SM Mobilizes 100 Volunteer Teams for CSR Day

SM Volunteer teams distribute shoes to elementary school students of Balatong Elementary School in Bulacan. The activity was part of the SM Store’s CSR Day.

SM, through the SM Store, recently organized 100 volunteer teams from across its retail network for Corporate Social Responsibility Day. This initiative demonstrates the company's commitment to volunteerism and community service by encouraging employees to make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.

A total of 75 teams from the SM Store and 25 teams from various Retail Affiliates took part in a variety of community service activities. The initiative benefited over 100 people, including public schools funded by the SM Foundation, UNICEF Philippines, World Vision, Good Neighbors Philippines, and other local organizations. Volunteers distributed essential items like school supplies, shoes, hygiene kits, and food packs.

SM Retail has actively engaged its employees in meaningful social responsibility initiatives, with a particular emphasis on assisting underprivileged Filipino students. These initiatives include reading sessions, classroom painting, and community outreach. Through employee volunteerism, the company continues to empower communities and support Filipino youth.

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

SM Center Angono's Grand Christmas Centerpiece with Luca’s Beary Merry Christmas

People in Angono were dazzled by the largest, brightest holiday show at SM Center Angono during the unveiling of their Christmas Centerpiece today, October 24, 2024.

Luca's Beary Merry Christmas promises to be a fantastic holiday for the entire family. Witness the amazing narrative of Luca and his buddies as they spread Christmas cheer in the mall.

The event featured performances by the famed Ruthless Comrades dancers, who were sure to impress the audience with their #SMagical routines. Joined in the thrilling countdown to the lighting ceremony, where Santa and his Elves will make a surprise appearance to lights the breathtaking display.

Santa and his Elves will give the kids gifts as part of the celebrations to spread holiday joy.

In the spirit of giving, the SM Bears of Joy campaign urges customers to purchase a pair of SM Bears of Joy for only 280Php, one for themselves and one to donate to a charity of their choice.

Don't miss up this opportunity to create amazing moments with your loved ones.

Visit SM Center Angono to feel the magic of Christmas with Luca's Beary Merry Christmas!

BPI's business development program helps start-up businesses

“We have witnessed the entrepreneurs’ determination through the program, and we’re excited to see how they will scale their businesses in the future. It has been an honor to be part of their journey. BPI Foundation is committed to empowering small enterprises, and we believe that with the right support, these entrepreneurs can significantly contribute to economic growth and financial inclusion. We look forward to seeing their continued success as they transform their visions into reality.” ~Carmina Marquez, BPIF Executive Director

Corinthian Anne Valenton, owner of Corrsy's Kitchen, offers Cheese Pimiento spread and Langka Calamansi jam. Corrsy’s Kitchen is one of the winners of SEAL-SEGA.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its social development arm, BPI Foundation (BPIF), in collaboration with Bayan Academy, recently announced the top 40 small and 20 nano enterprises from this year's Small Enterprise Acceleration Lab (SEAL) programme.

The SEAL Project Series, which launched in 2022, was created to not only support but also empower micro and nano enterprises, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs. SEAL has become a beacon of hope for small business owners looking to scale and sustain their operations by providing strategic interventions and hands-on guidance.

Over 200 entrepreneurs received invaluable training in product and service development, operations optimization, and marketing through the SEAL-Small Enterprise Growth Agenda (SEAL-SEGA) over the course of the previous year. More than just lessons, the program provided tailored solutions to the specific challenges these businesses faced. Top-performing businesses were not only given knowledge, but also cash grants and expert mentorship to help them grow.

This year, BPIF recognized 40 businesses that demonstrated exceptional potential, awarding them cash grants ranging from Php80,000 to Php120,000. These businesses, now equipped to carry out their strategic plans, will continue to benefit from ongoing mentoring.

OhMi Krafts, one of the winners of SEAL-BEGIN, customizes souvenirs from polymer clays, beads, wood, and succulents.

This year, BPIF also launched a new track known as the SEAL-Business Education and Growth Initiative for Nano-entrepreneurs (SEAL-BEGIN). SEAL-BEGIN provided basic training and resources to aspiring entrepreneurs, with an emphasis on integrating digital-age opportunities.

