The Curious Mom

The 30-foot catamaran is designed to efficiently collect and carry up to 1 ton of waste.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga (middle) receives the symbolic key to a catamaran donated by SM Prime, boosting Manila Bay cleanup efforts.

This donation strengthens the DENR's arsenal in its multifaceted approach to cleaning Manila Bay. The catamaran will enable more efficient removal of floating debris and waste, contributing to the broader effort to improve water quality and restore the bay's ecological health. The partnership with SM Prime exemplifies the power of public-private collaborations in tackling complex environmental challenges.

"This catamaran represents our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and our belief in the power of collaboration to create a sustainable future for our communities," said SM Supermalls Vice President Engr. Liza Silerio, emphasizing the shared vision of both organizations. SM Prime's contribution complements the DENR's ongoing initiatives, including the Paranaque Adopt-a-River project, and underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving lasting environmental improvements.

From left: Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Jonas Leones, DENR National Capital Region (NCR) Regional Executive Director Michael Drake Matias, DENR Assistant Secretary and Environmental Management Bureau Director Jacqueline Caancan, SM Supermalls Vice President Engr. Liza Silerio, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, and SM Prime Estate Management and Development Senior Assistant Vice President Orliber Paule at the catamaran handover ceremony. 

The presence of DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and other DENR officials emphasized the agency's commitment to leveraging partnerships to achieve its environmental goals. The catamaran will play a crucial role in the DENR's continued efforts to protect Manila Bay from pollution and preserve its valuable resources for future generations. This collaboration serves as a model for how public and private sectors can work together to address pressing environmental concerns and create a healthier environment.

(L-R): SM Cares Assistant Vice President Richard A. Caluyo, SM Book Nook Reading Festival co-organizer and BookShelfPH co-founder Monette Quiogue, and SM Aura Regional Operations Head Stephanie Co 

Interactive storytelling and inspiration

One of the festival's highlights was the launch of SM Book Nook's innovative "Pass the Plot" board. This interactive activity encouraged participants to co-create a story, sentence by sentence, showcasing their collective creativity.

The "Pass the Plot" board at the SM Book Nook Reading Festival ignites collaborative storytelling, inviting participants to build a narrative sentence by sentence.

A major highlight of the event was the presence of renowned literary personalities such as National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario (Rio Alma), Dean Tony Laviña, Hans Pieter Arao, and Jayson Fajardo. Attendees had the unique opportunity to connect with these esteemed authors, get their books signed, and engage in insightful conversations. The festival also showcased emerging talent, with popular independent authors like Therese Villarante-Langit connecting with readers and sharing their work.

National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario (Rio Alma) inspires readers and shares his literary journey at the SM Book Nook Reading Festival at SM Aura.

A celebration of community and shared passion

A heartwarming moment unfolded when publishers and authors united for a meaningful cause—donating books to the SM Book Nook. This symbolic gesture underscored the collective mission of promoting a culture of reading and knowledge-sharing.

Authors and publishers, with SM Book Nook pioneer Shereen Sy (8th from right), unite to donate books at the SM Book Nook Reading Festival, promoting a love of reading.

Engaging activities for all ages

The festival buzzed with activity throughout the day. Attendees participated in fun quiz games, delved into historical fiction readings, and engaged in thought-provoking book club discussions. Spoken word poetry performances by teens and young adults added a contemporary flair, while a session on zines with BBZ offered a glimpse into the world of independent publishing. Publishers like Bookshelf PH, Grana Books, and Aklat Alamid showcased their latest titles, and a special session on copyright law provided valuable information for aspiring authors.

The audience is enthralled as author Bambi Rodriguez reads from her latest work.

The SM Book Nook Reading Festival proved to be more than just a book event. It was a lively community gathering, a celebration of Filipino storytelling, and a source of inspiration for both established and aspiring writers.

For more information about SM's community programs and how you can get involved, visit: https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares/.

Multi-sector representatives attend ARISE Philippines’ first Annual General Assembly in 2025.

Under the theme “Catalyzing Progress for a Resilient and Sustainable Future towards ARISE 2030,” the meeting was grounded in the words “Innovate, Integrate, and Elevate,” urging members to embrace new approaches, collaborate across sectors, and raise the bar for disaster resilience standards. 

ARISE Philippines Board Members (from left): Dr. Ma. Teresita Medado, Sylvestre Barrameda Jr., Austere Panadero, ARISE Philippines Co-Chair Engr. Liza Silerio, ARISE Global Board Member Vice Admiral (VADM) Alexander Pama, Raymond Rufino, and Michael Rellosa (not in photo: Rosemarie Rafael and Jessica Bianca Sy)

The Co-Chair representing the private sector, Engr. Liza Silerio, welcomed the collective and expressed her gratitude for the network’s role in promoting community resilience and sustainable progress. For the public sector, Office of Civil Defense Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of engineering solutions in disaster preparedness and highlighted the critical role of committed private sector leaders in building a more resilient nation. 

Chief of Office UNDRR Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Marco Toscano-Rivalta, in a video message, commended ARISE Philippines for its outstanding contributions to disaster risk reduction. “I extend my profound gratitude for ARISE Philippines’ exemplary leadership and contributions,” he stated. He referenced the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction held in Manila last October 2024, saying, “Your efforts were instrumental to the event’s success. ARISE has showcased the power of public-private partnerships and set the benchmark for other regions to follow.”

Member companies pledge their participation in ARISE Philippines’ seven new programs.

