Global retail giant sends ‘Gen Z’ employees to Operation Smile mission to help change lives, and be transformed by the experience

AS Watson, the world’s largest health and beauty retailer, flew into the Philippines recently 21 Gen Z employees from across Asia and Europe to take part in the Operation Smile Philippines-Watsons Personal Care Stores Philippines’ surgical program in Pampanga and experience firsthand the joy of changing lives and giving back to the community.  

The young volunteers, all members of AS Watson’s Next Gen Sustainability Committee, joined 20 of their counterparts from the local Watsons Philippines to help 43 patients with cleft lip and cleft palate prepare for their surgery by a team of seasoned Operation Smile cleft care volunteers at The Medical City Clark in Angeles, Pampanga from October 16 to 21, 2023.

Light The World Giving Machines Are Back to Bring Christmas Joy to Manila and Cebu

This Christmas season, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites all to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ by extending a loving hand to those in need by bringing back Light The World Giving Machines in the Philippines.

These “giving-focused” vending machines offer a fun yet spiritual aspect to the shopping and gift-giving season in the Philippines. Unlike regular vending machines, the Giving Machines allow the public to participate in instant and affordable acts of service for fellow Filipinos in need.

SM Supermalls Celebrates World Cerebral Palsy Day

SM has partnered with the cerebral palsy community to raise awareness of the condition and to encourage support for those affected by it.

SM Cares teamed up with the Cerebral Palsy Epilepsy Family Awareness Support Group.PH Inc. as its official event partner to celebrate World Cerebral Palsy Day through a Cerebral Palsy. The event was celebrated with a Hip Awareness workshop and physical check-up, held last October 22, Sunday, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena Annex Building in Pasay City.

You Got This: Join Mindnation and Belle De Jour Power Planner In World Mental Health Movement

The momentous event is happening this October 20-23, 2023 at Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong with panel discussions, workshops, and promos fit for individuals and teams!

Every October, mental health experts and advocates all over the world celebrate World Mental Health Month, with October 10 being World Mental Health Day. The theme for 2023, set by the World Health Organization, is “Mental health is a universal human right.” It serves as a crucial reminder that mental health is an integral part of overall well-being and should not be stigmatized or neglected.

In a world where people often prioritize everything except mental health, it's time for change. MindNation and Belle De Jour Power Planner aim to raise awareness towards better well-being for all with its inaugural on-ground event, "You Got This! Creating Safe Spaces, Crafting Tomorrows." This event aims to celebrate World Mental Health Day, raise mental health awareness, and combat self-diagnosis.

Elderly Filipino Week - A tribute to Seniors at SM Supermalls

As the mall for all, SM aimed to celebrate our senior citizens this Elderly Filipino Week.

In celebration of Elderly Filipino Week last October 1 to 7, SM Cares, together with the National Commission of Senior Citizens and the SM Super Grannies Club, prepared a variety of fun activities and surprises for the elderly community to take part in and enjoy.

“Our senior citizens deserve to enjoy their golden years, spend their leisure time having fun within our malls, and make more memories with people they love. They need to engage in an active lifestyle that keeps them going, and above all, live life to the fullest as productive members of society,” said SM Supermalls Senior Vice President and SM Cares Program Director for Seniors Engr. Bien C. Mateo.

Protecting Peatlands with Sustainable Swamp Fishing

Peat swamp fish pond checking
 by Alam Siak Lestari (ASL)

The worsening impact of climate change is driving the Philippines to prioritize peatland conservation. In May 2023, House Bill 8204 was approved to help improve the sustainable management of peatlands, recognizing their significance as natural climate change solutions. Peatland ecosystems, characterized by the accumulation of decomposed plant materials, permanent waterlogging, and various vegetation, offer nature-based climate mitigation by acting as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing more carbon than they release. 

In the Philippines, there are two major peatlands: Agusan Marsh in Agusan Del Sur and Leyte Sab-a Basin in the island of Leyte. 

BPCI shows support to PH soldiers through hospital visit

The Binibining Pilipinas Charities Incorporated (BPCI) partnered once again with the Makati Medical Center (MMC) Foundation to deliver joy and positive energy at V. Luna General Hospital in Quezon City.

On August 17, around a hundred injured soldiers spent time with Bb. Pilipinas International 2022 Nicole Borromeo, Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2023 Anna Lakrini, Bb. Pilipinas 2023 1st runner-up Katrina Anne Johnson, and Bb. Pilipinas 2023 2nd runner-up Atasha Reign Parani in an activity-filled afternoon at the hospital auditorium.