SM Supermalls empowers MSMEs’ future through inclusive resilience

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.

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.

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.

“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. 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.” ~Steven Tan, said SM Supermalls President 

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.

Strengthening disaster preparedness: SM makes the Incident Command System possible

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.

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. 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.” ~Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President

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.

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

Allow your thirst for new experiences to guide you this June.

With these new and upcoming treasures, have fun, be spontaneous, and let your imagination run wild.  From immersive experiences to strong cuisines from around the world to striking fashion pieces, you have the potential to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary when you choose to see every day as a blank canvas.

Wander to marvel and embrace the charm of curiosity and adventure with SM Supermalls—located in Metro Manila.

With more options, you can explore more avenues, leading to new experiences and exciting discoveries—whether it's trying out new foods at once or spicing up your daily style!

Enjoy the varied flavors of Japan at Kiwami: Japanese Master Kitchens, which will shortly open their first and largest SM flagship shop!  Enjoy a comprehensive dining experience and relish the best of Yabu (katsu), Ippudo (ramen), Hachibei (yakitori), and Hannosuke (tempura), each with 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 desire to wander rewards you with unexpected moments of magic.  Allow yourself the opportunity to experience those pleasant surprises by exploring these freshly opened go-to destinations:

Space & Time Cube, the Philippines' first immersive digital museum integrating art and technology across numerous themed attractions, launched on May 16, bringing its trademark multi-sensory experience to adventure seekers in Quezon City.  Fantasy Cinema, their latest highlight, is an amazing 9D feature that combines virtual reality, motion simulation, and rich sensory effects to bring guests into an awe-inspiring cinematic universe.

Meanwhile, Moon Hey, an engaging hot pot and grill restaurant, will open their first-in-SM location in June, providing customers with their own gratifying dining experience with individualized cooking stations and a customisable collection of ingredients that rotates around the room.

Positive-impact Fashion at SM Megamall

Wander safely.  Be mindful of the environment wherever you go.  Make a fashion statement with sustainable designs from VIVAIA, a leading global footwear brand that recently opened its first in-mall location in the Philippines. VIVAIA, which offers a wide assortment of on-trend shoes created notably from recycled PET materials, demonstrates a commitment to eco-friendly footwear designed for comfort, style, and ethical consumption.

German Flavors at SM Podium

Wandering is incomplete without some time for leisure, because the finest part of embarking on a wondrous journey is having a good time!

Enjoy the epitome of good cheer with the best of German food.  Brotzeit, a world-renowned German bier bar and restaurant, originated in Singapore and recently established its first location in SM.  It delivers Bavarian cuisine and rich German beers in a superbly welcome setting—ideal for a relaxing and enjoyable night.  Enjoy a wide range of sausage platters, schnitzel, and pig knuckles, all nicely accompanied 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!

SM Supermalls #NewEraOfFirsts

At SM Supermalls, we’re proud to lead a New Era of Firsts—bringing you first-to-market brands, groundbreaking experiences, and culinary destinations you won’t find anywhere else. From world-class dining and retail exclusives to innovative spaces that connect and inspire communities, we’re redefining what it means to have it all.

As we continue to grow, we remain committed to sustainability, community empowerment, and creating memorable moments that make every visit more meaningful. There’s always something new and exciting waiting for you at SM.

SM Supermalls supports first-ever TESDA jobs and skills matching fair

From interview to hired—SM Supermalls empowers jobseekers to land their dream roles.

On June 19, 2025, SM Center Muntinlupa will host the pilot run of the Jobs and Skills Matching Fair in collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), the Muntinlupa Local Government Unit (LGU), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).  This one-day program provides jobseekers, particularly those interested in IT-Business Process Management (BPM), with a streamlined path from employment screening to skills training and re-employment.

A job seeker reviews a list of job vacancies while a uniformed professional helps them with information at the SM Job Fair.

The fair starts with an on-site job matching session, where walk-in and registered applicants can interview with participating employers.  Qualified candidates may be employed on the spot, while "near-hires" will be directed to the Skills Hub for personalised consultations assisted by DTI-PTTC.

