We Stannin’ HARD: Best New Finds in Luzon with SM Supermalls

We are all about that stan life. A new album from a rising artist? Fanboy/fangirl mode activated. A freshly opened concept store? Consider us a fan. Entering your fitness era? Support. Whether it's a personality we love or a lifestyle we aspire to, as long as it resonates with the life we want, we are stanning hard.

Here at SM Supermalls, you don’t need to look any further. Everything—and we mean everything—that will get you hyped up for months is right here. From the hottest new finds across Luzon to everyday essentials that hit different, these stores have us hooked, and we just cannot get enough. As your most-loved mall, SM continues to be an icon worthy of all our attention.

All For Our Foodie Stans
Ah yes, food. Who isn’t a fan, right? From familiar dining destinations to new food hubs to explore, we are stanning hard!

  • Pho Hoa
    A fan of Vietnamese classics? The soon-to-open, first-in-Cavite Pho Hoa at the Upper Ground Level of SM City Bacoor serves soulful bowls of pho, alongside staple sides like spring rolls, vermicelli bowls, and flavorful rice plates. With meals that’ll remind you of your last trip to Vietnam, Pho Hoa is the perfect spot to savor the familiar flavors of the country.



  • Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings
    For all our buffalo wings stans, the first-in-Bulacan Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings at the West Wing of SM City Marilao brings its iconic variations to the table, with flavors ranging from classic buffalo to garlic parmesan and honey sriracha. Craving wings? This is your chance to dig in until you drop.

  • Manam
    And if you’re simply a fan of home, Manam in the Ground Level of SM City Marilao is your best pick! The first-in-Bulacan, Manam elevates Filipino comfort food with creative twists. Ever heard of their iconic Watermelon Beef Sinigang? Yep, that’s Manam for you!

All For Our Lifestyle & Fashion Stans
If she’s having it, we’re ALL having it. Trends let us feel part of a community where we truly belong. From accessories you can carry all day to lifestyle must-haves, we’re all about riding the hype.


  • Aquaflask Designs
    If you're a fan of carrying your personality with you, the first-in-Batangas AquaFlask Designs makes hydration look good with functional, sleek tumblers that you can customize—from colors and sizes to all the accessories you can pair them with. Opening soon at the Ground Level of SM City Batangas, AquaFlask Designs lets your personality shine through whether you're heading to the gym, to class, or just malling around SM.

  • Sunnies Studios
    Sunnies Studios continues to be a staple for eyewear and lifestyle essentials. Its newest store at the Ground Level of SM City San Pablo brings that signature cool directly to your everyday wardrobe and gets you looking like your idol. Known for trendy and timeless styles, Sunnies Studios offers a range of eyewear for all our accessories stans out there.


  • The Loop
    All for our tech-savvy stans, The Loop at Level 3 of SM Center Tuguegarao Downtown is your newest go-to spot for anything gadget and gadget accessories, bringing in products that are sure to empower you whether you're a student, a professional, or just vibin’ through life.


  • Decathlon
    For sport and adventure stans who love gearing up for every experience, the newest Decathlon at Level 3 of SM City Grand Central brings over 70 sports’ worth of equipment, apparel, and accessories into one space. From running shoes to yoga mats, hiking gear to swim essentials, Decathlon location makes it simple to shop everything you need to stay active and stylish.


    All For Our Wellness Stans
    Wellness first? Healthy fitness habits? We can’t help but stan those who take good care of themselves—and lowkey, we all aspire to be like them!




  • Iremia Headspa
    If wellness is your goal this year, Iremia Headspa at the 2nd Level of SM City Clark is where self-care becomes part of your everyday life. A first in SM, it offers structured head and scalp treatments focused on relaxation and reset. Wanna be your own #1 fan? This is the spot for anyone who’s ready to take their well-being seriously.

  • Anytime Fitness
    For fitness stans focused on building a healthier body, the new Anytime Fitness at the Lower Ground Floor of SM City Trece Martires brings the globally recognized 24/7 gym experience right into your routine. Equipped with machines and tools for every fitness goal, AF is where your fitness journey becomes more accessible and more fun to return to.

