NEWS
SM Supermalls begins 100 Days of Happiness
September 19, 2022 5:19 p.m.
To kickstart the Christmas countdown, SM Supermalls began its 100 Days of Happiness last September 16, where they aim to create a circle of happiness with 76 participating malls, shoppers, the marginalized communities of women, persons deprived of liberty, artisans, cause-oriented organizations, and select local government units.
“We want to create a circle of happiness in all our SM malls by featuring products of cause-oriented programs which we will offer to our shoppers who, in turn, give them to friends and family, and ultimately, benefit the communities that created these products,” said SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan.
Through the campaign, SM Supermalls encourages Filipinos to support the advocacies of individuals and organizations that provide opportunities and create livelihood for their communities. For this year, SM partnered with bag designer Zarah Juan, Spark PH, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), the Association of Foot and Mouth Artists of the Philippines, UNICEF, and the Quezon City LGU for its Vote to Tote initiative, among others.
The launch event held at SM North EDSA The Block was attended by SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and SVP for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin; Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, and select councilors of the city; Spark PH Founder Mica Teves; GSP President Dr. Nina Lim-Yuson; designer Zarah Juan; and Brownies Unlimited Marketing head Dustin Ngo.
Equipping young girls to lead and build the future, one box of brownies at a time
For this year’s 100 Days campaign, SM Megamall, along with 9 other SM malls, is collaborating with Brownies Unlimited and the Girl Scouts of the Philippines. For every purchase of a special GSP-themed box of brownies in-mall and via the SM Malls Online App, one girl will be sponsored with a GSP membership for a year.
“We have a lot of young girls across the country and they’ve had such difficult times during the pandemic. Our membership dropped significantly. By buying a box, you can sponsor a girl for one year and she can learn so many things like being independent, loving her country more, and helping her community,” said GSP President Nina Lim-Yuson.
Recently, SM Supermalls helped the GSP vaccinate all its 70,000 members nationwide. By providing them with convenient and safe COVID-19 vaccines, SM Supermalls was able to ensure that the GSP members have access to quality healthcare services.
SM shoppers can purchase a box of brownies from 46 Brownies Unlimited branches nationwide and the SM Malls Online App.
Giving marginalized women and persons deprived of liberty hope for the future
Apart from the GSP partnership, SM Supermalls also partnered with the local government of Quezon City for its Vote to Tote program, Spark PH, and bag designer Zarah Juan to sell upcycled tarpaulin handmade tote bags sewn by marginalized women and female persons deprived of liberty.
“Christmas is all about giving. We are very happy that this year, the communities of Quezon City are included as beneficiaries in this program. And apart from helping the women in our communities, we are also able to help the environment by upcycling 70 tons of election tarpaulins that we’ve collected.” said Mayor Belmonte.
Juan, the designer, was the brainchild of the upcycling initiative. “During the elections, there were tons of election campaign wastes. I wanted to do something and I thought I have my platform– my designs. If my designs can actually solve this problem, then it’s worthwhile. Then I pitched the idea to Maica Teves, the founder of Spark PH. From there, we gathered all the help we can– from the Quezon City LGU who will help us collect tarpaulins, the women communities that can help us create, and SM Supermalls who can provide us the platform to distribute.”
A Happiness Walk was done to showcase the upcycled tote bags that shoppers can buy in SM malls. Joining the Happiness Walk were men and women of substance including select Girl Scouts members, Jeremy Lapena and Bernce Sevilla of the Downs Syndrome Association of the Phils, Mylene Abiva of WomenBiz, media celebrities Ces Oreña Drilon, and Gina Pareño among others.
The proceeds of the upcycled tote bags will be given to the women PDLs in Camp Karingal, and the marginalized women of Barangays Sto. Cristo, Greater Lagro, and Pinyahan in Quezon City. The tote bags will be sold in the following SM malls:
- SM Aura Premier
- SM Southmall
- SM City Fairview
- SM City North EDSA
- SM Megamall
Helping a community of artists
And in the south of Metro Manila, the SM Mall of Asia family will be partnering with the Association of Foot and Mouth Artists in selling painted Christmas cards to the shoppers.
“All these and more will start to unfold in the coming days as we continue spreading happiness across all SM malls around the country. Let us not waste our next 100 days and use it to make one another happy by giving. Today, let the countdown begin to a hundred days of happiness!” Tan closed.
This is the second time SM Supermalls has started a holiday countdown campaign. In 2021, the biggest mall network in the Philippines showed the world more than a hundred ways of giving through 100 Days of Caring. Underserved communities surrounding the 76 SM malls were provided with their urgent needs through in-kind and monetary donations by the malls, its various business units, and the employees.
For the list of all partner institutions and their beneficiaries visit www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts.
NEWS
BFAR, British Embassy Manila advance fisheries innovation, global collaboration in SAFET 2026
8:30 a.m. July 20, 2026
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) and the British Embassy Manila have partnered to co-host the Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technologies (SAFET) Conference 2026, set from September 8 to 10 in Cebu.
The event will bring together world-leading expertise from the UK’s Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) with on-ground operational experience from the Philippines to advance sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, responsible seafood sourcing, blue finance linked to marine protected areas, and emerging opportunities from marine energy
The partnership underscores a shared commitment between the Philippines and the United Kingdom to tackle the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific fisheries sector.
“SAFET 2026 reflects the Philippines’ commitment to building a modern fisheries sector where technology directly benefits both people and the environment. Through collaboration with global partners, we aim to accelerate practical innovations that strengthen fisheries governance, improve seafood traceability, conserve marine resources, and create better opportunities for our fisherfolk and coastal communities,” said BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig.
“We welcome our partners from around the world to join us in Cebu as we work together to turn innovation into meaningful action,” said Inga Wise, SAFET Executive Director.
