New Year, New Flavors: Lusso by Margarita Forés Arrives at SM Podium

SM Podium elevates its sophisticated dining experience with the launch of Lusso by Margarita Forés—the first Margarita Signature restaurant, established by the celebrated chef and restaurateur Margarita Forés, to become part of SM’s prestigious portfolio. With the festive season in full swing, Lusso offers  the perfect setting to celebrate life’s special moments, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a romantic dinner, or a quiet indulgence with loved ones. 

Renowned for her world-class culinary artistry, recognized as Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016 by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Forés brings her signature touch of elegance and exceptional flavors to this exciting new addition. Lusso promises an extraordinary culinary journey that combines the finest ingredients, impeccable presentation, and flavors that linger long after the last bite. Known for her innovative approach to Italian cuisine and her dedication to celebrating Filipino flavors on the global stage, Forés brings unparalleled expertise and a passion for excellence to every dish. At Lusso, dining becomes more than just a meal—it’s an experience.

Lusso is the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner with someone special, hosting a cozy family gathering, or celebrating milestones with your closest friends, the restaurant offers the perfect backdrop to celebrate the season in style.

Lusso is a natural inclusion in SM Podium, seamlessly aligning with its reputation as a haven for elevated experiences through its curated offerings, sophisticated ambiance, and dedication to world-class dining. Offering an exquisite menu designed to indulge the senses, the restaurant is an invitation to savor life’s finer moments. 

Signature dishes like the Portobello Mushroom, Asparagus & Goat Cheese Mille-Feuille and the decadent Lobster Linguine highlight Lusso's commitment to culinary artistry. From sumptuous dishes crafted with precision to an ambiance that radiates understated luxury, Lusso transforms every visit into an unforgettable affair.

Visit Lusso at SM Podium and make this festive season truly special. Whether you're indulging in a celebratory feast or treating yourself to an unforgettable dining experience, Lusso offers more than just a meal—it’s a taste of refined luxury. Discover more reasons to celebrate, more moments to savor, and more for you at SM, where exceptional dining meets the spirit of togetherness.

SM Supermalls #HomeOfFirsts 

At SM Supermalls, we take pride in being the Home of Firsts—bringing you the first-to-market brands, groundbreaking experiences, and culinary destinations you won’t find anywhere else. From world-class dining and retail exclusives to innovative spaces that inspire and connect communities, we’re redefining what it means to have it all. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to sustainability, community empowerment, and delivering memorable moments that make every visit more meaningful. There’s always something new and memorable waiting for you at SM. 

SM Prime adapts to Renewable Energy Sources

“SM’s environmental sustainability began with energy and water conservation. Revolutionizing our malls’ energy efficiency through renewable sources magnifies our responsibility to serving people and the planet.” ~Mr. Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President 

Suppose that the sun, the ultimate source of life, powered the entire planet. Sustainable energy options are more important than ever as the use of fossil fuels exacerbates climate change. The Philippines is in a unique position to use solar energy and fight climate change because of its plentiful sunshine. Manila had about 4,440 hours of daylight in 2024, which means there is a large potential for solar energy production.

Early on, SM Prime saw this potential. The largest installation in Southeast Asia at the time was made in 2014 when SM North EDSA became the first commercial building in the Philippines to have solar photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on its roof. This action marked the start of SM Prime's dedication to energy efficiency and renewable energy.

SM Supermalls currently runs 44 shopping centers equipped with solar photovoltaic systems, producing a total peak energy output of 51.6 megawatts (MW). SM City Santa Rosa is home to the biggest installation. The largest solar energy portfolio in the Philippines is owned by SM Prime, which has 96,000 solar panels spread across malls in Luzon and Visayas, totaling about 33 hectares. These initiatives are a key component of the business's plan to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve Net Zero by 2040.

With its 51.6 MW capacity, carbon emissions are greatly reduced, supplying clean energy that can power thousands of homes or take thousands of cars off the road. Additionally, it lessens the need for coal, which benefits the environment and nearby communities.

By directly powering necessary mall functions like lighting and escalators, the solar energy produced lessens SM Supermalls' dependency on the national grid. As a result, there is less chance of outages and less strain on electricity providers as the power supply is stabilized. SM Prime is helping the Philippines have a more sustainable future by utilizing clean, renewable energy.

