The foundation of the Mall of Asia Complex was built to be safe and secure because SM Prime Holdings, Inc., one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers incorporates disaster resiliency measures in every project, with the MOA Complex as one of its biggest investments.

SM Prime collaborated with a team of local and international experts to ensure the feasibility of both water and land before the MOA complex was built and once finalized, Belgium’s renowned coastal development construction company, Jan de Nul, developed it from the ground up.

The reputable Jan de Nul made sure the terrain was stable and the complex’s roads were made resistant to earthquakes and erosion, in accordance with the National Structural Code of the Philippines and approved by both the Philippine Reclamation Authority and the National Government.

Three important disaster resiliency features were used in protecting the Complex and the coastal community of Pasay from tides and waves: One, a three-kilometer seawall built to stand against liquefaction; two, a meter-high inverted wave return to serve as defense against high waves; and three, a drainage channel to prevent floods during storm surges. This was put to test when Typhoon Pedring hit in 2011, and the Mall of Asia Complex was spared from destructive waves and flooding that submerged many other surrounding establishments.

As an added feature, both the Complex’s main road and all its structures are elevated 4 meters above the parameters set by the National Building Code. Pilings strengthened its foundation and greatly improved its soil bearing capacity. 

Family fun, leisure and entertainment are the objectives behind the awe-inspiring grandeur of SM Mall of Asia, but this vision is founded on a commitment to safety and a secure foundation throughout the Complex. This is a firm philosophy of SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Mr. Hans T. Sy, a champion for disaster resilience, who continuously invests in DRR and in allocating 10% of the company’s expenditure for DRR in all of SM’s infrastructures throughout the country. 

Today, the MOA Complex is a bustling realization of Mr. Henry Sy Sr.’s grand vision for it to become both a premiere integrated leisure destination with a complimentary business and lifestyle district – one of the country’s truly revolutionary mixed-use developments, and a thriving example of disaster risk reduction at work.

The next time you visit the MOA Complex – whether it is to visit the world’s largest IKEA, or to view the sunset from the top of the MOA Eye, or to simply shop and dine with your loved ones – it will be good to know that SM Prime has ensured your safety and security from the time the development was conceptualized and opened in 2006.. to today and tomorrow. 

SM Prime Holdings Inc., one of the leading property developers in Southeast Asia, is committed to providing safe and sustainable spaces for its stakeholders.  Its development strategy is anchored on the responsible use of resources. In the communities it serves, it is able to promote resource conservation, environmental protection, and disaster resiliency by implementing solutions for water, waste, and energy management.

SM Prime is a key player in the SM Green Movement that aims to improve the quality of life of communities through sustainable solutions to promote a green planet, green living and a green culture.

Find out more about SM Prime and the SM Green Movement-- visit www.smprime.com and www.sminvestments.com/sustainability/sm-for-the-community/sm-green-movement/

Get ready for an aweSM summer as SM Supermalls gives kids a glimpse into the future with a brand-new virtual entertainment zone in the Metaverse where they can immerse themselves in the biggest gaming and social experience platform for kids, Roblox! 

This new aweSM space by SM Supermalls is now open for super kids to safely explore, play, and meet with friends. 

With restrictions easing up, SM Supermalls wanted to bring the excitement of going back to the malls 

online through a virtual space in the metaverse gaming platform, Roblox – the most popular gaming

app for Filipino children. Roblox serves as an avenue for kids to express themselves through custom 

avatars, while also serving as a safe place for kids to reconnect with their friends digitally in over 4 million different worlds! 

SM Supermalls partnered with SVEN The Digital 1st Agency, as its metaverse partner, to become the first mall chain in the Philippines to enter the metaverse. With this simulated digital reality, kids can reimagine the mall experience in a way that they will appreciate and enjoy – a safe but free-to-play space with no rules and no limits:

Bump it out with the SuperKids with the AweSM Bumper Cars!

Get the best aerial views onboard the AweSM Ferris Wheel!

Have a ball and jump into the colorful AweSM Glowing Ball Pit!

Climb up the AweSM Rainbow Obby (obstacle course) and discover a secret maze on the rooftop – our 

favorite! 

And there’s so much more! SuperKids of all ages are welcome to explore and do their own thing in the same fashion as a real-life mall experience, only this time it’s virtual and made especially for them.

What are you waiting for? Check it out and get your kids to play the AweSM SuperKids Zone at Roblox today! Roblox is available online or via the app that you can download for free through the App Store or Google Play.

