The Blue Ink

  Gather your crew for pickleball, runs, and refreshing coolers to beat the heat This summer, your most-loved SM Supermalls turn up the energy with experiences designed for every kind of barkada. At the heart of it all is the SM Active Hub — a growing community of movers, players, and fitness enthusiasts — bringing together activities that let you truly Gala To The Max. Dive into Summer Play with the SM Active Hub The SM Active Hub sets the tone for a season filled with movement, connection, and fun. Fresh from celebrating its first anniversary with a series of activities across select SM malls last April 11 to 12, the community continues to build momentum with even more ways to stay active all summer long. Whether you're picking up a new sport or leveling up your routine, the SM Active Hub brings together experiences that make every visit more dynamic and engaging — giving you more ways to Gala To The Max this summer. Join the Pickleball Mania Pickleball takes center stage with a ...

  This Labor Day, SM continued empowering community opportunities as multiple Job Fairs were mounted across 15 venues nationwide. This brought together 650 employers and 17,400 jobseekers, with more than 1,000 Filipinos hired on the spot — a powerful reflection of how accessible, community-based platforms can deliver real employment outcomes. But beyond the numbers are real stories — of courage, determination, and new beginnings. Across multiple SM malls, thousands of Filipinos walked in carrying resumes — and walked out with something more: real opportunities, renewed confidence, and for many, a fresh start. The SM Job Fair once again served as a platform for employment, connecting jobseekers, employers, and government partners in one convenient, community-centered space at their most-loved SM Supermalls. For jobseekers like France Barcial and Mark Andrei Jimenez the experience was life-changing. “Hindi ko po expected na ngayon din ako matatanggap, bakasakali lang po” he shared, h...

    Forget the usual mall run; it’s time for a total vibe check. SM Supermalls, in an electrifying partnership with StarPop, has officially pulled the curtain back on its newest anthem, “Gala To The Max.” Performed by the rising group DNA, the track is more than just a catchy earworm; it’s a tribute to the way we hang out today. The message is clear: SM isn't just a place to buy things. It’s your "third space." It’s where you meet the crew, find your community, and — as the song says — live life to the max at your most loved mall. More Than a Destination, It’s a Mood. "Gala To The Max" captures the essence of what it means to visit SM. Whether you’re there for a fitness milestone, a deep dive into your favorite fandom, a gaming marathon, or just a chill afternoon with your furbabies, SM remains the ultimate backdrop for every subculture. SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing JonJon San Agustin emphasizes that the mall is an extensio...

    In this heat, the aircon is definitely calling! Summer came alive as 24,000+ viewers at SM Supermalls x TikTok LIVE transformed everyday malling into a fully immersive, real-time experience! Marking the first of many LIVE collaborations, #SummerPlayAtSM brought some of your most-loved creators like Iñigo Jose, Sean Tristan, and more to vibe check the ultimate summer hangouts here at your most loved SM! Rooted in the idea that summer is best enjoyed together, #SummerPlayatSM aimed to bring the summer fun no matter where they are as creators invited audiences to tag along as they explored and discovered their next move LIVE. This new interactive experience set the tone for a new era of malling. One where discovery, connection, and community seamlessly come together both on-ground and on-screen here in your most-loved mall, SM Supermalls – All For You! Play All Day, LIVE! The ultimate weekend plan finally turned into reality as creators brought their audiences...

    SM Cares and the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) bring together 47,500 advocates nationwide for 2026 ASP Angels Walk with SM The Autism Society Philippines (ASP), together with SM Cares and its partners, gathered 47,500 allies and advocates nationwide together at the ASP Angels Walk for Autism last April 26, 2026. The record-breaking attendance this year reflects the growing support for the Autism Community through collective programs and efforts done by SM Cares and the ASP in forging an Autism-OK Philippines. For close to two decades, SM hosted the ASP Angels Walk as a celebration that aims to turn a long-standing advocacy into a meaningful celebration of inclusion, dignity, and hope. This year's celebration further expanded this advocacy by empowering communities through simultaneous walks across SM's most-loved malls nationwide. “ASP Angels Walk reminds us that inclusion is about creating space, and more importantly, making people feel that they truly bel...

