Book Nook empowers Filipinos through literacy, self-expression, and giving back

by Info @Brand Zone | August 15, 2024

In December 2020, Sheeren Sy, a Singaporean architect affiliated with SM Supermalls, initiated the establishment of Book Nook. The idea began when Sy encountered a small, unattended shelf in Australia, where people could share books for free.

Shereen Sy, inspired by an unmanned book-sharing shelf in Melbourne, Australia, initiates the establishment of the Book Nook in 2020.

Inspired by this concept, she dreamed of bringing a similar initiative to the Philippines. Recognizing the spirit of "bayanihan" – a Filipino value that emphasizes communal unity and cooperation – Sy envisioned creating a space where Filipinos could share not just books but also their talents.

This open library on the third level of SM Aura is a cozy space that allows visitors to browse a growing collection of over 3,000 books, donate and swap books, and foster a love of reading and sharing while promoting community engagement.

Book Nook is more than just a place of learning; it's a dynamic hub that sparks interest and curiosity. Extending far beyond its collection of books, it hosts a variety of events and activities catering to diverse interests.

Lifestyle journalist and author Stephanie Zubiri (right) collaborates with award-winning visual artist Vico Cham (left) to introduce "Chalky the Chameleon," a series of books promoting diversity and inclusivity.

Nina Daza-Puyat, daughter of late culinary master Nora Daza, holds book readings of her children’s book “Ang Alamat ng Lumpiang Shanghai” and “The Forlorn Rice Cooker”.

Advertising veteran Merlee Jayme (second from right) launches her book “Ten Talks, Ten Cities” with (L-R): Businessman and former politician Manny Villar, National Bookstore’s Xandra Ramos-Padilla, and Book Nook founder Shereen Sy at the Book Nook in SM Aura.

In another initiative, the space provided a platform for solo mothers to connect through a book launch of "Solo, Yet SOLOved," by Tinette Cortes, a memoir about overcoming domestic violence.

Author of "Solo, Yet SOLOved" and solo mother Tinette Cortes (middle) with members of the SM SuperMoms Club.

To nurture local talent, Book Nook hosted a workshop led by comic book creator Jamie Bautista, where aspiring artists learned the intricacies of visual storytelling.

Emerging artists learn the art of visual storytelling from renowned comic book creator Jamie Bautista.

Moreover, in collaboration with Camerahaus, the biggest photography retailer in the Philippines, Book Nook organized a VlogCon to equip content creators with essential knowledge. Over 700 participants joined the event.

In the photo: Book Nook founder Shereen Sy (second from right) together with Camerahaus CEO William Sia (center) and Vice President Robenson Ong Lo (third from left)

GMA Network donated copies of the illustrated children's book “Si Gren, Ang Kaibigan Kong Alien” to SM Supermalls through Book Nook. “Si Gren, Ang Kaibigan Kong Alien” is a companion book to GMA's TV series “My Guardian Alien,” which is about an alien who takes the form of a deceased woman named Katherine after accidentally crashing to Earth in a pod.

The cast of GMA's TV series “My Guardian Alien” (L-R): Arnold Reyes, Raphael Landicho, Christian Antolin, and Gabby Eigenmann (back).

The success of the initial location at SM Aura has led to the upcoming August 15 opening of a new branch at The Podium.

Learn more about SM's community programs at https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares/.

Tips para sa mga plantito at plantita

ni Jenny Rose Albason @Lifestyle | June 15, 2024

Isa ka rin ba sa nagpaplanong magtanim o magkaroon ng sariling garden ngunit hindi alam kung ano ang unang gagawin? Marami sa atin ay ginagawa itong bahagi ng self-care routine dahil iba nga naman ang nagagawa ng halaman sa ating overall sense of well-being.Ang paghahalaman ay isang nakakarelaks at kapaki-pakinabang na gawain na maaaring paglibangan ninuman. Bukod sa nagbibigay ito ng sariwang gulay at magagandang bulaklak, pagtatanim at pag-aalaga ng mga halaman ay may positibong epekto sa ating kalusugan at kaligayahan. Halina’t talakayin natin ang mga mahahalagang tips sa paghahalaman. Let’s go, mga Ka-BULGAR! 

1. PUMILI NG TAMANG LUGAR. Siguraduhing ang iyong halamanan ay may sapat na sikat ng araw. Karamihan sa mga halaman ay nangangailangan ng 6 na oras ng direktang sikat ng araw.

2. TAMANG URI NG LUPA. Alamin ang uri ng lupa sa iyong lugar. Kung ito ay masyadong buhaghag o masyadong luwad, maaaring kailanganin mong i-adjust ito gamit ang compost o organic na materyales.

3. REGULAR NA PAGDIDILIG. Huwag hayaang matuyo ang lupa, ngunit huwag din naman itong labis na diligin. Ang tamang pagdidilig ay nakasalalay sa uri ng halaman at panahon.

4. PAGLALAGAY NG COMPOST. Ang compost ay nagbibigay ng mahahalagang sustansya sa lupa. Maaari kang gumawa ng sarili mong compost mula sa mga nabubulok na basura sa kusina at halamanan.

