Celebrate Sinulog at SM with AweSM Festivities!

by Info @Brand Zone | Jan. 12, 2025

Get ready for an unforgettable Sinulog celebration at SM! Join the vibrant festivities at SM City Cebu and SM Seaside City Cebu, where stunning installations, lively performances, and exciting activities await.

Shop & Style

Find your perfect Sinulog outfit at SM City Cebu's Islands Souvenirs Sinulog Playground, complete with Cut-and-Style stations until January 26 at the lower ground level.

Faith & Art

Discover inspiring religious exhibits honoring the Holy Child at SM Seaside City Cebu:

• Sto. Niño Exhibit from January 8–19 at Seaview Wing

• OSA Niño Exhibit from January 10–21 at Cube Wing Atrium

Local Delights

Explore the AweSM Fiesta Fair located at the lower ground level of the main mall and discover Cebu’s best pasalubong and crafts at SM City Cebu, ongoing until Jan 19. Indulge in culinary feasts:

• StrEATS of Cebu at the lower ground level of SM City Cebu happening until January 19

• AweSM Lechon Festival at the City Wing Atrium of SM Seaside City Cebu beginning on January 13

Music & Fun

Feel the beat at SM City Cebu’s AweSM Groove Grounds from January 8–19, and dance to Sinulog tunes from January 10–19.

Don't miss the Skypark Party at SM Seaside City Cebu on January 18–19, starting 5 PM.

Picture-Perfect Spots

Meet and take photos with your favorite bears in Sinulog costumes at the North Wing Atrium of SM City Cebu from January 10-12 and January 17-19 at 3PM. Don't forget to strike a pose at the AweSM Artscape from January 13-28 in SM Seaside City Cebu.

Pet Parade

Enjoy colorful pet parades:

• PawSM Cebu Pawrade at SM City Cebu (January 12, 2 PM)

• AweSM Petstival at SM Seaside City Cebu (January 17, 2 PM)

Cebu Marathon

Be part of the iconic Cebu Marathon on January 12 at SM Seaside Complex.

Grand Finale

Wrap up Sinulog with the AweSM Fireworks Display at SM Seaside City Cebu (January 19, 9 PM) and the Soundwave Party at SM City Cebu (January 19, 7 PM).

Shop & Save

Don’t miss the AweSM Cebu Sale from January 13–19 with discounts up to 50%!

For updates, follow SM City Cebu (Official) and SM Seaside City Cebu (Official) on Facebook.

SM Cares marks milestone year in unwavering commitment to empowering Persons with Disabilities

by Info @Brand Zone | Dec. 3, 2024

As the world commemorates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2024, SM Cares is once again reiterating its commitment to championing empowerment, inclusion, and support for Persons with Disabilities, leading the way in creating a society where all individuals, regardless of ability, can thrive with dignity and respect. Throughout 2024, this commitment has been more evident than ever, with SM Cares continuing to push the envelope with impactful initiatives that elevate the lives of Persons with Disabilities and build a more inclusive future for them.

A tradition of Persons with Disabilities-centric advocacy

Central to SM Cares’ ongoing mission of inclusion are its flagship programs, the "Angels Walk for Autism," the "Happy Walk for Down Syndrome," and the “Emergency Preparedness Forum.” These annual events continue to stand as powerful reminders of the importance of understanding, acceptance, and empowerment for those living with disabilities.

In April 2024, more than 22,000 individuals came together at the SM Mall of Asia Arena for the "Angels Walk for Autism," a significant event in partnership with the Autism Society Philippines. Held in multiple locations across the country, the event underscored the growing awareness and acceptance of the autism community, as families, advocates, and allies walked side by side to amplify their voices and call for inclusivity.

Not far behind, the "Happy Walk for Down Syndrome", held in March 2024, saw a sea of participants join forces to raise awareness and promote understanding of Down Syndrome. This vibrant celebration, in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, exemplified how SM Cares continues to provide a platform for Persons with Disabilities to shine, breaking barriers and creating a supportive environment where everyone is celebrated for their uniqueness. 