ICONIC—SM Supermalls stan here! From the best in fitness and wellness to dining concepts you’re sure to love, whatever you’re stanning in life, your most-loved SM Supermalls has got it all for you.

Follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events.

The Water Stewardship Journey Continues for SM Supermalls

For three decades, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) has steadfastly advanced responsible water stewardship for a more resilient water future through SM Supermalls, its operating arm. 

SM Prime invested in its first Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in the late 90’s with SM Southmall. STPs are essential for protecting public health and the environment, along with supporting community development. Since then, STPs have become a standard fixture in all 89 malls, reducing water waste and pollution, and safeguarding water resources. 


SM Supermalls embeds water conservation practices across its operations. Recycled water is used in water closets for flushing, cleaning, and watering greens. Additionally, efficient low-flow fixtures and water-saving technologies prevent unnecessary consumption at scale. 


"SM had always been conscious of its environmental impact on shared social good. Our water journey is rooted in our commitment to maximize what we borrow from the environment, creating resiliency for future generations,” said Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President and Head of Sustainability and Resilience.


Today, SM is evaluating centralized STPs that can serve multiple developments and allow for inter-building treatment systems, lowering operational costs, and enhancing process efficiency. "Part of our water resilience framework is building long-term capacity for water disruptions. Since the standardization of STPs across our malls, SM took it a step further and scaled its water sustainability efforts," said Silerio.


 

A first in the industry, SM City Baguio's Rainwater Treatment Facility has already processed almost 20,000 cubic meters of rainwater into potable water since it was launched, providing 30% of the mall’s total monthly clean water requirement since 2023. This translates to saving the equivalent of 12.7 million, 1.5-liter mineral water bottles or almost eight Olympic-sized swimming pools of freshwater from the grid.


 

  


Leveraging the mall’s nationwide reach, SM further campaigns sustainable water use through consistent awareness and engagement, SM creates public awareness and education campaigns through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares to activate future water stewards in the community.


This proactive and efficient approach resulted in SM malls receiving multiple industry distinctions such as the Bantayog ng Lawa Award from the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and the first ever Gawad Taga-Ilog Award bestowed upon a private entity by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).


"We’ve come a long way since the 90’s. It’s heartwarming to be recognized by our community and peers, but we continue to work harder for future generations because water is a universal human right. By implementing these sustainability measures, SM aims to move forward with greater purpose and greater possibilities," said Silerio.

 


Vinta Market sets sail at newly opened SM City Zamboanga, championing local MSMEs

The ceremonial opening marks the launch of Vinta Market, a vibrant marketplace dedicated to showcasing proudly local products from MSMEs across the Zamboanga Peninsula.


As SM City Zamboanga opened its doors on March 20, the vibrant spirit of local entrepreneurship and culture took center stage with the unveiling of Vinta Market, a colorful marketplace dedicated to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Launched in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 9 and the SM for MSMEs program, the Vinta Market brings together 20 local MSMEs, showcasing proudly regional products ranging from handcrafted items and artisanal goods to local delicacies, fashion pieces, and unique souvenirs.

SM Supermalls executives  and DTI Region 9 officials lead the ceremonial opening of the Vinta Market at SM City Zamboanga, celebrating a new platform for local MSMEs. (L-R: DTI Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Director, Ma. Rovie Manzanares; DTI Zamboanga City Office Provincial Director, Grace Aduca; SM Supermalls AVP for SM Communities Program, Royston Cabunag; DTI Regional Director Al-Zamir Lipae; SM Supermalls SAVP for SM Communities Marketing, Pats Dy;  DTI Assistant Regional Director, Maridel Dengal;  and SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing, Joaquin San Agustin)

Inspired by the iconic vinta, the traditional sailboat known for its vibrant sails and deep cultural roots in Mindanao, the Vinta Market reflects the same spirit of color, movement, and community. The marketplace brings together passionate entrepreneurs and skilled artisans, offering mallgoers a lively and meaningful shopping experience rooted in local culture. 