For more information on the AweSM SuperKids Zone in Roblox, visit www.smsupermalls.com or like and follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms.

Twenty years ago, high school student Rizaly Lim and her four siblings would watch in awe every time they pass by the construction of the first SM City in her hometown Sta. Rosa, Laguna.  All five children, packed in the tricycle their father rides for a living, were all excitedly looking forward to happy family weekends they would be spending at the huge mall.

Today, after graduating Summa Cum Laude through a scholarship from SM Foundation, Rizaly is now a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) working as Accounting Manager for the head office of SM Prime Holdings, a leading property developer in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. 

From SM Foundation scholar to SM Prime accounting manager

At a young age, Rizaly was headstrong about getting her family out of poverty. She shares, “My father was the only one who worked for our family, and because we were a large family, his daily earnings as a tricycle driver were never enough.”

Rizaly finished high school at the Balibago National High School as class valedictorian in 2005 and was already sending applications for other college scholarships when her teacher asked the top 10 students to go to SM City Sta. Rosa for an interview with SM Foundation.

“Sa umpisa, hindi po ako naniwala kasi bago pa lang sa amin noon ang SM City Sta. Rosa,” she recalls. She proceeded of course, driven by the one goal of finishing college and helping her family. “Gusto ko rin po makapag-aral at makapagtapos noon. Maka-work at makatulong sa family.”

A few exams and interviews later, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) went to visit her and her family at home to inform them that she will be receiving a full scholarship with monthly allowance until she finishes her course.

In 2010, Rizaly graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accountancy. She went on to pass the Philippine CPA Board Exams on first try in October 2010. The assistance of SMFI, she said, went beyond tuition and allowances. “With full scholarship grants and monthly allowances, as well as the opportunity to work at SM Store during our summer and Christmas vacations, the SMFI scholarship has enabled me to help my family financially.”

“I am the master of my fate”

While other parents were buying their college kids the latest Nokia phone back in the summers of 2000’s, Rizaly’s father gave her and her siblings weekly assignments to accomplish during the summer vacation. “Our late father instilled in us the love of reading and the value of studying,” she shared. “During summer, he would assign us English words and their meanings to memorize and asked us to recite these to him.“ 

Then there's the memorization of motivational poems and speeches, one of which stuck with her for life: “It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” She shared that this last stanza of “Invictus” by W.E. Henley had kept her motivated to look past the limitations of her circumstances and focus on her personal goals.

Career at SM

SM Foundation was established in 1983 by Henry Sy, Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy as the heart of the SM group. It has established programs that are focused on nurturing and caring for underserved communities where SM is present. It supports and empowers host communities through education, healthcare, shelter, disaster response, sustainable agriculture, and care for persons with special needs.

To date, SM Foundation has assisted more than 8,000 college and technical/vocational students, and has donated over 100 school buildings with a total of 334 classrooms built across the country.

Nurturing the graduates extends beyond the classroom as SM Foundation also provides job opportunities across the different companies of the SM group. The foundation organizes a Career Fair specifically designed for its scholars. 

From the Career Fair organized by SM Foundation, Rizaly was able to get job offers from three companies – among which was SM Prime Holdings, one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia that offers innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities with the development of malls, residences, offices, hotels and convention centers. It is also the largest, in terms of asset, in the Philippines.

I still want to level up

“I haven't accomplished much yet, but I value what I have already accomplished and received so far,” said Rizaly, referring to the highest honors she has received in high school and college, becoming a CPA, and being promoted to manager in within only a few years of her work at SM Prime.  “These are just a few of the accomplishments for which I will be eternally grateful. I'm also proud of my daily achievements at work, such as fulfilling particular duties assigned to me. They make me happy and proud of myself, and they inspire me to do better.”

 “Ang mga dating pinapangarap ko lang, nagagawa ko na ngayon,” Rizaly said as she related how she has been able to travel to Taiwan for vacation and do the tri-city tour of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. But her biggest dreams, she said, remain centered on her family: to provide better for her family by sharing with them what she has now. “Nothing is simple. Nothing is easy. Hindi ko naman to straight line lang na na-achieve. Life is full of challenges. Just stay strong, keep the faith and always give your best effort.” 

 

We’ve officially crossed the first half 2022, but there’s still a lot to look forward to as we welcome the last few months of the year. And what better way to celebrate the mid-year madness than catching the best deals on Shopee at the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale? Now’s the perfect time to check out those tech items you’ve been eyeing, as you can get these at bagsak-presyo prices this 7.7! You can also enjoy a wide array of ₱49 deals and below, shipping discount vouchers, and 10% off vouchers when you add-to-cart and check out your must-haves at the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale. 

And for lucky number 7, we’ve handpicked 7 of the hottest tech deals to kickstart the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale:

    

Get a grip on your busy days with this Haylou Waterproof Smart Watch, equipped with health and sleep monitoring, 12 sports modes, weather notifications and music functions. Craving those unreachable, beautiful views? Explore the world using this Dual Camera FPV Drone so you can conquer the scene and reach heights for better travel memories for you and your friends thanks to its 4K double camera, three-sided infrared avoidance, and 100-meter distance features. Be on top of your game with this Adjustable High Back Gaming Chair, complete with a wide backrest and adjustable heights and tilts so you can have that customized comfort while in battle. Unlock the touch-screen potentials of your phone, iPad, or tablet with this handy Stylus Pen, perfect for taking down notes, signatures, and drawings.

       

Make your home safe and comfortable with the help of these must-haves! Embrace extra safety in your front door with this auto-sensing Spray Sterilizer, complete with 3 spray modes, 320-mL capacity, and easy-to-install pieces. Cooking and convenience go hand-in-hand with the TJean Air Fryer, non-sticky and hassle-free to navigate with its pre-set menu and timers. Be your own barista with this Hibrew Espresso Machine, which comes with easy to use large buttons and displays, a retro-stylish look, and a 15-bar pressure for ground coffee to help serve you that much-needed punch of delicious espresso.

More exciting offers await at the Shopee 7.7 Mid-Year Sale

Aside from these amazing bagsak-presyo items, get exclusive deals and discounts at the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale from top brands such as Abbott, Pedigree and Whiskas, Colgate-Palmolive, Omega Houseware, Ace Hardware, Pampers, Garnier, L'Oreal Paris, Maybelline, P&G Beauty, Olay, Havaianas, LOVITO, Huawei, OPPO, and infinix.

You can also score ₱7 deals every 15 minutes during the Lightning Flash Hour sale this 7.7 Mid-Year Sale. Get a chance to take home a new laptop or TV just by checking out ₱7 deals from 12-1PM and 8-9PM this 7.7. To know more about these amazing deals, visit the Lightning Flash Hour Sale page on Shopee. 

While still choosing what to checkout this 7.7, join the Mukha Ng Panay Checkout Sa Shopee raffle to get a chance to be one of the lucky 5 winners who will take home ₱10,000! Just show off your best Shopee-inspired shopping photo and use the Mukha Ng Panay Checkout Sa Shopee Facebook frame in order to join. Visit the Mukha Ng Panay Checkout Sa Shopee post to know more about the raffle. 

The mid-year surprises don't stop there! Activate and verify ShopeePay now to get more rewards when you send money, buy load, and pay bills. Send money for free and get a chance to win ₱1,000,000 worth of prizes with the ShopeePay Mission promo. To join, simply send at least ₱50 to any unique ShopeePay user or bank/e-wallet account from July 1 to 7 and earn raffle entries for every transaction. Don’t miss out on ShopeePay-exclusive deals on load and cashback vouchers for bills payment this mid-year sale. For more rewards, use ShopeePay to get shipping discounts when you pay for your 7.7 bagsak-presyo finds. For more details on the latest promos, follow ShopeePay’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

To know more about the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale, visit the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale page on Shopee. 

Upgrading your home isn’t always easy. And with having so many options but with limited time and budget, sprucing up each space can be a challenge. But take it from Shopee Primetime Queen and hands-on homemaker Marian Rivera, whose tips on home design and budget-friendly must-haves will help guide you as you do home improvements without breaking the bank:

1. Always set a budget

Even with her current superstar status, setting a budget for everything is still an important aspect for Marian especially when buying her essentials for home and living. And just like most of us, Marian also looks out for the best deals on Shopee! As for her tip to new homeowners? Marian shares: “Always look for a peg. In that manner, mas makikita mo kung ano yung kailangan mong bilhin, kung anong kulang. [Always look for a peg. In that manner, you’ll see exactly what you need to buy and what’s still missing.]” 

