SM strengthens stakeholder communication through online platform

“SM In Focus enhances our ability to communicate the Group’s activities and outcomes in a more accessible and consistent manner.” ~Rico Hizon, Host and Creator of SM in Focus

With more than 2.5 million views and more than 137,000 subscribers since its launch in late 2024, SM Investments Corporation, the primary business of the SM group, is increasing its efforts to include stakeholders via its online platform, SM In Focus. 

The accomplishment is a reflection of SM's broader initiatives to increase openness and accessibility when talking about business performance, innovation, and value creation across its integrated banking, real estate, and retail ecosystem.

The platform is a part of SM's evolving stakeholder communication strategy, which uses online channels to provide more relevant, timely, and well-organized information about its actions and impacts.

The initiative encourages both internal and external engagement by enabling participation from all departments inside the organization. The on-the-ground perspectives offered by contributors from various business divisions provide a more integrated and enterprise-wide approach to communication.

“By engaging contributors across the Group, the platform strengthens collaboration and improves how we communicate our strategy and impact.” ~Elizabeth Anne “Lizanne” Uychaco, Executive Vice President, Group Diversity Officer of SM Investments, and Executive Producer of SM In Focus

Thus far, the platform has produced over 440 films and accumulated over 14,000 watch hours, indicating steady audience engagement.

As SM expands, SM In Focus makes it easier to express the Group's long-term value creation and connects internal insights with external engagement, enabling a more integrated and data-driven communication strategy.

In celebration of reaching a noteworthy 100,000 milestone, Rico Hizon, host and founder of SM In Focus, joins Lizanne Uychaco, executive vice president, group diversity officer, and executive producer of SM In Focus, in celebrating the YouTube Silver Play Button.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

Study reveals alarming prevalence of perinatal depression among Filipino mothers

COCOON PH Team with Australian counterparts

A new study by researchers at Far Eastern University (FEU) revealed important gaps in maternal mental health assistance and shed light on prenatal depression among Filipino mothers.

The publication of "Epidemiological investigation of perinatal depression among pregnant and postpartum women: findings from a cross-sectional survey in the Philippines" in the esteemed medical journal, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Open, marks a significant milestone. It is the first major study of perinatal depressive symptoms in the Philippines since the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is led by Dr. Joemer Calderon Maravilla, FEU adjunct professor and research fellow at The University of Queensland (UQ), and Joycelyn Abiog Filoteo, faculty member at IHSN-Nursing and current Director of the University Research Ethics Office.

3 in 5 pregnant and postpartum Filipino women experienced clinically significant depressive symptoms

In a nationwide sample of 856 mothers, 69.1% of pregnant women and 62.0% of postpartum women specifically showed signs of perinatal depression, which is higher than the 25% global average. These symptoms include despair, psychological distress, suicidal thoughts, and anhedonia, which is the loss of interest in enjoyable activities. The researchers recorded persistently severe symptoms during every stage of pregnancy and for a full year following delivery.

COCOON Philippine Team

The fact that younger mothers and postpartum women who are single face much higher risks shows that age and social support are significant variables in maternal well-being. Given that women who received high-quality prenatal care appeared to be less likely to have signs of depression, accessible and trustworthy maternal healthcare services are essential. The findings also highlight the need for early mental health support in addition to more comprehensive public health measures that address the broader social and economic conditions affecting Filipino women.

From Philippine research to global impact

over 15 countries, with oversight from Australia's national Stillbirth Centre for Research Excellence. FEU funded and managed this project in the Philippines using expertise from a range of disciplines, including nursing, psychology, epidemiology, and health sciences.

The research team consists of Dr. Jose Edwardo Mamaat, Dr. Ana Nelia Jumamil, Dr. Reinalyn Cardenas, Dr. Wilfredo Quijencio Jr., Dr. Mary Ann Bayani, Dr. Nemencio Santos Jr., Dr. Joyce Lisa Acena, Dr. Anna Liza Alfonso, Ms. Mayla Rivera, Ms. Rebecca Guariño, Dr. Rachelle Sarmiento, Prof. Vicki Flenady, Prof. Frances Boyle, Dr. Siobhan Loughnan, and Dr. Alma Trinidad Taragua.

FEU sees the publication as a step toward elevating mental health to a national concern in addition to being an academic achievement. It provides important local evidence in a topic that has been mostly neglected for decades. The knowledge discovered by FEU researchers enables policies and programs that improve outcomes for Filipino women and their children and bolster maternal mental health support networks.

