Join SM’s 5th Annual International Women’s Day Summit
SM Supermalls celebrates women’s empowerment with its 5th annual International Women’s Day Summit, “Women Inspiring Women,” on March 7, 2025, Friday, 10 AM, at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura. This powerful event champions female leadership and a gender-inclusive future. It’s free of charge and open to all, but hurry, as slots are limited. Please download the SM Malls Online app to register.
The summit features influential speakers including internet sensation Small Laude, sex therapist Rica Cruz, and Forbes 30 Under 30 awardee Amanda Cua. UN Women National Goodwill Ambassador Karen Davila will host the program, which will explore topics like technology, safe spaces, business, beauty, and e-commerce.
“Women Inspiring Women” underscores SM Supermalls’ commitment to women’s empowerment. The Manila Bulletin is the event’s official media partner.
Register now by downloading the SM Malls Online app and stay tuned for updates by visiting www.smsupermalls.com or by following @smsupermalls on social media.
Were you amazed by the breathtaking pyromusical displays from the US and Germany at the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (PIPC) at SM Mall of Asia?
Don’t miss out on the magic!
Catch the spectacle every Saturday until March 15. Grab your tickets now at SM Tickets outlets, the SM Tickets website, or the 12th PIPC Ticket Booth at SM MOA!
SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime), a pioneer in sustainability initiatives in the Philippines, has long been committed to environmental stewardship and building resilient structures. From its early adoption of water recycling and innovative energy management programs to operationalizing renewable energy and waste management, SM Prime has consistently prioritized sustainability. This commitment was further underscored by the company’s active participation in the recent Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, hosted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Office of Civil Defense. At the conference, Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee, emphasized the critical role of resilience in urban populations and how innovation and multi-sectoral collaboration are essential for the country’s sustainable development.
The Philippines is highly vulnerable to natural hazards, especially tropical cyclones and typhoons, making disaster risk management (DRM) and resilient infrastructure crucial. SM Prime employs a hydrological survey approach in building locations to determine flood susceptibility.
A strong example of such resilience lies in SM City Marikina, whose unique structure was lauded by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. Built beside the Marikina River, an area prone to flooding during severe weather events, SM City Marikina stands on 246 concrete stilts. This innovative design allows floodwaters to flow beneath the structure, leaving the mall and its occupants safe and dry. During Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) in 2009, which devastated surrounding areas, SM City Marikina remained intact, serving as a refuge for those affected by the disaster. Similar to the stilts methodology, SM City Cabanatuan’s lower ground parking level serves as a temporary catchment basin.
Beyond these two malls, this promise of flood resilience is present in other properties. A key innovation employed by SM Prime is the implementation of rainwater catchment basins in its malls. These massive underground tanks, similar in size to swimming pools, collect and store rainwater from the street level, mitigating flooding in surrounding communities. Twenty-nine SM Supermalls across the country are equipped with these basins, boasting a combined capacity of 85,400 cubic meters – enough to fill over 34 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
These catchment basins have proven invaluable during recent typhoons. For instance, SM City Masinag’s rainwater catchment basin played a crucial role during Super Typhoon Carina (Gaemi) last July 2024, effectively managing the increased water volume. It collected 8,652.60 cubic meters of rainwater, equivalent to 264 gallons of water. As the first SM mall equipped with a rainwater catchment basin, SM City Masinag was strategically built in a historically flood-prone area, serving as a catch basin for water flowing down from upper Antipolo. In the second half of 2024, SM malls prevented an estimated total of 46,405 cubic meters of rainwater–the volume of 18 Olympic-sized swimming pools–from flooding the surrounding areas.
Mr. Gareth Aboy, a resident and former officer of Vermont Phase 1 Association near SM City Masinag, expressed his gratitude: “The residents of Vermont Park Executive Village of Antipolo would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to SM City Masinag for always being there in our times of need. Thank you for keeping your doors open for our immediate daily needs, your elevated parking spaces for our vehicles, and for keeping your water catchment basin open to help drain the water from our flood-prone village. SM City Masinag has always been and will continue to be a treasure for the residents of Vermont Park Executive Village of Antipolo.”
Sustainability and resilience are at the core of SM Prime’s business strategy. The company invests significantly in these measures, recognizing that the benefits – safer communities, environmental protection, and enhanced business continuity – far outweigh the costs. SM Prime remains committed to building a more resilient future for the communities it serves.
Figaro Coffee Group (FCG), a leading player in the Philippine food and beverage industry, reported strong financial performance for the fourth quarter of 2024, showcasing robust growth and a solid financial standing. The company achieved strong profitability, strengthened its operational capabilities, and expanded its market presence.
For the period October 1 to December 31, 2024, FCG recorded a net income before tax of P291.8 million, reflecting a 12.4% year-on-year increase from same period a year ago. This was driven by efficient overhead management and continued store expansion.
Mr. Pet Español III, FCG’s Chief Financial Officer, emphasized the company’s ability to maintain financial stability amid economic challenges:
“Revenues remained steady at P1.44 billion, closely aligned with last year’s performance. While global inflation pressured raw material costs, we successfully managed overhead and operating expenses while increasing capacity.”
With total assets reaching P5.47 billion, FCG remains well-positioned for continued growth in 2025, reinforcing its commitment to expansion, operational efficiency, and financial resilience. The company also improved its liquidity, with the current ratio increasing from 1.19x to 1.50x as of December 31, 2024.
As of December 31, 2024, FCG operated a total of 216 stores nationwide. Of these, 142 (66%) were under the Angel’s Pizza brand, followed by 63 Figaro Coffee locations, 8 Tien Ma’s branches, 2 Café Portofino outlets, and 1 Koobideh Kebabs store. In 2024, the company expanded its footprint by opening 34 new stores, including 28 Angel’s Pizza locations—13 of which were launched in Q4 alone—along with 6 new Figaro Coffee stores. “We are looking forward to continuing our prudent expansion strategy together with launching more exciting and innovative menu items and promos this 2025,” Figaro Coffee Group Chairman Justin Liu said.
During January 7 to 10, CES 2025 (Consumer Electronics Show), also known as the “Oscars” of the technology community, was held in Las Vegas, U.S. last January 7 to 10, CES 2025. At this CES, the TCL FreshIN 3.0 fresh air conditioner made a stunning appearance at the TCL booth and won the Smart Fresh Air Technology Innovation Award of CES 2025 for its leading healthy fresh air and AI energy-saving technologies.
The TCL FreshIN fresh air conditioner made a stunning appearance in Las Vegas, arousing a new health trend across the world.
As the “Oscars” of the technology community, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) draws the attention of worldwide consumers every year, and more brands are managing to conquer worldwide consumers with their latest technologies and products.
It is learned that TCL was the Chinese brand with the largest exhibition area of 2,342 square meters. The booth integrated design elements such as future AI style, digital art, and high-tech installations to create an immersive high-tech experience space, allowing visitors to feel TCL’s extraordinary strength in technological innovation personally. In terms of smart healthy living solutions, the TCL FreshIN 3.0 fresh air conditioner became the focus of attention at the venue for its leading healthy fresh air and AI energy-saving technologies.
It is learned that the TCL FreshIN 3.0 fresh air conditioner comes with brand-new fresh air black technology that removes odors, optimizes humidity, and provides cleaner air when one wakes up by introducing outdoor fresh air, and increasing the oxygen content and humidity of indoor air; the quadruple noise reduction technology realizes a minimum noise level of 16 dB(A), and ensures peaceful and uninterrupted sleep; this product reaches purification efficiency of as high as 99.99 percent through quadruple HEPA filtration; in order to make good air quality clearly visible, this product incorporates the newly upgraded TVOC gas monitoring sensor.
In recent years, AI technology has made rapid progress globally. TCL Air Conditioner has strengthened the R&D of AI technology and its application to fresh air conditioners vigorously centering around consumers, and made revolutionary breakthroughs. In particular, the TCL FreshIN 3.0 fresh air conditioner achieves energy saving through both hardware design and software algorithm operation. In terms of design, the TCL FreshIN 3.0 fresh air conditioner is provided with an ultra-large cross flow fan and an ultra-large axial flow fan for the outdoor unit; in terms of operation, the T-AI Energy-saving technology of the TCL FreshIN 3.0 fresh air conditioner can predict temperature and perform real-time optimization to avoid excessive dehumidification and cooling, with an energy-saving rate of up to 37 percent!
The TCL FreshIN Fresh Air Conditioner won the Smart Fresh Air Technology Innovation Award at CES 2025 – an international award.
At this show, the annual “CES Innovation Award” set up by the Consumer Technology Association was presented officially in recognition of outstanding designs and technological innovations in the global field of electronic consumers. This time, the TCL FreshIN fresh air conditioner won the “Smart Fresh Air Technology Innovation Award”.
Currently, the air conditioner industry is facing three major types of challenges, namely challenges from respiratory health, challenges of high energy consumption and refrigerants for global climate change, and opportunities and challenges of new technologies for the transformation of the conventional air conditioner industry.
Focusing on the fresh air segment, TCL Air Conditioner has an R&D team of over 1,000 members, and nine globally leading technologies, namely Intelligent Deep Sleep Smart Fresh Air Technology, AI Energy-Saving Technology, High-Efficiency Quiet Fresh Air Technology, Energy-Saving Heat Pump Technology, High-Volume Fresh Air And Low-Noise Technology, Inverter Energy-Saving Technology, Smart Gentle Breeze Technology, High-Temperature Turbo Cooling Technology, and Electricity Consumption Monitoring Technology. TCL Air Conditioner has taken the lead in defining the new generation of air conditioners through technological innovation, and addressed the three major challenges of the industry – “addressing the challenge of indoor air health through the fresh air function”, “addressing the challenge of high energy consumption through T-AI Energy-saving”, and “expanding air conditioner application scenarios through AI”.
In recent years, the rapid development of AI technology has driven a surge in technological innovations in air conditioners, further accelerating the iteration of fresh air conditioners. It is learned that the TCL FreshIN 3.0 fresh air conditioner carries multiple globally leading technologies in fresh air, AI energy-saving, inverter energy-saving, smart gentle breeze, high-temperature turbo cooling, electricity consumption monitoring, etc., and is oriented to worldwide consumers as the definer of the new generation of air conditioners and the inventor of AI energy-saving air conditioners. As a new-generation fresh air conditioner, the TCL FreshIN 3.0 fresh air conditioner has upgraded user experience with healthy fresh air, T-AI Energy-saving, and intelligent voice control, and become the first choice of a smart and healthy lifestyle for worldwide users, so it fully deserves the “Smart Fresh Air Technology Innovation Award”.
Since the invention of the first air conditioner in human history in 1902, the global air conditioner industry has a development and popularization history of over 120 years. According to industry experts, TCL Air Conditioner is driving the development of the new generation of air conditioners with cutting-edge technologies such as fresh air and AI by focusing on the fresh air segment. By winning the CES Smart Fresh Air Technology Innovation Award this time, TCL Air Conditioner demonstrates its leadership in meeting the demand of worldwide consumers for intelligence and health with new-generation fresh air conditioners.
Pernod Ricard Philippines, a leading producer of premium wines and spirits, proudly announces the rollout of its digital label initiative across its entire brand portfolio. This pioneering move aims to provide Filipino consumers with transparent, accessible information to help them make well-informed and responsible drinking decisions.
Recognizing the increasing demand for transparency, Pernod Ricard is integrating QR code-enabled digital labels on all brands, such as Beefeater Gin, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Ballantine’s Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal, and Absolut Vodka. These QR codes, printed on the back labels, will lead consumers to dedicated webpages offering comprehensive product information, health guidelines, responsible drinking advice, and more.
Empowering Filipinos Through Information
In today’s fast-paced world, Filipino consumers seek easy access to reliable product information. With our digital labels, we’re making this possible by providing key details at their fingertips,” shared Hadyu Ikrami, Head of Legal, Public Affairs, Communication and S&R, Pernod Ricard Philippines. “This initiative supports the Philippines’ digitalization efforts while reinforcing our commitment to responsible drinking. By providing consumers with easy access to essential information, we empower them to make informed choices and enjoy convivial moments responsibly”.
What Filipino Consumers Can Expect:
Product Transparency: Detailed information about ingredients and alcohol content.
Responsible Drinking Tips: Guidelines on alcohol consumption aligned with local health recommendations.
The digital label initiative is now fully available across all Pernod Ricard brands in the Philippines, making it the first major rollout by a global wine and spirits group.
Commitment to Responsible Drinking
Pernod Ricard Philippines has long championed responsible drinking campaigns, such as the widely recognized “Drink More Water” campaign, which encourages consumers to stay hydrated and pace themselves when consuming alcohol. The introduction of digital labels furthers this mission, reinforcing the company’s dedication to reducing harmful drinking.
This initiative underscores Pernod Ricard’s global strategy of corporate premiumization—creating meaningful social interactions through responsible and informed consumption.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced a Worldwide Olympic Partnership with global technology company TCL through to 2032. TCL will be the official Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner in the Home Audiovisual Equipment and Home Appliances category.
TCL products will drive new experiences for fans and athletes, from digital displays at the Olympic Games to household appliances in the Olympic Village. Through this new partnership, the organisations will also work together to bring the magic of the Olympic Games to billions of fans around the world through innovative marketing campaigns. TCL will play an important role as the IOC progresses its Olympic AI Agenda – including supporting fan and athlete experiences on site and at home. TCL will also support the “Athletes Moments” initiative at the Olympic Games allowing athletes to connect with loved ones around the world immediately after their competition.
As a result of the agreement, the IOC will redistribute the revenue it receives to provide financial support to sports organisations around the world, including every National Olympic Committee and their athletes, plus the Organising Committees for the Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games until 2032.
IOC President Thomas Bach said: “The IOC is excited to announce its new partnership with TCL, a world leader in the television and household goods industries. TCL has a long history of supporting sport around the world, and now is taking its ambition to inspire greatness to new heights as the Olympic Games are the greatest, most inspirational global sporting stage.
Li Dongsheng, Founder and Chairman of TCL, said: “We are honoured to become a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner. As a leading global technology brand, TCL has always striven to ‘Inspire Greatness’, which aligns with the Olympic spirit. The Olympic Games inspires billions of people around the world and through this partnership, TCL’s diverse innovations will empower the Olympic Games and deliver exceptional experiences to a global audience. TCL will continue to fulfil its corporate social responsibility, support the Olympic sustainable development goals, and create a better future.”
TCL has supported sports around the world for decades through multiple partnerships. At the Olympic Games, TCL will enable new visual and lifestyle experiences by providing a range of intelligent innovations, including smart displays, air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, smart door locks, audio systems, projectors and TCL RayNeo smart glasses.
Founded in 1981, TCL is committed to “Building a Sustainable and Connected Future with Advanced Technology”, dedicated to empowering a smart, healthy lifestyle by enabling next-generation intelligent experiences. With 46 R&D centres and 38 manufacturing bases globally, TCL operates in over 160 countries and regions, cementing its position as a globally competitive technology brand.
Jiří Kejval, Chair of the IOC Revenues and Commercial Partnerships Commission, said: “TCL is a global leader in its industry and is one of the world’s fastest-growing brands. The TOP Programme continues to offer the world’s leading brands and marketers an unparalleled marketing platform built on the global reach and the values of the Olympic Games. Testament to this is today’s announcement, as we bring TCL to the family of TOP Partners.”
COMPUTEX 2025 will take place from May 20 to May 23 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Halls 1 and 2. This year’s exhibition, themed “AI Next”, will bring together global tech giants to showcase cutting-edge AI technologies. Online registration is now open, and industry professionals worldwide are encouraged to register for this highly anticipated event.
Global Tech Leaders Converge to Define the Future of AI
As a leading global exhibition for AIoT and startups show, COMPUTEX 2025 will focus on three key themes: AI & Robotics, Next-Gen Tech, and Future Mobility.
The event will feature nearly 1,400 leading tech companies from around the world, including ASUS, Acer, MSI, GIGABYTE, BenQ, MediaTek, ASRock, Vertiv Taiwan, G.SKILL, Kioxia Taiwan, Foxconn, Pegatron, Phison, Inventec, Auras, Intel, Realtek, Advantech, ADATA, ITRI, Delta, Quanta, Lite-On, Wiwynn, Transcend, Silicon Power, Innodisk, and more. These exhibitors will use 4,800 booths across 80,000 square meters, showcasing their latest technologies to a global audience of industry experts, venture capitalists, professional buyers, and media representatives and witness future industry trends. COMPUTEX 2025 will highlight AI-driven industry applications and solutions, introducing new exhibition areas, including AI Services Technology Zone, Robotics & Drone Zone, Intelligent Business Solutions Zone, System Integration Solution, and Gaming Zone.
Additionally, InnoVEX will bring together global startups, investors, and accelerators, fostering cross-border collaboration and innovation. As one of the most significant startup exhibition platforms worldwide, InnoVEX will facilitate networking, funding opportunities, and the exchange of cutting-edge ideas, adding fresh momentum to the global technology ecosystem.
COMPUTEX Keynote & Forum: Must-Attend Events for AI Insights
Along with Show Activities to Enrich the Exhibition Experience
The highly anticipated COMPUTEX Keynote and COMPUTEX Forum will return with a strong lineup of AI industry leaders from across the supply chain and applications sector. These sessions will provide attendees with the latest tech info and share industry insights, offering an in-depth look at AI’s most critical advancements and future trends.
To enhance the experience for exhibitors and international visitors, the organizers of COMPUTEX 2025 will integrate multiple resources to feature a wide array of networking and engagement opportunities, including Business matchmaking events, Guided tours, ESG Go sustainability initiatives, and Startup pitch contest. The event will also welcome international media and tech influencers to experience and showcase COMPUTEX’s diverse exhibition offerings.
As a global stage for groundbreaking innovations, COMPUTEX 2025 will highlight Taiwan’s exceptional R&D capabilities while connecting top global technology firms, startups, and professional buyers. Online registration is now open—sign up today and be part of the future of AI technology!
The SM Mall of Asia (MOA) recently opened its stunning new attraction, the 55,000 sqm MOA Sky, with a launch event that was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a whirlwind of entertainment, celebration, and community spirit, leaving attendees with unforgettable memories.
A grand opening with dance and inspiration
The event began with a captivating performance by the National University (NU) Dance Company, followed by an inspiring speech from SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, who highlighted the MOA Sky’s vision and community significance.
“The MOA Sky isn’t just an expansion; it’s an exciting transformation. SM MOA already was a world-class destination as one of the world’s ten biggest malls, but today, aside from a host of new brands and world-renowned tenant partners within the mall—we have a larger-than-life playground where every experience is bigger and bolder,” he shared.
A visually stunning MOA Sky video then took viewers on a virtual tour of the breathtaking space, building anticipation for the real experience.
The MOA Sky tour: A journey through themed delights
The heart of the event was the MOA Sky Tour, where attendees were guided through various themed stops. The first stop, the 1,800-seat FIFA-grade MOA Football Pitch, was a highlight, featuring the Filipinas, the Philippines’ women’s national football team, generating immense excitement among sports enthusiasts.
The tour continued with a photo opportunity at the MOA Sanctuary, debuting its exhibition this March. Nestled within a lush garden, it offers a serene escape for contemplation, with a central oval glass structure serving as both a prayer space and art gallery. The tour then moved to a lively celebration at the North Sky Plaza, featuring Filipino-American artist Jefre’s 12 4-meter-tall Zodiac-themed art installations.
Sustainability and pet-friendly fun
The tour also showcased SM Prime’s commitment to sustainability with a stop at the 3-megawatt solar photovoltaic rooftop that harnesses the sun’s energy for a brighter tomorrow.
Animal lovers then enjoyed a Dalbong (a Philippine Corgi dog that won a world title at the World Dog Show 2023 held in Switzerland) exhibition at the sprawling 577-sqm Paw Park.
The sixth stop, the South Plaza, was a hub of artistic expression with live artists such as Jouache Panaligan, Erwin Grino, Rai Cruz, and AC Bautista.
Music, fireworks, and a mesmerizing drone show
As the sun began to set, the energy shifted towards the highly anticipated concert featuring Filipino singer-songwriter Adie, alternative rock band Hale, and indie pop band December Avenue at the MOA Amphitheater. The night sky then lit up with a spectacular fireworks display, followed by a mesmerizing drone show that led the crowd toward the MOA Football Pitch.
A thrilling finale: Filipinas exhibition game
The evening culminated in an exhilarating Filipinas Exhibition Football Game, showcasing the talent and passion of the national women’s football team. A second drone show during halftime added to the spectacle, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
A landmark celebration of community and entertainment
The MOA Sky launch was a resounding success, demonstrating SM Supermalls’ commitment to providing world-class entertainment and experiences. The event not only celebrated the opening of a new landmark but also brought the community together for a night of joy and celebration. The MOA Sky is poised to become a must-visit destination, offering breathtaking views and a unique blend of entertainment, culture, and community spirit.
SM City Baguio once again captivates audiences as a hall of famer, bringing this year’s “Blossoms Beyond Boundaries” theme to life with a breathtaking float at the Panagbenga 2025. Inspired by a cornucopia of bountiful harvests, it overflows with a vibrant mix of cabbage rose, malaysian mums, anthuriums and stargazers, showcasing the richness of nature and culture. Year after year, SM continues to celebrate diversity and creativity through its stunning and unforgettable designs.
