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.

Book Nook Bringing Communities Together Through Books and Art

Communities across the country are coming together to celebrate the power of storytelling and creativity through Book Nook, a free reading and activity space designed to inspire learning, self-expression, and inclusivity.

This year, Book Nook expands beyond book readings with a lineup of art workshops, cultural activities, and interactive storytelling sessions at SM Aura and SM Podium, inviting families, students, and aspiring creatives to explore new ideas and perspectives.

SM Cares & DSAPI Celebrate Diversity and Unite Communities through Happy Talk 2025

SM Southmall came alive as SM Cares and the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) hosted the second edition of Happy Talk: Usapang Down Syndrome 2025. The event gathered over 600 participants, including government officials, educators, therapists, and community stakeholders, to raise awareness and create safer, more inclusive spaces for individuals with Down syndrome.

"Through Happy Talk, we are reminded that inclusion is not just about understanding—it’s about action. Every shared story and effort brings us closer to a world where individuals with Down syndrome are embraced and celebrated," said Luis M. Harder, President of DSAPI.

Rider, sweet lover: road safety tips for you and your O.B.R.

Riding with your O.B.R. (official back rider) is one of the best ways to share the road and make memories together—but safety should always come first. A smooth, secure ride is not just about skill; it’s about responsibility, awareness, and proper preparation.

As part of its commitment to road safety and responsible riding, the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA)—through its “Tropang MAALAM” campaign—reminds all riders that the key to a safe and enjoyable trip with a passenger starts with the right habits. Whether it’s a short city ride or a long road trip, knowing how to properly accommodate and protect your O.B.R. is a must.

Here’s a quick and easy guide to making every ride with your back rider safe, comfortable, and worry-free.

SM Supermalls’ ‘Trash to Cash’ initiative empowers communities to build a waste-free future

Over 12 million kilos of recyclables collected in 2024.

Every first Friday and Saturday of the month, SM Supermalls transforms into a hub of sustainability through its nationwide ‘Trash to Cash’ (TTC) recycling market, where individuals can exchange recyclable waste for cash. This initiative, part of SM Supermalls’ Waste-Free Future campaign, has been a long-running program since 2007 that encourages waste segregation, recycling, and environmental awareness while also benefiting communities financially.