SM Prime: Building strong foundations of responsible development

The topic of sustainability in property development has surged since the world experienced Covid-19. Having to redefine the use of spaces, people soon realized how instrumental real estate is in the journey towards a more sustainable way of life. With the threat of climate change looming in the horizon and a growing population to sustain, the need to build more sustainable and resilient cities only continue to rise. 

SM Prime traces its journey on sustainable design and development way before the concept has gone main stream. At the heart of SM is its commitment to serve its customers – designing its malls to bring better comfort and an enjoyable experience in every visit to SM Supermalls. 

Sustainable Comfort 

Built through several phases of development, SM Megamall, among SM’s 78 malls across the country, has grown into the complex it is today with 800 shops including 250 dining outlets and 16 anchor tenants. Customers explore the expanse of the 10-hectare development from its convenient parking grounds, relaxed atmosphere and beautiful façade. Behind this is sophisticated engineering anchored on sustainable design and technology. 

• SM Megamall is energy and water efficient. The building is enveloped with EIFS or Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems board which helps boosts wall insulation, making it more resistant to heat. It only uses LED lighting system allowing a 50% energy saving. The mall also tracks a lighting operating schedule following the supply requirement of our mall activity and does not contribute to environmental lighting pollution so as not disturb nocturnal animals. It also uses sensor activated escalators that contribute to about 30% energy savings. It’s air handling system uses high-efficiency air-conditioning system that has greater environmental stewardship. Lastly, it uses efficient water fixture for water savings and recycles water.

SM Megamall

• SM Megamall works with the natural environment. The mall utilizes green walls, skylights and clerestory or a high section wall that contains windows above eye level to increase the flow of natural light. It is surrounded with plants of local varieties and selection of trees and shrubs.

SM Megamall Bicycle Racks

• SM Megamall promotes mobility. Situated in the middle of EDSA, SM Megamall brings 550 buses into one integrated system to promote easier mobility. Green hybrid transports provide options for the more environmentally conscious passengers. All public transports are required to meet mandated emission levels in support of the Clean Air Act. The mall is pedestrian-friendly with about 1,595 square meters of covered walk ways. Throughout the mall, designated bike lanes and parking spaces are provided. Lastly, parking sensors not only make parking easier but has also reduced emissions in the parking areas.

SM MegaTower

• SM Megamall practices responsible materials management. The mall uses Echostop ceiling finish for noise absorption which is made from gypsum and paper liner made from 100% reclaimed and recycled paper. The Mega Tower uses insulated glass units which keeps heat out during summer months and Low E-glass to minimize the amount of ultraviolet light that comes through the windows, with both features maximizing energy savings. It also has a Material Recovery Facility dividing recyclables, biodegradable waste, residual waste and hazardous waste.

Environmental Strategy

All these initiatives are aligned with SM Prime's environmental strategy of developing, designing, and building integrated lifestyle cities with sustainability and resiliency considerations in mind. 

Echoing these efforts, SM Prime continues on its transition to clean energy. Aside from investing in energy efficient programs, the company is broadening its renewable energy investments. SM Prime targets to increase its demand for electricity sourced from renewables by more than 50% across all of its business segments by end of 2022 in support of the Department of Energy's goal of moving the country's renewable energy supply component up to 35% by the end of the decade. 

Moreover, as part of a growing movement of responsible and sustainability-centered enterprises, SM Prime has joined the 2,500 organizations worldwide in supporting the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and its goal of creating a more resilient financial system through better climate risk disclosures. Through this, it hopes to continue to drive its business to adopt more sustainability initiatives related to climate change.

At Hamilo Coast, SM property in Nasugbu, Batangas, it continues to uphold its commitment to sustainability and conservation as it planted 50,000 more mangroves which covers 100,000 square meters of the estate. This is also touted as one of the largest mangrove areas in Nasugbu.  Hamilo Coast continues to protect its mangrove ecosystem together with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines—a partnership it has nurtured since 2007.

Hamilo Coast also undertook the initiative to declare three of its coves, namely Pico de Loro, Etayo, and Santelmo as Marine Protected Areas in 2009.

