SM City La Union Boosts Climate Resilience with Rainwater Catchment System

  

With climate change driving heavier rains and more frequent floods, proactive flood prevention has become a key part of building resilient communities. 

SM City La Union, now the 30th mall of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) that features a rainwater catchment facility, expands its network of climate-resilient infrastructure nationwide. For SM Supermalls, catchment facilities are designed to collect and store large volumes of stormwater, preventing runoff that could otherwise overwhelm drainage networks. 

During heavy rainfall, the catchment temporarily holds stormwater, allowing gradual discharge through proper channels. Collectively, SM City La Union’s underground rainwater catchment system can provide a total capacity of 760 cubic meters 

Each drop contributes to a safer, more sustainable future for all. Mapping every opportunity to achieve Water for Tomorrow, treating and reusing water as a supplemental water source also significantly decreases freshwater consumption. In 2024, SM Prime achieved a 26.23% increase in recycled water volume, rising from 4.42 million cubic meters in 2023 to 5.59 million cubic meters. 

Social resilience is equally important as the physical infrastructure. SM Cares raises awareness on water conservation and adopting sustainable practices in daily life, helping to empower community action.  

“Our rainwater catchment systems go beyond flood control — they help create safer spaces for our communities. We hope to show how climate-smart infrastructure and innovation can protect lives, livelihoods, and progress,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

SM Supermalls and DICT launched Digital Corners in SM Job Fairs

  

SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), has officially introduced Digital Corners to SM Job Fairs—an initiative launched during the J.O.B.S. Immersion for SHS 2025 held at the Skydome, SM City North EDSA.

An innovative learning solution, the Digital Corner is designed as a free, open-access upskilling hub within SM job fair venues. It offers job seekers training opportunities on digital literacy, Python programming, Google Career Certificate courses, basic networking, coding, cybersecurity, and online entrepreneurship.

“This is the next step in our collective efforts to not only match jobs with job seekers but to equip them with future-ready digital skills,” said Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations, SM Supermalls. “By housing this initiative in SM malls, we’re turning job fairs into job-and-learning fairs—places where opportunity and capability meet.” The Digital Corner is expected to benefit thousands of Filipinos annually, especially graduating SHS students preparing to enter the workforce or pursue further training in tech-enabled fields.

DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT STARTS WITH SHS STUDENTS

Nearly 1,000 SHS students, accompanied by parents and teachers from over 40 schools, participated in the J.O.B.S. Immersion for SHS 2025 launch. The event marks the rollout of the Enhanced Work Immersion Pilot (EWIP), a collaboration between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), with SM Supermalls serving as a key venue and industry partner, alongside SM Retail.

The EWIP is transforming the SHS experience by increasing work immersion hours from the current 80–320 hours to 420–640 hours. This expanded, hands-on training is backed by industry partners who co-develop training plans to align classroom learning with real-world skills in sectors like retail, hospitality, and technology.

At the launch, companies including SM Retail and Newport World Resorts provided students with insights into job expectations and workplace values. Throughout the day, students also attended career readiness sessions with experts and explored opportunities presented by industry and government partners in a special Digital Economy Showcase.

SM Prime: Smarter Water Management for a Resilient Future

  

Water is a limited resource, and many Philippine cities face pressure on their supply due to rapid urbanization and climate change. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, prioritizes water efficiency as a core operational strategy to pave the way for a water-resilient future.  

The result is a portfolio-wide water intensity of 0.44 m³/m²/year, already surpassing water efficiency standards of some of the leading global benchmarks.

For SM Supermalls, every chance to collect and conserve water is explored. Simple low-flow fixtures and the adoption of water-saving technologies prevent unnecessary consumption at scale. Recycling air conditioning condensate and processed water minimizes dependence on fresh water, and innovative approaches that capture portions of floodwater for non-potable use support sustainable water management. 

This efficiency means that for every square meter of mall space, SM Supermalls’ water use translates into millions of liters saved annually. 

Beyond equipment and systems upgrades, culturally integrating sustainability values is part of the solution. Water education campaigns for tenant-partners, employees, and mallgoers promote the wider sustainability campaign of the SM Green Movement.

Creating a sustainable mall experience like no other, SM Supermalls believes that investing in efficient and scalable water management systems also means bringing everyone together to ensure water for tomorrow. 

“Our mall water management systems are already at par with some of the best in the world. We do this because we understand that every liter saved eases the pressure on local water resources and secures our operations for the long term,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. 

