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Showing posts from February, 2025

"Pabili po ng Cadbury?” Pinoys turn to sari-sari stores for premium chocolates during Valentine’s Day - Packworks study

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CALABARZON, Cagayan, Central Luzon recorded highest sales February 21, 2025 Manila, Philippines — Gone are the days when Filipinos only go to sari-sari stores for everyday essentials: now, they're increasingly becoming a go-to destination for special occasion treats, such as premium chocolates for Valentine's Day. Tech startup  Packworks , through its mobile sari-sari store app and business intelligence tool Sari IQ, has found that sari-sari stores made significant sales of premium chocolates, specifically Swiss brand Toblerone and British confectionary brand Cadbury, for Valentine’s Day based on data collected from February 1, 2022 to February 17, 2025 from its network of over 300,000 sari-sari stores nationwide. According to Packworks’ data of sari-sari store sales transactions, Toblerone enjoyed nearly a 3,000% spike in sales between February 13 and 15, compared to the same days in other months. Meanwhile, Cadbury saw approximately a 500% increase in sales ...

#ColorsInBloomAtSM: A Burst of Color, Culture, and Celebration

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                       🌸✨ Vibrant colors, joyful smiles, and cultural pride! 🎉 The Panagbenga 2025 celebration comes alive with stunning performances, festive outfits, and creative floral displays. #ColorsInBloomAtSM 🌺🌻  This year’s Panagbenga has been nothing short of a color spectacle showcasing Baguio’s arts and culture. One striking piece is a dynamic lightning bolt, expertly crafted from brilliant yellow and blue tile fragments. This work honors Baguio photographer and artist Kidlat de Guia, who passed away in Madrid, Spain. An onlooker admires the captivating pieces at The Mighty Bhutens Art Exhibit, a key highlight of the event that brings the spirit of the Cordilleras to life. A key highlight of the event, The Mighty Bhutens Art Exhibit, brings the spirit of the Cordilleras to life through its artistry. This display features works by Kabunyan de Guia, Guiller Lagac, and Oliver Olivete—collectively known as Th...

SM strengthens pivot to solar PVs in support of DOE’s renewable energy goals

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  SM City Bataan and its 4,060-piece solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have a peak capacity of 2,376,000 kW. As the world continues to grapple with depleting resources, the need for renewable energy has never been more urgent. Malls, as significant energy consumers, have a unique opportunity to lead the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future by adopting renewable energy solutions that can significantly reduce their environmental impact. Understanding this, SM has been continuously ramping up its renewable energy initiatives by adopting solutions that lower its carbon footprint. One such solution is the adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which provide clean and renewable energy by converting sunlight directly into electricity. This allows SM to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, lower energy costs, and contribute to a greener environment. Expanding solar power across SM malls As of February 2025, SM is nearing full operations for the solar PV systems in...

SM Viyline MSME Caravan: Strengthening community ties at SM City Baguio

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  The much-anticipated second leg of the Viyline Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises ( MSME) Caravan is set to take place at SM City Baguio from February 19-25, 2025, bringing together an exciting array of MSMEs and community members for a dynamic shopping experience. This collaboration between Viyline and SM aims to boost local businesses while promoting community engagement, and the event is poised to be a game-changer for MSMEs in the region. Discover unique finds and support local businesses at the Viyline Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises ( MSME) Caravan, happening at SM City Baguio from February 19-25, 2025. A highlight of the event will be the presence of Viy Cortez, renowned influencer and wife of popular YouTuber CONG TV. Known for her strong online following and influence, Viy Cortez will grace the opening ceremony, adding a touch of excitement and star power to the event. Her involvement in this initiative underscores the significance of the MSME Caravan as an op...

What’s New at SM Supermalls? Discover the Freshest Finds, Tastes, and Trends at the #HomeOfFirsts!

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    Discover what’s next and what’s new at SM Supermalls—your ultimate destination for the freshest flavors, trendiest lifestyle finds, and exclusive collectibles. With exciting new openings and upcoming must-visit spots, there’s always something to look forward to! SM North EDSA   Flavors to Savor Already satisfying cravings, Tonkotsu Kazan serves rich broth, tender pork, and premium noodles in every bowl of Japanese ramen. Bebang Halo-Halo delights with a fresh and creamy twist on the classic Filipino dessert, while Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu excites meat lovers with its iconic gyukatsu, a perfect mix of tradition and innovation. Marking a milestone in its expansion, Milksha debuts its first-ever in the Philippines concept store at SM North EDSA. Bringing its signature premium bubble tea experience to an even bigger audience, offering refreshing bubble tea made with premium milk and tea leaves. Trendsetting Styles & Lifestyle Must-Haves Dr. Martens is already maki...

SM Prime and DENR bolster Manila Bay cleanup efforts with high-tech trash boat

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  In a joint effort for Manila Bay, SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime), together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), was present for the handover of a state-of-the-art catamaran trash boat to complement the ongoing battle against water pollution. DENR received the boat last January 31, along with essential navigation and safety equipment as well as cleaning tools. The 30-foot catamaran will be operated by the DENR Metropolitan Environmental Office - South Zone and will contribute to the agency's capacity to combat water pollution and preserve the vital marine ecosystem. The 30-foot catamaran is designed to efficiently collect and carry up to 1 ton of waste. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga (middle) receives the symbolic key to a catamaran donated by SM Prime, boosting Manila Bay cleanup efforts. This donation strengthens the DENR's arsenal in its multifaceted approach to cleaning Manila Bay...

SM Book Nook Reading Festival brings Filipino stories to life at SM Aura

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  The SM Book Nook Reading Festival, held on January 31, 2025, at the Book Nook in SM Aura, drew 500 book lovers of all ages for a dynamic celebration of Filipino literature and creativity. From engaging author meet-and-greets to lively performances and informative workshops, the festival offered a rich array of literary experiences. (L-R): SM Cares Assistant Vice President Richard A. Caluyo, SM Book Nook Reading Festival co-organizer and BookShelfPH co-founder Monette Quiogue, and SM Aura Regional Operations Head Stephanie Co Interactive storytelling and inspiration One of the festival's highlights was the launch of SM Book Nook's innovative "Pass the Plot" board. This interactive activity encouraged participants to co-create a story, sentence by sentence, showcasing their collective creativity. The "Pass the Plot" board at the SM Book Nook Reading Festival ignites collaborative storytelling, inviting participants to build a narrative sentence by sentence....