SEAL-BEGIN had over 240 registrants, and 20 nano-enterprises were recognized for their promising potential and innovative ideas. Participants received entrepreneurial training and were encouraged to use local and government resources to grow their businesses.

Since its inception, the SEAL program series has supported numerous businesses, disbursing a significant amount of cash grants. The program is fostering a vibrant and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem across the country by providing comprehensive training, mentorship, and financial aid.

Insular Foundation Offers Skills Training to Haven's Women Residents

“Inaasahan namin na magagamit ninyo ang inyong natutunan sa aming handog na Skills Training and beauty kits on Hairdressing and Nail Care, upang paglabas ninyo dito sa Haven for Women ay mayroon kayong baon para simulan muli ng maganda ang inyong mga buhay.” ~Ana Soriano, Insular Foundation Executive Director

The Insular Foundation provided residents of Haven for Women with skills training to help them gain practical skills and earn a living.  

InLife's corporate social responsibility arm sponsored a training on hairdressing and nail care skills for residents of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's National Capital Region Haven for Women in Muntinlupa City. The Insular Foundation also provided beauty kits stocked with tools and supplies to assist the women in starting home services or finding jobs in salons.  

The skills training was part of a three-year partnership between Insular Foundation, Haven for Women, and Muntinlupa City Technical Institute (MCTI). 

MCTI Operations Division Head Antonio Terrenal encouraged the women to use their new skills to gain livelihood. 

“Huwag nating sayangin ang ganitong pagkakataon na skills training na ibinigay ng MCTI at Insular Foundation. Kayo din ang aani ng pagsasanay nyo dito dahil magagamit nyo ito sa pagbabagong-buhay at paghahanap-buhay.” ~Antonio Terrenal,  MCTI Operations Division Head

Catherine Taleno, Social Welfare Officer III of Haven for Women, thanked Insular Foundation for supporting the government’s goal of empowering women. 

“The goal of Haven for Women is women empowerment so that our residents who are victims of gender-based violence can be productive members of their communities. Lubos po ang pasasalamat namin sa partnership na ito with MCTI and Insular Foundation. The government cannot do it alone. We need the assistance of our partners to achieve our goal.” ~Catherine Taleno, Social Welfare Officer III of Haven for Women

One of the training recipients expressed hope that they can use their skills to earn a living. “Kahit hindi ako nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral ay nagpapasalamat ako kasi natuto akong gumupit. Sana ay huwag tayong panghinaan at mawalan ng pag-asa, at maging matagumpay tayong lahat.”  

The ABPM-capable smartwatch from Huawei is now priced at PHP 19,999 in the Philippines

The HUAWEI WATCH D21, Huawei's first smartwatch with Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM), is now available for purchase. The latest HUAWEI wearable device elevates health and wellness tracking to a new level by providing improved, more accurate tracking capabilities. The HUAWEI WATCH D2, priced at PHP 19,999, will be available beginning October 25.

A 2020 survey on Home Blood Pressure Monitoring (HBPM) in Asia found that more than 95% of physicians recommend HBPM for hypertensive patients2. It also claims that the incorporation of HBPM, a method for hypertensive patients to measure their blood pressure at home, provides critical support for better hypertension management. With its ABPM capabilities, the HUAWEI WATCH D2 simplifies and streamlines regular self-monitoring. Its lightweight, comfortable, and functional design allows users to easily track their blood pressure at home and on the go.

The HUAWEI WATCH D2 was officially launched in the Philippines on October 17 at the HUAWEI Experience Store in SM North EDSA, where attendees received an exclusive and in-depth experience with the new addition to the HUAWEI WATCH D Series.

Monitor Your Blood Pressure Levels with Ease

The ABPM feature on the new Huawei WATCH D2 allows users to continuously track their blood pressure levels. The watch monitors blood pressure throughout the day, including at night, giving users a better understanding of their cardiovascular health. The watch is lightweight, with an ultra-narrow mechanical airbag super-slim profile that allows for comfortable all-day wear.