Acknowledging the need for greater preparedness and resilience, SM Cares also hosted its annual Emergency Preparedness Forum for Persons with Disabilities and senior citizens in various locations across the country, offering training and resources to help these vulnerable groups stay safe in the face of emergencies and disasters. This initiative, which began six years ago, has been instrumental in empowering Persons with Disabilities with the tools and knowledge to navigate unforeseen events with confidence.

Fostering inclusivity through digital accessibility

While the three annual initiatives have remained the cornerstone of SM Cares' advocacy for Persons with Disabilities, the organization’s work extends far beyond these signature events. For instance, SM Cares has been steadfast in promoting accessibility and inclusion in every aspect of life. One notable initiative in line with this was the integration of digital accessibility tools such Eye-Able into SM Supermalls website, offering an accessible and user-friendly online experience for individuals with visual impairments. This pioneering step towards digital inclusivity ensures that the virtual world is a place where everyone can participate and access services without barriers.

Sensitivity trainings and partnerships for a more inclusive workforce

SM Cares hosted impactful forums aimed at fostering greater understanding and inclusivity for individuals with special needs. "Happy Talk: Usapang Down Syndrome”, in collaboration with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI), provided an open platform to raise awareness and break down stereotypes through shared stories and experiences. Similarly, A-OK Pilipinas Live!, held in partnership with the Autism Society Philippines during National Autism Consciousness Week, gathered thought leaders, lawmakers, and celebrities to explore key issues surrounding autism. 

In May 2024, SM Cares furthered its dedication to inclusivity by conducting sensitivity training for employees at their newly opened mall. This initiative aimed to equip staff with the knowledge and empathy needed to better assist Persons with Disabilities, ensuring that each SM Supermall remains a welcoming space for all regardless of their ability or disability.

A similar training session was recently conducted last November 5 at SM Prime's Headquarters and livestreamed nationwide to SM malls across the Philippines. This insightful event focused on deepening understanding of Tourette Syndrome and ADHD, inspired by one of SM's newly hired employees who lives with Tourette Syndrome. The training aimed to foster empathy, inclusivity, and awareness, empowering employees to create a more supportive environment for colleagues and customers alike.

Similarly, SM Cares joined forces with the Cerebral Palsy Epilepsy Family Awareness Support Group (CEFASGPH, Inc.) last October to raise awareness about cerebral palsy. The event, held at SM Southmall, underscored the importance of community support and awareness in ensuring that individuals living with cerebral palsy have the resources and care they need to thrive.

A commitment to inclusivity in sports and the performance arts

In a move to foster inclusivity in sports, SM Cares partnered with SM Skating to sponsor the training of Phenelopy Marzo, a young athlete with a disability pursuing her dream of becoming a figure skater. By supporting her lessons and providing access to world-class training facilities, SM Cares is not just helping Phenelopy follow her passion, but also sending a powerful message—that disability is not a barrier to achievement. This partnership exemplifies SM Cares’ belief in breaking down the walls that limit the potential of Persons with Disabilities in sports where they can shine.

SM Cares also hosted the Boccia Sports Tournament for Persons with Cerebral Palsy, offering a platform for individuals to demonstrate their athleticism and sportsmanship through boccia, a precision sport designed for athletes with limited motor skills. By organizing such an event, SM Cares encouraged inclusion and provided the athletes with the recognition they deserve, inspiring them to further pursue their passion and break barriers in the said sport.

Meanwhile, SM Cares has demonstrated a strong commitment to uplifting Persons with Disabilities in the performing arts through its support for Rondalla on Wheels, creating a platform for them to showcase their skills. 

In partnership with PAVIC, a free concert titled UNSEEN: Beyond Vision was organized and open to the public, featuring visually impaired children as the star performers. The event highlighted their incredible talent and unwavering spirit, offering a moving celebration of resilience and limitless possibilities.