Applicants can meet future employers at the first-ever Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Jobs and Skills Matching Fair in SM Center Muntinlupa on June 19.

Jobseekers will receive one-on-one evaluations at the Skills Hub based on the Philippine Skills Framework.  This identifies any skill gaps and suggests specialized training programs and career paths.  TESDA will subsequently connect these near-hires to authorized training institutes and scholarship options.

After finishing their upskilling journey, participants will be reconnected with partner employers, ensuring a full-circle career pathway from application to employment ready.

While this is a low-key trial, it marks a significant step forward in developing more responsive, skills-based employment solutions. 

The Jobs and Skills Matching Fair is the next generation of job fairs, focusing on real-time skill development and industry needs rather than resumes and job openings.

SM Job Fairs open real employment opportunities, with jobseekers like this landing roles on the spot.

Join the movement. Start something life-changing.

This isn't just another employment fair; it's a one-stop opportunity center.  Aside from hundreds of job openings and on-the-spot hiring, attendees can get skills training, career advice, and essential government services like the Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)—all in one convenient, accessible, and air-conditioned SM mall.

So, update that resume, bring extra copies, dress to impress, and show up as your most professional self. Your next big opportunity starts here.

For full schedules and updates, follow SM Supermalls on Facebook or visit www.smsupermalls.com.

About SM Job Fairs

SM Supermalls, in partnership with key government agencies and the private sector, regularly holds nationwide job fair events to support employment, empower communities, and contribute to nation-building. These fairs provide inclusive, accessible platforms connecting Filipino jobseekers to thousands of career opportunities and essential services.

SM Prime’s Hans Sy champions private sector leadership in disaster resilience at UNDRR Global Platform 2025

Hans Sy speaking in the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025), organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and co-chaired by the Government of Switzerland.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy underlined the importance of the private sector in disaster risk reduction (DRR) at the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) 2025 Global Platform in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Sy, who represented the Philippine corporate sector during the Ministerial Roundtable on “Accelerating Financing and Resilience,” emphasized how businesses can contribute to scalable, science-based resilience solutions.

Private sector as a force multiplier in DRR

“Resilience strengthens businesses while safeguarding lives and communities. We know the government cannot do it alone. The private sector is ready to do more. Disasters may be unpredictable, but their impacts don’t have to be. We can—and must—prepare, mitigate, and adapt. From the standpoint of the private sector, financial, non-financial and regulatory incentives are among the most effective ways to accelerate investment in resilience. Together, we can embed resilience to build a sustainable and secure future for all.” ~Hans Sy, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) Executive Committee Chairman

Sy underscores the need for policies, incentives, and institutional support to scale up disaster risk reduction investments at the UNDRR Global Platform 2025.

He noted SM Prime's integrated strategy to disaster risk reduction, which involves investing a large amount of project budgets to disaster-resistant infrastructure and utilizing science-driven planning frameworks.

Sy also cited cross-sector efforts, such as the National Resilience Council's Adopt-a-City Program and cooperative capacity-building programs with ARISE Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry, as instances of successful public-private partnerships.

Embedding resilience into core business strategy

In a High-Level Dialogue on Scaling DRR Financing, Sy described SM Prime's approach to integrating resilience into its projects.  He emphasized characteristics such as raised mall buildings, built-in rainwater collecting systems, and earthquake-resistant designs—solutions that have reduced disturbance and allowed for speedy recovery in the face of tragedy.

The SM Mall of Asia Complex features a higher seawall and elevated design to guard against rising sea levels. (Inset) Deep, wide drainage channels—large enough to fit two buses side by side—further protect the area from storm surge flooding.

Call to scale resilience investment

To expand DRR financing, Sy called for enabling mechanisms that combine policy support, institutional cooperation, and targeted incentives. 

His remarks underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and long-term thinking in building resilient communities. SM Prime’s leadership in DRR continues to set a benchmark for

sustainable development in disaster-prone regions.

SM Prime’s year one toward a waste-free future

Together for an SM Waste-Free Future, the Recyclable, Disposable, Composable (RDC) bins at SM Store branches support the broader goals of environmental sustainability through clear and effective waste segregation practices.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippines creates more than 60,000 metric tons of waste every day, a figure that is likely to rise as urbanization and economic activities continue.

