander rewards you with unexpected moments of magic. Give yourself the chance to experience those pleasant surprises and set out to explore these newly opened go-to destinations:

Space & Time Cube, the Philippines’ first immersive digital museum blending art and technology across multiple themed attractions, opened last May 16, extending its signature multi-sensory experience to our adventure seekers here in Quezon City. Their latest highlight, Fantasy Cinema, delivers an exhilarating 9D feature—combining virtual reality, motion simulation, and rich sensory effects to transport guests into an awe-inspiring cinematic world.


Meanwhile, Moon Hey—an engaging hot pot & grill restaurant—will launch their first-in-SM store this June, serving diners with their own satisfying dining experience by having individualized cooking stations and a customizable set of ingredients that revolves around the room.


Positive-impact Fashion at SM Megamall


Wander responsibly. And have a conscious effort  to care about the environment wherever your feet lead you. Make a fashionable statement with sustainable designs from VIVAIA—a rising gem in global footwear that recently opened its first in-mall store here in the Philippines. Offering a wide selection of on-trend shoes made notably from recycled PET materials, VIVAIA brings a commitment to eco-friendly footwear crafted for comfort, style, and responsible consumption.


German Flavors at SM Podium


Wandering is not complete without some time for relaxation, because the best part about taking a wondrous journey comes out when you're having fun!


Experience the embodiment of good cheers with the best of German cuisine. Originating from Singapore, Brotzeit is a world-renowned German bier bar and restaurant which recently opened its first-in-SM store. It serves Bavarian meals and rich German beers in a perfectly welcoming space—ideal for a chill and fun night. Enjoy a diverse selection of sausage platters, schnitzel, pork knuckles, all perfectly complemented by—of course—beers!



Having a heart for adventure leads to surprising moments of awe. Discover exciting and noteworthy delights here in Metro Manila, and enrich your stories of wander and wonder—only 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!



Strengthening disaster preparedness: SM makes the Incident Command System possible

 

SM Supermalls conducts Incident Command System workshops to strengthen emergency response through structure, coordination, and accountability.

In a country like the Philippines, where typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural calamities are part of the norm, resilience is not just a necessity but a way of life. Ranked consistently high in the World Risk Index due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and the typhoon belt, the nation faces challenges that demand coordinated, forward-thinking approaches to disaster preparedness and response. 

Among those leading the way is SM Supermalls, whose commitment to resilience continues to evolve through investments in systems that safeguard not only business continuity but, more importantly, the communities they serve.

Disaster resilience in the private sector has become increasingly crucial. Corporations have the capacity to create ripple effects both in terms of operational continuity and their influence on surrounding communities. For SM, a sustained and risk-informed approach to resilience ensures that when emergencies strike, response is swift, coordinated, and grounded in tested protocols.

A key initiative in this approach is the company’s very own rollout of the Incident Command System (ICS). Designed to provide a standardized structure for managing emergency response, the ICS originated in the United States and is widely recognized as an on-scene, all-hazard incident management concept. Through its unified hierarchy and clearly defined roles, the ICS ensures that different responders---from government agencies to private security teams---can act in sync. This leads to more efficient resource management, better communication, and a higher degree of accountability during high-pressure situations.

As part of the initiative, SM regularly implements emergency preparedness drills across its network of malls and consistently participates in nationwide efforts for disaster preparedness, such as the annual fire and earthquake drills led by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). These efforts are complemented by support for the quarterly Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drills led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). These exercises include both employees and tenants, creating a culture of readiness that extends beyond corporate boundaries.

In addition, 79 SM Supermalls have been certified under the Business Continuity Management Systems---a reflection of the company’s structured and systematized approach to disaster risk reduction and recovery. This level of certification not only reflects internal diligence but also sets a benchmark for the broader business sector.

SM also has a dedicated resilience center, which operates as a centralized communications hub during large-scale disruptions. This facility coordinates with all SM malls to ensure rapid information flow and streamlined decision-making in the event of a national emergency.

SM’s collaborative approach to disaster resilience was also demonstrated during the 2024 Asia- Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Manila. On the last day of the conference, SM City Clark became the focal point of an ICS demonstration attended by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Resilience and foreign delegates.

