Bulacan, This Is Our First: Jiang Nan Hotpot at SM City Marilao

Bulacan foodies now have an additional reason to visit SM City Marilao: Jiang Nan Hotpot has officially opened to serve traditional Chinese food that combines comfort, heritage, and strong flavors.

Jiang Nan Hotpot, which is conveniently located on the second floor of the West Wing Expansion, offers a menu that emphasizes rich sauces and expertly prepared soup bases, ranging from light and salty to rich and aromatic. Premium meats, veggies, shellfish, and noodles that are prepared right at the table are among the fresh ingredients that diners can choose from to personalize their meals.

Jiang Nan Hotpot is undoubtedly at the top of the list of comfort food restaurants with its tasty offerings and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite option for people looking for high-quality food and a fulfilling dining experience close to home as SM City Marilao continues to grow as a lifestyle destination.

SM Malls in Bulacan Share Holiday Cheer Through “ChriSMiles”

Through ChriSMiles, the yearly employee volunteer initiative of SM Supermalls, at least 110 children of their cleaning and security staff received holiday cheer from SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan.

Children enjoyed games, leisure activities, and mascot appearances during the initiative's free play events in mall amusement centers. Gifts were exchanged, food were given, and SM "Besties of Joy" were distributed as part of the event.

Prescila Salamat, Senior Human Resources Manager of SM City Marilao, claims that the event celebrates the families and kids of janitorial and agency staff in recognition of their commitment. ChriSMiles is a national SM volunteer program that was started in 2012 and encourages staff members to spread their blessings and cheer up communities over the holidays.

Celebrate Every Holiday Meal with El Real: Sulit sa Lasa, Sulit sa Presyo

El Real can be your trusted partner in creating delicious and budget-friendly dishes for your family this holiday season

For Filipino families, the arrival of the holidays means spending time together around substantial, lovingly prepared meals, particularly during Noche Buena. It's the most eagerly awaited feast of the season, when family gather to enjoy stories, laughing, and their favorite foods. However, many mothers are searching for creative methods to make their Noche Buena and other family events equally as tasty and significant—without going over budget—because prices are constantly growing.

El Real pasta becomes the ideal cooking partner in this situation. El Real offers affordable pasta prepared from premium wheat flour that is precisely milled to guarantee that every dish turns out to be masarap, masaya, and always sulit. It is designed for wais and resolute moms who refuse to compromise on quality or taste.

El Real's pasta line is designed for every kind of cook and celebration. It comes in a variety of formats, such as flat spaghetti, elbow macaroni, party pasta, and even healthy variations, making it simple to prepare various dishes for each event. El Real provides you the freedom to prepare more for less while maintaining dependably wonderful meals, whether you're presenting a large Noche Buena buffet or a straightforward merienda treat.

Designed for wais and determined moms who refuse to compromise on quality or taste, El Real offers value-for-money pasta made from high-quality ingredients

El Real pasta cooks nicely; it is consistently firm and tasty, hindi malabsa or hindi bitin sa dishing. This is what makes it genuinely sulit. The ideal texture that holds sauces well and brings out the best in every recipe is promised by each pack. Mothers who wish to stretch their food budgets without compromising the delight of a cozy plate of spaghetti shared with family have learned to trust it because of its dependability.

El Real provides comfort to Millennial mothers who want to provide the best for their loved ones despite juggling a lot of responsibilities: you may serve restaurant-quality meals at a price that suits the family budget. For many mothers, making better, more deliberate decisions is more important than spending more money in order to make their family happy.

Therefore, let El Real be your partner in making delectable and reasonably priced dishes this holiday season—and even on regular days that call for something special. Additionally, El Real provides bundle packs with sauce for even more ease, making it simple to make entire pasta dishes like masarap, mas saya, and siguradong sulit.

KKV brings viral finds to SM Center Sangandaan

Here's excellent news if you've been seeing KKV on Instagram and TikTok. With the official opening of the viral lifestyle concept store at SM Center Sangandaan, North Metro customers can now explore its vibrant, eye-catching universe.