The Huawei WATCH D2 allows users to check their blood pressure by raising their wrist. The device also encourages users to be more proactive about their health by allowing them to set reminders to check their blood pressure when they wake up. At night, the watch automatically measures blood pressure without interruption. ABPM is set to occur every 30 minutes by default, but watch wearers can customize intervals between 15 and 60 minutes.

The collected data is made available through the HUAWEI Health App, where users can access comprehensive reports summarizing blood pressure fluctuations and recommending lifestyle changes. While the HUAWEI WATCH D2's ABPM feature makes it an excellent health management tool, particularly for those with hypertension, it should not be used to replace professional medical care.

Track Your Health and Fitness Better

The HUAWEI WATCH D2 includes the HUAWEI TruSense System, which provides faster and more accurate health monitoring. It uses the Fusion Blood Pressure Algorithm to provide more comfortable and accurate blood pressure readings. With a single tap, users can monitor nine vital health indicators, including heart rate, blood pressure, SpO2, stress, skin temperature, ECG, vascular elasticity, pulse wave arrhythmia, and sleep apnea, and generate a Health Glance3 report in 90 seconds. While the watch can provide users with useful information about their health, it is not a medical device and should not be used in place of professional diagnosis or treatment.

The watch's Beat-by-Beat ECG Analysis and Pulse Wave Arrhythmia alerts provide real-time heart health information. The upgraded heart rate monitor adjusts based on activity, and stress management and skin temperature monitoring features provide additional information. The HUAWEI Health App also allows users to keep track of their family members' health and alert them to any irregularities, thereby facilitating comprehensive family care. Users can easily manage the privacy settings for their family members' health data, limiting access to only the individuals they choose.

Watch Your Health in Style

The HUAWEI WATCH D2, available in gold, is designed to look stylish and elegant while remaining extremely comfortable, making it ideal for all-day wear. It has a sleek mirror bezel, a segmented body, a smooth curved surface, and a rotating crown. The 1.82-inch display, which features a 2.5D floating design, is larger and clearer.

The watch's sophisticated look and comfortable design make it appropriate for both formal and casual occasions. Its compact design allows for easy health tracking no matter what users are doing. The device includes medium and large straps in the box, ensuring a secure fit for all wrist sizes. The straps are made of sweat-resistant, skin-friendly TPU material, making them comfortable even after extended use.

Experience Smarter Convenience on Your Wrist

The latest version of the Huawei WATCH D Series encourages healthier habits by tracking daily tasks for exercise, diet, sleep, weight, and stress. It has more than 80 sport modes and automatically detects six common activities, providing accurate workout data via GNSS positioning. The watch's Sleep Mode feature relaxes users with white noise and soothing music, while comprehensive sleep monitoring measures heart rate, SpO2, and breathing patterns.

The watch also includes smart features like Bluetooth calling, NFC-enabled door and panel access, alarms, and a calendar. By the end of 2024, Huawei intends to integrate smart payment functionality with GCash payment features into the watch. The watch is compatible with iOS and Android devices, and comes with a battery that lasts up to six days typical use on a single charge.

Manage Your Health Smarter and Better with the HUAWEI WATCH D2

Starting October 25, the HUAWEI WATCH D2 will be available on Shopee, Lazada, Tiktok, the HUAWEI Online Store, HUAWEI Experience Stores, and authorized dealers nationwide. The watch is priced at PHP 19,999. Medium and large watch straps are included in the box. Secure your HUAWEI WATCH D2 today and receive a free Body Fat Scale (worth PHP 1,499) and one-year warranty extension (worth PHP 699). Collect vouchers on Shopee, Lazada, and Tiktok to save PHP 1,000 on the Huawei Watch D2 until November 30. Enjoy 0% installment promotions for up to 6 months when paying with SPayLater or LazPayLater, up to 18 months for Home Credit purchases, and up to 24 months for credit card purchases. Want to trade your device?

This exclusive offer is available from October 25 to November 30.