Recognizing the urgency, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) launched the SM Waste-Free Future program in 2024 as one of its flagship environmental sustainability programs. The program aims to reduce overall waste generation through effective waste segregation and divert waste away from landfills through recycling, composting, and other sustainable disposal methods.

Together as one community, 2024 marks the launch of SM Waste-Free Future in SM Mall of Asia.

In its first year, it developed a new waste management segregation system across all of its assets, which included malls, residences, workplaces, hotels and convention centers, and estates around the country.

Beyond SM Prime, the waste campaign has spread to other SM groups and portfolio firms, making SM Waste-Free Future a group-wide initiative.

A bigger picture of waste

The Recyclable, Disposable, Composable (RDC) bins are central to the program’s segregation practice. RDC makes it simple and consistent, providing key visual cues to bin it right.

Despite its early stages, the swift and widespread integration demonstrates SM Prime's capacity to operationalize sustainability across all asset classes and ecosystems, reinforcing the company's commitment to creative waste diversion solutions.

SM Prime also recognizes SM Retail's efforts to promote a waste-free future.  All SM Store branches have successfully placed RDC bins, but SM Markets is still implementing its reusable bag scheme.  Goldilocks Bakeshop has also installed the RDC system in all of its SM Supermall locations to help with trash management.

Creating opportunities to expand

Partnerships with other groups pave the way for future development.  SM Waste-Free Future improves tenant engagement at SM Supermalls and SM Offices, assisting businesses with similar waste targets in aligning with their worldwide sustainability policies.

Similarly, it strengthens SM Hotels' advanced back-of-house operations, food waste policy, and textile recycling programme.  The Tela Tales program at SM Hotels upcycles almost 2,000 yards of discarded linen into sustainable items while also providing a source of income for women in partner communities.

Recognizing the importance of technology in solving problems, SM Waste-Free Future has expanded its relationships with other organizations.  SM Development Corporation (SMDC) collaborates with Globe's Hapag Movement to rescue surplus food from homeowners, improving the lives of Filipino families enduring involuntary hunger, and diverting household food waste away from landfills.

In the mall's Cyberzone zones, the SM Supermalls Electronic Waste Collection Program, in collaboration with PLDT and Smart, makes it easy to responsibly dispose of obsolete mobile devices and other electronic equipment.

Shoppers can conveniently drop off old gadgets for proper recycling through SM Supermalls’ E-Waste Collection in partnership with PLDT and Smart at Cyberzone.

Join the movement

SM Waste Free Future encourages more communities and stakeholders to contribute by properly segregating waste, participating in local clean-ups and collection activities, and promoting eco-friendly products and practices.

SM Cares' positive reinforcement and appealing social media advertisements target youngsters by encouraging them to practice better waste segregation habits and become more concerned in the state of the planet they will inherit.

In honor of World Oceans Day, SM Cares recently mobilized communities in 18 SM Supermalls around the country, bringing together over 5,000 volunteers and collecting over 30,000 kg of debris from shorelines.

Mobilizing for World Oceans Day, SM Cares volunteers unite and act to remove waste that ends up in the oceans.

“Waste-Free Future is more than just a program—it’s a mindset shift. And we’re only getting started. We call on our tenants, partners, and customers to continue the journey with us—because a truly sustainable future is one we build together.” ~Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director of SM Cares for Environment

With the growing momentum for a waste-free future, SM Prime believes that a cleaner, more circular Philippines is well within reach.

About SM Prime:

SM Prime is steadfast in its commitment to shaping sustainable and innovative lifestyle cities that drive economic progress and elevate the quality of life for millions of Filipinos. As a catalyst for inclusive growth, the company champions responsible development that creates long-term value for communities.

What’s New at SM Supermalls? Experience What’s First in Cebu

This month of June, your theme is to live in the now, and you will have multiple opportunities for joy and fulfillment.