The sustainability initiatives of SM Prime go beyond solar power. In order to reduce its negative effects on the environment, the company also prioritizes waste management, water conservation, and air quality programs. By taking these all-encompassing steps, SM Prime hopes to ensure responsible, creative operations while bringing about a positive change.

 

In conclusion, SM Prime's extensive use of solar photovoltaic systems and its wider environmental programs demonstrate its commitment to building a sustainable future for the Philippines. SM Prime is contributing to the creation of a cleaner, greener, and more promising future by setting the standard for sustainability and renewable energy.

SM Mall of Asia Complex: A model of inventiveness and tenacity

"We believe that safety is the cornerstone of thriving communities." ~Mr. Hans Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman and co-chair of ARISE Philippines under the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Resilience (UNDRR)

The wave return feature redirects water back into the bay, providing protection from high waves

A 67-hectare landmark along Manila Bay, the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex exemplifies SM Prime Holdings' dedication to using innovation and technology for community protection and disaster resilience across all of its projects.

Created by the Philippine government as a pioneering mixed-use development on reclaimed land, it has become a symbol of safety and stability, realizing the goal of its founder, Henry Sy, Sr., to create “a destination that brings joy and opportunities to millions.”

Mr. Hans Sy, the chairman of the SM Prime Executive Committee and co-chair of ARISE Philippines under the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Resilience (UNDRR), builds on his father's vision by stressing the significance of developing resilient, sustainable spaces that put community well-being and safety first. 

He is the first Filipino elected to the UNDRR ARISE Global Board, which is evidence of this belief.

ARISE Philippines, the nation's leading private sector alliance with 157 members, was founded in 2015 with the goal of creating a resilient and prosperous future. The organization, the first country network created by the UNDRR, seeks to reduce the number of fatalities caused by disasters, make sure assets and investments are risk-informed, and construct infrastructure that can withstand both man-made and natural hazards.

The MOA Complex's design, which integrates state-of-the-art disaster resilience features to guard against the particular difficulties presented by its coastal location, demonstrates SM Prime's dedication to resilience.

SM Prime hired the knowledge of Jan de Nul, a well-known coastal development firm in Belgium, prior to the start of construction. Their thorough investigations and analyses, which took into consideration the intricate relationship between land and sea, guaranteed the project's feasibility. The company carried out risk reviews that included the following elements in order to build a resilient structure: identify, analyze, plan, mitigate, and monitor. The foundation for a structure that could withstand the test of time and the elements was established by this painstaking pre-engineering phase, which was finished in 2006.

Soil erosion was one of the main issues that was addressed. The group put in place an advanced wick drain system to counteract this. By serving as channels for pore water in soft, compressible soil, these drains successfully stop erosion and guarantee the stability of the ground. Despite being more expensive than conventional techniques, this technology offers a far higher level of protection, especially against liquefaction during seismic activity.

Through creative foundation design, the risk of ground liquefaction—a phenomenon where soil weakens and acts like a liquid during earthquakes—was also reduced. The complex has strong resistance against liquefaction and seismic activity thanks to driven and bored piles and careful excavation techniques.

Reference photo for the driven piles methodology, which protects against soil liquefaction and provides strength against earthquakes.

The complex has a strong seawall to guard against storm surges, which are a frequent hazard in coastal areas. A wave return feature reinforces this seawall, which is 4.5 meters above the Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) mark. High waves are less likely to affect the complex because of this inverted structure, which redirects them back towards the sea. Flood prevention during storm surges is further improved by a drainage channel network. 

These features were critical in protecting the complex during Typhoon Pedring (international name Nesat) in 2011, as well as all subsequent severe weather disturbances this year, where the MOA Complex emerged largely unscathed while assisting nearby areas to avoid being inundated with prolonged deep flooding.

The resilience of the complex is not limited to its foundation. To further reduce the risk of flooding, the main road and all buildings are raised well above the National Building Code specifications. Earthquake Recording Instruments (ERI) installed in buildings track seismic activity and offer useful information for disaster preparedness. 

The Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex higher seawall and elevation prevent damage to the structure from rising sea levels. (Inset) In addition, the drainage channels along the MOA Complex are wide and deep enough to fit two buses side by side, helping prevent flooding from storm surges

Another crucial factor is the buildings' own structural soundness. For example, the roof deck is built to support heavy loads, guaranteeing that it can be a secure haven in case of an emergency. The exterior façade consists of concrete masonry walls with Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS), which offer superior insulation and can withstand wind speeds of up to 270 kph. Because of their dedication to safety, SM Supermalls, such as the SM MOA, become community safe havens in times of emergency.