The event showcased a unified response involving mall management, the Clark and Angeles municipalities, the BFP, OCD Region 3, and NDRRMC. Together, they enacted coordinated procedures designed to enhance public safety, offering an up-close look at how integrated disaster response works in a real-world environment.

In preparation for the site visit, SM Supermalls partnered with ARISE Philippines, the Private Sector Alliance for Resilient Societies, to conduct an ICS workshop alongside the OCD. This training brought together heads of operations, human resources, security, and Information Technology from SM City Clark and nearby locators such as Park Inn Hotel. Facilitated by experts from the BFP and the Philippine Army, the workshop provided hands-on training in ICS protocol, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to capacity-building at the local level.

Participants of the Incident Command System workshop learn the chain of command and roles essential for managing emergencies.

The Incident Command System is showcased in an emergency simulation at SM City Clark during the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction.

Public and private sector teams implement the Incident Command System as the Bureau of Fire Protection showcases high-angle rescue at SM City Clark.

SM’s vision for resilience is expansive and continuous. Following the success of the Clark initiative, the company is now preparing to roll out the next phase of ICS workshops, beginning with SM Mall of Asia and expanding to regional malls across the country. This nationwide implementation reflects a long-term strategy that prioritizes safety, community cohesion, and operational readiness.

“By investing in frameworks like the ICS, SM Supermalls demonstrates that resilience is not a reactive measure but an ongoing commitment,” said SM Supermalls Vice President Engr. Liza Silerio. “In a landscape defined by environmental vulnerability, this commitment provides not only peace of mind but a tangible sense of preparedness for employees, tenants, and the public at large.”

Through proactive strategies and sustained partnerships with government and civil society, SM is building more than safe spaces. It is also cultivating a culture of resilience that empowers people and protects communities in the face of any uncertainty, reiterating its commitment to promoting a more disaster-ready Philippines.


SM Supermalls empowers MSMEs’ future through inclusive resilience

 

Micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) tenants and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-supported entrepreneurs gear up for resilience through SM Supermalls’ nationwide Business Continuity Plan workshops.

SM Supermalls champions resilience as a shared responsibility, empowering communities and micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) tenants nationwide.

For SM Supermalls, resilience remains an essential pillar in its pursuit of sustainability. Without safe, secure, and prepared communities, the vision of sustainable development becomes difficult to achieve. This is why the company believes that promoting resilience is not only a matter of operational readiness but a responsibility to the communities and businesses that form the backbone of the economy.

At the heart of this commitment are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These businesses are often the most vulnerable to disruptions brought about by natural and man-made hazards. Yet, they represent a critical force in the national economy---generating jobs, driving local commerce, and sustaining livelihoods. Recognizing their importance, SM Supermalls has made it a priority to help cultivate an MSME sector that is resilient.

Across its network, close to 70 percent of SM Supermalls’ tenants are currently MSMEs. These businesses operate under unique lessee contracts that acknowledge their specific needs and challenges. To support them, SM not only provides space but also promotes an environment that values preparedness and long-term continuity.

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Beyond providing retail spaces, SM Supermalls promotes micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) resilience through emergency drills and dedicated Business Continuity Planning (BCP) initiatives.

SM Supermalls’ most notable resilience initiative for its MSME tenants is a dedicated Business Continuity Planning (BCP) program launched in 2024. This capacity-building initiative enables businesses to develop tailored Business Continuity Plans and implement adaptive measures to reduce the impact of disruptions. 

SM’s tenants are each provided with free access to 5GB of remote digital storage where they can securely store critical business documents such as their BCPs, permits, registrations, and insurance policies, among others. In the event of a disaster, access to these documents becomes seamless, allowing faster processing of insurance claims and a quicker return to operations.

To further scale its impact, SM Supermalls established a public-private partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement in 2024. Together with ARISE Philippines, a United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)-affiliated private sector alliance for disaster resilience, the partnership aims to ensure that 6,000 MSMEs have robust BCPs by the end of 2027.

Business continuity subject matter experts guide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in crafting their own Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) for their company.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Bureau of Small Medium Enterprise Development and SM Supermalls representatives join together in disaster risk resilience awareness and business continuity for micro, small and medium enterprises.