KKV, which is well-known for its whimsical store design and diverse product selection, sells anything from toys, blind boxes, stationery, and home necessities to fashionable cosmetics and snacks. Stationery starts at less than P100, bath delights start at P99, cooling body essentials start at P59, and adorable mugs and kitchen items are typically around P500. Prices are also reasonably priced.

Since joining the Philippine market in 2024, KKV has rapidly garnered popularity among Gen Z and millennials who enjoy reasonably priced, aesthetically pleasing, and useful products. It's easy to come in for a single item and leave with a full shopping bag because every visit feels like a tiny treasure hunt.

KKV at SM Center Sangandaan is now another reason to visit the mall, whether you're shopping for gifts, refilling necessities, or just seeking for a fun spot to peruse. Go to SM Center Sangandaan right now!

SM Supermalls Regional Operations Head for Bulacan and CAMANAVA, Ana Datu, an SM employee-volunteer, delivers immediate relief to a resident impacted by flooding

A heartfelt embrace from a CAMANAVA resident receiving essential relief. By reaching deep into communities, SM volunteers ensure those affected feels remembered and supported, embodying the commitment of OPTE.

Communities in the Philippines frequently confront the difficult challenge of having to reconstruct lives overnight in a nation that experiences an average of 20 typhoons annually and is prone to earthquakes. Collaboration becomes essential during these times, particularly for thousands of Filipinos whose lives have been turned upside down by natural disasters.

Assisting communities in getting back on their feet is more than simply a duty for the SM Group; it is a shared commitment ingrained in its service culture. Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), the disaster response program of the SM Foundation, is at the center of this endeavor.

OPTE, which is closely coordinated by the SM Foundation, SM Markets, and SM Supermalls, unites committed volunteer teams who are all committed to helping individuals in need. While SM trucks and vans deliver the products to impacted areas, SM Markets workers build Kalinga Packs in warehouse hubs that serve as packing centers. In the spirit of bayanihan, staff volunteers from the foundation and SM Supermalls oversee the relief distribution on the ground. They personally deliver necessities and, in more severely affected areas, assist medical missions that provide free consultations, first aid, and medications.

For Andrea Rodriguez, SM Supermalls Regional Operations Head for Pampanga, service is rooted in lived experiences, especially since her family was among those affected by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. Years later, she witnessed devastation firsthand during the 2019 earthquake that affected her province and the rest of Luzon.

“We were at the forefront during that time na tumutulong. In fact, as soon as tumigil ang pagyanig nung time na ‘yun, all hands on deck na kami. Hindi ko pa nun alam kung ano yung OPTE, pero ‘yung mga kasama ko sa mall, sabi nila, may opportunity para makatulong dun sa mga nabaha nearby. Sabi nila, ‘sama tayo. Nung inabutan namin, umiyak siya nang umiyak. Sabi niya, hindi siya makapunta dun sa barangay hall kasi binaha ang bahay niya... Sabi niya, parang akala niya, makakalimutan na siya. Pero ang saya-saya niya na pinuntahan namin siya, na may pag-asa. It’s really great to be part of a team, a group that is able to support and help the community in good times and in bad times.” ~Andrea Rodriguez, SM Supermalls Regional Operations Head for Pampanga

Her first OPTE experience came earlier when, as a new SM employee, flooding hit communities near the San Fernando mall. One of her most vivid memories was when they provided support to an 80-year-old resident in a remote barangay in Angeles following widespread floods during the pandemic.

According to Ana Datu, Regional Operations Head for Bulacan and CAMANAVA, the company’s strong culture of helping others has shaped the way employees live and work. Because of this, lending a hand has become second nature.

“We normally conduct OPTE in basketball courts so that mas marami ‘yung mapuntahan namin. But we also take time to go to the eskinitas — na kung minsan may naiiwan na mga bata at matatanda. Kapag nakita mo sila, parang may lungkot. ‘Nakalimutan kami, naiwan kami kasi nandun sila lahat sa basketball court. But when they see us there with the Kalinga Packs at inabot mo ito sa kanila, they feel ‘Wow! Hindi kami nakalimutan. These are the people who remember us.’ When I joined SM, I learned that community service and social responsibility are a big thing here. It has been a culture. It has been a habit. And it's not difficult to imbibe this because you see it, and it transcends. It starts from the leaders, trickling down to the entire team. So, everybody's moving. If you see the environment and the environment forges you to help and to be empathetic to the plight of everyone surrounding the community, surrounding the mall, your community; then mai-imbibe mo siya.” ~Ana Datu, Regional Operations Head for Bulacan and CAMANAVA

Regional Operations Head Ana Datu delivers essential relief to a flood-impacted resident, embodying the spirit of SM's volunteerism. She ensures even those in hard-to-reach areas feel: "Wow! Hindi kami nakalimutan."

Both Ana and Andrea highlighted how volunteering shaped their outlook on work and in life.

Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), a social good collaboration of SM Foundation, SM Supermalls and SM Markets, is the group’s disaster response initiative that provides immediate relief and essential goods to communities affected by calamities. In heavily impacted areas, it also deploys medical missions that offer basic healthcare and first aid.

5 Ways to Enjoy Filipino Handaan Healthfully This Holiday

For many Filipinos, the holiday season is incomplete without food.  Food always takes center stage during family reunions, corporate Christmas parties, and the midnight spreads of Noche Buena and Media Noche.  Families gather to celebrate, and tables are overflowing with lechon, pancit, buko pandan, hamon, and kakanin.  Many people lay aside dieting to indulge in old favorites.

With a deeply ingrained culture of abundance, health officials continue to encourage Filipinos to practice moderation and choose healthier meals and beverages throughout the holidays to avoid post-holiday problems including high blood pressure, indigestion, and raised blood sugar.

While it is acceptable to pamper oneself, Susan Bowerman, Senior Director of Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training Chair at Herbalife Dietic Advisory Board and Outer Nutrition Advisory Board, highlights the need of striking balance in order to avoid excessive weight gain and stress in the new year.

Bowerman shares five ways to satisfy cravings while staying healthy this holiday season:

Snacking is encouraged

Snacking, done correctly, can serve various objectives.  A nutritious, balanced snack keeps you refreshed between meals and helps control hunger, allowing you to eat less during holiday feasts.

Stressful situations around the holidays can lead to mindless munching, so having a light snack before parties might be beneficial.  High-protein alternatives include a handful of unsalted nuts or a protein bar, while crunchy foods like almonds, soy nuts, or baby carrots can help ease stress.

Stay hydrated

Water is needed for nutrient absorption, digestion, and waste elimination from the body.  Staying hydrated also helps the immune system function properly.

Other fluids can add to your regular consumption.  Coffee and tea qualify, but avoid drinks heavy in sugar, fat, or calories.  If coffee interferes with your sleep, limit your intake to the morning or switch to decaf or herbal tea for more restful sleep.

Prioritize protein and veggies

Holiday foods may be heavy in calories but low in key nutrients.  One method to eat healthier is to include protein and veggies at every meal while limiting refined carbs and added fats.

Protein-rich meals, such as meat, poultry, eggs, and legumes, are satisfying and high in essential nutrients including B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, zinc, magnesium.  Adding protein while eliminating empty calories provides your body with significant nutritional benefits.

To increase vegetable intake, skip starchy sides and eat more vegetables.  The added fiber helps you stay full while lowering your overall calorie intake.

Be Selective with Sweets

Sweets and pastries are unavoidable during the holidays, but it's vital to be judicious.  Cravings are common when energy levels drop or during stressful times, but many desserts are rich in calories and can derail efforts to maintain a healthy weight.

You don't have to remove them totally.  Limit yourself to tiny quantities of holiday-themed delicacies and avoid daily sweets that are less important.

Consider healthier dessert recipes for your family. Cooking or baking with fruit imparts natural sweetness and texture. Try broiling grapefruit or orange halves, roasting peaches or pineapple, or preparing sliced apples or plums with cinnamon or nutmeg. Peel and freeze bananas to make an ice cream-like dessert.

Walk it off

Walking not only helps digestion, but it is also an easy method to get outside and relax your thoughts.  The holiday season provides stunning landscape, so take time after meals to go for a walk and explore your surroundings.  Regular physical activity offers various advantages, including enhanced joint mobility, increased energy, and a general sense of well-being.