SM is regreening the country sides through its tree planting program led by SM City Baguio. This is in partnership with the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR), Baguio Water District, the local government of Baguio City and 25 media organizations in Baguio. 

As of January 2022, over 600,000 trees have already been planted in Baguio City and neighboring towns in Benguet.

SM further promotes sustainable practices through water recycling and the adoption of technologies that promote smart water use. In 2020, it was able to recycle 28.9 million cubic meters of water.

In terms of solid waste management, SM Prime has intensified its campaign by requiring all contractors to implement proper waste management procedures during construction.   A long-running program through SM Cares, the monthly Trash to Cash (TTC) provides an avenue for the community, including properties’ tenants, to participate in solid waste management. This initiative ran for nine months in 74 malls and five SM Development Corporation properties in 2020, saving 134,067 seven-year-old trees to date.

It also undertakes paper recycling in partnership with the Trust International Paper Corporation and the responsible transport, treatment, storage and disposal or processing of the properties’ generated hazardous waste, compliant to the government’s implementing rules and regulations. 

Resiliency as a Necessity

While SM serves millions of customers every day, its impact goes beyond its businesses – touching the lives of millions more in the communities wherever it is present. For a country like the Philippines, the impact of climate change can already be felt with typhoons getting stronger and more frequent. 

Hans T. Sy, chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime has served in leadership roles in both national and international organizations focused on disaster resiliency and its impact to business and society. Leading by example, SM integrates disaster resiliency in its business strategy as well as its city and mall designs and developments. This, not only allows SM businesses to operate during calamities, instead, also helps communities become more resilient to typhoons. 

“I believe in an age-old adage; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. SM Prime has taken deliberate steps to reinforce resiliency across its properties and provide a focused approach on sustainability in order to preserve communities and save lives,” said Mr. Sy.

Such is the impact created by SM Masinag.

Vermont Park Phase 1 is located near SM Masinag. For years, it would undergo flooding during typhoons. However, the story has changed. Since SM Masinag opened to serve the community, it has been equipped with a water catchment facility that can detain 17,681 cubic meters of water, which is equivalent to 7 Olympic size swimming pools. This helped control the flooding of nearby villages during typhoons.

Meanwhile, SM Marikina, which is also in a high-flood rate zone, is able to serve as first responder and a safe haven to affected families during times of calamities. This is because it is standing on 246 stilts with an elevation higher than the highest recorded water level rise in Marikina City. 

Sustainability and Resiliency as Strong Foundations for Responsible Development

SM Prime anchors its development on both sustainability and disaster resiliency. For SM, both serve as strong foundations for responsible development – to address the increasing demand for urban areas and to address the threat of climate change. 

From the onset of concept design, SM Prime allocates around 10% of capital expenditure to incorporate sustainability features and disaster resilience when building malls, offices and even integrated lifestyle cities. 

"The safety of the communities, employees, customers, and the facility structure remains top priorities in all SM Prime developments. As I tell my design teams ever so frequently, ensuring safety is the only way I can sleep well,” Mr Sy said.”     

For SM, this means the hard infrastructure capacities as well as how spaces are designed to facilitate mobility, green transport options, greener buildings and even green technology such as being powered by solar energy. As such, wherever SM operates, SM Prime makes every effort to help create the spaces and cities we need in order to sustain ourselves into the future.

SM Reinvents ‘Building on Stilts’ as a Climate Resilient Design for the Future

Floods and rising water levels brought about by typhoons are perennial problems in Marikina city, which is considered as one of the low-lying areas of Metro Manila. During typhoons, Marikina River’s water can rise up to 23 meters compared to its normal average level of 13 meters. While this causes the communities surrounding the Marikina Watershed to be underwater, SM Marikina stands tall, serving as a safe haven to its neighboring communities.

The secret?  It is sitting on 246 stilts. 

SM City Marikina is uniquely designed. The 6-hectare mall property which is located within the Marikina River Watershed is an elevated mall built on top of 246 stilts. 

