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| (Image Source: Dot Daily Dose/SM Supermalls) |
SM Supermalls has reported an increase in foot traffic, reaching an average of above 4 million daily visitors in the first quarter of 2024, up from 3.3 million in the same period last year. This steady growth highlights SM’s commitment to enriching the mall experience with diverse and engaging activities that cater to evolving consumer preferences. According to SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan, “The increase in foot traffic reflects our steadfast commitment to meeting the daily needs and wants of our customers. Our malls serve as dynamic hubs that blend modern retail services with vibrant entrepreneurial environments.” Through its integrated property developments, SM has transformed its malls into destinations offering immersive experiences tailored to every member of the Filipino family.
Amid a shift towards discretionary spending, Filipino consumers increasingly visit malls for leisure and dining experiences. Food tenants now constitute 30% of mall spaces leased, up from 10% a decade ago, while non-food tenants including entertainment now occupy 50%. Other service-related tenants complement the diverse offerings. Recent innovations include the Space & Time Cube+ at S Maison, an immersive art museum featuring 20 themed attractions such as LED tunnels and holographic displays, exemplifying SM’s commitment to blending art with entertainment. SM Supermalls also provides a platform in support of fandoms, whether you stan your favorite K-pop group, anime, and artists. SM is excited to support these communities and be the go-to place for these celebrations of fan gatherings of all ages and backgrounds.
One of the places fans can express themselves is the newly launched Cosplay City at SM City Fairview. It’s a hub for the anime and cosplay community where they can be creative and be immersed in this multiple district spot filled with toy exhibits and anime themed zones wrapped with that Tokyo City vibe for Instagram-worthy posts. Additionally, SM Mall of Asia’s flagship Game Park, launched in November 2023, offers a 1,947 square meter indoor entertainment complex with amenities like a bowling alley, basketball court, e-darts, and an indoor archery range, catering to diverse interests. Tan affirmed, “SM continues to innovate and elevate customer experiences. Our goal is to create lasting memories through dynamic destinations that complement traditional shopping.”
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Philippine Athletes Take Centerstage At Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony In Their Francis Libiran “Sinag” Barongs
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| Esteemed fashion designer Francis Libiran (center) with his "Sinag" barongs worn by the Filipino Olympians during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremonies (Image Source: ABS-CBN News/Gretchen Fullido) |
A proud moment for Filipinos once again ignites as the passing of the torch took place at the opening ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. Philippine Olympic medalists, boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, and the rest of the Philippine Olympic delegates beamed with pride wearing the “Sinag” Barong while carrying the Philippine flag throughout the highly-anticipated and critically-acclaimed occasion. Especially created by esteemed designer Francis Libiran, the “Sinag”, inspired by the rays of the sun, is a symbol of hope and pride. With the vibrant colors of our Philippine flag, it is meticulously designed to showcase cultural heritage and heroism.
“When I was commissioned by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) headed by its president Hon. Abraham N. Tolentino to work on such an important representation for our athletes, I thought, I have to make them shine and stand out on the opening day of the Olympic games. With such a momentous opportunity before us, there is no better way to represent them and our country than with our very own Filipino barong Tagalog," Libiran exclaimed. The festivities commenced with an opening parade where the Philippine team and delegates from all over the world made their monumental entrances through a cruise along the Seine River. Libiran explains, “For this once-in-a-lifetime occasion, I created this Olympic barong using a light and airy piña-jusi fabric sourced from Kalibo, Aklan. It consists of a detachable, contemporary silk organdy blue and red sling with colors that pay tribute to our Philippine flag. The embroidery is inspired by the Pintados warriors, which depicts fierceness in battle. It then covers the left shoulder and upper arm, carefully draping around the torso with a bright yellow sun ray pattern decorating the chest, just like a warrior’s armor symbolizing bravery and hope."
Joining and accompanying Petecio and Paalam in Paris are fellow Tokyo Olympic medalist Eumir Marcial; fellow boxers Aira Villegas and Hergie Bacyadan; fencer Sam Catantan; golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina; gymnasts Carlo Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo, and Levi Ruvivar; judoka Kiyomi Watanabe; pole vaulter EJ Obiena; rower Joanie Delgaco; swimmer Jarod Hatch and Kayla Sanchez; runners John Cabang Tolentino and Lauren Hoffman; and weightlifters Elreen Ando, John Ceniza, and Vanessa Sarno. From the Southeast Asian Games stage to the worldwide grand Olympic stage, Libiran’s creations truly beam of hope. “I strongly believe that our athletes are heroes in their own right and if creating the “Sinag” Barong is able to encourage and inspire them as they carry our flag, then that for me is already manifesting victory," said Libiran.