    Communities come together across 24 malls for runs, pickleball, and free play on April 11 SM Supermalls marked the first anniversary of SM Active Hub with a nationwide activation across its malls, transforming them into the largest playground in the country and the biggest shared space for movement in one synchronized day. Launched a year ago, SM Active Hub set out to change how people experience malls. Not just as places to shop, but as spaces to move, connect, and live fully. This vision scaled across the entire network. On April 11, SM Active Hub brought “One Day, Every Mall, One Movement” to life. From sunrise to sunset, malls nationwide hosted runs, rallies, and free-play sessions, turning SM into the largest playground in the country for one synchronized day. Main celebrations took place at SM Mall of Asia and SM North EDSA, anchoring a coordinated, high-energy experience across the country. SM maximizes every space to build the largest playground in th...

    Every day is a chance to embrace your most honest self. To let your personality shine through and create space for the person who matters the most, yourself! Hey besties, come join us for another fashion & lifestyle moment here in the Metro! Today’s theme: new GRWM essentials you wouldn’t want to miss. Fresh fits? Home picks? Redefine your everyday life with these fresh new concepts curated #AllForYou, and get ready with your most-loved SM Supermalls! Elevated Fits to Start Your Day Step 1: Everyday essentials, but make it fashion ! Rise and shine in looks that actually slay, and check out these wardrobe refreshes to help you seize the day. New Balance Featuring its newest store located at Level 2, Building B of SM Podium, New Balance delivers its wide variety of athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories designed for both performance and everyday wear. Apple & Eve Opening soon at the Central Walk Lower Ground Level of SM City Fairview, Apple & Ev...

    Recognized as the Organization of the Year, SM Supermalls won 30 awards across diverse categories SM Supermalls continues to raise the bar for customer excellence after being named Organization of the Year at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, one of the region’s most prestigious programs recognizing innovation in business. The win marks the second time SM Supermalls has received the prestigious honor, earning a total of 52 award points across Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie recognitions. The achievement highlights the company’s sustained commitment to delivering meaningful, innovative, and customer-first experiences across its most-loved malls. “On behalf of SM Supermalls in the Philippines and China, we would like to thank the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards for this honor. This is a testament to how we continue to evolve and innovate to deliver a truly maxed-out experience for our customers,” said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President Joaquin L. San Agustin,...

    In celebration of World Water Day, SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, organized coastal cleanup activities across six locations with seven participating malls across nationwide, reinforcing its long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable waste management in its most-loved malls. This year’s coastal cleanup emphasized enhanced waste segregation education to deepen understanding among volunteers and communities on proper sorting, recycling, and disposal of collected waste. It also underscored that everyday actions — from responsible waste disposal to recycling — play a critical role in protecting marine ecosystems. The coastal cleanup activities took place across SM City La Union, SM City Urdaneta Central, SM City Tanza, SM City Daet, SM City Consolacion, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM J Mall, bringing together communities in a shared effort to protect local coastal environments and divert waste away f...

    SM Supermalls, in partnership with the City Government of Caloocan and key national government agencies, officially inaugurated the Government Service Express (GSE) at SM City Caloocan on March 25, 2026. The GSE makes essential public services more accessible, all for the local community through a convenient, people-centered hub in their most-loved SM Supermall. The opening was led by Chris Martin D. Coquia, Regional Operations Head of SM together with representatives from participating government agencies, including the Caloocan City LGU, PNP, PRC, PhilHealth, SSS, and Pag-IBIG. The GSE at SM City Caloocan marks the 18th Government Service Express in SM malls nationwide, reinforcing SM Supermalls’ commitment to transforming malls into community hubs that go beyond retail — spaces where everyday needs, essential services, and meaningful experiences come together. Designed as a one-stop hub, the Government Service Express enables customers to conveniently co...

    The Bridges to Success (BTS) Career Fair 2026 successfully returned last March 21, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila. Enabling community opportunities, the joint initiative between SM Offices and National University brought together over 3,500 students, graduates, and industry leaders in a shared mission: turning education into real-world opportunity. Now on its third year, BTS also continues its commitment to bridging the gap between the academe and the workplace by connecting NU students and graduates with leading companies across multiple industries. The whole-day event featured a dynamic mix of career talks, panel discussions, and on-site recruitment activities, creating a space where young professionals could gain insights from industry leaders while exploring immediate employment opportunities. More than a traditional job fair, BTS 2026 served as both a learning forum and a hiring platform, encouraging meaningful conversations between aspiring...

    For many MSMEs, growth begins with access — and the right platform can change everything. “It all started at a DTI Trade Fair in SM, where we had the opportunity to present our product to Ms. Teresita Sy-Coson — opening doors for us to become part of SM’s Kultura and changing our journey.” shared by Alvin Causing of Project Beans Coffee. “From a small start-up, we’ve grown into a brand enjoyed nationwide and globally because of the right marketplace SM provided. Today, we’re here not just to showcase our products, but to say thank you — because SM didn’t just give us space, they gave us a chance, and that made all the difference.” This reflects the core of the DTI-SM collaboration: turning opportunity into transformation, and visibility into viability. More than a showcase of Filipino flavors, the 2026 DTI National Food Fair proved to be a powerful engine for entrepreneurship, innovation, and nation-building, as thousands of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise...

    Drum rolls, please – because your every craving just won! The votes are in, the winners are clear, and honestly, it’s all hands down, no competition. These are the dishes that carried, stole the show, and left no crumbs, giving bites worth every bit of applause. So whatever it is you’re up for, know that there’s a grand-winning craving just waiting for you in the Metro at SM Supermalls, where more spots are coming in with more exciting experiences and award-worthy eats that's All For You. Most Iconic Meal Award And the main plates that stole the show go to the ones that came in strong, who delivered unforgettable flavors with an impact you can never forget. No words left to say other than these eats definitely understood the assignment. Azela by Balay Dako The best Pinoy heritage award goes to the soon to open Azalea by Balay Dako at the The Block, Level 2 of SM North EDSA with its beloved traditional staples like Kare-Kare and Kansi! Jiang Nan Hotpot Offerin...

    As Filipinos continue to navigate a challenging job landscape, the search for meaningful and stable work remains a daily reality for many. Across all most-loved SM Supermalls nationwide, job fairs are held year-round — continuously providing accessible employment opportunities within local communities. This Labor Day season, the initiative takes on greater significance. In observance of Araw ng Manggagawa on May 1, SM Supermalls brings together jobs, skills development, and essential support systems at scale — highlighting the vital role of employment in nation-building and reinforcing its commitment to helping Filipinos move forward. Across SM malls nationwide, jobseekers — from fresh graduates to career shifters — are given the opportunity to take the next step toward a better future. More than a hiring event, SM Job Fairs have evolved into a full career ecosystem — connecting talent with employers while also enabling access to government services and upsk...

    Happy Walk 2026 broke records as the largest gathering of allies for the Down Syndrome community in Asia with 10,500 advocates gathering all over the country as the strongest show of solidarity and empowerment to date. Led by SM Cares and the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc., the celebration was held simultaneously on March 29 in SMX Manila, SM City Bacolod, and SM City Cebu. This year’s Happy Walk showed that the strength of the movement is not only found in size, but in SM’s commitment to create spaces where people with Down syndrome are seen, celebrated, and encouraged to thrive. Big change through continued, united steps Since the very first Happy Walk in 2003, the event serves as a joyful gathering for the Down syndrome community and its supporters. This year’s program highlighted self-expression, talent, and community participation through activities such as the Happy Walk parade, stage performances, activity booths, and DS Got Talent. ...