SM Prime's commitment to disaster resilience is a proactive approach ingrained in every aspect of its business operations, not just a reaction to possible threats.  Realizing that investing in safety is an investment in the future, the company automatically devotes a sizeable amount of its capital expenditure to disaster resilience research and development.

In addition to its contributions to the nation's economic development and the establishment of vibrant lifestyle destinations, SM Prime has a long history of being a responsible real estate developer. This reputation is based on its steadfast dedication to safeguarding the lives and means of subsistence of the communities it serves. A strong representation of this dedication and a ray of hope in the face of natural disaster is the MOA Complex. 

Wholesome Beginnings with Marby Whole Wheat Bread

“With nearly 50 years of dedication to excellence, Marby has become a trusted household name for generations of Filipinos. This 2025, we encourage everyone to make Marby Whole Wheat Bread a staple in their meals as we journey toward a healthier future together.” ~Paolo Valderrama, Marby Vice President for Operations

Through Wholesome Beginnings with Marby, Marby encourages all Filipino families to embrace a healthier, more balanced lifestyle as they begin their New Year's resolutions as we welcome the Lunar New Year.

 

 

The event, hosted by lifestyle content creator Nikki Viola, took place at the Trinoma Activity Center. It reminded everyone of the simple pleasures of home, which are aptly embodied by Marby bread, and celebrated health, tradition, and togetherness. Marby encourages families to reaffirm their dedication to health and wellness by selecting Marby Whole Wheat Bread—a wholesome companion for a fresh start—as the first month of the year comes to an end and resolutions are put to the test.

(L to R) Chef Pat Paragas and Host Nikki Viola during the cooking demo

The purpose of Marby Whole Wheat Bread is to promote a healthier way of living. It has no cholesterol or trans fat and is high in fiber and protein to help with digestion and support general health. It is baked using traditional methods and is proudly made entirely in the Philippines, making it the best bread for every Filipino family to eat every day.

Pat Paragas, a chef and foodie content creator, provided inventive and nostalgic recipes throughout the event, reminding guests of the cozy tastes of home. He offered three delicious and healthful sandwich recipes using Marby Whole Wheat Bread: a savory Tuna Melt, a hearty Rise-and-Shine Ham and Egg sandwich, and a colorful Tomato Avocado toast.

Since its inception in 1976, Marby Food Ventures has been a pioneer in the Filipino baking industry. Marby, wholly owned and manufactured by Filipinos, has become synonymous with quality, tradition, and affordability, earning a place in the hearts of Filipino households across the country.

(L to R) Marby's VP For Finance, Vanessa Valderrama-Obligacion and Marby's VP for Operations Paolo Valderrama

“This year, we’re starting strong by promoting health and wellness through Marby Whole Wheat Bread. We remain committed to delivering the nostalgic goodness of Marby products to Filipino homes for many more years to come.” ~Vanessa Valderamma-Obligacion, Marby’s Vice President for Finance

With Marby Whole Wheat Bread, cherish memories of home and make every slice matter as 2025 approaches. Marby Whole Wheat Bread and other Marby products can be purchased online at Shopee and Lazada as well as in supermarkets across the country.

Araneta City welcomes the Year of the Wood Snake with prosperity

Enjoy fun activities and promotions at the City of Firsts to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake in Araneta City with a lively event that is full of customs, joy, and good fortune!

In Chinese astrology, the snake represents creativity, wisdom, intelligence, and intuition. The City of Firsts provides initiatives focused on transformation, prosperity, and renewal in order to embody these attributes. Since the Wood element increases the Snake's adaptability, 2025 is a year to align goals and welcome change. This year is the perfect time to strike with purpose. Like Araneta City's "Strike for Success" theme, which encourages everyone to welcome good fortune, financial success, and meaningful transformation with open arms, snakes, who are known for being deep thinkers and adept strategists, move through life with grace and purpose.

Dazzling Decors

Enchanting decorations adorn the City of Firsts' malls as the celebration begins. Visitors will be greeted by traditional Chinese arches at Farmers Plaza, Ali Mall, and Gateway Mall 1 and 2. A magnificent effigy representing the spirit of the Wood Snake will be the focal point of the Quantum Skyview at Gateway Mall 2.

