Happy Walk 2025 Brings Over 8,000 Attendees to Celebrate Abilities and Inclusion

In a powerful display of unity, inclusivity, and advocacy, Happy Walk 2025 successfully gathered thousands of individuals with Down Syndrome, their families, and supporters across the country on March 30, 2025. The nationwide event, hosted by SM Cares in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), was celebrated at SMX Manila (SM Mall of Asia Complex) and in simultaneous events at SM City Cebu and SM City Bacolod. Additionally, SM CDO Downtown Premier held its celebration earlier on March 23, 2025, while SM Center Ormoc joined the movement with the All for Down Night Run last March 27, 2025.

Pure Bayanihan Partners with Uma Nota to Raise ₱1 Million for Empowering Filipino Communities

Funds raised through the partnership of Pure Bayanihan and Uma Nota will be directed towards supporting the nonprofit organization’s projects in helping to build the livelihood of Filipino families in underserved communities. 

Pure Bayanihan, a U.S. registered nonprofit organization dedicated to creating sustainable livelihoods for communities in poverty, has successfully raised ₱1 million in partnership with Uma Nota, the rising culinary destination in Manila. Through the collaboration, Uma Nota organized the initiative “Dine with a Purpose,” which allowed diners to donate to Pure Bayanihan, with the goal of raising funds and helping to fulfill the nonprofit’s mission of lifting Filipino communities by alleviating poverty. 

An Hour to Make a Difference: SM Cares Earth Hour 2025

Unite Communities to Promote Environmental Awareness

For the 17th consecutive year, SM Supermalls reaffirmed its continued commitment to environmental sustainability by joining the 2025 Earth Hour movement, a global initiative led by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

On March 22, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, SM malls across the country participated in the symbolic lights-off event, encouraging customers, tenants, and employees to “Give an Hour for Earth” by taking simple yet impactful actions to protect the planet.

SM Seaside City Cebu and the 86 SM Supermalls nationwide give an hour for Earth by turning off non-essential lights during Earth Hour 2025.

World Water Day.PH Awards 2025: Celebrating the Champions Behind Every Drop

Honoring the Champions Behind Every Drop – The awardees of the World Water Day.PH Awards 2025 proudly raise their trophies, celebrating their impactful contributions to water sustainability. From protecting vital water sources and pioneering conservation efforts to advancing policies and empowering communities, these individuals and organizations play a crucial role in securing the Philippines’ water future. Their dedication serves as a reminder that safeguarding our water resources is a shared responsibility.

Quezon City, Philippines – In celebration of World Water Day 2025, Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad), together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), and in partnership with 7 other key organizations, honored individuals and institutions leading the charge in achieving water security and environmental sustainability.

Step Forward for Inclusion: Happy Walk 2025 Unites Communities Nationwide

This March 30, 2025, thousands of families, advocates, and supporters will come together to celebrate Happy Walk 2025, a nationwide movement dedicated to fostering awareness, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with Down Syndrome.

Hosted by SM Cares in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), this year’s event will take place at SMX Convention Center – Manila with simultaneous celebrations at SM City Cebu, SM City Bacolod, and SM CDO Downtown Premier, making it a truly nationwide effort to highlight the abilities and aspirations of individuals with Down Syndrome.

Intertwining Nutmeg Cultivation and Sustainability by Papuan Women

Mama Siti harvesting the nutmeg in her community forest

The perfume industry has recently seen a surge in innovation, with top brands competing to create unique, exotic fragrances. This trend has pushed experts to explore rare natural ingredients worldwide, including nutmeg, traditionally used in Southeast Asian cuisine and now recognized for its aromatic potential in perfumery.

Nutmeg can also be seen in Filipino dishes like suman, bibingka, and biko, valued not just for its warm, aromatic flavor but also for its digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. Despite growing demand, nutmeg cultivation faces sustainability challenges.

Women on Fire 2025: Empowering Women, Building Resilient Communities

In recognition of National Women’s Month and Fire Prevention Month, SM Cares launched Women on Fire, a celebration of the remarkable leadership, strength, courage, and resilience of women in fire prevention, disaster response, and community safety. Through collaboration with key government agencies and private organizations, Women on Fire served as a platform for education, awareness, and empowerment, reaching over 25,000 participants across all initiatives.

SM Cares, in partnership with the United Nations Philippines and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), kicked off Women’s Month on February 28 with the Purple Illumination Ceremony, lighting up the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Globe and mall façades nationwide. As a globally recognized symbol of justice, dignity, and women’s rights, the color purple marked the start of National Women’s Month in the Philippines, reinforcing SM’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment.