November 7, 2023

CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy (center) celebrate the institution's 21st anniversary with the CHILD Haus beneficiaries.

The SM Mall of Asia Music Hall was the venue of the 21st-anniversary celebration of CHILD Haus, an institution founded by ‘Mader’ Ricky Reyes to be a bastion of hope for children stricken by cancer. Throughout its history, one consistent major supporter of the establishment has been the Sy family – in its early years, Henry ‘Tatang’ Sy, Sr., and over the last decade, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy continuing the tradition established by his father.

Leading the event were Mr. Sy and ‘Mader’ Ricky, and several individuals and companies who, over the years, have contributed to the well-being of CHILD Haus were invited. Many children, who have been ‘adopted’ by CHILD Haus and now call it home, were also in attendance. The media was present as well, recognizing how establishments like CHILD Haus make a big difference and become the ‘answered prayers’ of so many children and their parents.

CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes

CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy award plaques of appreciation to the generous friends of CHILD Haus whose contributions have enabled the organization's life-saving mission.

Those suffering from cancer and ‘adopted’ are provided food and shelter. There are presently two CHILD Haus locations - one in Manila, near the Philippine General Hospital, and one in Quezon City. Until the children are declared cancer-free and/or have completed their treatments and medical procedures, one child and one parent are allowed to live at CHILD Haus. If it’s an infant, both parents can stay. 

A longtime supporter and regular visitor to CHILD Haus, Karylle, led the children in a rousing song composed by Karylle’s husband, Yael Yuzon. Then ‘Mader’ Ricky’s daughter sang a rendition of Florante’s ‘Handog’ that had been reworded to fit the sentiments of the children at CHILD Haus. These were two songs that the children had learnt and practiced as a “thank you” to the many guests who have helped make the ‘haus’ a reality. 

In the end, both ‘Mader’ Ricky and Mr. Sy acknowledged the significance of this event, which commemorates 21 years of compassion, fortitude, and the spirit of giving and sharing.

To know more about inspiring stories and events at SM, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.

November 7, 2023

Marikina City- Gilren Bajado, lady security guard of RJC Security Solutions, was recognized as the Outstanding Security Guard of the Year at the 43rd Founding Anniversary of the Civil Security Group at Camp Crame. The recognition ceremony was presided over by PNP Chief PGen Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. SM Supermalls Customer Relations Services Senior Assistant Vice President Mr. Almus J. Alabe and Regional CRSManager Harold James E. Herrera were also in attendance to witness the awarding ceremony.

 LG Bajado's outstanding accomplishment stems from her remarkable act of honesty and integrity on August 3, 2023, at SM Cinema, SM City Marikina. During her clearing duties, she discovered a lost black pouch containing 64,800 pesos, along with ATM cards and assorted ID cards belonging to Mr. Starsky D. Paunan, a 44-year-old staff member of Palarong Pambansa.

(L to R): SM City Marikina Customer Relations Services Manager Mr. Edward S. Masangcay, Regional CRS Manager Mr. Harold E. Herrera, Lady Guard Gilren Bajado of RJC Security, PNP Chief Bejamin Acorda Jr., SM Supermalls Senior Asst VP for CRS Mr. Almus J. Alabe, RJC HR Manager Mr. Wilmark Reyes

Without hesitation, she reported this to the CRS office, ensuring the safe return of the lost valuables to their rightful owner. Her integrity, honesty, and dedication have earned her this prestigious recognition and admiration from her peers and superiors. 

SM Supermalls and RJC Security Solutions take immense pride in her achievement, as it reflects the company's core values of professionalism, honesty, and integrity. Her commitment to her duties, her sense of responsibility, and her exemplary character have brought honor not only to herself but also to RJC Security Solutions as a leading provider of comprehensive security services. 

The recognition of LG Gilren Bajado as the Outstanding Security Guard of the Year strengthens SM Supermalls’ commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence. The company consistently strives to provide security solutions while ensuring that its employees embody the highest ethical standards.

 SM Supermalls extends its warmest congratulations to LG Gilren Bajado for her outstanding achievement and for being a shining example of integrity and professionalism. Her actions serve as an inspiration to all and remind us of the impact that a single individual can have on building a safer and more trustworthy society. 