What actually makes life satisfying is being able to create significant memories in the current moment, whether alone or with those you care about.  Making the most of today can help you live your best life, from sharing delicious cuisine to celebrating tiny victories and salvaging the day after a long, difficult week.

Enjoy cherishable moments and the opportunity to build happy memories at SM Supermalls—right here in Cebu.

Moments Worth Savoring at SM City Cebu

What better way to share special moments than over delicious food? Savor memorable dining experiences with these must-visit food destinations headlining this June and July:

• Manam—finally opening this month, get ready to relish familiar yet innovative flavors with modern takes on Filipino comfort food and traditional dishes—including their signature Beef Short Rib Sinigang & Watermelon.
• Ooma—the long wait for this Japanese-inspired restaurant is over! Known for its bold takes on Japanese dishes, food lovers in Visayas can enjoy Ooma favorites including the Hanger Steak, Aburi Mixer, Ebi Tempura, and more.
• 8 Cuts Burgers—a casual restaurant serving a wide menu of burgers and sides, highlighting their custom-blended patties crafted from premium grade ingredients.
• Mo’ Cookies—a dessert haven known for its ooey-gooey palm-sized cookies come in flavors like Chocolate Chip, South Cotabato Fudge, and Nutella Crinkle, among many others.
• Din Tai Fung—a renowned Taiwanese restaurant chain celebrated for its expertly crafted xiaolongbao, along with a variety of authentic Taiwanese dishes.

Unwind and Treat Yourself at SM Seaside City Cebu

Meaningful moments do not have to be grand—joy can come from modest victories, small steps, and all the little things you do to express your gratitude to yourself.  Check out these newly opened hangout spots.

After a long wait, the fast-growing Pickup Coffee has finally come at SM Seaside City Cebu with its first-in-SM premium café concept: Pickup Prime, which serves upgraded brews ideal for your productive lifestyle. 

Whether it's your first collector item or your first time trying on makeup, there's satisfaction and fulfillment in treating oneself to new items and experiences. Reward yourself with these first-in-Cebu stores launching this June:

• Geek PH—specialty toy and collectibles store, catering to pop culture enthusiasts, offering a wide range of action figures, blind boxes, and other unique items.
• Issy—a Filipino beauty brand renowned for its vegan, cruelty-free, and skin-friendly makeup products, bannering items designed to be versatile, easy to use, and suitable for the tropical climate of the Philippines.
• Premier Drip—a wellness lounge specializing in intravenous (IV) therapy opening their first-in-Cebu store, offering the magic of having an enhanced overall skin health, radiant glowing, and boosted immunity.
• Bangkok Kitchen Express—a Thai restaurant bringing the authentic flavors of Bangkok to Cebu for the very first time.

Parisian Bistro at SM J Mall

Celebrate your significant occasions with a classic French dining experience in Cebu.  Our discriminating foodies may look forward to the inauguration of Salon de Thé by The French Baker, a Parisian-inspired café serving European pastries, gourmet teas, and bistro-style meals.

Life is about what you do with each and every waking minute.  Enjoy your time, make experiences to remember, and take center stage with plenty of opportunities for delight here in Cebu—only at SM Supermalls, where you can experience a #NewEraOfFirsts.

Don’t forget to like and follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events!

SM Supermalls #NewEraOfFirsts

At SM Supermalls, we’re proud to lead a New Era of Firsts—bringing you first-to-market brands, groundbreaking experiences, and culinary destinations you won’t find anywhere else. From world-class dining and retail exclusives to innovative spaces that connect and inspire communities, we’re redefining what it means to have it all.

As we continue to grow, we remain committed to sustainability, community empowerment, and creating memorable moments that make every visit more meaningful. There’s always something new and exciting waiting for you at SM.

THE FIRST IN PAMPANGA—A New Era of Asian Flavors Served with a Twist

If there is one thing that unites Asian culture, it is the way our heritage and traditions are perpetuated via food.  Asian foods are absolutely amazing, from the meticulous selection of ingredients to the creativity and invention used in preparation.

