Monthly Archives: July 2024

With the devastation brought by the southwest monsoon enhanced by Super Typhoon Carina, Bulacan has been identified as one of the hardest-hit provinces in Central Luzon, following the severe flooding and damages to its infrastructure, agriculture, and livestock. At present, the province is placed under a state of calamity as recommended by the local authorities. 

In response, SM Supermalls and SM Foundation Inc., through the Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) program, initiated a series of relief operations to provide urgent aid to the communities affected by the typhoon in the province.

Rounds of relief operations were conducted by SM City Marilao in afflicted barangays in Bulacan. In Marilao, at least 8 barangays were given “kalinga packs,” including Lambakin, where a great number of displaced families were reported as flood water reached the roofs of most houses. Additionally, relief packs were distributed in flooded areas and evacuation centers in Obando. A total of 2,400 beneficiaries were given help during the respective relief distributions.

In the city of Baliwag, five barangays received truckloads of relief packs. With the combined efforts of volunteers from SM City Baliwag and the help of the rescue team from each barangay, a total of 1,000 families were given aid in areas like Tiaong, San Jose, Sta. Barbara, Poblacion, and Tibag.

SM Center Pulilan, on the other hand, carried out the distribution of relief packs in Barangay Tinejero and Poblacion, benefiting at least 300 families in the town.

OPTE, a social good initiative of the SM Foundation in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Markets, is designed to quickly deliver essential supplies to communities affected by calamities and crises. With a focus on vulnerable populations, the program ensures critical aid reaches those who need it most.

SM is dedicated to expanding its relief efforts to reach more communities in need as the situation evolves.

CJ Alegre, Head of Sustainability

GCash recently announced 20 groundbreaking product innovations at GCash FutureCast 2024, offering Filipino users a glimpse into the future of fintech. As the country’s top finance super app, GCash continues to revolutionize the face of digital payments, after its revolutionary launch in 2017 and the introduction of a more secure and reliable app in 2023. This year, GCash shifts its focus on enhancing the user experience and empowering Filipinos to achieve financial progress with its latest features.

With innovations in payments and lending, to advanced security and AI capabilities, GCash is providing its users even more ways to optimize their financial journey. In addition, these innovations are aligned with the company‘s commitment to combat climate change, paving the way to a greener future. With GCash, users can now be at the forefront of both financial and environmental progress.

GForest: Do your part for the environment

GForest gives users the chance to actively contribute to helping the environment by simply transacting via GCash and reducing their carbon footprint.

By collecting and using their green points on GForest, users contribute to planting real trees through GCash’s partner organizations. These partners work closely with local farming communities to ensure the success of the tree-planting initiatives in areas around Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

As of 2024, GForest has planted nearly 2.8 million actual trees and is on track to reaching its goal of 10 million digital trees by 2025. To further this commitment and empower more users to practice sustainability daily, GForest introduced GImpact and GFarm.

GImpact: Create a Greener Future With Every Transaction

GImpact is a feature that allows users to track their reduced carbon emissions with every transaction they make. With a detailed breakdown on a new user-friendly dashboard, GCash users can now track their impact from digital transactions.

Reduced emissions are converted into green points, which are used to plant digital trees in GForest. Users simply need to collect their green points within 24 hours of their transaction and accumulate enough to plant a tree of their choice.

GFarm: Support local farmers, one tree at a time

The planting of nearly 2.8 million actual trees through GForest has not only helped fauna thrive again but also sustained the lives of local farming communities that planted these seeds. With the launch of GFarm at this year’s FutureCast, GCash can continue these efforts–which are present in Benguet, Cebu, and Cotabato, ensuring that 100% of the proceeds go directly to the farmers providing them with a stable source of income.

Through GFarm, farmers can plant various fruit-bearing trees, such as guyabano, jackfruit, and avocado, and get extra income from the sale of their produce.

With these new sustainability efforts, GCash continues to foster the restoration of the country’s forests and help smallholder farmers nationwide. By keeping up with GForest activity, users can actively contribute in the rediversifying of our forests, which helps in the upkeep of our environment and maintain livelihoods of local farmers. Create an impact with every transaction – use GForest today!

Learn more about the new innovations on the official GCash page: https://www.facebook.com/gcashofficial/ and experience the future of fintech today when you download the GCash app, available on the Huawei App Gallery, Google Play Store, and the App Store.  

As part of its net-zero commitment by 2040, one of Asia’s leading real estate and property developers, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), partnered with global integrated energy company TotalEnergies for the installation of a 2 Megawatt-peak (MWp) Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Rooftop project in Pasay City.

