SM and BDO spread holiday cheer with OFWs at the annual Pamaskong Handog

by Info @Brand Zone | December 21, 2023

Families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were treated to heartwarming moments, lively performances, and significant announcements at the annual Banco De Oro (BDO) Unibank Pamaskong Handog event at SM Fairview last December 16.

“BDO values the hard work of our OFWs and we want to help them by making it easier for them to provide for the needs of their families back home,” said BDO’s Senior Vice President and Head of Remittance Genie Gloria. “Through our partnership with SM Supermalls, we made banking and remittance very affordable and easily accessible and incorporated it into the behavior and needs of the Filipino family, which led to us becoming the preferred bank of OFWs.”

A fun-filled program hosted by comedians MC & Lassy featured games, raffles, and surprises from BDO partners, including Remitly, an online remittance service that offers international money transfers to over 150 countries and has been a trusted partner of BDO for a decade. One of the highlights of the event was the heartwarming performance by actor-singer Piolo Pascual, BDO’s long-time brand ambassador.

Remitly, represented by Business Development Manager Roy Delo Perez, is a digital remittance service that facilitates international money transfers and has been a trusted partner of Banco de Oro (BDO) for 10 years.

Banco de Oro (BDO)’s long-time brand ambassador, Piolo Pascual.

This year’s Banco de Oro (BDO) Pamaskong Handog is filled with engaging games, exciting raffles, and delightful surprises from BDO partners.

Adding to the day's excitement was the introduction of the newest member of the BDO family, content creator Small Laude, whose engaging persona instantly captured the crowd.

Piolo and Small also announced a surprise gift from BDO and SM Supermalls to all Kabayan savings account holders. Each savings account holder is entitled to special discounts from partner merchants such as the SM Store, Miniso, SM Surplus, and Ace Hardware on selected days this December. Following this, every first Tuesday of the month for 2024 is Kabayan Day, where Kabayan account holders will be entitled to a 10% discount for a minimum purchase with participating merchants like SM Store, SM Hypermarket, SaveMore, SM Surplus, Miniso, Watsons, Ace Hardware, and more.

Finally, BDO paid tribute to one of the OFWs who have trusted their services since the very beginning. Maria Teresa Yasuki was the very first client to open an account with BDO Remit in Japan. As a "thank you" gift, BDO brought her back to the Philippines to be with her family for the first time in 22 years. Her two-way ticket to Japan was sponsored by SM, and her family was also gifted an SM Supermalls shopping spree worth P10,000.

Maria Teresa Yasuki (third from right), the first client to open an account with Banco de Oro (BDO) Remit in Japan, is honored by BDO with a P10,000 SM Supermalls shopping spree for her family.

“I left the Philippines without any grandchildren, and now I have three,” said Yasuki. “I am so grateful to BDO and SM for giving me the chance to come home and spend Christmas with my family after 22 years. This is what I have been working towards.”

As a "thank you" gift, Banco de Oro (BDO) and SM Supermalls brought back overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Maria Teresa Yasuki, the very first client to open an account with BDO Remit in Japan, to the Philippines after 22 years.

Since 2012, it has been BDO and SM’s mission to uplift overseas Filipinos with holiday cheer through the Pamaskong Handog. BDO and SM have been working together in delivering special treats for OFWs, bringing Filipino families closer to enjoy their special time together inside SM Supermalls all year round.

For more details on Pamaskong Handog events and the latest OFW promos, tips, and events, visit the BDO Kabayan Facebook page.

17th Fiesta Folkloriada kicks off at SM Mall of Asia

by Info @Brand Zone | December 9, 2023

Cultural diversity and artistic brilliance were showcased as the 17th Fiesta Folkloriada commenced at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall last December 4, featuring vibrant performances from renowned dance companies across the globe, namely Austria, Indonesia, Poland, South Korea, Spain, and the Philippines. The event is in collaboration between SM Supermalls, the Bayanihan Folk Arts Foundation, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the Federation of International Dance Festivals.

The opening ceremony featured a speech by Bayanihan Folk Arts Foundation Executive Director Marielle Javellana, and a local opening ritual involving the heads of delegations and members of renowned international dance companies from the aforementioned six countries.

Bayanihan Folk Arts Foundation Executive Director Marielle Javellana

The heads of delegations from six participating countries—namely Austria, Indonesia, Poland, South Korea, Spain, and the Philippines—participate in a local opening ritual during the 17th Fiesta Folkloriada opening ceremony.