And for 7.7, you can maximize your budget and enjoy shipping discount vouchers, 10% off daily, and ₱49 deals and below when you add-to-cart and check out your home must-haves at the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale. You can also score a variety of ₱7 deals every 15 minutes at 12-1PM and 8-9PM during the Lightning Flash Hour Sale this 7.7 Mid-Year Sale. To know more about these amazing deals, visit the Lightning Flash Hour Sale page on Shopee. 

Want to get an idea on what to check out this 7.7? Here are Marian’s recommended swak sa budget home items to add to your essentials: 

Too much clothes but not enough space? This Hanging Closet Organizer is a lifesaver thanks to its multiple pockets perfect for small items. You can also hang this either inside your closet, in the bathroom, and even in your laundry area. Maximize every bit of space in your home with the help of this Wall-mounted Rotatable Hook and easily mount it anywhere without damaging your walls. Avoid spilling your toothpaste products with the help of this Automatic Toothpaste Dispenser, which also serves as a toothbrush storage to keep your sink neat and tidy. Organize your grocery items with the help of this Refrigerator Storage Box, which has a space-saving design that makes stocking up supplies easier and more convenient.

2. Know your priorities when it comes to decorating your home

Known for her multiple roles both on and off screen , the most important role Marian considers is being a mom to her kids, prioritizing everything that they need. “Mahilig kasi ako mag-ayos-ayos sa bahay lalo na pag walang ginagawa. Syempre first thing na kinoconsider ko is ang safety ng mga anak ko. Syempre bata, maligalig, mahirap namang makatabig-tabig sila or malapit sa disgrasya so I always make sure na kid-friendly ang mga gamit at ayos namin sa bahay. [I love decorating everything in our house especially when I’m not busy. Whenever I decorate, the first thing I consider is the safety of my kids. Since they’re kids, they’re very active and prone to accidents so I always make sure to have a kid-friendly home design.]”

If you’re like Marian who keeps things safe and sound at home, then better consider these budget-friendly and kid-friendly items on Shopee: 

 

Have a go-to tumbler you bring everywhere? This Protective Bottle Sleeve has a non-slip, anti-scratch, and anti-collision surface to keep your tumbler protected at all times. Make use of this Multipurpose Bath Ladle for your daily home tasks including watering the plants, washing ingredients in the kitchen, or even for your next bath time session with the kids. Avoid cluttering harmful items kids can reach with the help of this Under Desk Organizer, which you can also use for your home office setup. Prevent any accidents in the kitchen with the help of this cute Cartoon Bottle Opener, safe to use in opening bottles and jars with ease. 

3. Choose convenience when shopping for your home necessities

Marian is an avid shopper, and Shopee is her go-to source for all things home essentials. On what she usually buys, Marian shares: “I am very fond of kitchenwares; mga ingredients ng kung anu-anong niluluto ko, lalo na minsan of course may mga ingredients na mahirap hanapin sa grocery, so sa Shopee agad ako magchecheck. [I am very fond of kitchenwares; some ingredients are hard to find in the grocery, so I immediately check Shopee for those.]”

Want to make things hassle-free while cooking? Better add-to-cart these affordable items to have a more enjoyable time in the kitchen:

If you love cooking just like Marian, then go for this Condiments Organizer to help keep your spices in place in an aesthetic way. Make cooking a fun and safe experience with these non-slip Silicone Oven Gloves, which you can use to hold and transfer hot objects. Replace your plastic containers with these Sealed Jar Containers, which come in different sizes where you can store extra ingredients and food items. Always keep your cooking station spotless clean with this quick drying  Multipurpose Kitchen Towel, which you can also use on kitchenwares. 

This 7.7 Mid-Year Sale, don’t miss out on ShopeePay-exclusive load deals, shipping discounts and bills payment cashback vouchers. Thinking of purchasing these home essentials? Make sure to check out with ShopeePay if you’re just like Marian who puts importance on convenience and budgeting.  Access rewarding perks when shopping, as well as exciting deals when you buy load, pay bills, and send money with ShopeePay. Be updated with the latest promos by following ShopeePay’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

To know more about the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale, visit the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale page on Shopee. 

The current rate at which individuals observe sustainability practices is far from halting climate change. Whether it is reducing the use of disposable items or saving more energy, environmentally conscious activities will only yield significant results if everyone is “cast in the same mold,” so to speak. That said, high-impact global sustainable development lies within the responsibility of the government and large organizations—conglomerates among them.