“A critical part of building climate resilient structures is to understand weather patterns and how it affects the environment where your city or building will be,” explained Architect Fides Garcia-Hsu, Vice President of SM Engineering Design and Development (SM EDD). “During the design phase of SM City Marikina, we considered the long-term flood cycles of the Marikina Watershed, which was identified to be a high-risk area by the World Bank in 1977.”

Building on stilts traces back to ancient civilization from different parts of the world. The answer lies in its powerful functionality. Elevated construction had been the way earliest people groups would protect themselves from flooding, moisture and surface organisms. It also gives them provision for open space storage or cultural activities. Lastly, it reduces cost in modifying natural terrain. While building on stilts have been adopted by modern architects through the years, people had lost interest in it during the rise of urbanization.

SM revisited the functionality of ‘building on stilts’ and reinvented the concept as a climate resilient feature. This design was complemented with other disaster preparedness considerations to help reduce the risk of damages during extreme flooding. As such, SM City Marikina was built an additional 20 meters farther than the suggested 90-meter distance from the Marikina River centerline. Moreover, the ground floor parking was purposely laid out as an open-design, without walls to allow water to flow, while the second floor was elevated at 20.5 meters, which is higher than the maximum recorded flood levels.

During super typhoons, SM Marikina’s resiliency saves an average of Php1 billion in terms of losses from business sales alone. This means that it is able to help its tenants, especially the micro, small and medium enterprises that depend on the mall for their business continuity and growth. 

For its neighboring communities, SM Marikina also serves as a safe haven and a first responder to families who are affected during calamities. It also provides free parking spaces for those who are stranded and need a safe place to wait for flood water to recede. 

“Our ultimate goal is to help build the resilience of our stakeholders. This begins by building our own resilience to serve as a good foundation they could rely on especially during calamities,” Garcia-Hsu said.

Beyond the city of Marikina, building on stilts may be experiencing a revival in other parts of the world as urbanization begin to rise along with a greater demand for greener spaces. This would allow for high rise developments while keeping ground levels reserved for much needed green open spaces. 

While it took SM an additional 15% in its capital investments to make SM City Marikina a disaster resilient mall, the group sees it as an essential investment in its commitment to create shared value for its stakeholders. This, complemented with a science-based approach on climate scenario risk analysis, allows SM City Marikina to defy odds and prove that integrating resiliency is the way to a climate resilient future.

Enjoy Up to 30% Off on Select Hanabishi Products in Lazada and Shopee’s 3.3 Sale From March 3 - 7

Whether you’re looking to replace your old unit or buying an appliance to give as a gift, you’ll never go wrong with a Hanabishi product. 

Tested and proven for its efficiency and durability, the well-loved Philippine appliance manufac-turer is offering a Triple Treat this March 3 to 7, 2022 as part of the 3.3 Sale of LazMall and Sho-peeMall. 

From March 3 to 7, 2022, you can enjoy up to 30% savings on select Hanabishi products at both Lazada and Shopee. Not only that, you’ll also get to enjoy a Lazada Bonus. Buy PhP1, 000 worth of products and get PhP100 off. At Shopee, you can avail yourself of a PhP50 voucher. 

You can also enjoy free shipping of up to PhP50 at the leading e-commerce platforms. Buy 2 products, and get an additional PhP33 off. 

Start adding to your cart now and don’t forget to checkout from March 3 to 7 to enjoy these amazing deals. 

Visit https://shopee.ph/shop/468857282 for more details about the exclusive Shopee Mall Promo-tion and LazMall https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/hanabishi 

To learn more about Hanabishi’s latest products and promos, follow its official Facebook account https://www.facebook.com/MyHanabishiAppliances 

The local appliance brand is offering amazing deals this coming 3.3 Sale through their online stores in both Shopee and Lazada. 

If you are interested in quality and affordable products, you may check out Hanabishi's offerings from these leading e-commerce platforms. 

*** About Hanabishi ***

Sa Bahay at sa Business Mo, Hanabishi! Hanabishi is a Filipino household name for appliances for over 35 years. It is a brand engineered to fit the lifestyle of the Filipino both for homes and businesses. Hardworking, durable and resilient, are the attributes that personify Hanabishi making it the brand of choice of every Filipino mom and businessman when it comes to value and practicality. Hanabishi is the mark of quality that grows with you through the years. Built with passion and an impeccable desire to uphold the quality of life in every Filipino home, Hanabishi will remain to be the PRACTICAL choice and KAPARTNER, today and for the many years to come. For more information about Hanabishi, please visit www.myhanabishi.com/shop/and like them on Face-book: www.facebook.com/MyHanabishiAppliances/

5 Wellness Habits to Support Your Immune System

Marien Garza Registered Dietitian; Member of Dietetic Advisory Board and Outer Nutrition Advisory Board, Herbalife Nutrition The human body is a fascinating machine, and so are its mechanisms and processes. One of the most interesting ones is the immune system: learning how our body defends itself against disease and infection has intrigued humans for millennia. One of the earliest immunological observations recorded is the one by Thucydides, a Greek historian and military man who around 430 B.C. noted that there were people who, during an outbreak of plague in Athens, were lucky to recover and did not contract the disease a second time. The modern study of the immune system began with scientist Luis Pasteur in the mid-19th century, when it was scientifically identified as a protector against infectious diseases. From then on, research has become more refined, and new discoveries are made regularly. For example, during the past 20 years, researchers have discovered the immune system’s crucial role in development, reproduction, and wound healing. How to Develop a Healthy Lifestyle to Support the Immune System The importance of the immune system to our overall wellbeing is obvious, so take care of it. What we put in our bodies, as well as how we take care of ourselves, all contributes to our well-being. Remember, nutrition doesn’t prevent illness but helps maintain a normal, healthy body’s systems. Nutrition is not a substitute for medical care. Here are 5 personal wellness and nutrition habits to support your immune system: 1. Maintain a balanced diet. When it comes to the relationship of the immune system with nutrition, there are some key aspects to keep in mind: • Eat foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins (mainly A, C, D, and E), minerals, and phytonutrients. • Consume high-quality protein, whether from animal or plant sources. • For carbohydrates, choose unrefined, natural ones. These good carb sources include whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables, which are all excellent sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. • Don’t forget the importance of consuming beneficial fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3’s reinforce the positive function of the different cells that comprise the immune system, such as leukocytes, large granular lymphocytes, and macrophages. Avocado is another great source of unsaturated fats and may also support brain function. Try to find ways to include it in your diet. Here are some examples: • Add it to your favorite protein shake or smoothie. • Make an avocado toast. • Use it instead of mayonnaise in tuna salad. • Make guacamole. Here in Mexico, we use this ingredient in many of our dishes. In fact, we are the world’s largest avocado exporter. In 2020, Mexican avocado exports amounted to more than 2.7 billion U.S. dollars. In that year, the United States alone accounted for approximately 80 percent of the value of avocado exports from the country. 2. Wash your hands correctly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, washing your hands can eliminate microorganisms and help avoid the transmission of diseases. • Wash your hands for at least 30-40 seconds. • Make sure to follow all the steps: wet, rub, scrub, rinse and dry. • Wash your hands, palms, nails, wrists, and even forearms. After washing your hands, apply hydrating cream and paraben-free products to take care of your skin. 3. Rest effectively. Adequate and healthy sleep time varies with age, but adults should aim to get at least 7 hours of sleep per day. Improving your sleep hygiene habits can help you obtain a better quality rest, which will help to restore any metabolic damage and thus maintain balance. 4. Exercise regularly. Research has shown the positive impact of exercise on the immune response: • Exercise can improve defense activity and metabolic health. • People who engage in moderate exercise training have a lower risk for illness. • Exercise can have an anti-inflammatory impact. • Regular exercise improves immune regulation, even as the body ages. Doing physical activity for at least 30 minutes five times a week is a sound recommendation for adults to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

5. Drink enough water. Good hydration is essential to maintain the balance of minerals and fluids that our immune and respiratory systems need to work properly. Water constitutes around 70 percent of our total body mass as adults and is distributed both in intracellular (65 percent) and extracellular (35 percent) spaces, which is why it’s so important to keep hydrated. 