“We cannot solve the complex challenges facing our oceans in silos. The SAFET Conference is a unique convergence point where market-driven technology meets government initiative. By bringing global tech innovators to the table alongside fisheries authorities, we are fostering the exact partnerships needed to build transparent, resilient seafood supply chains and secure thriving coastal livelihoods for the future,” she added.
Through SAFET 2026, BFAR and the British Embassy Manila will facilitate dialogue that includes coastal communities, technology developers, and policy-makers, ensuring that new tools are accessible, scalable, and tailored to the needs of the local fisheries sector.
“The challenges facing global fisheries require stronger partnerships and smarter solutions. SAFET 2026 provides a unique platform where governments, scientists, technology innovators, industry leaders, and fishing communities can work together to transform promising technologies into practical actions that strengthen the fisheries sector. We are proud that the Philippines is hosting this important global conversation and invite everyone to join us in shaping the future of sustainable fisheries,” said Philippine Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate.
Advancing the Digital Shift
SAFET’s conference theme “From Innovation to Implementation: Powering Responsible Fisheries, Markets, and Livelihoods,” reflects the Philippine fisheries sector’s shift from manual processes to a comprehensive digital ecosystem.
BFAR is currently leading this transition by deploying cutting-edge tools, among them the Electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability System (eCDTS) and the Fisheries Integrated Information Management Center – Vessel Monitoring System (FIIMC-VMS).
By integrating the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite observation, and IoT-enabled monitoring, the Bureau is actively strengthening law enforcement, combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and ensuring that Philippine seafood meets the highest international trade standards.
As the Philippines advances its digital transformation, SAFET 2026 reaffirms the country’s growing leadership in science-based fisheries management and its commitment to building a resilient, transparent, and prosperous future for all Filipino stakeholders. #
NEWS
Jordan Brand announces return of The One Tournament for 2026
4:11 p.m. July 19, 2026
Jordan Brand is running it back for the next iteration of The One—its premier one-on-one basketball tournament celebrating the intersection of the game, court culture, and community. In 2026, it’s louder, faster, and on a larger global stage.
As The One continues to grow, it remains rooted in a singular idea: to show who’s next and inspire a new generation to take their turn. At its core, The One reflects an incredible origin story. The inspiration is born from Michael Jordan’s legendary one-on-one battles, where every loss fueled something greater. That same mentality lives on in every matchup, every move, and every moment of this tournament.
In the Philippines, The One returns following a breakout year that saw young Filipino hoopers capture attention through fearless performances, underdog runs, and moments that resonated far beyond the court. In that inaugural edition, De La Salle Zobel and Gilas Youth standout Bonn Earvin Daja and UAAP Juniors Season 88 MVP Riri Perez crushed it to win the men’s and women’s tournament, while Perez and men’s finalist JM Tumabang from Adamson University High School went on to chase greatness in the global tournament in New York.
For 2026, the competition expands with two regional qualifying events across Cebu (25 July) and Manila (28-29 July) and a national qualifier at Jordan store, Metro Manila (1 August), opening the stage to even more athletes across the country. Ballers will be tested not just on skill, but on resilience, instinct and presence: the qualities that define greatness.
Following the national qualifiers, the 4 best athletes (2 male, 6 female) will compete in a ‘Final Elimination’ round on the 8thAugust at Jordan store in Metro Manila. They will go head-to-head in fierce competition and from this, two ballers (1 male, 1 female) who rise above the rest will earn a place on the ultimate stage: The One Global Finals, on August 29, 2026 in Shanghai.
To give them the best chance at the Philippines ballers taking the crown on the global stage, Jordan Brand are setting these two ballers up with an incredible training and mentor journey. Over the three weeks before the big competition, they will get the chance to train and learn from both Kiefer Ravena and Lethal Shooter, giving them an edge over the rest.
Registration for the Philippine qualifiers opens on July 18. Open to boys and girls ages 14 to 18, the tournament challenges hoopers to embrace pressure, showcase individuality, and compete for global recognition.
Alongside the competition at each stop will be programming that underlines how basketball influences the world beyond the court, including live performances, athlete appearances, and many other surprises along the way.
For ballers, register now: https://www.jordanbrandtheone.com/
NEWS
Canon PH renews support for Philippine Red Cross to aid Mindanao Earthquake Relief and Recovery
6:19 p.m. July 13, 2026
Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. (CMP), together with Canon Business Service Centre Phils., Inc. (CBSC), has renewed its partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to support relief and recovery efforts for communities affected by the recent earthquake in Mindanao, including Sarangani and General Santos City.
The donation underscores Canon’s continued commitment to standing with Filipino communities in times of crisis and delivering timely assistance to those in need.
“Our commitment to the philosophy of Kyosei means standing together with communities, especially in times of uncertainty,” said Anuj Aggarwal, President and CEO of Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. “Through our continued partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, we hope to bring not only essential relief but also hope to families as they recover and rebuild their lives. We are honored to support the invaluable work of the Philippine Red Cross in reaching those who need it most.”
Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon welcomed Canon’s continued support, highlighting the impact of sustained collaboration between the private sector and humanitarian organizations in disaster response.
“We are grateful to Canon for its continued partnership with the Philippine Red Cross,” said Gordon. “Canon has consistently demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian action, having also extended its support during the Cebu earthquake response. Together, we can provide timely relief and help communities recover stronger from times of crisis.”
Guided by its corporate philosophy of Kyosei, living and working together for the common good, Canon remains committed to supporting initiatives that create meaningful, lasting impact. Through this partnership, Canon reaffirms its commitment to helping Mindanao earthquake-affected communities recover, rebuild, and emerge stronger.
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