More than just a retail destination, the Vinta Market serves as a growth platform for MSMEs—and for many entrepreneurs, this opportunity translates into real business expansion and sustained livelihood.

“We are very happy for the opportunity given to us by SM City Zamboanga… because of that, I have a growing market and a lot of suki na at SM,” shared Maria Donna of Marya Soaps and Scents from Pagadian, highlighting how increased visibility at SM has helped strengthen her customer base


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For heritage artisans, the impact goes beyond business—it’s about preserving culture and passing traditions to future generations. “Maraming salamat sa mga opportunity na mga ganito na pwede kaming magbenta para makahanap lalo ng market… kayo na ‘yung kasangga namin sa pag-promote ng aming weave,” said Evelinda Otong, a 4th generation Yakan weaver, underscoring the importance of platforms like SM in sustaining local craftsmanship

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Through capacity-building programs and expanded market access, MSMEs are also able to scale their operations and reach wider audiences.


“With their trainings and seminars, we’ve learned a lot… we’re proud to say that we supply all over the Philippines—and with SM Supermalls, our products can reach around the country and are now in the mainstream market,” shared Shaun Alavar of Alavar Food Products, reflecting the broader growth opportunities enabled through the partnership.





Featured MSMEs proudly showcase their locally made products at the Vinta Market, highlighting the passion and dedication behind every creation.

During the launch event, SM Supermalls executives, DTI officials, and partner stakeholders joined entrepreneurs and guests in celebrating the opening of the marketplace—highlighting a shared commitment to empower local businesses and provide them with greater market opportunities.

Visitors explored booths filled with proudly local products—each representing stories of craftsmanship, passion, and perseverance. The marketplace quickly became a vibrant hub where mallgoers discovered unique regional goods while supporting local livelihoods.

Intricately crafted local products showcase the artistry and cultural heritage of Mindanao’s talented artisans


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The launch of Vinta Market stands as one of the highlights of the opening of SM City Zamboanga, the city’s newest lifestyle destination bringing together shopping, dining, entertainment, and community experiences closer to Zamboangueños.



Locally made delicacies from MSMEs offer shoppers a taste of Zamboanga’s rich culinary heritage at the Vinta Market.

Through initiatives like the Vinta Market, SM Supermalls continues to champion Filipino entrepreneurship, providing MSMEs with accessible platforms to grow their businesses while celebrating the rich culture and creativity of local communities.

As shoppers explore the colorful stalls and meet the passionate makers behind the products, the Vinta Market stands as a vibrant symbol of Zamboanga’s thriving entrepreneurial spirit—where tradition, creativity, and opportunity sail forward together.



No Classroom Required: Could Homeschooling Be The Right Choice For Your Family?

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All over the world homeschooling is growing in popularity - once just the bastion of a select few, more and more families are now seeing the benefits of learning in a non-traditional way, with approximately 3.4% of American children now being educated in this way. But what makes them choose this path, and could it be the right fit for your family?

Embracing Individuality

One of the main problems with a traditional school environment is that it is very difficult for a teacher to give individual attention to everyone in the class, even with teaching assistants and parent volunteers to help out. All children learn in different ways and at different rates, so a big benefit of homeschooling is being able to tailor it to your particular child's needs. Are they a kinaesthetic individual who learns through doing, or maybe an auditory learner, who learns better by listening to you and repeating it back? Homeschooling means that you can not only play to their strengths, but also to their interests - if your child is going through a phase where they love dinosaurs then it can be a great opportunity to learn about that era, including the geography and science that goes along with it. Just playing with Lego can provide many opportunities to learn about STEM subjects... the options are endless, and you can work with your child to ensure they have the best possible learning experience.

