Unleash Your Creativity at SM J Mall's Experience Pods

by Info @Brand Zone | Feb. 15, 2025

SM J Mall proudly unveils its latest innovation — Experience Pods, immersive creative spaces designed to inspire content creators, trendsetters, and visionaries alike. Located at the Atrium, Upper Ground Level, these dynamic pods provide captivating installations and innovative features perfect for photoshoots and social media challenges.  

Whether you’re capturing a casual fashion shoot or exploring new creative ideas, SM J Mall's Experience Pods, in collaboration with Power Mac Center, offer a unique environment to bring your imagination to life. Each pod is uniquely themed to deliver a memorable experience.  

• Cosmic Flow  

Immerse yourself in a serene, dreamy ambiance inspired by twilight skies. This pod features soft, dim lighting in gentle gradients, creating a tranquil atmosphere ideal for artistic and contemplative content. Equipped with iPads and JBL Bluetooth headsets playing songs that make you think of chill nights, Cosmic Flow provides the perfect setup for creators seeking ethereal vibes.  

• Coastal Chill  

Step into a vibrant, refreshing escape reminiscent of endless summer days. With turquoise and mint-colored accents and lighting that mimics the warmth of the sun, Coastal Chill delivers an upbeat atmosphere for social moments and vibrant content creation. Enjoy upbeat music genres like pop and disco, and capture every lively moment with the latest tech setup, including an iPad, iPhones, and JBL headsets playing summer chill songs.  

• Lovestream

Capture heartwarming moments at this charming, interactive space designed for couples, friends, and solo guests. The highlight is the Magic Mirror Camera Photobooth, offering high-quality images, lighting effects, and real-time touch controls. Strike a pose and take away memorable printed photos by just presenting your accumulated or combined receipts worth ₱1,500 from any store at SM J Mall. Strike a pose and take away memorable printed photos by just presenting your accumulated or combined receipts worth ₱1,500 from any store at SM J Mall.

Discover endless creative possibilities at SM J Mall's Experience Pods. Explore captivating themes, capture unique moments, and unleash your imagination in these immersive spaces. Let your creativity take center stage and visit now, only up until February 28!

Inclusion, accessibility take center stage as Book Nook and Best Buddies Philippines hold book launch celebrating Down Syndrome

by Info @Brand Zone | Oct. 28, 2024

Photo: Jacey, Gelli, and Joey sharing a moment before the inclusive celebration. As part of its goal of creating inclusive spaces for SM mallgoers regardless of their ability or  disability, Book Nook and Best Buddies Philippines (BBP), hosted a book  launch for a groundbreaking fiction series that celebrates Down Syndrome in all its beauty, held  last Oct. 6 at the Book Nook SM Aura branch in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

Photo: Michelle Aventajado, Richard Caluyo, Arianne Reyes, as  Katrina Gutierrez turns over copies of One Extra Sparkle: Ellie and the Marriage List to the SM BOOK NOOK. One Extra Sparkle is the first early fiction series featuring a child protagonist who has Down Syndrome. The series' first book, "Ellie and the Marriage List," stars Ellie, a neurodivergent 10- year-old "whose extra sparkle never fails to shine bright," embarking on a summer adventure full  of friendship and self-discovery.

"The incredible launch of One Extra Sparkle: Ellie and the Marriage List truly dazzled! Hosting this wonderful event during Down Syndrome Awareness Month made it even more special, amplifying its heartfelt message of love, inclusion, and the extra sparkle every child with Down syndrome brings to the world,” said Katrina Gutierrez, editor from Lantana.

Photo: Miss Possibilities and The Crafter’s Marketplace prepared fun reading nook activities related to Ellie and her adventures. From making book marks to creating their own personalized “book” tote, and coloring pages related to the story encouraged and empowered everyone to make reading an activity of choice.

Through the event, SM Cares fostered meaningful engagement for the attendees through reading  sessions, art activities, and opportunities for socialization, empowering them by creating activities  that cater to their abilities, interests, and needs, in an event space that is welcoming and inclusive.

Among the highlights of the event was the storytelling session for "Ellie and the Marriage List" led by the  book's author Tricia Seabolt and illustrator Lucy Rogers, bringing Ellie's adventures to life.

BBP Ambassadors also shared personal stories about their experiences regarding their friendships with  other persons with Down Syndrome, and hosted a Q&A session for the attendees about these  experiences.

The event was held in partnership with BBP, which is known for fostering inclusion and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, an advocacy that mirrors SM Cares' efforts to create an environment that cares for PWDs and understands their  needs in all its malls as part of its promise of being a "Mall for All." 

Best Buddies Philippines creates family friendsly opportunities for the community to come together in SM Malls that are inclusive and safe.

The book launch is in line with Book Nook's efforts to create enriching and supportive experiences  for all participants through active collaboration with like-minded organizations; and is all part of  a broader commitment to accessibility and community-building for the PWD sector, with more  inclusive events eyed in the future.

Happy Readers in celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month celebrate with their personalized “book bags,” book marks, and journals.