November 7, 2023

November 7, 2023

Recognizing today's youth’s key role as tomorrow’s guardians of the environment, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) and World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) have teamed up to launch YOUth are the Future,a leadership program aimed to equip young student leaders on environmental conservation , climate change, and sustainability issues. 

“There is no better time than now to educate the youth. As stewards of the planet, it is important that they have an opportunity to learn about environmental conservation, encourage them to voice out their fresh ideas, and share new perspectives,” said WWF-Philippines Education for Sustainable Development Project Head Dino Calderon. “When we provide our young student leaders with learning opportunities and expose them to practical solutions, we have a chance to help them design a sustainable future. We are committed to make sure that things change for the better,” says Hans “Chico” Sy, President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM sustainability champion. 

Commencing with the grand launch on October 10, 2023, the student ambassadors from various Metro Manila high schools participated in a discovery tour around the SM Mall of Asia Complex, which features SM Prime’s sustainability efforts and disaster resiliency practices. The formal introduction of YOUth are the Future Ambassadors was held at the SMX Convention Center and along with a pinning ceremony. Leaders and representatives from SM Prime, WWF-Philippines, government agencies, and foreign dignitaries are also present at the event. In a message she delivered during the event, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said, “Our journey is really about the race to resilience, as our climate changes, society is changing. 

Sustainability is our pathway to survival as a planet and that is what resilience is really about, the ability to withstand the impacts of the hazards that we know and those that we could face in the future.” The youth ambassadors will participate in a three-day eco-camp at the Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club in November, where they will learn about waste and energy management, resource optimization, and climate mitigation and adaptation strategies from some of the country’s experts. 

Renowned for its role in Olive Ridley Sea Turtle conservation, the 3-day eco camp in Hamilo Coast also serves as an immersive natural classroom in environmental conservation. The expected output from the eco-camp is a Green Manifesto that outlines their plans to effect change and a storybook module co-authored by all the participants. The program will culminate through a series of mall and school tours throughout Metro Manila to boost youth engagement and tudent ambassador recruitment. In a message sent by her excellency Vice President and Department of Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte, she said, 

“This visionary program embodies the transformative power of education and empowerment in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future. Taking advantage of this program will give you all a head start on becoming influential figures in creating a more sustainable and ecologically aware culture”. Together with its partners, WWF-Philippines hopes to empower young Filipinos further to become the next generation of sustainability champions. Programs like YOUth are the Future, can help future generations become proactive leaders who can #ChangeTheEnding for the planet. 

November 3, 2023

Health workers in San Fernando, Cebu Primary Healthcare Facility water the locally sourced plants using the water from the rainwater harvesting system.

Rainwater harvesting is a way of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. It is an effective and adaptable way to conserve water and reduce reliance on main water supplies. Due to its efficacy, it has been applied by many civilizations in history and is being utilized today by forward-thinking institutions as a sustainable water management strategy.

SM group’s social good arm, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), for one, has embraced this by installing rainwater harvesting systems in two of the local health centers it recently refurbished–Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility.

SMFI’s Health and Medical Programs proactively implemented this innovation to help sustain the health of the local community while preserving the environment.

Dr. Alfredo P. Manugas VI, Municipal Health Officer and Health Department Head of San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility, said that while water is crucial to their operations, water supply is not always available in their municipality, even their center.

“The rainwater harvesting system is essential in our health facility because the water supply in our municipality is not available 24/7,” he said. “We are now provided a source of water in times of emergency or any interruption of water supply. Our staff and visitors can use rainwater for cleaning, flushing the toilet bowls, and watering the plants.”

November 5, 2023

November 5, 2023

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November 4, 2023

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November 4, 2023

Inspiring Success Story. The ACE Scholarship Program provided the opportunity for Julito Mandac to pursue his passion in Hospitality Management even after he graduated. As a dean and instructor at the J.H. Cerilles State College, Mandac is on a mission to help students succeed using the learnings and values he has gained from WMSU and JGF.

