SM celebrates sustainability on World Water Day: Supporting DENR-NCR’s Gawad Taga-Ilog and beyond

In time for World Water Day on March 22, SM, a long-time partner of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - National Capital Region (NCR), celebrated their commitment to clean water at the recent 4th Gawad Taga-Ilog awards ceremony held at Park Inn by Radisson in SM City North EDSA. The Gawad Taga-Ilog is a search for the Most Improved Estero (waterway) in Metro Manila, and SM has been a consistent supporter of this local government-led project for the past four years.

(L-R): Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - National Capital Region (NCR) Regional Executive Director Jacqueline Caancan, SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Compliance Liza Silerio, and SM Prime Senior Assistant Vice President for Estate Management Orliber Paule at the recent 4th Gawad Taga-Ilog awards ceremony held at Park Inn by Radisson in SM City North EDSA

In the photo are (L-R): Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - National Capital Region (NCR) Regional Executive Director Jacqueline Caancan, SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Compliance Liza Silerio, SM Prime Senior Assistant Vice President for Estate Management Orliber Paule, and SM Cares’ Assistant Vice President Richard Caluyo with the other sponsors and awardees at the 4th Gawad Taga-Ilog awards ceremony.

The Gawad Taga-Ilog program recognizes the significant efforts of local governments, particularly barangays, in keeping Metro Manila's waterways clean and trash-free. The theme, "Transforming Communities Through the Gawad Taga-Ilog," emphasizes sustainability – a cornerstone of SM's philosophy. It focuses on three core concepts: economic growth, environmental enhancement, and social inclusion. 

This aligns with SM's environmental initiatives, which include the Adopt-A-River/Estero Program, a partnership with the DENR and the local governments of Pasay and Paranaque. It focuses on improving water quality, cleaning up solid waste, and implementing sustainable solutions for the Pasay and Parañaque rivers. As part of a 5-year Memorandum of Agreement, SM works to decongest the river of garbage, improve water flow, and foster community participation through clean-up initiatives, engineering solutions, and educational materials.

SM's donated trash-boat is being used to remove trash at Malabon Creek, behind SM City Sucat in Paranaque—a proactive step towards cleaner waterways.

Last year, SM championed the International Coastal Cleanup Day, gathering a team of over 17,000 volunteers and collecting a record-breaking 100,432.50 kg of trash across 15 SM malls in 12 locations nationwide.

SM Supermalls has consistently participated in the International Coastal Clean-Up, providing a platform for volunteers to contribute to a greener future.

SM plans to partner with Local Government Units (LGUs), to recycle water, which will be used in watering city landscapes, promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.

By actively supporting initiatives like Gawad Taga-Ilog and implementing innovative solutions, SM demonstrates its unwavering commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future for our waterways and communities.

Food On Four at SM Aura reopens

Everyone’s favorite dining destination – Food On Four at SM Aura – is back, and as the city’s newest food and market hall, it’s springing up exciting new flavors and elevated culinary experiences.

(L-R): Deli by Chele’s Chef Carlos Villaflor, Diggy’s Pizza’s Diego Virata, Sushi Nori’s Benj Ramos, Cinnabon’s Rene Santos, Delimondo Café’s Dani Enrile, Le Chon Prime’s Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, Carol Sy, SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, Pepper Lunch’s Cecile Zamora, Kevin Ong Patisserie’s Kevin Ong, Nadai Fujisoba’s Chef Yoshiaki Kudo and David Guevarra, and Teakha’s Kyle Go

Food On Four’s stunning transformation features bright, contemporary, and inviting interiors, almost reminiscent of springtime, with décor inspired by the season: vibrant wildflower blooms, pockets of lush foliage and potted palms, and delightful hummingbird hologram installations. An impressive central skylight and floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in light.

Food On Four at SM Aura is where modern design meets a bright space for a stylish and memorable dining experience.

Diners are spoiled for choice with Food On Four’s exciting lineup of tenants, catering to every craving and palate – from chef-driven concepts to exciting new players and returning crowd favorites.

Food enthusiasts are in for a gastronomic treat with chef-driven concepts: Deli by Chele by Chef Chele González and Chef Carlos Villaflor, a New York-style deli bringing to Manila its signature pastrami and artisanal sandwiches; Kevin Ong Patisserie by Chef Kevin Ong renowned for his exquisitely handcrafted chocolate bonbons, choux pastries, and mirror-glazed mousse cakes; Nadai Fujisoba by Japanese Chef Yoshiaki Kudo, casual Japanese dining specializing in authentic soba noodles; Le Chon Prime by Chef Happy Ongpauco-Tiu who brings a different twist to the usual lechon by incorporating French techniques and flavors to the beloved Filipino dish. 

Soon to open is Diggy’s California Style Pizza, headed by Chef Carlos Garcia, who has over 14 years of experience at Michelin-starred restaurants in Madrid and London. Diggy’s California Style Pizza’s SM Aura branch will be first in the market; and Delimondo Café by Chef Hermogenes Hernandez serves up all-day comfort food such as rice bowls, pasta, and coffee.

Deli by Chele's NY-Style Brisket Pastrami is a symphony of savory in every bite.

In celebration of SM’s 65th anniversary, SM Markets brings exciting treats and promos for shoppers.

Kevin Ong Patisserie is renowned for its elegant handcrafted bonbons.