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PLDT, Smart, DTI Misamis Oriental Champion MSME And Youth Entrepreneurship
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Smart Communications Inc.) |
PLDT and Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) recently equipped over a hundred micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and young entrepreneurs with digital skills and online solutions during the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Misamis Oriental’s MSME One Expo 2024, a three-day event designed to empower and showcase enterprises in the province. In collaboration with TikTok Philippines, PLDT Enterprise and Maya Philippines, the initiative aims to accelerate the digital transformation of business owners in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental by enhancing their skills in content creation and amplifying their presence in e-commerce platforms like TikTok Shop.
“We thank our incredible partners PLDT, Smart, and Maya for your unwavering support and invaluable contributions to make this year’s expo, themed 'Breaking Down Borders And Expanding Reach: From MisOr To The World', a resounding success. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future for our MSMEs,” said DTI Misamis Oriental Provincial Director Jesusa Abear. Sakura Kawamata, a marketing officer for banana vinegar producer Mr. Clav, appreciated the importance of using the online platform TikTok Shop and digital payment solutions like Maya as these create convenience for customers. Mr. Clav converts discarded bananas into vinegar to help support local farmers and reduce agricultural waste. Kawamata said, “We have faced challenges in marketing our products since many people are used to different vinegars. With this training, I have learned how live streaming on online platforms and creating better content can help us boost our visibility online.”
Balingasag Negosyo Center Manager Jaybom Dansal shared that while MSMEs excel in creating products, many struggle with effective promotion. “Some have started selling, but others are still catching up. Crafting engaging content requires practice, so our goal is to educate all our MSMEs on maximizing their online presence,” said Dansal. The online entrepreneurship training is part of PLDT and Smart’s eBizNovation program that aims to leverage digital technologies to develop and improve the lives and livelihood of communities across the country. These efforts form part of the group’s commitment to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly UNSDG #1: No Poverty and UNSDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
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Grab PH, PH Red Cross, Jollibee, McDonald's Team Up For GrabBayanihan Typhoon Carina Relief Operations
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| (Image Source: Grab Philippines) |
Grab Philippines teamed up with the Philippine Red Cross, Jollibee Group Foundation, and McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen for its GrabBayanihan Program to provide support to communities devastated by the recent Typhoon Carina. The initiative encourages all Grab users to convert their rewards into donations, aiding the various projects run by these three organizations. Grab Philippines’ Chief Operating Officer Ronald Roda expressed, “Our entire Grab community is fully committed to leveraging our technology and long-standing partnerships with various organizations to support the recovery of calamity-affected communities, especially in Metro Manila. We understand that recovery is challenging, but it becomes more achievable with the support of our kababayans. This is the essence of GrabBayanihan – fostering a sense of malasakit in all of us to create powerful waves of not just aid, but hope. We are grateful to our partners, the Philippine Red Cross, and two of the largest fast-food chains in the Philippines – Jollibee and McDonald’s, for their collaboration in this cause."
Grab users, especially those subscribed to GrabUnlimited, accumulate points with each transaction made on the Grab platform. These points can be redeemed for rewards listed in the Grab Rewards Catalogue. In a move to facilitate aid for victims of Typhoon Carina, Grab Philippines has reduced the points required for donations towards the typhoon response efforts of the Philippine Red Cross, Jollibee Group Foundation, and McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen. The initiative is active on the platform from now until August 29, 2024. During this timeframe, Grab users can contribute to the partner organizations using their Grab Reward Points (GRP). A donation of Php20 to the organizations will require the use of 60 GRP. Similarly, a donation of Php50 will require 150 GRP, and to donate Php100, users will need to redeem 300 GRP. GrabRewards can be accessed via the Grab Homepage ‘All’ Button.