Launched by SM Supermalls as community library and learning hub, Book Nook invites everyone  to discover the joy of reading. This welcoming space is designed to foster a love of literature,  promote community engagement, and provide a valuable resource for all ages. 

Visitors can borrow books, attend literary events, and connect with other book enthusiasts. Book  Nook is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that everyone feels welcome. Visit a branch at SM Aura  or The Podium to explore this vibrant literary community. 

ABOUT BEST BUDDIES PHILIPPINES: Best Buddies Philippines is a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental diversities in the Philippines. Established in 2020, Best Buddies Philippines is accredited by Best Buddies International and continues to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living.  In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental diversities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships.

For more information please visit the website www.bestbuddiesph.org, Facebook Page, Instagram, Youtube,and Linkedin

SM Prime celebrates Día del Galeón with the turnover of Museo del Galeón space at SM Mall of Asia

by Info @Brand Zone | Oct. 13, 2024

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) celebrated a significant milestone during this year’s Día del Galeón as it officially turned over the Museo del Galeón space, located at SM Mall of Asia. The event, held at the China Blue Restaurant in Conrad Manila, brought together prominent figures from the SM Group and dignitaries from the Philippines, Spain, and Mexico.

(L-R, standing): SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, Embassy of Spain in the Philippines First Secretary for Cultural, Scientific, and Administrative Affairs Alvaro García Moreno, Museo del Galeón Trustee Dr. Jaime Laya, SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim, and Museo del Galeón Corporate Secretary Atty. Rommel Ramos. (L-R, seated): Museo del Galeón Trustee Gloria Angara, Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency (H.E.) Miguel Utray Delgado, SM Prime Executive Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, Museo del Galeón Chairman Ambassador Carlos Salinas, Mexican Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Daniel Hernández Joseph, and Museo del Galeón Trustee Dr. Lydia Echauz.

Día del Galeón, an annual event recognized by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), commemorates the arrival of the first transpacific galleon, San Pablo, in Acapulco, Mexico, from Manila in 1565. This historic voyage launched the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade, establishing profound cultural and commercial ties between the Philippines and Mexico, which have endured through the centuries.

The highlight of the event was the formal turnover of the SM Prime space to the Museo del Galeón Foundation, received by Museo del Galeón Chairman, Ambassador Carlos Salinas. During the event, Dr. Jaime Laya donated a reproduction of the acclaimed “Carta Hydrographica y Chorographica de las Islas Filipinas,” also known as the Velarde Map. It was followed by the investiture of the inaugural members of the Advisory Council: Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency (H.E.) Miguel Utray Delgado, and Mexican Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Daniel Hernández Joseph. They herald the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the museum.

“The commitment of Mexico to this project is unwavering. We see the Museo del Galeón as a symbol of the enduring relationship between our nations — a relationship that extends beyond commerce, embodying the profound intercultural exchanges that have shaped the perceptions of time, space, and the worldview of peoples across Asia and the Americas,” said H.E. Daniel Hernández Joseph, Mexican Ambassador to the Philippines.

(L-R): SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim, Museo del Galeón Chairman Ambassador Carlos Salinas, and SM Supermalls President Steven Tan commemorate a key event in this year’s Día del Galeón with the official turnover of the Museo del Galeón at SM Mall of Asia.

“The turnover of the Museo del Galeón is a reflection of our deep commitment to preserving and celebrating our rich heritage,” said Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime. “Through this museum, we provide a space where future generations can learn about the vital cultural exchanges that have shaped our nation.”

SM Prime Executive Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy and Museo del Galeón Chairman Ambassador Carlos Salinas

(L-R): SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim, Museo del Galeón Trustees Gloria Angara and Dr. Lydia Echauz, and SM Supermalls President Steven Tan

The Museo del Galeón will house a life-sized representation of Manila Galleon, offering visitors an immersive and educational experience that highlights the role of the Filipino people before, during, and after the galleon trade. Discover the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture between the East and West that put Manila at the center during the dawn of globalization.

Representatives from the SM Group and Museo del Galeón, alongside the Embassies of Spain and Mexico in the Philippines, discuss Dr. Jaime Laya’s donation of a reproduction of the Velarde Map.

(L-R): Museo del Galeón Trustee Gloria Angara, Mexican Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency (H.E.) Daniel Hernández Joseph, Museo del Galeón Chairman Ambassador Carlos Salinas, Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Miguel Utray Delgado, and Museo del Galeón Trustees Dr. Jaime Laya and Dr. Lydia Echauz during the awarding of certificates to the Advisory Council.

The turnover of the Museo del Galeón space ensures that the Filipino story is told, and discoveries, revelations, and ideas will be sparked by our rich and complex maritime history. “This is not just about preserving history. This will be a place where the past and the present meet, with exhibits and interactive experiences that will tell the stories of the historical exchanges that, for the first time in history, united three continents: Asia, America, and Europe,” Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Miguel Utray Delgado said. 

This occasion signals the beginning of the one-year countdown to the museum's grand opening, which will take place on Día del Galeón in 2025.