ARISE Global Board Member Vice Admiral (VADM) Alexander Pama, ret., was present to bolster the local network and guarantee its support to the international alliance. A highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of seven ARISE Philippines Materials and Knowledge products by the ARISE Board of Directors. These resources are designed to support members in implementing resilience-building initiatives. The meeting also included a call to action for members to actively participate in seven new programs to be initiated this year.

Mr. Hans Sy, ARISE Philippines Chairperson for the Private Sector, addresses members and observers.

In his closing remarks, ARISE Philippines Chairperson for the Private Sector Mr. Hans Sy rallied the assembled members and observers, emphasizing the importance of unity, collaboration, and action. He urged everyone to work together to “co-create bridges for resilience,” promoting a stronger and more resilient Philippines for the next generations. 

SM Prime Holdings serves as the secretariat office of the ARISE Philippines network to advocate a culture of business resilience against natural and man-made hazards. For more information, visit www.arise.ph or email secretariat@arise.ph.  

SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, has joined hands with the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Philippines to support the transformative All Lights Village project. This partnership was solidified with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on February 14, 2025, at the SM Prime Headquarters, marking another significant step forward in promoting sustainable development and empowering underprivileged communities in off-grid areas.

The All Lights Village project, spearheaded by GPF Philippines, is an innovative initiative designed to improve the quality of life for families living in rural areas without access to electricity. By providing solar lighting, educational resources, and livelihood opportunities, the program is creating brighter futures for these communities while championing clean energy solutions and sustainable growth.

A Shared Commitment to Uplifting Communities
Through this partnership, SM Cares will provide spaces in SM Aura, SM Megamall, and SM Mall of Asia for fundraising booths dedicated to the All Lights Village project. Funds raised through these booths will directly support the initiative, enabling more families to benefit from solar lighting, better education, and sustainable livelihoods.

During the MOA signing, Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing of SM Supermalls, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “SM Cares is proud to support the All Lights Village project and its mission of empowering communities through sustainable development. By providing these families with clean energy and opportunities, we are not just lighting homes but also paving the way for brighter, more hopeful futures.”

Leonard Faustino, Executive Director of GPF Philippines, shared similar sentiments. “This partnership with SM Cares reflects a shared vision of creating lasting change in communities that need it the most. Together, we are proving that even the smallest actions, like providing light, can spark transformative impact.”

Impacting Lives Through Clean Energy and Sustainability
The All Lights Village initiative has already made a significant difference in rural areas by reducing reliance on harmful kerosene lamps and offering children a safe and well-lit environment for studying. This partnership will enable even more families to access these benefits, creating ripple effects of progress across communities.

The fundraising booths at SM malls will serve as a platform for shoppers to participate in this cause, ensuring that the public becomes an integral part of this life-changing initiative. More details about the booth locations and schedules will be announced soon, inviting everyone to contribute to a brighter tomorrow.

Looking Forward: Building a Better Future Together
This partnership underscores SM Cares’ continued commitment to empowering communities and supporting impactful initiatives that improve lives. The All Lights Village project is not just about providing light—it’s about illuminating opportunities and fostering a sense of hope and unity among the most underserved populations.

For more information about the fundraising activities or how to support the All Lights Village project, follow SM Cares’ social media channels.

Milksha, Taiwan’s beloved milk tea brand, proudly opens its first-ever concept store in the Philippines! 

Get ready for a delightful sip filled with pure, fresh, and natural milk tea creations made with the finest ingredients. Officially opening its doors at SM North EDSA, the Milksha concept store is inviting even more Filipinos to experience its fresh and most flavorful milk tea straight from Taiwan. 

Milksha has become a global sensation, celebrated for its commitment to quality and its dedication to crafting pure, fresh, and natural beverages. Each drink is hand-made with care–from the finest tea leaves to freshly made chewy honey pearls–to create a symphony of textures and flavors. By using only real ingredients and no powders, Milksha delivers a velvety creaminess and the bold, full-bodied taste of authentic tea, satisfying cravings and delighting taste buds with every sip. 

Fresh. Pure. Authentic.

Milksha’s secret to success? It’s the flavors enhanced by special ingredients, ingredient by ingredient. The menu is a celebration of everything that makes milk tea special, with drinks that highlight Milksha’s commitment to fresh, real ingredients. Some must-try favorites include:

• Signature 3Q Milk Tea – A bestseller layered with a trio of honey pearls, grass jelly, and pudding for the ultimate texture-filled sip.

• Strawberry Coulis Milk – A creamy milk drink swirled with generous portions of real strawberries, offering a fruity and delightful twist that fans can’t stop raving about.

• Jasmine Green Tea with Cloudy Cream – A hot, light, and fragrant tea crowned with Milksha’s velvety cream topping for a perfect balance of flavors.

Each cup is brewed for the perfect balance, packed with flavor, and designed to make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re looking for something refreshing, indulgent, or entirely unique, Milksha’s offerings promise to deliver.

Milksha’s menu now boasts over 30 drinks, offering something for every mood and moment. The expanded selection includes exciting new creations alongside classic favorites, ensuring that everyone can find their next go-to beverage.

Made to Savor, Made to Share

Whether grabbing a quick pick-me-up with friends, taking a break from shopping, or simply treating yourself to something special, Milksha’s first concept store at SM North EDSA, City Center, Level 2 offers a space where every visit becomes a moment to remember. 

With its focus on real ingredients and innovative flavors, Milksha is set to become a must-visit destination for milk tea lovers in the heart of Quezon City. 

Discover more sweet treats and exciting brands at SM Supermalls, the home of firsts, by visiting www.smsupermalls.com or following @smsupermalls on social media.