The partnership venture aligns with SM Prime’s efforts in expanding its renewable energy portfolio and affirms TotalEnergies’ commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions in various urban settings. 

Designed with a power yield of 3,000 Megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity annually, the solar partnership project has over 3,672 PV panels installed and is expected to provide huge cost savings for SM Prime. Located at the MOA Square in the Mall of Asia Complex, the solar installations are expected to reduce the building’s carbon footprint by about 1,430 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually.

More than 3,600 solar panels were installed on the roof of MOA Square in the Mall of Asia Complex. 

“SM Prime is proud to work alongside TotalEnergies on this project. This partnership is our commitment to sustainability and achieving Net Zero by 2040. We are also taking a proactive stance in supporting the Department of Energy’s (DOE) target of reaching 35% renewable energy by 2030. Together, we’re driving meaningful change towards a more environmentally conscious future,” said John Nai Peng Ong, SM Prime Chief Finance Officer.  

“We are thrilled to announce the successful deployment of solar rooftop installations at the Mall of Asia in the Philippines, marking a significant achievement in both environmental and economic sustainability for SM Prime,” said Elodie Renaud, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Renewables Distributed Generation Asia. 

For the past few years, SM Prime continues to grow its partnerships with key clean energy players, leveraging its relationships and earned experiences to drive its environmental stewardship campaign. Capitalizing on these partnerships has provided for SM Prime huge economic, environmental, and social dividends.

In 2022, SM Prime secured a long-term deal with AboitizPower for its clean energy supply. Under the agreement, AboitizPower will provide reliable and responsibly-sourced energy from Tiwi-MakBan Geothermal Power Plants, and PV Sinag’s Power Plants, operated and managed by AboitizPower subsidiary, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI). 

The following year, SM Prime signed a memorandum of agreement with Citicore Renewable Energy Company (CREC), wherein SM Prime will source 90 megawatts (MWac) from CREC’s upcoming Lumbangan Solar Power Plant in Tuy, Batangas. 

Apart from contributing to the DOE’s 35% renewable energy goal by 2030, all these partnerships are aligned with the energy department and Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) policy of expanding the adoption of Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) in the energy industry.

To date, SM Prime currently sources at least 50% of its electricity utilization from clean, renewable energy. 

SM Prime supports the Philippine government’s aim to increase the country’s renewable energy supply component to 50% by the year 2040. It remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.

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Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. (Sun Life) once again bags the number one spot in the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) for having the highest number of financial advisors in this exclusive and prestigious organization. Having 540 financial advisors as members of the MDRT last 2023, Sun Life bested the competition, eclipsing the closest contender by 172 members.

MDRT is an association of life insurance agents and financial advisors that aims to promote ethical standards, best practices, and the promotion of the sales profession for life insurance as well as the health and long-term care industry. To become a member, a financial advisor must pass stringent membership requirements. With this, MDRT has become a hallmark of excellence in the life insurance industry and the financial services sector.

As the only Philippine-based company to land among the top 50 MDRT companies around the world, Sun Life ranks number one in the Philippines and the 41^st globally for having the most MDRT financial advisor-members in the life insurance industry.

“Excellence is a cornerstone of Sun Life’s commitment to its clients and the Filipino nation as a whole,” says Alfonso Quitangon, Chief Distribution Officer of Sun Life. “This recognition from such a prestigious and exclusive association inspires us to further outdo ourselves in offering exemplary service and care to our dear Clients.”

Sun Life Philippines CEO & Country Head Benedict Sison likewise lauded the Sun Life advisors who have achieved MDRT status. “They not only bring to life our purpose but do so with such passion and dedication,” he said. “They make us proud and remind us that going the extra mile to help Clients secure their future will always be a rewarding pursuit.”

To know more about Sun Life, visit www.sunlife.com.ph.

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• Acer Day 2024 marks its 8th consecutive year of being celebrated across the Pan Asia Pacific (PAP) region.

• The Acer Day 2024 theme, “AI’m Limitless”, aims to inspire people to push beyond their limits and explore new user experiences with Acer’s vast range of PCs and lifestyle products.

• The event kicks off with the release of the official Acer Day video together with the Acer Ambassadors Mission videos featuring local personalities from across the PAP region, inviting users to join Acer’s social challenges and encourage them to explore new possibilities.

• The Acer Day 2024 concert, which will be held on August 4, 2024, at the SM MOA Arena, will feature Acer ambassadors Sandara Park, SB19, G22, and other artists.
  

Philippines, 30 July 2024 – Returning for its eighth straight year, the annual Acer Day celebration is back with the theme ‘AI’m Limitless’. The event encourages users to discover the latest Acer products, all designed to enhance user experiences and unlock the untapped potential to do more. Acer Day 2024 will showcase Acer’s AI-enhanced products that help push the boundaries of technology and foster new creative ideas and capabilities among its users.

AI has become a significant influence in people’s lives, expanding the realms of creativity and imagination. Acer recognizes these shifts and has committed to providing individuals with the tools they need to explore limitless possibilities and bring their ideas to life.

“As Acer continues to transition into a lifestyle brand, it is dedicated to enriching everyday experiences through innovative technology. This year’s celebration aims to highlight how Acer’s AI-powered and diverse range of products elevate users’ experiences and unlock boundless opportunities for creativity and achievements,” said Andrew Hou, President of Pan-Asia Pacific Regional Operations, Acer.

Acer Day 2024 will kick off with the release of the official video, accompanied by the Acer Ambassadors Mission videos on Acer’s social channels. The event will begin on August 3 and will span across the PAP Region with celebrations to be hosted locally. Users are invited to participate in social challenges and explore their limitless possibilities.

It will be a night of spectacular performances as international superstar Sandara Park, Kings of P-pop SB19, and Female Alphas of P-pop G22 lead the Acer Day 2024 concert on August 4, 2024, at the SM MOA Arena. Other artists featured in the concert are Cup of Joe, TJ Monterde, Ebe Dancel, and Rico Blanco. Concertgoers can expect top-notch performances and even surprise numbers, including a never-before-seen stage featuring Acer’s ambassadors, and it will be a moment to remember.

In addition to the concert, SB19 and G22 also teamed up for the “Acer U: Charged to Lead” Back-to-School promo, which offers discounts on the latest Acer tech and the best athletic gear from Under Armour. You can save up to Php 10,000 and get an Under Armour voucher worth up to Php 14,000 for every purchase of a participating Acer product. The promo runs until August 18, 2024. The purchased product must be registered for warranty at warranty.acer.com.ph to claim the voucher.



For more information about Acer and Acer Day, visit Acer’s official website and follow its social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Calling all BLINKs in the area! Get your black and pink outfits and light sticks ready because SM Cinema brings you Jennie, Lisa, Rosé, and Jisoo with BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR [BORN PINK] IN CINEMAS. Celebrating their 8th anniversary with sensational performances that have captured hearts worldwide, this concert documentary showcases the group’s record-breaking tour with exclusive arrangements of their iconic hits.

Experience the electrifying energy of BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR [BORN PINK] IN CINEMAS at SM Cinema.

‘Pretty savage,’ comfortable seats

Make your concert-movie experience incredibly comfortable as you sink into plush, spacious seats designed for maximum comfort. Whether you’re ready to dance to “Boombayah” or get lost in “Lovesick Girls,” you’re sure to enjoy every moment in ultimate comfort. “How You Like That?”

Kids under 13 must be with a grown-up for this epic BLACKPINK concert movie experience. 

Sing, dance, and scream your heart out with BLACKPINK for a non-stop 93 minutes on the big screen.

Host a big BLINK party

Gather all your BLINK besties to see and support your biases! Host your very own exclusive watch party at SM Cinema with its world-class cinemas, Director’s Club, IMAX, and Events Screen–all offering state-of-the-art Laser Projectors on wide screens and superb audio technology. Experience a full range of sounds, from powerful bass beats to delicate melodies, and the same energy of your idols’ performances as if you were front row Very, Very Important Persons (VVIPs) at the live concert. From the pulsating rhythm of “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” to the explosive beats of “Kill This Love,” the sound quality at SM Cinema will make you feel the music in your bones.

Gather your squad and book a block screening of the much-awaited BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR [BORN PINK] IN CINEMAS.

BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR [BORN PINK] IN CINEMAS is set to take the nation by storm, playing across SM Cinemas nationwide from July 31 to August 5 only. So, get ready to sing, dance, and cheer along with BLACKPINK as they take over cinemas worldwide. Baby, you deserve a treat, so book your tickets now and be part of the BLACKPINK revolution! Visit https://bit.ly/BLACKPINKBornPinkAtSMCinema or get your tickets via the SM Cinema app or SM Cinema ticket booths near you.

Catch BLACKPINK’s record-breaking BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR [BORN PINK] IN CINEMAS on the big screen for 5 epic days, July 31 to August 4, at SM Cinema.

An SM Center Sangandaan employee-volunteer extends a helping hand, distributing essential supplies to those in need.

As Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon unleashed torrential rains and widespread flooding across Metro Manila and nearby provinces, SM opened their doors to thousands of displaced residents. Serving as vital lifelines during this crisis, not only shelter was provided but also essential relief and support through the efforts of SM Supermalls and SM Foundation’s Operation Tulong Express (OPTE). 

Free coffee brings a moment of warmth to a typhoon victim at SM City Marilao.

More than 23,000 Kalinga Packs filled with essential supplies were delivered to hard-hit communities across Metro Manila, Bulacan, Bataan, Olongapo City, Pampanga, Rizal, and Cavite. SM Supermalls employees have been instrumental in packing and distributing these relief packs.

To provide immediate assistance to those affected, SM have opened their doors to evacuees, offering temporary shelter, comfort, and basic necessities such as free overnight parking, WiFi, and phone charging stations. Help desks have been set up to assist those in need, while ample supplies of water, food, and essential items have been made available. Beyond providing physical shelter, SM is committed to supporting the emotional well-being of evacuees. By creating a safe and comfortable environment, SM aims to alleviate the hardships faced by those affected by the floods.

SM City East Ortigas becomes a haven for flood-stricken mallgoers, thanks to the Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) Command Post.

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and the elderly find solace and assistance at the Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) Command Post in SM City Marikina as heavy flooding inundates the area.

SM City Grand Central offers free meals to typhoon-affected mallgoers.

A donor contributes to relief efforts through the Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) Red Cross cash donation booth at SM City Bataan.

SM City Baliwag employee-volunteers deliver essential Kalinga Pack relief supplies to affected residents.

OPTE, a social good initiative of SM Foundation in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Markets, is designed to quickly deliver essential supplies to communities affected by calamities and crises. With a focus on vulnerable populations, the program ensures critical aid reaches those who need it most. 

An SM City San Mateo employee-volunteer offers words of encouragement to struggling residents.

SM is dedicated to expanding its relief efforts to reach more communities in need as the situation evolves.

In a world that offers a myriad of skincare choices, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Enter Beauty Prime, a unique range of ingredient-led skincare concentrates formulated to address a specific skin concern and improve skin condition. Simplify your skincare routine by using each concentrate individually for targeted treatment or mix and match to create a personalized solution for your unique needs.

Beauty Prime Retinol Skin Renewal Cream is specially designed to address multiple signs of aging. Its advanced formula helps accelerate skin regeneration and visibly reduces the appearance of deep wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots while improving the skin texture for younger, smoother skin. Pair this with Hyaluronic Acid for extra hydration.

Beauty Prime Vitamin C Skin Brightening Cream gently refines skin texture and evens skin tone. It helps brighten dull skin and minimize blemishes, dark spots, acne marks, and hyperpigmentation for a brighter, radiant, luminous skin. It works well with Snail Mucin to moisturize the skin.

Beauty Prime Vitamin E Skin Repair Cream is enriched with powerful antioxidants that help fight signs of aging and repair skin damage caused by free radicals and sun exposure while reducing the appearance of scars, blemishes, and marks for glowing healthy skin. Increase the effects of combating hyperpigmentation with the help of Vitamin C.

Beauty Prime CoQ10 Skin Regenerating Cream helps prevent premature aging by energizing and enhancing skin cell activity. It diminishes fine lines and wrinkles and improves hydration, making skin smoother, softer, and firmer. Using this together with Retinol will help fight the signs of skin aging.

Achieve soft, supple, and moisturized skin through the combination of Beauty Prime Collagen Skin Booster Cream and Beauty Prime Hyaluronic Acid Skin Replenishing Cream, designed with a rich formula that provides great benefits to the appearance of the skin by nourishing and soothing dry, damaged skin while restoring skin resiliency and elasticity. These creams also help deeply restore intense moisture and sufficiently hydrate skin.

Beauty Prime Snail Mucin Skin Recovery Cream is enriched with snail essence, which helps improve skin resilience by locking in moisture while gently minimizing blemishes, acne scars, and dark spots for a smoother and clearer complexion.

All Beauty Prime Skincare Concentrates are dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, lightweight, fast-absorbing, and highly concentrated. 

For more information about Beauty Prime, follow @beautyprimeph on Instagram and TikTok. Visit Beauty Prime’s Official Shopee Store, www.shopee.com/beautyprimeph, or the Official Lazada Store, www.lazada.com.ph/beauty-prime, and start your journey to Prime skin.