Charge your EV at the closest SM this holy week to avoid the expensive fuel rates

As Holy Week travel season draws near and fuel prices continue to rise, drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) around the country can rely on their cherished SM Supermalls as a convenient recharging stop along the road. Drivers may make the most of their mall experience by utilizing the range of dining, shopping, and recreational options offered by SM Malls, which have over 160 EV charging stations dispersed across many SM locations across the country. The corporate social responsibility section of SM Supermalls, SM Cares, made this announcement.

The growing EV charging infrastructure in SM Supermalls is a reflection of the company's continuous efforts to give Filipino drivers additional eco-friendly mobility options. Due to fluctuating fuel prices, electric vehicles are becoming a more attractive choice for many people looking for more affordable and environmentally friendly transportation.

For EV users, convenience goes beyond simply plugging in. At SM Malls, drivers may make the most of their charging time while still finding time for personal activities like dining with family, shopping for needs, or simply relaxing on a long drive.

By offering EV charging in well-known local places, SM Supermalls, as part of the larger SM Green Movement, contribute to the accessibility, empowerment, and practicality of sustainable travel for both everyday commutes and vacation road trips.

This Holy Week, drivers may easily recharge while making the most of the SM retail experience by including SM malls into their travel plans.

For EV drivers traveling at this time of year, the advise is simple: plan your trip to the mall, charge on the move, and choose SM for a more sustainable and eco-friendly travel experience.

About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 89 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.

About SM Cares

As the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, SM Cares is focused on enriching the lives of Filipinos through socially-conscious and environmentally-responsible programs meant to Empower Communities into long-lasting, impactful improvement.

Global Street Dance Icons Link Up with Manila’s Finest Ahead of Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals

“I’m excited for these icons to experience the energy of the Filipino dance community. We are a warm and welcoming community, and I know our people are excited to connect with them through dance and movement. I’ve seen these icons perform live, and I can’t wait for our community to witness that same experience. It’s inspiring to learn not only their techniques, but also their work ethic, mindset, and foundations. After all, they are among the best in the world. Exchanges like these are exactly what we need; not just for exposure, but to build genuine relationships with dancers around the world. The Philippines is home to so many skilled dancers, and this tour allows us to showcase that talent on an international stage. We’re truly grateful to Red Bull for making this possible.” ~Nemesis, Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines 2025 National Champion

The street dancing culture in Manila is anticipated to spring to life on April 9 when the Red Bull dancing Tour comes in the Philippines. Thanks to international street dance superstars MT Pop, The D-Soraki, Nonoy, and Chrissy Chou, the city will become a vibrant melting ground for various freestyle cultures and the country's own street dance heroes.

From seminars and showcases to moments leading up to the main stage at Bridgetowne Concert Grounds for the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals, the tour is expected to spawn a number of partnerships that will bring together the best in the world and the energy of the local dance community. It will create a powerful interplay between local talent and international expertise.

A Global Tour Meets Manila’s Dance Floor

Fresh from exhilarating visits around Asia, the visiting freestyle dancers will arrive in Manila with the same vivid and powerful energy that defines Red Bull Dance Your Style. International celebrities will dance to the beat of the local street dance scene at the Manila stop, which is expected to develop into more than just a tour stop for performances. They will work with some of the country's dance icons, including Nemesis, Klockwise, Lema Diaz, and Vince Mendoza.

Over the course of multiple sessions and cyphers, Filipino and international dancers will trade movements, participate in spontaneous freestyle exchanges, and talk about strategies honed over years on the international combat circuit.

An open invitation to the community will also be part of the exchange. International performers Chrissy Chou, MT Pop, D-Soraki, and Nonoy will take part in regional dance competitions and offer free training to any street dancers who want to improve. Interested parties should watch Red Bull Philippines' website and social media pages for an official announcement of details.

During these seminars, the visiting freestylers will also talk about their own experiences and ideas that have shaped their journeys from local cyphers to global recognition. They will analyze musicality, freestyle strategy, and the little decisions that may make one dance floor moment into a winning round.

The workshops, which are located in the heart of Manila's thriving street dance scene, will provide both devoted followers and aspiring dancers a rare opportunity to learn directly from some of the most well-known freestyle performers.

Even though each dancer brings a unique perspective to their career, Nemesis believes that learning from these seasoned international dancers, who have a wealth of experience and knowledge, will inspire workshop participants to grow and raise their standards in dance.

The Manila floor will be used as a proving ground for aspiring Filipino dancers. During the class, participants will learn how to quickly adapt, switch up their techniques, vary their rhythms, and do actions that captivate the audience in real time.

