SM Skating’s ‘Ice Castles’ and ‘Cool Runnings’ dreams

by Info @Brand Zone | January 18, 2024

As films like “Ice Castles” and “Cool Runnings” have shown us, no individual aspiration, no team goal, is too far-fetched or ridiculous to dream for. SM Skating knows this all too well, as it has never let our being a tropical country become a hindrance to harboring big dreams of participating and excelling in sports events associated with the Winter Olympics.

Two-time Winter Olympian Michael Martinez commands the rink in a captivating display of precision.

Whether it’s Figure Skating, Speed Skating, or Ice Hockey; SM Skating has put forward the value proposition that the ice rinks that exist in particular SM malls can be more than just recreational or leisure pursuits. A young girl’s “Ice Castles” dreams, the hopes of a band of brothers to form an ice hockey team and compete globally, they all can see the SM ice rinks as the venue and first major step to making those pipe dreams come true.

A young girl learns to skate with the assistance of a polar bear skating aid at SM Skating Megamall.

Young Filipinos enjoy icy fun together at SM Skating.

Embark on an adventure of ice bumper cars with family and friends at SM Skating Megamall.

SM Megamall opened in 1992 with the country's first-ever ice rink. What began as a novelty has transformed into Olympic-size rinks at SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, and SM Seaside City Cebu. These rinks now serve as official training grounds for those pursuing proficiency in Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, and Speed Skating.

SM Megamall, inaugurated in 1992, introduced the country's first-ever ice rink.

A speed skater accelerates, leaving a streak of determination on the ice at the SM Skating Mall of Asia.

As the home to our national teams in Figure Skating and Ice Hockey, SM Skating and its ice rinks have played a crucial role in nurturing several multi-awarded athletes in these winter sports over the years. Notable figures include two-time Winter Olympian Michael Martinez, Isabella Gamez, and Alexander Korovin – the first Southeast Asian and Philippine pair to compete in the World Championships of Figure Skating. Additionally, we take pride in 2022 National Champion and Junior Worlds figure skater Sofia Frank, 2022 National Medalist and GMA Sparkle Artist Charmaine Skye Chua (featured in the teleserye “Hearts on Fire”), and back-to-back National Junior Medalist Cathryn Limketkai.

Isabella Gamez (right) and Alexander Korovin - the first Southeast Asian and Philippine pair to compete in the World Championships of Figure Skating.

The 2022 National Champion and Junior Worlds figure skater Sofia Frank

Our Philippines Men’s National Ice Hockey team recently garnered Gold in Division IV of the 2023 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Ice Hockey Championship. That’s quite a feat for a tropical nation in a team sport competition.

The Philippines Men’s National Ice Hockey team poses with their Gold in Division IV of the 2023 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Ice Hockey Championship.

While others may have downplayed harboring dreams of the Philippine flag being unfurled during a Winter Olympics medal ceremony, SM Skating has asked ‘Why not?’ and has laid the groundwork for raising that possibility.

Experience next-level fun at SM Game Park MOA

by Info @Brand Zone | December 7, 2023

Get ready to elevate your fun and dive into an action-packed experience at the newest sports destination in SM Mall of Asia (MOA)—SM Game Park!

Prepare for an exciting recreational and active lifestyle facility, launching you into a sporty era with an electrifying lineup of games and activities. SM Game Park MOA is the brand’s flagship branch, designed by the award-winning Hong Kong-based company, Alexander Wong Architects. It marks the fourth branch in the country, following SM Southmall, SM City Fairview, and SM Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Downtown.

Situated on the 3rd Level of the South Entertainment Mall of SM Mall of Asia, SM Game Park MOA spans 1,947 sqm of everything fun, offering top-notch amusements and the best amenities for everyone of all ages.

At SM Game Park MOA, let the good times roll at its massive 16-lane regular bowling area. Plus, have an unforgettable and exclusive experience with your social circles at the new four-lane private bowling, equipped with state-of-the-art Augmented Reality (AR) technology—a first in the country.

Gather the hoop crew and shoot your shots at the mini indoor basketball court, accommodating a team of 3x3 players. For those exploring other sports, test your skill with a bow and arrow at the archery zone by PANA.

SM Lifestyle Sports & Leisure Centers Assistant Vice President for Operations Joseph Silva (center) performs the ceremonial first basketball jump ball with Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) stars Marc Pingris (left) and Jayjay Helterbrand (right) at the mini indoor basketball court.

The ceremonial first arrow release is executed by top archers Emanuel Caducoy (left) and Adrianna Jessie Magbojos (right).