MANILA, Philippines. – The Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), Jollibee Group’s social development arm, has long been committed to building meaningful partnerships that help uplift the lives of many young Filipinos. Through its Access, Curriculum and Employability (ACE) Scholarship Program, JGF has been working closely with partner schools and institutions to provide underprivileged students with opportunities to achieve their goals andpositively impact their families and communities.

Julito Mandac, current Dean of J.H. Cerilles State College’s School of Business and Management, was among the pioneering ACE scholars at the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU). He makes sure to give back to WMSU and JGF by paying it forward to his students and contributing to their personal and career development.

“After graduation, I didn’t know where I should apply, but there were so many offers then. And I think it’s my destiny to work in the academe. One of my goals right now is to share the learnings and knowledge that I gained from JGF and WMSU with other people,” Mandac said.

JGF played a significant role in the conception of WMSU’s Hotel and Restaurant Management program in 2008. JGF provided a two-year scholarship assistance to qualified high school graduates while assisting the schools to develop their HRM program further.

“As the demand for employees with skills and expertise in Customer Service and Management for Hotels, Airlines, and Cruise ships continues to rise, the ACE Scholarship Program saw it fit to enroll qualified students in the WMSU’s College of Home Economics,” said Lee Patrick Brown, faculty, WMSU Hospitality Management Department. “To accommodate these students and to further specify the different skills and proficiency needed for this industry, the WMSU ultimately decided to introduce a new and more focused program.” WMSU officially opened its Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management (BSHRM) program in June 2008 with JGF providing scholarships for 36 students.

Aside from giving tuition, the ACE Scholarship Program also provided management and leadership training. Mandac was one of the scholars who experienced this as he and other scholars underwent on-the-job training at the Jollibee store in Southway Mall, Zamboanga City.

Nurturing growth through training

Mandac was assigned to the counter for the entire duration of his store duty. Even as a trainee, he was given the responsibility of supervising the counter during store evaluation and accreditation.

“Jollibee gave us the idea that working in the food industry requires hard-working and focused team members. You always need to have a positive mindset because we are dealing with customers, and we’re on the front lines. To this day, all the lessons and skills we have honed during our store experience are embedded in our day-to-day activities,” he shared.

Mandac joined J.H. Cerilles State College after graduation. Before becoming a dean, he was appointed as Chair of the Hospitality Management Program and likewise assumed roles in various offices such as International Affairs, among others.

Aside from being the Dean, Mandac concurrently serves as the college’s Human Resource Management Director and Research and Hospitality Management instructor.

“All of my learnings from the scholarship are embedded in my class discussions. I still use my experiences as an example, especially if we’re talking about operations and delivery of services. I make sure to share about them not only for our students but also for the future generation who will be taking on the improvement and development of the industry,” he added.

Mandac graduated Cum Laude in 2012. He was the first student to earn such a distinction in the BSHRM program of WMSU. He earned his Master of Business Administration in 2014, and his doctorate in management in 2018. He plans to continue working in the academe, and he is determined to acquire other post graduate degrees to be able to share more knowledge and valuable insights with his students.

The program, now referred to as Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM), continues to thrive today. BSHM is a Level III Accredited Program by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), the highest level of accreditation of any school in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Since 2020, it has also been granted an ISO 9001:2015 certification, which reflects the WMSU’s continuous pursuit of quality education and effective service to the students and its stakeholders.

“The ripples of JGF’s efforts and passion from the past continue to impact and touch the lives of young people in Zamboanga City and Western Mindanao. Due to their efforts, we are optimistic that our graduates would flourish in their careers,” Brown said.

Greenwich’s story began in 1971 as a small, family-owned store selling a selection of pizzas at the then Greenhills Commercial Center. As the brand’s pizzas grew in popularity, Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) took notice. In 1994, JFC acquired majority shares in Greenwich, infusing what was a family business with industry-leading competitiveness. New pizza variants and a variety of products were introduced through the years, creating a reputation for Greenwich as a maker of mouthwatering pizzas and pastas for the Filipino “barkada.” Today, Greenwich is the country’s biggest pizza and pasta chain with over 270 stores and counting, and home of the best-selling Hawaiian Overload®, All-in Overload®, and Lasagna Supreme®.