“Street dance culture is a culture of sharing, connection, and inspiring one another. It's a very positive thing when local dancers get the chance to meet, share, and connect with international dancers. One day, they can also go out of their country and travel around as ‘international dancers. I will share my strengths and perspectives, and how I train and experience, hoping that these can help other dancers improve and grow in their own unique way of dancing.’ From what I know, dancers in the Philippines are raw, incredibly passionate, energetic, and full of dance spirit. I hope people won't spend too much energy chasing votes or focusing on outside factors. Instead, I hope they will focus more on themselves—‘Dance your style. Sometimes, shining on stage doesn't come only from practice. It also comes from confidence and from genuinely enjoying the time you have while you're up there.” ~MT Pop, Red Bull Dance Your Style 2024 World Champion

He explained that being a dancer involves more than just technique practice. It is equally important to comprehend how people view and experience the dance and how it is performed locally as a part of their culture. The World Champion was thrilled about the tour's arrival in Manila.

The local community is expected to find the tour to be both a challenge and an inspiration. It will be an opportunity to advance culture overall and compare their ingenuity to the best in the world.

The momentum of the tour will directly affect the Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines National Finals, where the top freestyle dancers in the country will compete for the chance to represent the Philippines internationally at the World Finals in Zurich, Switzerland.

Unlike traditional dance competitions, which are evaluated by a panel, Red Bull Dance Your Style provides the people total control. Whether doing hip-hop, house, locking, or popping, dancers must captivate the audience with their unwavering stage presence, freestyle skill, and pure musicality.

Fueling the dancers and fans throughout the tour stop, Army Navy, Hertz, and Mophie will join the event as partners, keeping the energy high as the community gathers for the Finals.

 

Be a Part of the Energy

 

Experience the Red Bull Dance Your Style 2026 Philippines National Finals live this April 11 at 3 PM at the Bridgetowne Concert Grounds.

 

Admission is free for all upon registration. Register now to secure your spot at one of the most electrifying street dance events of the year. Learn more and stay updated by visiting Red Bull’s official website and following its social media pages (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok).

About Red Bull

Red Bull gives wings to people and ideas. As a functional beverage, we give wings to people by vitalizing the body and mind – supporting their dreams and aspirations through their passion for dancing.

Unbeatable Launch Offers for the TECNO CAMON 50 Series' Comeback

It's time to give up waiting. The much awaited AI-powered imaging smartphone from TECNO, the CAMON 50 Series, is now available in the Philippines. Pre-orders for the series will be accepted from April 1 through April 17 at all authorized TECNO physical stores nationwide.

₱1 Pre-Order, Big Rewards

From April 1 to April 3, Filipino fans can secure the current CAMON 50 series for an unbelievable P1 downpayment. Starting April 4, the pre-order demands a P500 downpayment, making it one of the most rewarding smartphone launches of the year. Customers who pre-order can receive discounts of up to P2,000 off the SRP – P1,000 for the CAMON 50 and up to P2,000 for the CAMON 50 Ultra 5G.

But that’s not all. Every pre-order with successful claim starts on Apr 18 – Apr 30 will come with a premium bundle of five exciting perks:

• CAMON 50 Series Exclusive Gift Box (worth P1,999) including an air conduction headphone and charging lanyard cable
• 1-Year Premium Membership on MovieBox App
• 50 GB Free Cloud Storage on TECNO Cloud
• 60-Day Free Replacement (for non-human caused issues) and 2-Year Warranty via CarlCare
• And so much more in store!

Built for Creators, Powered by AI.

The CAMON 50 Series is made for Filipinos, whether they are regular storytellers or content makers, who wish to film more strategically, produce more fast, and make a lasting impression online. Sony's flagship hardware and AI computer architecture enable cutting-edge features like AI Auto Zoom for properly framed photographs and Super-Zoom FlashSnap for zero-lag action photos. This camera phone functions as a Creative AI Hub with features like One-Tap FlashMemo, an AI Art Gallery, and the trustworthy Ella AI assistant to increase daily productivity.

The CAMON 50 Series, which is regarded as the most well-liked imaging smartphone series in the Philippines, is made for individuals who will do whatever it takes to capture the most special moments in their lives. Don't miss the nation's most exciting smartphone pre-order event of the year. Visit any authorized TECNO store in the nation to reserve your unit. For further details, see the official TECNO website or Facebook page.

About TECNO

As a global innovative technology brand with operations in over 70 markets, TECNO has been committed to revolutionizing the digital experience in global emerging markets, relentlessly pushing for the perfect integration of contemporary, aesthetic design with the latest technologies and AI. TECNO offers a wide range of smartphones, smart wearables, laptops and tablets, smart gaming, HiOS operating systems and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing”, TECNO is committed to unlocking the newest technologies and AI-powered new experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and their best futures. For more information, please visit TECNO’s official site: www.tecno-mobile.com.

SM expands rewards ecosystem through Trip.com partnership

“Through strategic partnerships, both within and beyond the SM Group, we continue to enhance the value proposition for our members. This collaboration with Trip.com further expands our travel ecosystem, allowing members to earn rewards while accessing local and global destinations.” ~Patrick Cua, Chief Operating Officer of SMAC

The SM group expanded its integrated rewards ecosystem by providing members with new ways to earn points on travel reservations through a recent deal between its loyalty program, SMAC, and worldwide online travel platform Trip.com.

Under the partnership, SMAC members will receive 1 SMAC Point for each PHP250 spent on hotel and airline reservations booked through Trip.com. Points will be credited within 60 working days after finishing your Trip.com reservation, which is after your flight or hotel stay.

The collaboration strengthens SM's broader ecosystem approach by connecting retail, banking, real estate, and lifestyle services to deliver seamless and fulfilling customer experiences.

Trip.com is an international one-stop shop for travel services that is available in 39 countries and regions in 24 languages and 35 local currencies. With 3,400 airports spread over 220 countries and regions, Trip.com offers a huge hotel and travel network with more than 1.5 million rooms, flights from more than 640 airlines, and more than 300,000 tour and attraction packages.

To be eligible, members must check in at smac.ph and access Trip.com through the SMAC homepage before completing their reservation. The Trip.com relationship strengthens SMAC's growing network of travel and lifestyle alliances, which includes SM Hotels, AirAsia Rewards, and Philippine Airlines' Mabuhay Miles.

Beyond travel, SMAC continues to enhance banking and retail services with benefits like its remittance rewards program with BDO and SM Store.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

Empowered Women and Learners: How Online Education (OEd) Is increasing access to learning for Filipino Women

Rather than being unmotivated, many Filipino women delay their education because of competing duties. Work, family, and caregiving frequently take precedence over traditional education. Nonetheless, more women are resuming their education on their own terms both domestically and abroad through online education (OEd).

Because of its fully online programs, OEd has quietly become a popular option for shift workers, working mothers, and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who want to continue their education without giving up their daily obligations.

Learning Between Shifts, Childcare, and Workdays

For working mothers, going back to school may seem unachievable. Due to career and household commitments, fixed class schedules are sometimes impossible. OEd's online model changes the equation by allowing students to study at their own pace and at times that work for them.

Some moms log on after putting their children to bed. Some people use their days off or in between work shifts to study. Online access enables OFWs to continue their education while residing abroad by bridging the gap through digital learning.

These women all come to the conclusion that since life is full, education no longer needs to be put on hold.

Working Moms, Studying Moms

OEd's learners include mothers who see education as a personal goal and a role model for their kids. Completing senior high school or enrolling in short courses is about more than simply credentials; it's about confidence, self-improvement, and long-term stability.

Many say they have been able to more intentionally manage their time because of the flexibility of online learning.

Without the stress of a daily commute or regular classroom hours, they may focus on their education and yet be there for their families.

Under this structure, education becomes a part of everyday life rather than a rival to it.

Why Flexible Learning Matters for Women

Education disruptions caused by caregiving and work responsibilities continue to disproportionately affect women. Programs that offer asynchronous learning, where lessons and requirements are available at any time, help close the gap.

Students who want to complete their fundamental education or gain practical skills without committing to long-term, on-campus study can benefit from OEd's programs, such as Online Senior High School and Short Courses. For women who wish to improve their employment prospects, reenter the profession, or pursue personal improvement, these programs are particularly crucial.

Both accessibility and dignity—education that respects the learner's time and circumstances—are appealing.

Education as Empowerment

For many women, returning to school is an act of empowerment. It shows a choice to invest in oneself despite busy schedules and competing obligations. In this case, OEd's role is less about replacing traditional education and more about expanding access to education.

As flexible learning becomes more popular, tales of working mothers, OFWs, and shift workers completing their education are becoming increasingly widespread. They are contributing to a broader shift in Philippine teaching methods.

Continuing the Journey

As more women search for ways to learn without taking time away from their children or employment, online education continues to transform the options.

To learn more about Online Education and its flexible short-term learning options, you may visit their website at www.oed.com.ph.