Every drop makes a difference, and conserving the planet’s valuable resources is communicated through SM Cares’ large and unique community platform, whether in the malls or on social media. The interactive and visually rich content is especially appealing for the younger, digitally active millennial and Gen Z workforce. 

“Our work in the malls is to make sure that we give you the best experience without compromising the needs of tomorrow, but of course, we cannot do it alone. When we combine all our actions as a community, no matter how big or small these are, we can all enjoy a water-resilient future,” said Tan.

SM Supermalls Celebrates DOLE’s 92nd Anniversary and Marks 30,000th Hired-On-The-Spot Milestone

 

Tuguegarao City, Philippines — December 10, 2025. SM Supermalls, in strong partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), commemorates the agency’s 92nd Founding Anniversary with a landmark achievement: celebrating the 30,000th hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) during a job fair at SM City Tuguegarao.

A Life-Changing Moment in Tuguegarao

The 30,000th HOTS, Ms. Rachelle Navalta, was hired on the spot as a Service Crew member at McDonald’s during the anniversary job fair. Overwhelmed by the news, she shared: “Hindi po ako makapaniwala… nag-try lang po akong mag-apply dito sa job fair dito sa SM. Hindi ko po akalain na hired on the spot ako.” She also encouraged other job seekers: “Wag po kayong matakot mag-try. Hindi natin alam kung ano ang nakatakdang mangyari sa ating buhay.” Her story embodies the heart of the SM–DOLE partnership: turning a simple decision to show up into opportunities that change lives.

The milestone highlights the continued success of the SM–DOLE Job Fair Program, which has mounted over 370 job fairs nationwide since November 2023, supporting more than 220,000 job seekers and resulting in over 30,000 HOTS to date. This collaborative effort reflects the shared mission of SM Supermalls and DOLE to widen access to meaningful employment and uplift Filipino communities.

A Partnership that Connects Dreams with Possibilities

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan described the significance of the partnership in opening real pathways to livelihood and growth: “Our partnership through the SM–DOLE Job Fairs has become more than just a program. It’s a bridge — connecting dreams with possibilities. As we celebrate DOLE’s 92 years of service, we at SM reaffirm our commitment to this partnership — to continue providing platforms that empower, connect, and uplift the Filipino workforce. Congratulations, DOLE! Thank you for being our partner in progress, our partner in nation-building.”

Together, SM and DOLE continue to expand job fair initiatives in key regions, hosting regular events that streamline hiring, empower job seekers, and uplift Filipino families. By transforming malls into opportunity centers where applicants can meet employers, receive guidance, and often secure positions in a single day, the partnership strengthens local communities and supports inclusive economic growth.

The Ultimate Cheesy 8 Pizza is Pizza Hut’s cheesiest creation yet

 
Made with 8 cheeses, this festive number is bound to be the centerpiece of any celebration
When it comes to the Filipino holiday spread, no other ingredient is as joyful and indulgent as cheese. Commonly found in many of today's yuletide staples, from spaghetti and macaroni salad to bibingka and puto bumbong, this symbol of festivity can brighten up any dish, making every celebration feel complete.

This year, Pizza Hut is adding more fun and flavor to the festivities with a new creation that captures the comfort of tradition while offering a fresh twist for the holidays—the new Ultimate Cheesy 8 Pizza, available for a limited time only! Unwrap the season's cheesiest gift yet with eight premium cheeses sourced from around the world: mozzarella from the US and New Zealand; parmesan from New Zealand; cheddar and cheese fondue from the US; Gouda, feta, and cream cheese from Denmark; and queso de bola from the Philippines. It
also comes with a hot honey dip, for an experience that feels both familiar and exciting!

The Ultimate Cheesy 8 Pizza starts at P589 and is available in all your favorite crusts (Pan, Mega Crunch, Stuffed Crust or Ultimate Cheesy Bites)!  

To help you share the holiday cheer, Pizza Hut has also cooked up two irresistible combos featuring the new Ultimate Cheesy 8 Pizza, starting with the Ultimate Cheesy Feast for 4 (P1,699)! It comes with 1 Large Ultimate Cheesy 8 Stuffed Crust Pizza, 1 Family Pasta (Choice of Bolognese or Carbonara), 6 pieces of Wingstreet wings (choice of any flavor), and 1 Pepsi Pitcher (dine-in) or Pepsi 1.5L (take-out and delivery).

For a bigger feast, there’s the Ultimate Cheesy Feast for 6-8 (P2,899), which comes with 1
Large Ultimate Cheesy 8 Stuffed Crust Pizza, 1 Large Pepperoni and mushroom Panalo Pan Pizza, 1 Large Pasta (choice of Bolognese or Carbonara), 12-piece Wingstreet sampler, and 2 Pepsi Pitchers (dine-in) or 2 Pepsi 1.5L (take-out and delivery).

Enjoy this holiday offer together with your other favorites from Pizza Hut by visiting your nearest store for dine-in and take-out orders. You can also order for delivery by calling the (02) 8911-1111 hotline, logging on to www.pizzahut.com, with a few taps via the Pizza Hut mobile app, available for Android and iOS devices; or through Pizza Hut’s official delivery partners GrabFood and foodpanda (prices may vary)!

Make sure to follow and give Pizza Hut a like on Facebook, Instagram, and X so you won’t miss out on the latest news, updates, and offers this season!

Buo ang Saya ng Pasko: Jollibee Reminds Us What Makes Christmas Truly Complete

 

This Christmas, Jollibee takes a more heartfelt turn—focusing on what makes the season meaningful: FAMILY.

In a time when life feels busier, distances grow longer, challenges arise, and many Filipinos find themselves away from home, Jollibee’s newest holiday campaign, “Buo ang Saya ng Pasko,” uplifts our spirits and reminds us that true joy is found in togetherness with family—however it’s formed: by blood, by bond, or by choice.

Through a series of touching vignettes in its new Christmas film, Jollibee captures how both typical families and different versions of Filipino families now come together -- There’s the nurse celebrating a night shift with hospital staff, a security guard sharing laughs with fellow workers, a couple treating their beloved pets like family, a single mother and her daughters finding joy in a simple Jollibee meal and a large family celebrating Christmas reunions across generations.

Says Dorothy Dee-Ching - VP and Head of Marketing, Jollibee Philippines:

"What makes Filipino Christmases so special is the love we share and the joy we bring to one another. Family has always been at the heart of every Filipino Christmas, but we also know that times have changed. By embracing the many ways we now define family, we hope to rekindle in everyone the true meaning of joy this season — that Christmas is complete not when everything is perfect or traditional, but because no matter where we are or who we celebrate with, as long as we’re together and there’s Jollibee on the table, Buo ang Saya ng Pasko.“

Each story mirrors real-life moments of warmth and connection that make Christmas feel whole again. Accompanied with an original soundtrack, Jollibee’s new heartwarming film reminds us that even as the faces around the table change, as long as the family is together—Buo ang saya ng Pasko.

So, this Christmas, Jollibee invites you all to share the joy of togetherness with your family. As the film beautifully states, “Tunay ang ligaya basta’t tayo’y magkasama. Dito, sarap ang pinagsasaluhan. Buo ang saya ng Pasko.”

Jollibee Celebrates its Christmas Treats with “Sweet Fest” at The Dessert Museum

Jollibee made the holidays even sweeter with their Sweet Fest event in The Dessert Museum, celebrating theirnewest offerings that deliver Holiday Joy in Every Cup. 

Guests were treated to a fun and flavorful experience filled with sweet surprises and photo-worthy moments as Jollibee promoted its indulgent new lineup — the Iced Vanilla Coffee, Iced Caramel Coffee, Iced Vanilla Float, Iced Caramel Float, and the Rocky Road Sundae made with KITKAT®. Each one combines different flavors andlayers of texture and delight — turning every sip and spoonful into a celebration you can taste. 

The event captured the spirit of Christmas with Jollibee — transforming everyday into joyful holiday moments. With these new creations, Filipinos can now experience the sweetness of the holidays, one refreshing cup of coffee or sundae at a time.

“We wanted to capture that unique Filipino feeling of excitement when the holidays begin,” shared Pamie Cruz, Marketing Director. “These Christmas Treats are our way of giving everyone a sweeter way to celebrate the season.”

With Jollibee’s new Coffee Blends and Sundae, fans can now taste the joy and indulgence of the holidays anywhere, anytime starting at only PHP 60.

Celebrate the season with Jollibee’s new Christmas Treats, available for a limited time only! Order now for dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, or delivery via the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, or #87000.

For all the latest updates, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on X, Instagram, and TikTok.