SM Supermalls supports this by bringing Taiwanese, Japanese, and Thai quality to one of the heartlands of Filipino cuisine, Pampanga.  Ninepot, The Matcha Tokyo, and Purple Rice have established themselves as must-try restaurants at SM City Clark and SM City Pampanga!

Ninepot—Quality Taiwanese Hot Pot Experience

With the growing popularity of East Asian hot pot restaurants, Ninepot—whose name is derived from the Taiwanese cultural concept that the number nine brings good fortune—stands out by highlighting authentic Taiwanese cuisines at SM City Clark's Tech Hub 2.

Unlike many hot pot restaurants that serve unlimited portions, Ninepot promotes quality by including carefully picked ingredients in each customisable set meal.  Ninepot employs a six-step approach to provide a well-rounded dining experience that shows the complexity of Taiwanese cuisine.

Each order comes with a choice of protein, sides, broth, and vegetables, as well as a dessert and a weekly special drink to round off a delicious meal.

But what actually distinguishes Ninepot is its delectable soup bases, which range from typical Taiwanese savory delicacies to hot and spicy options.  Among these are the distinctive Taiwan Stone Hot Pot, the scented Sesame Oil Hot Pot, the pleasantly sweet Dashi Broth Hot Pot, and the delectable spicy Szechuan Hot Pot.

The Matcha Tokyo—Haven for Premium-Grade Matcha

Matcha-inspired drinks and pastries are becoming increasingly popular.  Despite its growing popularity, matcha has proven to be a tough flavor to manage—especially since matcha enthusiasts are even more difficult to please!

But when it comes to mastering that earthy, rich, and refined flavor, no one does it better than The Matcha Tokyo, which offers authentic, premium-grade options on the ground floor of SM City Clark.

Highlighting 100% organic matcha specials, The Matcha Tokyo is committed to promoting health and sustainability by bringing Japan’s finest matcha for daily and casual consumption.

For starters, the #1 best-selling Organic Matcha Latte—popular in all The Matcha Tokyo branches worldwide—and the Philippine-exclusive Ube Matcha Latte, which features a delightful blend of their high-quality matcha and the iconic sweet taste of purple yam (ube), are must-tries.

The Matcha Tokyo offers a wide range of matcha-infused beverages and pastries, as well as chocolates, snacks, and easily available pure matcha powder.

Purple Rice—Thai Flavors with an Innovative Twist

Nothing tastes better than responsibly created dishes that are rich in their respective cultures.  This is exactly what Purple Rice brings to the table at the Ground Level of SM City Pampanga: Thai flavors cooked with forward-thinking culinary techniques.

Purple Rice, founded on stories of ancestry, environmentally sound agriculture practices, and, ultimately, a great love and respect for Thai cuisine, provides a variety of unique Thai flavors infused with touches of Filipino warmth and food traditions.

Dedicated to delivering authentic Thai cuisine with signature imaginative twists, the brilliantly colored Purple Rice takes center stage, typically coupled with famous Thai meals and placed against an attractive environment that adds to the experience.

Their menu includes a range of foods, including soups like Tom Yum Talay, salads like Purple Yam Woon Sen, and mains like Khao Soi and Pad Thai, with best-selling dishes such as Red Angus Beef Curry and Thai Halo-Halo, among others.

Allow yourself to sample flavors that will satiate your Kapampangan taste buds by visiting Ninepot at Tech Hub 2, The Matcha Tokyo at the Ground Level of SM City Clark, and Purple Rice at the Ground Level of SM City Pampanga.

Whether you consider yourself a connoisseur of specific dishes or a casual food enthusiast, SM Supermalls ensures you get the best from a variety of cuisines—serving flavors tailored to our own tastes and cultures while introducing food innovations that combine familiar practices with new experiences.

There’s always more to enjoy and more to share at SM Supermalls! For more exclusive dining experiences and first-to-market brands, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

SM Supermalls #NewEraOfFirsts

At SM Supermalls, we’re proud to lead a New Era of Firsts—bringing you first-to-market brands, groundbreaking experiences, and culinary destinations you won’t find anywhere else. From world-class dining and retail exclusives to innovative spaces that connect and inspire communities, we’re redefining what it means to have it all.