With this, SM Cares highlights the incredible talent of Persons with Disabilities, allowing them to express themselves and bring joy to others through their performances. This initiative embodies SM Cares’ dedication to promoting equal opportunities for all, regardless of physical limitations.

Creating a space where every story—and every child—belongs.

Book Nook, a vibrant community library and learning hub, has become a welcoming space for all, hosting activities that celebrate inclusivity and diversity. In partnership with Best Buddies Philippines, it held special Book Reading sessions focused on themes of neurodiversity, thoughtfully designed to engage children with special needs

Looking ahead: Building a more inclusive society

The year 2024 has been a monumental chapter in SM Cares’ journey towards creating a more inclusive Philippines. Through these efforts, SM Cares continues to provide platforms for learning, connection, and advocacy: these initiatives are not just events, but milestones in the fight for equality and empowerment for the PWD community.

Members of Persons with Disabilities community groups, tenants, and employees of SM joined the National Disability Rights parade at SM City Caloocan, which aimed to highlight and honor the rights and contributions of the PWD community. 

As the organization moves ever forward, SM Cares remains unwavering in its commitment to promoting awareness, understanding, and empowerment for Persons with Disabilities. While the work is far from over, with every step, SM Cares is creating a world where disability is no longer a limitation, but a call for greater inclusion and innovation.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative. 

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

Iskul Scoop: Gusto munang mag-unwind sa nakaka-stress na college life? Student travel hacks, alamin!

ni Jenny Rose Albason @Life & Style | Oct. 29, 2024

Hi, ka-Iskulmate! Ikaw ba ay isang college student na gustong mag-unwind sa gitna ng nakaka-stress na college life? Kung oo ang iyong sagot, sure akong may mga listahan ka na ng mga destinasyong gusto mong puntahan, mula sa mga breathtaking na beach hanggang sa mga sikat na tourist spots. Hindi ba?

Pero ang tanong, paano kung tight ang budget? Don’t worry, Iskulmate! May mga paraan pa rin naman para makapag-explore at makapag-enjoy kahit na saks lang ang money. Gets mo?

Pero ang tanong, paano kung tight ang budget? Don’t worry, Iskulmate! May mga paraan pa rin naman para makapag-explore at makapag-enjoy kahit na saks lang ang money. Gets mo?

Sa article na ito, ibabahagi namin ang mga budget-friendly travel tips na hindi lang makakatulong sa iyo sa pag-save ng pera kundi siguradong magdadala rin sa iyo sa mga unforgettable adventures. 

Kaya naman, handa ka na bang i-pack ang iyong mga gamit at simulan ang journey nang hindi nalulugmok sa utang? 

Tara na’t tuklasin ang mga paraan upang mag-travel ng masaya at abot-kaya! Let's go!

1. RESEARCH BEFORE YOU PACK. Mag-research muna ng off-peak na panahon para sa napili mong destination. Minsan, sa off-season may mababang rates sa accommodation at transportation.

Maghanap ng student discounts – marami nito, lalo sa mga museums, at parks. Basta huwag lamang kalilimutan ang school ID at ‘wag mahiyang magtanong! Oki?

2. D.I.Y. TRAVEL PLANNER. Planuhin ang itinerary pero iwasang gumamit ng masyadong mahal na tour packages. 

Mas makakatipid ka kung ikaw mismo ang magbu-book ng bus o anumang rides na gusto mo. Subukan mo rin mag-research sa Google Maps at mga travel blogs para sa libre at hidden gems. 

Pero wait lang, dahil may mga pre-order na rin ng tickets online, may bonus pa dahil may chance ka pang makakuha ng discounts! Oh ‘di ba? Malaki na rin ang matitipid mo ru’n ha?