Master the art of billiards at any of the six billiard tables available. Serve up intense rallies at the table tennis area, or challenge a friend to a game of basketball hoops or E-darts at the arcade games corner.

The ceremonial first billiards break shot is performed by SM Lifestyle Inc. Sports & Leisure Centers Assistant Vice President for Operations Joseph Silva (left) and SM Mall of Asia Mall Manager Rosaly Anne Salazar.

There's no shortage of heart-pumping thrills at SM Game Park MOA. Sing, dance, and play your hearts out to your favorite songs and games inside the Game Room. You can now enjoy karaoke, and soon there will be additions like board games, dance consoles, and various other recreations, offering a multitude of options for passing the time. If you need to wind down or simply chill with the squad after a fun day, grab some delicious grub and refreshing drinks from the Sports Bar by Taters.

Enjoy karaoke and upcoming additions like board games, dance consoles, and various entertainment options in the Game Room.

Indulge in savory bites and cool beverages at the Sports Bar courtesy of Taters.

Exciting promos await customers, so make sure to check out the official social media accounts of SM Game Park on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more information.

SM Prime, WWF-Philippines hold eco-camp for youth sustainability ambassadors

by Info @Brand Zone | December 7, 2023

Thirty-one student ambassadors from 13 Metro Manila high schools gathered in an eco-camp last November 24 to 26 organized by SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) and WWF-Philippines (WWF-PH). Participating schools include Assumption College, FEU Manila High School, La Salle Greenhills, National University of Nazareth, Las Pinas Science High School, Manila Science High School, Muntinlupa Science High School, School, Paranaque Science High School, PAREF Southridge, Pasay Science High School, Pasig Science High School, Philippine Science High School, and Quezon City Science High School.

Held at the Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club, the three-day eco camp marks the second leg of YOUth are the Future–a joint environmental leadership program by SM Prime and WWF-PH aiming to empower environmental stewards among the youth sector. By enhancing their understanding of biodiversity conservation and sustainability, the program aims to instill a strong sense of responsibility and commitment towards the protection of the environment.

The immersive weekend kicked off with a fireside chat on climate action where leaders Jessica Sy, Assistant Vice President of SM Development Corporation, WWF-PH Executive Director Katherine Custodio, and marine biologist and WWF-Philippines National Youth Council member Romina Lim engaged in a discussion on facing the climate crisis, inspiring the attendees to take proactive steps towards preserving our planet and promoting the advocacy towards a sustainable future.

“Climate change affects our daily lives and the youth have the most at stake being the ones who will face greater and greater impacts in the years to come. It is important that our young people find and use their voices, and be given opportunities such as the YOUth are the future program, to learn more about what needs to be done, and to discover where those intersect with their own individual talents and passions. It was also a strategic choice to focus the program on high school students, who would need to think about what further studies or careers they might pursue. I hope they understand that there is space for environmental advocacy whatever career or degree they choose.”, shared Custodio.

Campers attended learning sessions that tackled the most pressing environmental conservation and sustainability issues, specifically on water, energy, and biodiversity. Antoinette Taus, UN Goodwill Ambassador and founder of Project CORA, also graced the camp to share insights on waste management.

Apart from the talks, the campers immersed themselves in nature by hiking Pico De Loro’s Santelmo Eco-Trail and taking a guided walking tour of its vast mangrove forests.

The camp participants worked on a storybook, incorporating the lessons they learned from the sessions at the camp.

“Mother Nature implanted a seed planted deep inside my mind---that I need to protect her. And I know that we are all implanted with that same seed that brought us all here together. We cannot lose hope,” shared Vigor in a message delivered to encourage her fellow youth to do their part for nature.

The camp concluded with a closing keynote by SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) President and sustainability champion Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., where campers were given a chance to ask questions and tips on sustainability and environmental leadership.

SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation President Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr. answers questions from the participants about SM’s sustainability initiatives.

“Study, ideate, plan, and experiment. Use your creativity and experiment some more until you find the right solutions. You might fail, you might need to start from scratch again, but the most important thing you have to remember is to learn from your mistakes and try again. That, my young participants, is the only way for us to move forward to creating a better world”, shared Sy.

As part of its third and final leg, the YOUth are the Future program will culminate on January 2024 through a series of mall and school tours throughout Metro Manila to further boost youth engagement and student ambassador recruitment.

There is an undeniable surge in the number of young individuals dedicated to facing the current challenges that will impact the future. Their unwavering commitment is a powerful reminder that it is within our collective power to create lasting change and reimagine a sustainable future for all. Through programs like YOUth are the Future, SM Prime and WWF-PH hope to empower the youth further to become powerful agents of change, inspiring others to #ChangeTheEnding for the planet.