As we continue to grow, we remain committed to sustainability, community empowerment, and creating memorable moments that make every visit more meaningful. There’s always something new and exciting waiting for you at SM.

Waves of Change: Thousands Join SM Cares’ Coastal Cleanup

Beaming with pride, volunteers at SM City CDO Uptown and Downtown hold up the coastal cleanup banner, standing united as ocean defenders in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025.

On June 7, SM Cares, SM Supermalls' corporate social responsibility arm, coordinated a large statewide coastline cleanup in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025, over 5,000 volunteers. Collectively, they removed an astounding 30,000 kilograms of trash from shorelines across the Philippines, demonstrating that when a community works together, real change happens.

This year's theme, “WONDER: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” struck a deep chord as volunteers took to the beaches of Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, armed with gloves, sacks, and a shared mission: to protect the oceans that give us life.

Beyond fostering community collaboration and promoting environmental responsibility, SM Cares’ coastal cleanup initiative played a vital role in cultivating healthier environment, enhancing the overall quality of life for local residents, and contributing to the long-term preservation of marine ecosystems.

Volunteers from SM City Manila assemble at the coastal cleanup site to remove marine waste and protect vital waterways in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025.

Stepping up for a cleaner tomorrow, volunteers from SM City San Lazaro join the coastal cleanup drive---picking up trash and protecting our shores, one piece at a time.

With gloves on and bags in hand, volunteers at SM City Lucena take part in SM Cares’ Coastal Cleanup drive, reaffirming their commitment to environmental stewardship and ocean conservation.

Employee volunteers from SM Center Dagupan take action for the environment during the coastal cleanup drive, shoveling sand and debris to help restore the shoreline.

SM City Iloilo volunteers join hands with the local community of Brgy. Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo in a coastal cleanup drive, working together to preserve the shoreline and promote environmental sustainability.

SM City Davao volunteers are out on the shore, turning dedication into action as they clean up the coast and care for the planet.

“The oceans sustain us every day, and now it's our turn to give back. This coastal cleanup isn’t just a one-day event—it’s a symbol of our shared duty to preserve biodiversity and inspire action for a sustainable future, while bringing lasting positive impacts to the community by advancing healthier coastal spaces, and uniting people through shared environmental action.” ~Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Cares Program Director for the Environment

A National Movement for the Seas

The cleanup brought a varied group of ocean defenders, including students and teachers, local governments, non-governmental organizations, employees, and security and janitorial crews.  SM Cares collaborated with local government units, environmental organizations, youth groups, and coastal barangays to organize cleanups at numerous important sites across the country.

These relationships not only secured the initiative's success, but also demonstrated the potential of inclusive, community-driven action.  Volunteers met to clean up tons of trash from beaches, raise awareness about marine conservation, and encourage long-term behavioral change toward environmental care.

Students, teachers, and partner organizations join forces with SM Cares during the Coastal Cleanup drive—demonstrating a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

Demonstrating sustained commitment to protecting the environment, SM employee volunteers return to SM by the Bay to help protect the shoreline.

Building an #SMWasteFreeFuture

The June 7 cleanup is part of SM Cares’ broader sustainability vision through its #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign, which also includes weekly cleanups at SM by the BAY. 

This May 2025, SM employee-led cleanups have mobilized a total of 279 volunteers, collecting over 4,493 kilograms of waste—highlighting their firm commitment to keeping our coasts clean on a weekly basis. These sustained efforts contributed to creating a safer, more enjoyable coastal spaces for customers, while encouraging a stronger culture of environmental volunteerism.

SM Cares' Coastal Cleanup also promotes and aligns with numerous United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 14: Life Below Water, by decreasing marine pollution and safeguarding ocean habitats.  It also helps to achieve SDG 13: Climate Action by boosting environmental awareness and encouraging community-led climate resilience, as well as SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by collaborating with local governments, non-governmental organizations, schools, and communities.

With two more major cleanups planned for the year, SM Cares remains determined in its mission to inspire Filipinos to take action—one shoreline at a time. For more stories and updates on how you can be part of the movement, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow @OfficialSMCares on social media.