Illuminating the Bright Future of Pampanga

(from left to right) SM Prime Senior Vice President Engr. Bien Mateo, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, SMDC President Jose Mari Banzon, City Mayor Edwin Santiago, newly-elected Vice Mayor BJ Lagman, City Tourism Officer Ma. Lourdes Carmella Jade Pangilinan, and City Administrator Atty. Atlee Viray

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) and SM Supermalls join the City Government of San Fernando, Pampanga in inaugurating their newest Tourist Information Center.

The newly-built complex is set to highlight not just the ingenuity, artistry, and craftsmanship of the Kapampangans, but also the robust local tourism industry and the thriving economy of Pampanga. 

Present in this momentous milestone were (from left to right) SM Prime Senior Vice President Engr. Bien Mateo, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, SMDC President Jose Mari Banzon, City Mayor Edwin Santiago, newly-elected Vice Mayor BJ Lagman, City Tourism Officer Ma. Lourdes Carmella Jade Pangilinan, and City Administrator Atty. Atlee Viray.

SM Development Corporation officially launched Start-up Boot Camp

Empowering resident entrepreneurs. SM Development Corporation (SMDC) officially launched its Start-up Boot Camp with a forum on how to grow and start a business, held last May 28 at the Grass Residences Clubhouse in Quezon City. Facilitated by top entrepreneurs from GoNegosyo, the SMDC's Start-up Boot Camp was attended by 56 residents from various SMDC properties. Championing an entrepreneurial mindset, SMDC plans to bring its Start-up Boot camp to its other developments to equip its residents with the right tools and knowledge to launch and grow their passion projects.

SM Development Corporation Health and Wellness Caravan

Promoting Health and Wellbeing. True to its commitment in building happy, healthy, safe, and thriving communities, SM Development Corporation (SMDC) continues to champion the wellbeing of its residents and neighboring communities through The Good Guys Health and Wellness caravan. In collaboration with SM Foundation and Red Cross Philippines, more than 200 residents of Barangay South Triangle in Quezon City were given free medical check-ups, laboratory tests, and medicines last May 31. This year, The Good Guys Health and Wellness Caravan has already provided health checks to more than 1,500 individuals, and has administered more than 600 COVID-19 vaccine booster shots.

SMDC: Giving Residents Opportunities to Give Back to the Community

"It was in 2020, the onset of the pandemic when one of our neighbors here at Trees Residences invited us to join a bazaar. We noticed that many of our residents here in Trees were senior citizens. They're the ones vulnerable to COVID-19 so they had very limited movement, even within our community. We assisted them with everything they needed. We went out of our way for them and helped them purchase their medicines and provided them with services that were not available here at the bazaar. What we were able to build here is not just a customer-seller relationship, but a bigger, deeper one. We are now neighbors-turned-families, and that's what I love most about being a volunteer and a resident of my SMDC community. I look at SMDC not only as a property, but it’s also a community for everyone. SMDC is a complete package—from the amenities and facilities fit for everyone to the programs for the whole family not only for the children but for others especially the seniors and the PWDs. It feels so good to be part of SMDC’s The Good Guys Volunteers program. It brings a different kind of purpose and fulfillment to be able to help others in your own simple way." ~Loida Geniblazo-Secillano, A Resident of SMDC’s Trees Residences

The recent global health crisis impacted the lives of many but it has sparked solidarity, unity, and cooperation among Filipinos. During this trying time, we saw a full display of the spirit of bayanihan and the value of malasakit, as people stepped up to extend a helping hand to those who are in need.

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) initiated various programs to provide assistance to its residents and neighboring communities amidst the difficult situation. The company’s community efforts have become an avenue for its residents and employees to volunteer and be of service to others.

Loida Geniblazo-Secillano, a resident of SMDC’s Trees Residences, realized that she had a lot of time on her hands when COVID-19 struck. Since their construction company had to pause operations,  she wanted to do something to keep herself busy, and her mind off the anxiety that the situation brought. 

Loida Geniblazo-Secillano, A Resident of SMDC’s Trees Residences

Loida, a food technologist by profession and now a volunteer and the head coordinator of the resident entrepreneurs at SMDC’s Trees Residences. Loida joined SMDC’s The Good Guys Weekend Market, which she describes as a life-changing experience as she found new friends, as well as new opportunities to earn and help people during the lockdown. 

Loida says that she is thankful and inspired to belong to a community of good people, who truly care and have a genuine concern for others. She believes that the strong sense of community and family at SMDC’s Trees Residences made it possible for them to get through the most difficult moments of the health crisis. 

Being at the forefront of community building, SMDC has created programs that inspired the Good Guys in every community. SMDC employees and residents have been helping out in various ways during the pandemic, keeping the spirit of Bayanihan alive in every development. 