A horoscope exhibit at Farmers Plaza and Gateway Malls 1 and 2 will provide information on the zodiac predictions for 2025, including advice on luck, love, career, and health. Interactive exhibits that showcase the advantages and potential of every Chinese zodiac sign are available to visitors.

Exciting Festivities

On January 28 and 29, traditional dragon and lion dance performances will bring Araneta City's Lunar New Year celebrations to life by ejecting negativity and bringing in prosperity.

When the Chinese New Year arrives on January 29, the celebrations in every mall in Araneta City get underway. A photo booth, a tarot card reading, a Chinese acrobats show, and a cultural performance by students from The Philippine Chung Hua School are all available to visitors at Gateway Mall 2. There will be a Zodiac Runway Costume Contest at Farmers Plaza and a Jigsaw Puzzle Competition at Gateway Mall 1. 

From January 22 to January 31, a Chinese New Year Prosperity Bazaar will be held at Ali Mall, featuring festive treats, lucky charms, and items that symbolize good fortune. On January 29, they had a reading and feng shui consultation with Master Ang to learn more about their fortunes for the coming year.

Irresistible Promos

On January 29, customers can anticipate special Chinese New Year treats. Customers can get a free tarot reading at Gateway Mall 2 or Ali Mall and redeem a free snake plant, which represents resiliency and prosperity, with a single-receipt purchase of ₱1,500 from any establishment within Araneta City malls.

The "Hidden Red Envelope Hunt" Challenge, an interactive digital promo where social media live streams will drop clues leading to a hidden red envelope somewhere in Araneta City, is adding excitement to the festivities. The first person to locate it will receive two movie passes.

Araneta City promises a memorable celebration of luck, rebirth, and prosperity this Chinese New Year 2025. So, as we welcome a year full of opportunity, abundance, and joy at the City of Firsts, get your loved ones together, join in the celebrations, and aim for success!

Araneta City is managed by ACI Inc, one of the five business units of the Araneta Group of Companies. With a long history of pioneer business ventures, the progressive and diversified Araneta Group is anchored on property development, food service, leisure and entertainment, and hospitality. Visit the Araneta Group's official website for more details.

For updates on Araneta City, visit its official website, or follow it on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Tiktok. Download the Araneta City mobile app on Apple App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android) to get the latest on promos and events.

Year of Fortune, Year of Fun at SM

Pose under majestic arches adorned with oversized coins, tassels, and mystical knots at your favorite SM Mall.

Celebrate Chinese New Year in sss-style at SM Supermalls

SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela extend an invitation to everyone to enjoy family get-togethers, reflection, and personal development as the Year of the Snake transitions into 2025. 

These three recognizable SM Malls will be transformed into enthralling hubs of elegance and culture that perfectly capture the spirit of the Snake. SM Malls has planned a number of events to make this Chinese New Year genuinely unforgettable, whether you're looking for Instagram-worthy moments, delectable food, or exciting performances.  

Instagram-worthy spots await mall goers this Chinese New Year!

Snap, post, and shine at the IG-worthy spots

Until January 31, SM malls will be your ultimate photo destination. Pose under majestic arches adorned with oversized coins, tassels, and mystical knots. Stroll through hallways glowing with enchanting red lanterns, or snap your next viral photo beside the lavishly decorated Lucky Money Tree. And don’t forget to check out the Zodiac Forecast Display to see what 2025 has in store!

From tasty treats to festive ornaments, the Everything Red Fair has all your Chinese New Year needs.

Savor everything red and delicious

Step into the Everything Red Fair, a bustling marketplace celebrating joy and good fortune with artisanal crafts and mouthwatering delicacies. Check out the fair until the end of the month.

But what's CNY without authentic Chinese cuisine? SM Supermalls’ Everything Chinese Food Fest offers a delectable and lucky feast perfect for sharing with family and friends. 

Dazzling performances to usher in good fortune

Feel the beat of tradition with Lion and Dragon Dances that will bring prosperity to all. Learn from a Feng Shui Master to align your energy for the New Year. 

From fun experiences to food and festivities, there’s no better place to be than SM Supermalls this Chinese New Year! So, bring your family, your friends, and your best vibes as we ring in the Year of the Snake in the most exciting way possible.

Check out the Zodiac Forecast Display to see what 2025 has in store.

