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.

Celebrating Super Citizens during Elderly Filipino Week 2024 at SM

by Info @Brand Zone | Oct. 12, 2024

As part of its Elderly Filipino Week 2024 celebrations, SM Cares, together with the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the SM Super Grannies Club, hosted a series of fun, engaging, and meaningful activities to honor the senior citizen community, held last Oct. 1, 2024, at the Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.

During the morning activity, the attendees were treated to numerous interactive sessions, wellness programs, and exciting surprises tailored specifically for senior citizens, aimed at celebrating their invaluable contributions, fostering a sense of inclusion, and providing opportunities for them to enjoy and connect with others.

Among the highlights of the morning event were a mass at the Shrine of Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life; the Walk for Life parade; and a Zumba session; Filipino balladeer and 70’s Jukebox King Darius Razon also serenaded the attendees with his mesmerizing voice.

Another event aimed to support our Super Citizens was held at the SM North EDSA Skydome co-organized with Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP). The Talakayan Forum, which brought together senior citizens, local government representatives, and various stakeholders to address pressing concerns and share insights about senior welfare, inclusivity, and the role of the elderly in nation-building.

Designed as an open forum for important discussions that directly impact the senior citizen community, the Talakayan Forum aims to facilitate meaningful exchange, empower the elderly through dialogue, and ensure their voices are heard in community and national development.

The forum also highlighted the invaluable contributions of the elderly to community development and nation-building, while strengthening partnerships between local government units, senior citizen organizations, and the private sector in support of senior welfare.

These activities align with SM Cares' mission to promote inclusivity and provide platforms for important societal conversations, furthering its support for senior citizens as part of its Program on Persons with Disabilities, which promotes a barrier-free and disability inclusive environment for PWDs its malls.

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.

SM kicks off breast cancer awareness month with Beautiful Girl

by Info @Brand Zone | Oct. 10, 2024

In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares, recently held a one-of-a-kind ballet show in partnership with the Philippine Ballet Theatre. The event showcased powerful stories of breast cancer survival and advocacy through dance. It took place on September 29 at the SMX Aura Convention Center in Taguig City.

Over 500 breast cancer warriors, families, and friends were in attendance to show support to the brave and resilient  Beautiful Girls.

"Beautiful Girl: Echoes of Strength" is an expressive ballet by the Philippine Ballet Theater that explores the journey of breast cancer patients from a deeply artistic and compassionate perspective, emphasizing that every woman, regardless of her battle, is a "Beautiful Girl" deserving of admiration and support.

“We held this event to shed the spotlight on the stories of those who survived breast cancer and those who are fighting it, as a way to express our solidarity with them, and to inspire others to adopt a more proactive approach to breast cancer, not only for themselves but also for their loved ones,” said SM Cares Program Director for Women, Atty. Pearl Joan Jayagan Turley.

The ballet show also served as an avenue for SM CARES to raise 800 thousand pesos

for the benefit of Philippine Foundation for Breast Care, Inc. (KASUSO). Partner

organizations: Bingo Plus Foundation, Global Peace Foundation Philippines, Club Balai

Isabel Hotel, Philippine Ballet Theatre, Bosom Buddies and Pink Parlour generously

contributed to the success of thel event and donation.

Programs like the "Beautiful Girl: Echoes of Strength and Hope" are some of the ways in which  SM Cares promotes good health and well-being for women as part of its Program on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers.