21-ft Tall Straw Hat Luffy sets sail to SM North EDSA for Animezing North 2023

by Info @Brand Zone | September 21, 2023

Catch the Giant Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hat crew here at The Block Atrium, SM North EDSA from September 20 to October 8.

From record-breaking chapters, and awe-inspiring anime episodes up to the trending live-action series, 2023 is surely the year for One Piece fans! The well-loved anime franchise illustrated by Japanese creator Eichiro Oda has been stirring the world for decades because of its meticulously crafted geopolitical plotline, influential characters, and intricately designed world-building. With this massive influence, SM North EDSA, in collaboration with Toei Animation Enterprises and Funko, launches the third run of Animezing North featuring One Piece.

Here are the things fans can expect in this year’s Animezing North!

Giant Luffy

A 21-foot-tall Giant Straw Hat Luffy from Toei Animation Enterprises will be the centerpiece of the setup. This inflatable has been on tour in countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, and Malaysia; now Filipino One Piece fans will surely be amazed as it comes here in the Philippines for the first time.

Photo walls

The setup area will be filled with five exciting photo walls from iconic scenes and characters for fans to enjoy. Fans can take their photos inside the Thousand Sunny, Pirates’ Wanted Posters, Pirate Flag, the deck of the ship, and even the other members of the Straw Hat crew.

Exclusive One Piece Merchandise

Licensed brands like Funtastik, Bilmola, Toy Kingdom, Havaianas, Geek PH, Filbar’s, and Coolectzone will sell exclusive One Piece merchandise ranging from toys, to helmets, flip flops, and many more for fans to enjoy.

The Animezing North: One Piece will last for 19 days starting from September 20. So, gather up your crew and let the great pirate era begin here at SM North EDSA! For more updates, check the official social media pages of SM City North EDSA and share your stories using the hashtag #OnePieceAtSMNorth.

SM Cares advocates safe spaces for breastfeeding moms with Free to Feed initiative

by Info @Brand Zone | September 12, 2023

SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, culminated its National Breastfeeding Month awareness campaign with a forum and announcement of winners of the Photography contest “Free to Feed: Championing Safe Spaces for Breastfeeding at SM” campaign.

Winners of the Free to Feed photo contest were 1st: Angelo Clement T. Yap with his “Nurturing Bonds: A Mother’s Love and the Gift of Breastfeeding” picture, followed by “Safe Haven” from Reu Dawner A. Flores and “SM: A Safe Space, Anytime, Anywhere” from John Ray Panes. Featured mothers were Jennifer J. Macoco, Robella Joyce E. Flores and Karen Kate Sally A. Susmiran, respectively.

SM Cares also conducted breastfeeding sensitivity training for nearly 5,800 mall frontliners during the World Breastfeeding Week. Free to Feed fora and exhibit roadshows were held in SM malls in Davao, Pampanga, Dasmarinas and Iloilo. To further educate the public on the needs of breastfeeding mothers, the exhibit showcased a breastfeeding station mock-up and tips on workplace and family support according to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), International Labor Organization (ILO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) guidelines.

“By capturing how mothers can breastfeed openly today, be it through the lens of the camera or through dialogue, we can better create an inclusive experience that welcomes the role of families, colleagues and the general public as a whole in making such a journey a successful one,” said SM Cares Program on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers Program Director and SM Supermalls AVP for Corporate Compliance Atty. Pearl Jayagan Turley. “The exhibit and forum reflect our dedication to nurturing the spirit of togetherness and empathy that defines SM Cares. Together, we can create a world where every mother feels supported, empowered, and free to feed her child.”

The Free to Feed initiative was developed in line with SM Cares’ Program on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers. The project supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly “SDG 2: Zero Hunger” and “SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being”. The exhibit will remain open to the public at SM City North EDSA until September 2.

Crack Open the Fun at Sanrio's “The South Eggventures with Gudetama'' at SM Southmall!

by Info @Brand Zone | September 6, 2023

Gudetama lovers, listen up! Partnering with Sanrio, SM Southmall is throwing an eggstraordinary bash you won’t want to miss this September 1-30. Swing by the Food Street Concourse for a Gudetama-packed party that's pure excitement!

Eggs-quisite Setup: A first in the Philippines, step into an egg-citing large-scale Gudetama-themed setup that's bound to whisk you away! Explore a playful ball pit, discover Insta-worthy spots for the perfect selfie, and let the little ones loose in a specially designed kids' corner.

Gudetama Goodies: If you're a fan of all things Gudetama, you're in for a treat! The event will feature an eggs-tensive range of Gudetama merchandise available for purchase at The SM Store. From adorable plushies to quirky accessories, there's something for every egg-thusiast.

Meet the Laziest Egg: Mark your calendars for a meet-and-greet with the one and only Gudetama Tamago Mascot! Catch this lovably lazy character live on September 1, September 15, and September 16, 2023, at 3PM and 6PM.

Get ready for some egg-ceptional fun and eggs-tra special moments.

Join the Eggventure: Go gather your explorers and #SeeYouDownSouth at The South Eggventures with Gudetama in SM Southmall this September. Whether you're a dedicated fan or just looking for a dose of egg-ceptional fun, this event is cracking good fun for everyone!

About Sanrio

Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for Hello Kitty who was created in 1974, and home to many other beloved character brands such as My Melody, Kuromi, LittleTwinStars, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, Gudetama, Aggretsuko, Chococat, Bad Badtz-Maru and Kerokerokeroppi. Sanrio was founded on the philosophy that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration to offer quality products, services and activities that promote communication and inspire unique consumer experiences across the world. Today, Sanrio’s business extends into the entertainment industry with several content series, gaming offerings and theme parks. Sanrio boasts an extensive product lineup which is available in over 130 countries. Sanrio hopes to bring smiles to everyone’s faces with their vision of “One World, Connecting Smiles.” To learn more about Sanrio, please follow @sanriophilippines on Instagram and Facebook.

About SM Southmall

SM Southmall, located in Las Piñas, Philippines, redefines shopping through exceptional offerings and innovation, establishing itself as a cornerstone in the Philippines' shopping landscape, especially in the southern area of Manila. A community focal point for years, SM Southmall takes pride in its extensive renovations, unparalleled shopping

options, and a renewed commitment to customer satisfaction. Providing a premier shopping and lifestyle experience that includes retail, dining, entertainment, and leisure choices for all age groups, this mall is deeply rooted in the community and consistently adapts to cater to the preferences and needs of its patrons.

Please follow @smsouthmall on Instagram, Tiktok, Twitter & Facebook and visit www.smsupermalls.com for more details.