To know more about SM Supermalls’ Chinese New Year events, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. 

Palawan Group of Companies Team Up with Xpress Money for Accessible and Efficient Remittances from UAE

“Our partnership with Money Xpress will further expand our international remittance network in the Middle East, providing our “kababayans” with greater accessibility, flexibility, and peace of mind. They can rest assured that their hard-earned money will promptly reach their loved ones through our extensive network." ~Lilian Concepcion Selda, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Palawan Group of Companies

Palawan Group of Companies executives Bernard Kaibigan, Group Marketing Head; Rebecca Badayos, Head, International Remittance; Lilian Castro-Selda, Chief Financial Officer, Kassey Lynn Policarpio, Account Specialist, International Remittance, alongside Samir Vijay Vidhate, Senior Executive Officer at Xpress Money Services Limited at the contract signing.

In order to give Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) a more convenient and dependable way to send money to their loved ones in the Philippines, Palawan Group of Companies has partnered with Xpress Money Services Limited, a top international money transfer company.

Since their remittances provide millions of Filipino families with a lifeline, OFWs are essential to the Philippine economy. In November 2024, OFWs sent US$3.12 billion in personal remittances, up 3.5 percent from US$3.02 billion in November 2023, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The UAE continues to play a significant role in this expansion, highlighting the significance of this collaboration.

Palawan Group acknowledges and appreciates the priceless contributions of these contemporary heroes by providing easily accessible and trustworthy financial services. The agreement permits OFWs in the United Arab Emirates to send money to their loved ones in the Philippines through XPress Money. Palawan Pay, the company's fastest-growing e-wallet mobile app, and Palawan Pera Express Padala's vast nationwide network of more than 6,000 locations are the two ways to claim these remittances. 

Executives from the Palawan Group of Companies, including Lilian Castro-Selda, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Bernard Kaibigan, Head of Group Marketing; Rebecca Badayos, Head of International Remittances; and Samir Vijay Vidhate, Senior Executive Officer at Xpress Money Services Limited, were present when the agreement was signed.

Lilian Castro-Selda, Chief Financial Officer of Palawan Group of Companies, and Samir Vijay Vidhate, Senior Executive Officer of Xpress Money Services Limited, signed a partnership agreement to offer reliable and convenient remittance services for OFWs in the UAE.

“We are very proud to partner with the Palawan Group of Companies, one of the Philippines’ trusted institutions. Today is a milestone for our company as we look forward to servicing OFWs in the UAE.” ~Samir Vijay Vidhate, Senior Executive Officer at Xpress Money Services Limited

Palawan Group's dedication to offering Filipino OFWs "mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos balungos na serbisyo" (affordable, quick, and hassle-free money transfer services) is strengthened by this partnership. This partnership guarantees that sending hard-earned money home will always be easy and accessible for Filipinos all over the world, acknowledging the critical role that remittances play in assisting Filipino families and communities.

For more information, go to Palawan Pawnshop and PalawanPay Websites. 

ABOUT PALAWAN GROUP OF COMPANIES: 

The Palawan Group of Companies includes products and services such as Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, Palawan ProtekTODO, Palawan Credit, and PalawanPay. A brand trusted by Filipinos for almost four decades, PGC is one of the fastest-growing financial institutions in the country. With its strength in remittance and pawning services, the company is the market leader in the industry and has over 70,000 branches, Pera Padala outlets, and PalawanPay Money Shops nationwide.

Palawan Group of Companies offers a wide range of services, including pawning, domestic and international remittances, microinsurance, bills payment, electronic mobile phone loading, cash-in and cash-out of e-wallets, money exchange, ATM withdrawal, and cash disbursements. Additionally, the company sells jewelry and gold bars, catering to customers looking to invest in valuable assets. 

Palawan Group of Companies introduced PalawanPay, an e-wallet app that allows users to send and receive remittances anytime, anywhere. PalawanPay is the company’s latest digital solution, offering faster, safer, and more convenient transactions. In addition to remittances, the app provides access to other financial services, including bills payments, mobile load top-ups, and scan-to-pay QR Ph codes. The app also features integrated functionality for pawn renewal, purchasing jewelry and gold items, ProtekTODO personal insurance, and claiming international remittances.

Palawan Group of Companies is supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

For more information, go to Palawan Pawnshop and PalawanPay Websites.