Following a two-day donation drive involving Grab and MOVE IT employees as well as driver and rider partner communities, hundreds of volunteers from these groups convened at the Grab & MOVE IT Driver Center in Marikina last July 26-28, 2024 where they assembled relief items, including groceries, canned goods, bottled water, and toiletries, into GrabBayanihan Care Packages. The volunteers then distributed the care packages across disaster-affected communities in Caloocan, Montalban, Rizal, Malanday, Pasay, and Marikina, providing much-needed aid to over 2,500 families.
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Thousands Lined Up For HONOR 200 Series First Day Sale
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/HONOR Philippines) |
Long lines awaited the arrival of the AI Portrait Master HONOR 200 as thousands of HONOR fans nationwide lined up as seen in Market! Market!, SM Southmall, SM City Bacoor, SM City Batangas, and GMall Tagum, marking its blockbuster first day sale by the global technology brand HONOR with a bang. “The long wait is over and we’re bringing the HONOR 200 officially in the market from Luzon to Mindanao. We owe it to our HONOR fans and even to the newest enthusiasts of the brand who are impressed by the AI Portrait Master. Indeed, captivating photos don’t have to be expensive. Don’t sleep on this opportunity and head on to your nearest HONOR store now,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Vincent Cheng. The First Day Sale of HONOR 200 is jampacked with fun and surprises featuring HONOR Stars Elijah Alejo, Martin Chua, and Sophia Señoron at the HONOR Experience Store in Market! Market! Elijah Alejo hyped up the crowd with a Taylor Swift song followed by Martin Chua and Sophia Señoron’s Guess the Phone challenge.
HONOR has successfully launched the HONOR 200 Series in the Philippines last July 17, 2024 featuring the Harcourt Portrait Mode inspired by the elusive and prestigious Harcourt Studio in Paris. The newly launched flagship phone comes in two variations, the HONOR 200 and the HONOR 200 Pro. The HONOR 200 Pro has an impressive 6.78-inch AMOLED Full HD+ 120Hz Display with 4000nits equipped with HONOR Eye Comfort Display and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 octa-core CPU scoring an average of 1,500,000 antutu score. The HONOR 200 Pro sports a 50MP Wide Main Camera + OIS, 50MP telephoto + OIS, 12MP Ultrawide and Macro Camera + EIS, and 50MP Selfie Camera with an impressive integration of Harcourt Portrait Mode for studio-like camera capabilities. The HONOR 200 Series has an increased value upon purchase as it came with FREE JBL Soundgear Frames worth Php9,499 during its pre-order phase.
Get your hands on the AI Portrait Master! HONOR 200 and HONOR 200 Pro are now available nationwide, priced at Php24,999 and Php29,999 respectively, at either any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores or online via Lazada, Shopee, and Tiktok Shop. For more affordable offers, the HONOR 200 is also available at Home Credit for as low as Php1,619/month.
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Shopee Bayanihan Mobilizes Aid For Typhoon Carina Victims
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Shopee Philippines) |
Typhoon Carina has left Metro Manila under a state of calamity after bringing heavy rainfall and widespread flooding across major cities. In response, Shopee has mobilized relief support to deliver aid to affected residents in partnership with various humanitarian organizations through its disaster relief program Shopee Bayanihan. Until August 7th, Shopee users can extend their help to the victims by purchasing donation vouchers from Gawad Kalinga, GMA Kapuso Foundation, and UNICEF through the e-commerce platform.
Shopee Philippines Head Vincent Lee underscored the e-commerce platform’s commitment to utilizing their platform to help bring relief to affected communities, saying, “Shopee is committed to leveraging our platform and resources to aid Filipinos in need. Together with our partner organizations, we aim to maximize our technological capabilities to help our kababayans across the country.” Users can access e-vouchers for Typhoon Carina victims through the Shopee Bayanihan microsite via the following steps:
1. Visit or look up ‘Shopee Bayanihan’ in the app.
2. Choose the e-voucher of your preferred charity.
3. Click “Buy Now” to purchase the donation vouchers.
Despite the typhoon’s exit from the Philippine Area of Responsibility, Luzon is still expected to experience bouts of heavy rainfall in the coming weeks and months and low-lying areas are still warned against flooding and landslides. To help families stay prepared for the season, Shopee has put together a collection of relief essentials to stock up on in case of unforeseen situations.