The stage came alive with a glimpse into the soul of Austria through the Trachtrenverein Rossecker Bruck an der Mur. Following suit was Indonesia's Al-Fath Cirendeu and Sanggita Kencana Budaya who presented Indonesia's way of life through its dance forms.

Meanwhile, Poland's Folk Group Zbojnicek took the stage next, weaving a narrative of the Polish culture with their spirited performance. The rhythmic beats of South Korea's Ryu Dance Company delivered a mesmerizing display of the Land of the Morning Calm’s rich heritage. Also, Ballet Ara de Madrid transported the audience to the heart of Spain with their passionate and emotive performance. 

Polish dance folk group, Zbojnicek

Ryu Dance Company from South Korea

Ballet Ara de Madrid from Spain

The pinnacle of the evening arrived with the performance by the Philippines' very own Bayanihan Dance Company. Their vibrant and energetic showcase of Filipino folk dances displayed the country's cultural vibrancy and storytelling through dance.

Bayanihan Dance Company, the national folk-dance company of the Philippines, established in 1956 by Dr. Helena Benitez, has garnered recognition both nationally and internationally, earning six Grand prizes in World Dance competitions.

The Philippines’ award-winning national folk-dance company, the Bayanihan Dance Company.

The 17th Fiesta Folkloriada is a testament to the power of dance as it transcends borders and fosters cultural exchange. The week-long journey culminates in a grand finale at the Open-Air Auditorium, Rizal Park Luneta on December 9, Saturday, at 6 PM. The finale promises to be a celebration of global unity and diversity, bringing together the world's finest dance companies for an unforgettable evening under the stars.

To know more about the 17th Fiesta Folkloriada and SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. 

Experience next-level fun at SM Game Park MOA

by Info @Brand Zone | December 7, 2023

Get ready to elevate your fun and dive into an action-packed experience at the newest sports destination in SM Mall of Asia (MOA)—SM Game Park!

Prepare for an exciting recreational and active lifestyle facility, launching you into a sporty era with an electrifying lineup of games and activities. SM Game Park MOA is the brand’s flagship branch, designed by the award-winning Hong Kong-based company, Alexander Wong Architects. It marks the fourth branch in the country, following SM Southmall, SM City Fairview, and SM Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Downtown.

Situated on the 3rd Level of the South Entertainment Mall of SM Mall of Asia, SM Game Park MOA spans 1,947 sqm of everything fun, offering top-notch amusements and the best amenities for everyone of all ages.

At SM Game Park MOA, let the good times roll at its massive 16-lane regular bowling area. Plus, have an unforgettable and exclusive experience with your social circles at the new four-lane private bowling, equipped with state-of-the-art Augmented Reality (AR) technology—a first in the country.

Gather the hoop crew and shoot your shots at the mini indoor basketball court, accommodating a team of 3x3 players. For those exploring other sports, test your skill with a bow and arrow at the archery zone by PANA.

SM Lifestyle Sports & Leisure Centers Assistant Vice President for Operations Joseph Silva (center) performs the ceremonial first basketball jump ball with Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) stars Marc Pingris (left) and Jayjay Helterbrand (right) at the mini indoor basketball court.

The ceremonial first arrow release is executed by top archers Emanuel Caducoy (left) and Adrianna Jessie Magbojos (right).

Master the art of billiards at any of the six billiard tables available. Serve up intense rallies at the table tennis area, or challenge a friend to a game of basketball hoops or E-darts at the arcade games corner.

The ceremonial first billiards break shot is performed by SM Lifestyle Inc. Sports & Leisure Centers Assistant Vice President for Operations Joseph Silva (left) and SM Mall of Asia Mall Manager Rosaly Anne Salazar.

There's no shortage of heart-pumping thrills at SM Game Park MOA. Sing, dance, and play your hearts out to your favorite songs and games inside the Game Room. You can now enjoy karaoke, and soon there will be additions like board games, dance consoles, and various other recreations, offering a multitude of options for passing the time. If you need to wind down or simply chill with the squad after a fun day, grab some delicious grub and refreshing drinks from the Sports Bar by Taters.

Enjoy karaoke and upcoming additions like board games, dance consoles, and various entertainment options in the Game Room.

Indulge in savory bites and cool beverages at the Sports Bar courtesy of Taters.

Exciting promos await customers, so make sure to check out the official social media accounts of SM Game Park on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more information.