Practicing these practices over the holidays will help you stay healthy and energized.  The longer you stick to healthy habits now, the easier it will be to continue them in the coming year.

About Herbalife Ltd.

Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a premier health and wellness company, community and platform that has been changing people’s lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers science-backed products to consumers in more than 90 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle to live their best life.

SM and Jobstreet Champion Filipino MSMEs at 2025 MSME Summit

Entrepreneurs and partners gather at the MSME Summit 2025 hosted by Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines in partnership with SM Supermalls at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia.

Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines, in partnership with SM Supermalls, welcomed entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and key stakeholders to the MSME Summit 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. The event showcased the shared commitment of Jobstreet and SM Supermalls to empower Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and foster sustainable growth for the nation’s backbone industries. Ms. Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines, highlighted the summit’s goal: supporting MSMEs as a driving force of the Philippine economy.

“SM aims to be a partner in every MSME’s success story.” Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing of SM Supermalls, reinforces SM’s commitment to supporting Filipino entrepreneurs as he delivers the inspirational message and accepts a Plaque of Appreciation from Ms. Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK, during the MSME Summit held at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, on November 25, 2025.

Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines, in partnership with SM Supermalls, welcomed entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and key stakeholders to the MSME Summit 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. The event showcased the shared commitment of Jobstreet and SM Supermalls to empower Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and foster sustainable growth for the nation’s backbone industries. Ms. Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines, highlighted the summit’s goal: supporting MSMEs as a driving force of the Philippine economy.

“SM is not just a venue—it’s a partner in every MSME’s success story. When MSMEs grow, the nation grows. Every small business that thrives represents a dream realized, a livelihood sustained, and a community strengthened. Almost 70% of our tenants are MSMEs—their success is the foundation of SM’s continued growth.” ~Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls

SM’s own growth story mirrors that of its MSME partners. From a small shoe store in Carriedo to 88 malls nationwide, SM understands the value of small beginnings. Through the SM for MSMEs program, the company provides high-foot-traffic spaces, market access, and visibility to help entrepreneurs scale sustainably.

Ms. Arlynne Roa-Awayan of Asia Pacific College accepts her Plaque of Appreciation from Mr. Henry Jose “Joey” Yusingco of Jobstreet (right) by Seek Country Marketing head.

Key sessions addressed practical needs for MSMEs. Participants learned how to scale their first hire with Mr. Henry Jose “Joey” Yusingco of Jobstreet, explored AI applications for small businesses with Ms. Arlynne Roa-Awayan of Asia Pacific College, and received insights on logistics and operations from Lalamove PH, 2GO Travel, and DITO BizBayan. Ms. Life Dawn Cervero of TikTok guided attendees on smart marketing on a budget, while a panel from BDO, Maya, RCBC, BanKo, and Asialink shared finance hacks for sustainable growth.

Industry experts Ms.Flor Tanay of Lalamove PH, Mr. Francis John Cha of 2GO Travel, and Mr. Gabriel Cui of DITO of BizBayan present logistics and digital solutions designed to help MSMEs scale.

Success stories, like Kay & Karl Santos of 1919 Chocolate, inspired participants with real-life examples of scaling Filipino businesses. Partner demos and the Partner Passport Challenge reinforced networking, learning, and practical engagement.

Attendees make their rounds at the Partner Passport Challenge, visiting different booths to learn about hiring solutions, business tools, digital platforms, and partner services that support MSME growth.

The MSME Summit 2025 reaffirmed SM Supermalls’ commitment to Filipino entrepreneurship, providing programs, spaces, and partnerships that help MSMEs innovate, scale, and thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.

About SM Supermalls

MSMEs Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With You, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators with 88 malls nationwide—connects communities while redefining the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. As the country’s biggest marketplace for MSMEs, SM champions Filipino entrepreneurship—empowering small businesses, driving local growth, showcasing homegrown talent, and fueling the Filipino spirit of enterprise. Visit msme.smsupermalls.com or email customercare@smsupermalls.com to grow your business with SM today.