This collaboration is led by DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona and Bureau of Small Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED) Director Emma Asusano, alongside SM Supermalls’ Corporate Resilience Department. The shared goal is clear: to safeguard MSMEs nationwide through proactive preparedness.

One key feature of the initiative is the SM-DTI Calamity Recovery (CARE) Booth, activated during times of calamity. Located in malls with communities impacted by disasters, the booth serves as an accessible touchpoint for MSMEs needing post-disaster support---providing a practical and timely response mechanism that bridges the gap between public resources and private needs.

Additionally, SM Supermalls regularly hosts scheduled BCP workshops for MSMEs in collaboration with DTI. These workshops are conducted in centralized SM locations across various regions and are open to both SM tenants and DTI-assisted MSMEs. During these sessions, business owners are introduced to the various risks posed by different types of disasters and are guided step-by-step in developing their own BCPs. These plans are tailored to the unique nature and geographical location of their operations, and the sessions extend to the BCP testing and validation phase to ensure practical application and effectiveness.

The participants are given one month to finalize their BCPs, which must be approved by their business management and submitted to DTI. Since the program’s launch in September 2024, over 1,500 MSMEs have already undergone training, with more scheduled in the months ahead.

“Resilience is not built overnight, and requires education, commitment, and collaboration across different sectors. Knowing this, SM Supermalls continues to invest in long-term resilience not just for its business, but for the broader ecosystem of MSMEs it supports,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “In doing so, we are reinforcing the fundamental truth that sustainable progress is only possible when communities and businesses are prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow.”


Ways To Cope With Grief

When we lose someone in our lives, the grieving process can be the hardest aspect to navigate through. We grieve after any sort of loss in our lives. But it is most powerful when someone we love dies. Grieving is not just one feeling, it usually involves a range of different feelings. Over time, it can help you accept and understand your loss.

Everyone feels grief differently and there is no right or wrong way to react. There follows some general information about the different reactions people often have. How long people grieve for is a very individual thing. It may be months or even years. But it won’t always be so intense. 



Some of the emotions can be very difficult to face and some people might try to avoid the pain of grief. They keep very busy to distract themselves from the painful loss. And some people drink more alcohol than usual or use other drugs to numb the pain. But this might slow your recovery and cause new problems.

The most important part of healing is to acknowledge that you are grieving. Two main things that help the most with grief are time and support. You can't push the issue and force yourself to feel better.

It is important that you grieve for your loved one and allow yourself to feel the way you do. Here are some suggestions that may help.

The Checklist: 10 Essentials to Bring With You on Your Next Fishing Trip

PEXELS

If you're looking for a great way to spend time outdoors, you have plenty of options to choose from. Hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, gardening, metal detecting, and camping are only a few of the options available to people who enjoy the great outdoors. Of course, fishing can't be left out of the mix, either. Quite a few people choose to spend their leisure time waiting for their right fish to come along and take the bait. In fact, more than 850 million fishing expeditions take place each year. Whether you're planning your first fishing trip, booking a fishing charter, or simply getting ready for one of your latest outings, taking along the right equipment is essential.

Getting Geared Up for Your Fishing Adventures

Having the right gear with you is the key to making the most of your angling experiences. Having said that, knowing exactly what to bring isn't always a simple matter. After all, you want to have all the essentials, but you don't want to pack so much gear that you end up being overloaded. Though you can find more details from Johnny's Sport Fishing about certain must-have fishing equipment, we'll go over some of the basics right now.

1) Fishing Rods

This may seem like an all-too-obvious point, but your entire fishing trip experience is going to be centered around the fishing rods you bring. Be sure to have the right rods on hand. Some offer multi-purpose functionality, but others just aren't right for all types of fishing. One of the main factors to consider is the rod's length. Longer rods tend to cast farther, but shorter rods often give you more control over where your line goes.

Weight, power, and action also factor into the equation when deciding which rods to take with you on a fishing trip. You'll learn more about those elements over time, and more experienced anglers can help you understand why they're important. Eventually, you'll instinctively know which rod will work best for your plans. At the same time, it's important to remember to bring more than one rod. If one break or the line gets hopelessly tangled up in the reel and you don't have a backup, you'll have to pack up and call it a day much earlier than you expected.