Committed to create happy, healthy, safe, and thriving communities, SMDC has been leading community development efforts to empower its residents and those who live around its properties. SMDC has been successful in building a community of good people who are willing to respond to the needs of others.

To know more about SMDC and its various community initiatives, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter, or visit the official SMDC website.

About SM Development Corporation (SMDC)

SMDC is the largest and fastest-growing real estate developer in the Philippines. Championing perfectly integrated commercial and residential environments, SMDC provides every Filipino and its investors access to a sustainable and attainable cosmopolitan lifestyle. Through masterfully planned and award-winning complete developments, SMDC has been providing the dream homes of Filipinos in Metro Manila and other key cities in the Philippines.

Super Dads share how Fatherhood has Transformed their Careers

In celebration of Father’s Day, three fathers from Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, share how fatherhood has allowed them to become better versions of themselves, including at the workplace.

• Martin Yu, Director of Shopee Philippines
• Michael, SPX Rider for two years
• Mark, Shopee Seller

By embracing their roles as fathers, Martin, Michael, and Mark have come to understand better how to serve their customers and their teams in their respective roles as employees of Shopee and partners of SPX.

Fathers provide, protect, and persevere at home and at work. In celebration of Father’s Day, three fathers from Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, share how fatherhood has allowed them to become better versions of themselves, including at the workplace.

Martin: Evolving as a Leader and as a Father

“When Shopee started in the Philippines, I had to be more of a coach, but as we grew and built up a larger team, I had to adjust my leadership style. I tried to foster a culture where my team is encouraged to speak up and contribute their ideas and initiatives. Now, my role is to ensure these align with our bigger business objectives. I encourage my children to try new things and try to be their buddy. I talk to my sons like we are friends now because they are developing their interests, and I want to encourage them to discover who they want to be in this fast-changing world. Looking ahead, I know I must adapt even more as they become teenagers and young adults. My sons are still young, but I think it’s never too early to teach them the value of meaningful work that significantly impacts society and empowers them to pursue a career path that offers that opportunity.” 

Shopee Philippines Director Martin Yu has been leading teams to help businesses shift online through Shopee since 2017 and has seen the platform grow. As a father of two young boys, Martin has observed a common aspect between being a father and a leader that he now applies every day: the need to evolve. 

As a Father, Martin is mindful of how fast his sons are growing up and how he needs to similarly adapt his parenting style to keep up with their changing needs. 

Martin’s ultimate hope is that his work will inspire his kids to pursue impactful careers. 

Michael: Building more Meaningful Relationships

“Before the pandemic, I planned to return to Taiwan to continue providing for my family. I am grateful that my job as a Shopee Xpress partner rider allows me to come home to my children everyday. Being able to play an active role in their lives has given my life and my job more meaning and purpose. My children are my biggest inspiration in life. It is very meaningful for me that I now get to fulfill my role as a father in a better way.”

Before coming to work for Shopee Xpress as a partner rider two years ago, Michael worked as an overseas Filipino worker in Taiwan, just like his father. Growing up, he found it difficult to form a solid connection with his father since their relationship mainly consisted of online video calls. When Michael became a father four years ago, he knew he wanted to be a more present figure in his daughter’s life. 

As a Shopee Xpress partner rider, not only is Michael able to provide for his family’s needs, but he can also play a more active role in the lives of his two children, aged two and four.

One of the things Michael is most proud of in life, is being a present father in the lives of his children.

Mark: Giving His Best as a Father and a Seller 

“Nine years ago, I fought to become a father, and I continue to fight for my family every day. When I started my online business, I struggled to get orders, but I persevered and gave my all for them. Selling through Shopee has allowed my family to reach many milestones like building a home and a warehouse. Everything I do, whether as a father or a business owner, is driven by my love for my wife and daughters. Till today, I continue to give my best every day, not just for my family, but also for my customers.”

Since becoming a father, Mark has learned what it truly means to work hard and persevere. He nearly lost his daughter nine years ago to biliary atresia, a rare condition that affected her liver and required her to undergo an expensive procedure abroad. By selling customized pillows on Shopee’s platform, Mark has been able to provide for his family’s needs, including his daughter’s regular medication. 

By embracing their roles as fathers, Martin, Michael, and Mark have come to understand better how to serve their customers and their teams in their respective roles as employees of Shopee and partners of Shopee Xpress. Their meaningful careers have enabled them to make a difference in the lives of others – both at home and in the workplace. 

SM Foundation Marks 1st Medical Mission at SM City SJDM Since Pandemic

“We just hope for the best, for the continuous recovery of the economy and that all of us can get the immunization that we need against the virus, so we can do more of this kind of activity, which really helps a lot of people.” ~Jose Mari Emmanuel Correa, SM City San Jose del Monte Mall Manager

Vital Sings check-up. The City Social Welfare and Development Office of San Jose del Monte provided volunteers during the Medical Mission at SM City San Jose del Monte as the patients lined up to avail the benefit.

In collaboration with the City Health Office (CHO) and City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), SM Foundation through SM City San Jose del Monte conducted its first medical mission since the outbreak of the Covid19 pandemic.

SM Foundation and its partners provide basic services to the residents of San Jose del Monte. The community service comprised of medical and dental checkup, tooth extractions, X-rays, electrocardiograph or ECG, blood sugar test, cholesterol test, uric acid test, and hemoglobin test.

To ensure everyone’s safety, and to limit the number of people that may flock during the mission, CSWD pre-identified the beneficiaries who are part of the indigent sector of the community.

SM Foundation volunteer distribute the prescribe medicine to the beneficiary of the ‘Gamot Para Sa Kapwa’ Medical Mission at SM City San Jose del Monte. 

SM City San Jose del Monte management on the other hand, included the employees of its partner agencies such as guards and janitors to take advantage of the medical mission.

SM City San Jose del Monte Mall Manager, Jose Mari Emmanuel Correa said that the numbers of beneficiaries for this medical mission may be lower than the previous ones but the safety of all the participants including volunteers, is the top priority.

Free medicines and vitamins were also distributed as prescribed by the volunteer doctors during the activity.

In total, there are 349 patients were served and 488 services were provided.

Going Green for Good: McDonald's opens new solar-powered restaurants

“McDonald's Philippines is embarking on our journey towards becoming a better McDonald's for the environment. We recognize the role we play and the impact we can make by committing to learn and scale initiatives that reduce waste and emissions. Our goal is for our stores to become sustainable developments that feature sustainable restaurant solutions that enable waste reduction, energy conservation, upcycling, and inclusive dining solutions.” ~Kenneth S. Yang, McDonald’s Philippines President & CEO

The newest solar-powered McDonald’s store in Arayat, Pampanga. These solar panels will become a significant source of electricity for the restaurant, providing employees and customers with clean and renewable energy.

Quick service restaurant giant McDonald’s Philippines, majority owned and operated by its Master Franchise Holder, Chairman & Founder Dr. George T. Yang is poised to strengthen its Green & Good intiative, the company’s commitment to the environment, by scaling innovative and sustainable restaurant solutions in more of its new stores in the country. The company has conducted a pilot test in its Quezon Avenue, Quezon City and Malasiqui, Pangasinan stores to explore rooftop solar power systems.

Since 2020, McDonald’s has opened two Green & Good flagship stores in Manila and Mandaluyong to test and learn green solutions for sustainable restaurant practices. Previously, the company also conducted a pilot test in its Quezon Avenue, Quezon City and Malasiqui, Pangasinan stores to explore rooftop solar power systems. 

McDonald’s pilot test for solar power rooftop in its Malasiqui, Pangasinan store.

Today, McDonald’s is now set to roll out its first batch of new stores in Arayat, Pampanga and Ligao, Albay to be solar-powered. These stores are equipped with grid-tied/on-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems connected to the local utility grid and is a cost-effective option to supplement energy requirements. With potentially more than 70,000 KWH in estimated annual power generation, equivalent to approximately less 17,000 kg of CO2 emissions. With the solar rooftop being its significant source of electricity, McDonald’s will be able to power these stores with clean and renewable energy, enhancing its other sustainable solutions for its restaurants.

McDonald’s pilot test for solar power rooftop in its Quezon Avenue, Quezon City store.

Similar to its existing branches in U.N. Del Pilar Manila and Shaw Wack-Wack Mandaluyong, the new stores will also feature solar lamp posts, photo and motion sensors, and high-performance glass film as part of its utility efficiency solutions, as well as eco-friendly air conditioning for less energy consumption. Green building solutions such as light gauge steel frames, ecopavers/panels and concrete fiber are incorporated as well. Meanwhile, sustainable packaging, proper waste disposal, and active mobility continue to be part of Green & Good stores’ upcycling and inclusive dining experiences.

This year, the company projects to further expand its commitment to the environment by opening more new Green & Good flagship stores in the country and convert more of its existing stores to use solar power energy. 

McDonald’s Philippines master franchise holder Dr. George T. Yang一who oversees and sits as chairman for 40 years一founded and brought the first McDonald’s store to the country in 1981. Since then, McDonald’s in the Philippines has been a formidable player in the country’s quick service restaurant industry, having grown a store network of over 650 nationwide. McDonald’s Philippines continues to aspire to make a difference in communities where it operates through its charity of Choice, Ronald McDonald House Charities Philippines.