5. PAG-AALIS NG DAMO. Regular na alisin ang mga damo sa paligid ng iyong halaman upang ‘di magkompitensya ang sustansya at tubig.

6. PAGTATANIM NG TAMA. Sundin ang tamang distansya sa pagitan ng mga halaman upang magkaroon sila ng sapat na espasyo para lumaki. Suriin ang mga rekomendasyon para sa bawat uri ng halaman.

7. PAGBUBUNGKAL NG LUPA. Ang regular na pagbubungkal ay makakatulong upang maging mas malambot ang lupa at mas madaling makapasok ang tubig at hangin sa mga ugat ng halaman.

8. PAGBIBIGAY NG SUPORTA. Para sa mga gumagapang o umaakyat na halaman tulad ng kamatis, siguraduhing may sapat na suporta gaya ng mga patpat o trellis.

9. PAGSUBAYBAY SA MGA PESTE. Regular na suriin ang iyong mga halaman para sa mga peste. Gumamit ng mga organikong pamamaraan ng pagkontrol tulad ng neem oil o sabon na panlaban sa insekto.

10. TAMANG PANAHON NG PAGTATANIM. Alamin ang tamang panahon ng pagtatanim para sa bawat uri ng halaman. May mga halaman na angkop lamang itanim sa partikular na panahon ng taon.

11. PAGPUPUNGOS O PRUNING. Alisin ang mga patay o mahihinang sanga upang mapanatili ang kalusugan ng halaman at mapahusay ang pamumulaklak o pagbuo ng bunga.

12. PAGPAPLANO NG HARDIN. Planuhin ang iyong hardin ayon sa mga pangangailangan at kagustuhan ng bawat halaman. Isaalang-alang ang tamang kombinasyon ng mga halaman upang mapakinabangan ang espasyo at mga sustansya sa lupa.

Ang paghahalaman ay hindi lamang isang kapaki-pakinabang na libangan kundi isa ring mahusay na paraan upang makakonekta sa kalikasan.

Sa pamamagitan ng mga tip na ito, inaasahan naming mas mapapadali at mapapasaya ang iyong pagtatanim. Huwag kalimutang magbigay ng pagmamahal at atensyon sa iyong mga halaman dahil sila ay magbibigay din ng kagandahan at sustansya sa iyong buhay.

Happy gardening mga Ka-BULGAR, nawa’y nakaani kayo ng magagandang bunga at bulaklak!

Celebrate Super Dads Weekend at SM Supermalls

by Info @Brand Zone | June 14, 2024

Father's Day is just around the corner, and this year, SM Supermalls is upping the game with a celebration tailored especially for Super Dads.

At SM’s Super Dads Weekend, everyone is welcome. Whether you’re a dad, a granddad, or just want to have a blast, SM Supermalls has treats lined up to make this Father’s Day extra special and extraordinarily awesome! 

Feast, Shop, and Save with Exclusive Deals

Kick off the celebration with SM Supermalls’ exclusive Super Dads Treats! From June 14 to 23, dads can enjoy amazing dining deals from burgers, pizzas, to fruit shakes – select SM tenants have curated special menus just for the occasion.

Kenny Rogers

Buy 1, get 50% off on second Cheeseburger Combo for P412.5

Yellow Cab

Buy any XXL 18" Original Pizza, and get FREE XXL Thins in any flavor at P999

Kuya J

Buy 1, Take 1 Fruit Shake at P63

You can also dive into exclusive deals and discounts on the latest lifestyle accessories and gadgets. Browse and shop online through SM Deals & SM Malls Online to find the perfect gift that fits your dad's unique style.

Blade

70mai Dash Cam Omni 32GB for P12,199

Cherry Coffee Maker Deluxe with free Granell Coffee Pack at P5,500

Game On: Bond over Epic Playdates

What’s better than a gaming sesh with dad? Super Dads Play features a fantastic gaming setup where dads and kids can team up or compete in their favorite video games. Watch the excitement unfold on the big screen, bringing all the thrills of the virtual world to life. It's a perfect way to bond and share some friendly competition starting June 14 until June 23.

Strut Your Paws: A Fun Walk for Fur Dads

Calling all fur dads! This one’s for you. Bring along your furry companions and join the Super FurDad Pack Walk. Watch as halls come alive on June 15 and 16 with the adorable sight of same-breed dogs walking together. It’s a “paw-some” family event that’s sure to delight both two-legged and four-legged participants.

A Special Tribute to Dad

End your weekend on a high note with a special Blessing and Mass Offering for Dads. Take a moment to reflect, give thanks, and receive blessings that celebrate the incredible journey of fatherhood.

This Father’s Day, SM Supermalls is the place to be. Embrace the spirit of fun, youthfulness, and togetherness with activities designed to make every dad feel like the superhero he is. Mark your calendars, grab your family, and get ready for a weekend full of joy, memories, and, most importantly, love.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the coolest Father’s Day celebration yet. Visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media to stay tuned for more updates. 

See you at SM Supermalls for the Super Dads Weekend!