Pastry Chef Kevin Ong of Kevin Ong Patisserie is celebrated for his mastery in creating exquisite confections.

Authentic Japanese noodles are offered at Nadai Fujisoba, a renowned chain popular for its delectable offerings.

Nadai Fujisoba's Chef Yoshiaki Kudo is a master of soba noodles.

Experience a true feast at Le Chon Prime with their Cebu Le Chon belly infused with Tanglad Butter flavor, accompanied by signature Butter Rice and a trio of dipping sauces.

Happy Ongpauco-Tiu is the heart and soul of Le Chon Prime's culinary magic.

Not to be missed are: Bored & Hungry, the US-based burger joint famous for its smashed patties, and Teakha, with its delectable menu of Chinese comfort food including their freshly crafted dimsum. Both are also making their debut at Food On Four and in the city.

Bored & Hungry's smashed patty takes your burger game to the next level.

Restaurateur Charlie Paw brings California-style burgers with an NFT twist via Bored & Hungry.

Teakha elevates traditional Chinese flavors with a contemporary touch.

Angelita and Kyle Go reimagines Chinese cuisine with a modern approach at Teakha.

Delimondo Café’s assortment of delicious pastries and buns.

Food enthusiasts will be thrilled to see their beloved Cinnabon, Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings, Pepper Lunch Express, Puffy’s Souffle Pancakes, Sizzling Plate, and Sushi Nori are back at Food on Four.

Cinnabon's swirls are packed with gooey cinnamon filling that harmonizes with creamy frosting for a decadent treat.

Frankie’s Classic Buffalo Wings, the OG recipe that keeps Frankie's famous.

Ed Firmalo is the secret weapon behind Frankie's New York Buffalo Wings' addictive flavors.

Pepper Lunch Express' appetizing Beef Pepper Rice

Puffy's Souffle Pancake Café's bestselling Oreo Cheesecake Pancake

Kyrah and Lester Tan of Puffy's Souffle Pancake Café.

Unleash a wave of flavor and satisfaction with Sizzling Plate's iconic meat dishes.

Carol Sy of Sizzling Plate.

Experience the joy of chirashi with Sushi Nori: salmon, tuna, tamago, kani, and ebiko with cucumber and nori strips.

Whetting our appetites are soon-to-open tenants: Saboten Express, coming straight from Shinjuku, Tokyo in Japan, Saboten is known for being one of the largest Tonkatsu chains, serving crunchy cutlets of pork, chicken, and seafood; Pronto, an on-the-go food retail concept that specializes in serving epicurean dishes and wholesome meals. They will have a retail row offering a curated selection of gourmand finds from wines, preserved goods, truffle snacks, and more. Pronto’s SM Aura branch will be the first in the market; likewise, Malabar is set to revolutionize traditional beverage offerings with their unique and innovative take on both cocktails and non-alcoholic options, opens its first branch at Food On Four. 

Whether you’re craving classic comfort food or looking for exciting new flavors to tickle your palate, Food On Four is a culinary haven waiting to be explored.  

Food On Four is located on Level 4 at SM Aura.

SM SUPERMALLS and BFP Conduct Fire Drill to Commemorate Fire Prevention Month

by Info @Brand Zone | March 15, 2024

More than 21k employees, security guards, janitors, other agency personnel, customers, BFP personnel in more than 106 SM malls, offices and properties participated in 3rd SM Supermalls  and Bureau of Fire Protection Nationwide Simultaneous Fire Drill on March 13, 2024.

Smoke was seen coming out of the Megamall as part of the fire and evacuation drill conducted in SM Megamall where members of the BFP Mandaluyong Rope Rescue Team rescued trapped consumers from the rooftop.

The drill simulated the occurrence of a 7.2. magnitude earthquake which resulted to destructive fire, explosion of gas farm, and collapsed of some structures with injuries to people inside the mall, missing persons, and trapped victims. SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City was the main venue of the fire drill.

The Mandaluyong City Fire Station, Mandaluyong CDRRMO, PNP, MMDA, barangay, together with SM’s fire brigade teams and tenants  demonstrated their respective capabilities including rope rescue and high angle rescue by the BFP Special Rescue Force, tenant employees demonstrated how to use fire blankets and fire extinguishers, and SM Fire Brigade Team as first responders on the scene.

The nationwide simultaneous fire drill is one of the ways in which SM affirms its contribution to the creation of risk-resilient societies. The Public-Private Partnership with the BFP give priority to the constant training of SM’s personnel to respond to disasters including earthquakes and destructive fires. This in turn help in ensuring the safety of SM’s stakeholders including costumers, tenants, employees, nearby communities and the general public.

Present in the Megamall Fire Drill were L-R: FSupt Nazrudyn M. Cablayan (Mandaluyong  City Fire Marshal), Ian Mathay (SM Supermalls Megamall AVP), Atty. Pearl Jayagan Turley (SM Supermalls AVP for Corporate Compliance), CSupt Manuel Golino (BFP Director  for Fire Safety Enforcement), Engr. Liza B. Silerio (SM Supermalls VP for Corporate Compliance), Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos Sr.,  USec Serafin Barreto of DILG,  Engr. Junias Eusebio (VP Mall Operations of SM Supermalls),   SSupt Rodrigo Reyes (ARDO of BFP NCR).