To learn more, visit Huawei’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

About HUAWEI Consumer BG

HUAWEI's products and services are available in more than 170 countries and are used by a third of the world's population. Fifteen R&D centers have been set up in the United States, Germany, Sweden, Russia, India and China. HUAWEI Consumer BG is one of HUAWEI's three business units and covers smartphones, PC and tablets, wearables and cloud services, etc. HUAWEI's global network is built on over 30 years of expertise in the telecom industry and is dedicated to delivering the latest technological advances to consumers around the world.

For more information please visit: this page.

Mang Inasal treats customers to FREE Palabok this Ihaw Fest

“With the Christmas season approaching, we want our Ihaw Fest to kick off special gatherings among families, friends, and colleagues. We hope our Family Fiesta, paired with free Palabok, will make every celebration extra special.” ~Mike V. Castro, Mang Inasal President

Mang Inasal is celebrating the ongoing Ihaw Fest by giving away two Palabok Solos with the purchase of a Family Fiesta bundle from October 16 to 31, available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.

This special offer is part of a nationwide celebration that has left customers delighted with free gifts. Earlier this month, the first two weeks included free Extra Creamy Halo-Halo, and customers can now get two free Palabok Solos in the third and fourth weeks.

The Mang Inasal Family Fiesta comes in four delicious variations: All Chicken (Paa or Pecho), All Pork (Pork BBQ and Liempo), Chicken and Pork BBQ, and Chicken and Liempo—all served on a bed of Java Rice and suitable for four to six people. Each bundle also includes six refreshing beverages.

The Fiesta lineup also includes affordable party platters such as the Solo Fiesta—an all-in-one bilao of Ihaw-Sarap favorites; the Buddy Fiesta for two to three diners; and the Palabok Party Size, which can accommodate up to ten people.

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.ph for the latest news, https://manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media for more Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya updates!

Manila Water Foundation and partners highlight the benefits of handwashing for Global Handwashing Day

On Global Handwashing Day itself, Manila Water Foundation and PHILUSA Corporation, held an event at the La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City with Barangay Urban Farmers, Solid Waste Management Workers and TODA members of Barangay Greater Lagro and Barangay Fairview.

Manila Water Foundation, Manila Water Company's social development arm, recently organized two onsite events to commemorate Global Handwashing Day (GHD). The first event was a much-anticipated celebration in San Juan City, and the GHD itself was held at the La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, the San Juan City Council, and San Juan City Representative Bel Zamora hosted the MWF.  

During the Monday flag ceremony at San Juan City Hall, the Manila Water Foundation and P&G Safeguard presented donations to the City Health Department. MWF donated three WASHups! Handwashing stations were set up, and P&G Safeguard donated boxes of liquid hand soap to the city's health programs. 

A SAFEWASH in Families and Communities health talk was also held to encourage barangay health workers to promote hand hygiene in their families and city. 

On Global Handwashing Day, the Manila Water Foundation and PHILUSA Corporation held an event at the La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City. The guests at the Global Handwashing Day celebration included Barangay Urban Farmers, Solid Waste Management Workers, and TODA members from Barangay Greater Lagro and Barangay Fairview. Quezon City 5th District Representative Patrick Michael Vargas was also present to praise the barangay workers' dedication to the district's upkeep and to remind everyone of the importance of proper hand washing for health.

Before the GHD event, PHILUSA Corporation, led by President and General Manager Neogin Evangelista, began the day by planting trees at the Ecopark, demonstrating the company's environmental commitment. The Manila Water Foundation, for its part, reminded community members of the importance of handwashing and the seven steps to proper handwashing. 

In collaboration with the Quezon City Health Department, the Manila Water Foundation observed Global Handwashing Day with students at Early Childhood Care and Development Centers. To reach out to the regions, MWF co-organized Global Handwashing Day events in Davao del Norte with Boracay Water, Laguna Water, and Tagum Water.

Global Handwashing Day, observed annually on October 15, is an advocacy day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of handwashing with soap and water as an easy, effective, and inexpensive way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and save lives. Manila Water Foundation's Health in Our Hands program, which focuses on schools and communities to promote community health and well-being, continues to lead campaigns for this celebration. 

On Global Handwashing Day in October, and in every day, Manila Water Foundation reminds everyone to keep safe and WASHup, WASHup!