Many families find that they need more structure than a purely parent-led approach. A formal Online High School South Africa is a helpful option because it has a set path for students to follow. These platforms use teachers to handle the grading and lesson plans, which takes the pressure off the parents. It is a way to keep the flexibility of home learning while the child meets all the necessary academic standards. This setup works well for older students who prepare for university or their future careers.

Challenging Situations

Although fun and exciting, homeschooling can also provide challenges: a major one is the time commitment it involves on behalf of the parent (although the flexibility of homeschooling means that some are able to juggle work around it).  It can also be expensive - not just through the loss of hours that you could be working if they were in a traditional school setting, but also purchasing curricula, courses for them to work though, and the resources that go along with them.  It's also important to bear in mind that different countries (and even states or areas within countries) can have different requirements, with many requesting regular visits and proof of ongoing education, so check with your local government department before embarking on the journey.  For many families around the world though, the benefits of homeschooling far outweigh these challenges.

Making The Right Choice For Your Family

Overall, it's important to remember that homeschooling will not be the right fit for every family - it's a big responsibility for the parent who is taking on the teaching role, and a big commitment from all involved to make it work.  For those who embrace it though, it can be an amazing learning choice, allowing their children to flourish and grow at their own pace and in their own way.



SM Supermalls Brings February Job Fairs Nationwide, Making Job Search Easier for Filipinos

 


SM Supermalls rolls out its February SM Job Fairs nationwide, enabling community opportunities through accessible employment channels making the application process faster and more convenient, All For job-hunting Filipinos. Held across SM malls, the monthly #SMJobFair series connects jobseekers with employers from retail, services, logistics, manufacturing, and other key industries.

In celebration of the Banatu Festival, celebrating the 76th founding anniversary of Cabanatuan City, SM

Supermalls kicked off February with a highly successful job fair at SM City Cabanatuan, demonstrating how career opportunities can be meaningfully woven into local festivities. Held last February 3, the job fair brought together 32 employers and a thousand jobseekers, with 90 applicants hired on the spot—underscoring the impact of aligning employment initiatives with community celebrations. By integrating career opportunities into high-traffic events such as local holidays and festivals, SM Supermalls enhances the malling experience by offering purposeful activities that customers can conveniently engage with in their most-loved SM destinations. Beyond serving as venues for celebration, SM malls evolve into community platforms that create pathways to livelihood, growth, and long-term opportunity for Filipinos nationwide.

Flagship SM Group Job Fair set for February 26 at SM North EDSA

Culminating the month’s activities is the highly anticipated SM Group Job Fair led by SM Retail on February 26 at SM City North EDSA—one of the strongest and most sought-after hiring events in the SM Job Fair calendar. Employers from across the SM Group—including retail, real estate, food, logistics, and banking—will be offering a wide range of opportunities, reinforcing why so many Filipinos aspire to join the SM family. As the largest retail chain in the Philippines, SM Retail continues to champion a workplace where people truly belong, thrive, and grow. Job seekers can look forward to purposeful challenges, meaningful career opportunities, and a culture where efforts are recognized and celebrated—making it #SoMuchFun to build a career at SM Retail. Because at SM Retail, we’ve got it all for you—#OnlyAtSMRetail.


One-Stop Job Application Made Easy

SM Job Fairs go beyond job matching by offering on-site government services, allowing applicants to complete key employment requirements in one location. Participating agencies typically include the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Social Security System, and PhilHealth, among others—saving jobseekers time, cost, and multiple trips.

February SM Job Fair Schedule

• February 12 – SM City Taytay

• February 13 – SM City Trece Martires

• February 16 – SM City Olongapo Central

• February 20 – SM City Legazpi

• February 25 – SM City Davao

• February 26 – SM City North EDSA

• February 27 – SM Center Muntinlupa

• February 27 – SM City Trece Martires

• February 28 – SM Seaside City Cebu



Jobseekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resumes and valid IDs and visit the nearest SM Job Fair this February. For updates and mall-specific details, follow SM Supermalls on social media and join the movement through #SMJobFair. SM Supermalls Champions MSMEs—and the Filipino workforce.