3. GROUP TRAVEL. Ang bawat barkada ay puwedeng mag-share ng expenses sa food, transpo, at accommodation. 

Isipin n’yo na lang na para lang iyang group project, pero mas masaya at walang recitation. Mga Iskulmates, tandaan na sharing is saving! Oki?

Subukan ang mga hostels o Airbnb na may mga options for shared rooms. Oh, ha! Makaka-less na kayo, sama-sama pa kayo sa iisang kuwarto. Hindi ba mas masaya iyon? 

4. PACK LIGHT, TRAVEL RIGHT. Pack light lang, Iskulmate! Ang mahal ng bayad para sa extra luggage, lalo na kung balak n’yo mag-airplane. 

   
   

Saka, mas convenient mag-travel kung saks lang ang mga bitbitin n’yong gamit.

Pro-tip: Kung may mga free samples o maliit na packaging ng toiletries, iyan na ang dalhin mo.

5. STREET FOOD + GROCERY FINDS = SULIT MEALS. Ang street food ay hindi lang masarap, budget-friendly pa! Huwag kayong mahiyang sumubok ng mga local street food, dahil kadalasan dito n’yo matitikman ang mga pagkaing hinahanap-hanap ng inyong kalamnan.

Kung medyo sensitive ang tiyan, grocery finds ang best choice. Mag-prepare din kayo ng baon from home para mas makatipid pa lalo!

6. "DO IT FOR THE GRAM" – PERO LOW-COST LANG. Kung photos at memories ang hanap mo, hindi mo na kailangan pa ng mamahaling lugar. Piliin ang mga scenic spots na walang entrance fee o yung mga parks at mga art installations.

   
   

Tipid-hack: gamitin ang phone camera nang maayos! Hanapin ang natural lighting para sa mga Instagram-worthy na pictures.

7. MAX OUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND FREE RIDES. Saan man mapadpad, gamitin ang local public transport, tulad ng tricycle, jeep, o bus. Hindi lang ito mas mura, mas mai-experience mo pa ang local vibe ng lugar.

   
   

Kung may free shuttle o kahit “pa-hitch” sa mga friendly locals, i-grab ang opportunity (pero siyempre, maging safe pa rin!).

At ayun na nga! Sa kabila ng lahat ng gastos at hassle ng pagiging college student, maaari pa rin tayong makapag-travel nang abot-kaya. 

Ang mga adventure at experiences ay hindi laging nakadepende sa laki ng budget; minsan, ang tunay na halaga ng paglalakbay ay nasa mga kuwentong baon natin pabalik. 

Always remember, hindi mo kailangang maging mayaman para maging isang explorer. 

Mag-plan, mag-share ng expenses, at cherish the moments—dahil ang pinakamagandang alaala ay madalas nangyayari sa mga simpleng sitwasyon.

Ngayon, isara ang laptop, iwanan muna ang stress sa school, at simulan ang iyong travel journey. 

Ibahagi n’yo rin ang inyong mga budget-friendly adventures at ipakita sa mundo na ang saya ng buhay college ay hindi lang nakatuon sa pag-aaral kundi pati na rin sa pag-i-explore! 

Kaya, ano pang hinihintay mo? Grab your bags, summon your travel buddies, at tara na—ang mundo ay naghihintay! Safe travels at happy exploring, Iskulmates! 

Oh, nag-enjoy ba kayo Iskulmates? Ang Iskul Scoop ay ang pinakabagong column namin dito sa Bulgar na naghahatid ng mga balita at kuwento tungkol sa mga kaganapan sa iba't ibang paaralan. Layunin nitong magbahagi ng mga makabuluhang impormasyon at tips na makakatulong sa mga estudyante sa kanilang pang-araw-araw na buhay sa eskuwelahan.

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So, kung gusto n'yong maging bahagi rin ng Iskul Scoop at meron kayong mga kuwento, inspiring stories o events na gusto n'yong i-share sa mga ganap sa inyong campus, mag-email lang sa iskulscoop@gmail.com para mailathala sa aming pahayagan.