Understanding such a role, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, has incorporated its sustainable practices in its developments early on.  Through SM Prime’s Costa Del Hamilo Inc., a leader in the leisure resort industry and the movers behind Hamilo Coast – this premium seaside complex in Nasugbu, Batangas, fosters a tangible connection with nature. Marking its quindecennial year, Hamilo Coast looks back at its milestones and achievements with its core emphasis on sustainable development. 

“Sustainability has been at the forefront of our vision in providing a resort lifestyle. We strive to practice both environmental and social sustainability in our operations through our partners and commnunities,” Franklin M. Bolalin, Assistant Vice President for Hamilo Estate Management, said. 

Every year, the country deals with an average of 19 typhoons, with some often resulting  in damages to properties and loss of life.  Coastal defenses such as seawalls and breakwater structures are often implemented to resist storm surges. In the case of Hamilo Coast, mangrove trees are the key.

Hamilo Coast’s 100,000 square-meter or equivalent to 10 hectares mangrove belt is one of the largest mangrove areas in the municipality. The sustainable beach resort town has since planted 50,000 mangrove propagules, protected hand-in-hand with the conservation organization World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines.

Apart from disaster mitigation, mangrove trees also benefit the climate by absorbing greenhouse gases (GHGs) and carbon dioxide. This capacity nurtures the ecosystem and biodiversity in the area, providing habitat for a wide array of species.  

Hamilo is home to rich marine life and abundant flora and fauna.  Its conservation programs and various sustainability initiatives have nurtured and conserved its precious biodiversity.  There are about 96 various bird species found at the estate. Among these bird species are the rough-crested Malkoha and the Philippine eagle-owl.

From growing local plants to conducting regular coastal clean-up drives, coastal resource conservation initiatives are active in Hamilo Coast. With the help of WWF, they can increase their fisheries’ biological capacity and monitor their Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)—the Pico de Loro, Etayo and Santelmo coves which are among the three MPAs for Costa Del Hamilo’s Sustainable Development Project.  Hamilo has been working with WWF since 2007 monitoring the health and viability of Hamilo Coast area. 

In recognition of its conservation efforts, Hamilo Coast was cited by the World Wide Fund for Nature as its longest Sustainability Partner in 2020.

“Over the years, our partnership with SM significantly contributed to the impact we are making in our work in Hamilo Coast. From liquid waste and coral monitoring, to our present work on integrated waste management and food sheds, we hope that this continuing partnership would help us realize our vision of making Hamilo a holistic model of sustainability”, says Katherine Custodio, WWF-Philippines’ Executive Director.

The path towards a sustainable future is paved with many interventions, including zero waste, dematerialization, zero emissions and resource efficiency practices. For its part, Hamilo Coast makes its intention to be a premiere sustainability community possible by making sure its buildings are designed with the environment in mind.

Some of the estate’s facilities are powered by alternative sources of energy. For example, its lamp posts use solar power more than traditional ones to function. Natural lighting and ventilation are also noticeable in some of its residential areas, which benefits the environment as well as its tenants. Additionally, Hamilo Coast implements a solid waste management plan that consists of recovery of materials and vermicomposting, among others.

At Hamilo Coast’s core is how a distinct beachfront home can harmonize with its surrounding environment. As people crave for a more relaxed environment, closer to nature and the outdoors amid a work-from-home setup pushed by the ongoing pandemic, Hamilo homes give access to invigorating landscapes, coves to explore and the calming sea. 

Fifteen years later, Hamilo Coast has surpassed its reputation as a weekend respite. It is now one of the best settlement options for people looking to live the coastal life in a sustainable community. 

Limited market information and market access are two major obstacles to increased smallholder farmers’ income. According to studies, farmers in grassroot communities often lack access to profitable, value-added markets. In the absence of critical supporting functions, such as infrastructure and service provision – farmers struggle to transform their traditional subsistence farms into a feasible commercially oriented production. Buyers, on the other hand, such as wholesalers, find it difficult to get the quantity and quality of produce that they need for processing on a timely basis. 

SM Foundation’s Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan (KSK) is SMFI’s Social Good program on sustainable agriculture that intends to uplift the lives of Filipinos in grassroot communities through sustainable agriculture via technology transfer, product development and farm-market linkage. To date, the program has trained more than 28,500 farmers from more than 900 cities/municipalities nationwide.