Water: 

• Is essential for nutrient absorption. 

• Is a key component of lymphatic fluid, which contains specialized white blood cells, called lymphocytes, that help the body fight infection. 

• Helps maintain healthy mucous membranes, which protect the areas inside of your body that are exposed to air – nostrils, mouth, and throat. The immune system plays a key role in keeping your body in balance and well, so taking care of it will go a long way. 

*** About Herbalife Nutrition Ltd. ***

Herbalife Nutrition (NYSE: HLF) is a global company that has been changing people's lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers high-quality, science-backed products, sold in over 90 countries by entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle. Through the Company's global campaign to eradicate hunger, Herbalife Nutrition is also committed to bringing nutrition and education to communities around the world. For more information, please visit IAmHerbalifeNutrition.com.

Catch the Lovin’ Vibe this February at SM Supermalls Get all the things you love here at SM!

 

This February, SM introduces new ways to catch the Lovin’ Vibe with a host of Valentine’s Day activities lined up for the month.

Starting February 2 to 28, you can catch these enhanced malling and romantic dining deals at your favorite SM Mall:

Lovin’ Eats. Enjoy 2 for 1 dining deals with your SO, your friend, or a family memberNo need to worry about your safety because SM Supermalls has al-fresco dining spaces to give you a fresh-air romantic vibe.

Got gifts? Check out the Lovin’ Gift Fair. Looking for a gift for your loved ones? From Vday classics like flowers and chocolates to unique novelty items, the Lovin’ Gift Fair pop-up stores got the best gifts that your special someone will surely love. Plus extra gifts when you purchase items from the season’s promos and deals!

Get into the lovey-dovey vibe with live entertainment. What’s Valentine’s Day without some fun and music? Catch a live harana in select SM malls’ Designated Dining Areas with your loved ones for that lovey-dovey vibe while enjoying your meal. 

Plan a date that’s worth remembering at designated dining spots. SM malls’ safe and socially distant designated dining spots are getting a huge makeover! Just in time for the celebration, select SM will be installing Giant Flower Heart installations, Tunnels of Flowers, and big Sing-Along screens to make date a memory to remember! 

Check out SM Deals for more information about the participating stores, deals, and promos you can cop for the whole month.

For updates, visit www.smsupermalls.com and its Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts: @smsupermalls.

Tanduay’s New TVC is a Salute to Friends Who Keep Us Sane

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=01Z2DBfcSOA

Friends make everything seem light. 

Tanduay’s latest TVC, “All Light Lang”, is not only fun to watch but it also reminds us of the value of having friends around especially during these extraordinary times. 

In the opening of the TVC, the main character is seen singing to the tune of Gloc9's “Simpleng Tao” and the different stresses that he has to deal with everyday -- from tech problems, to paying a lot of bills, to never ending household chores. Despite all of these, he is able to end his day with a smile because his friends are there for him. 

“Masakit sa ulo, pero light lang tayo,” his friends sing to him as they unwind and share a drink of Tanduay Light. 

Marc Ngo, International Development Manager and Senior Brand Manager at Tanduay, shared that during the concept development for the Tanduay Light TVC the brand direction was to convey the experience the product brings. 

“We want a material that will make viewers feel happy. With everything that’s happening now with the pandemic, we just wanted to share a good laugh, a great drink, and a fun experience. For a moment, we want the viewers to set aside the negativity and focus on a light moment shared with friends,” he said. 

As the song further cites, “Ang nagpapagaan ng lahat ng ito – ang tropa ko.” 

The TVC has a fitting ending and a reminder that things are going to be easier if only we will reach out. The final copy states, “Gaan ng may kasama”. Click here to watch the full video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=01Z2DBfcSOA

Count your luck and celebrate Chinese New Year at SM Supermalls!

Good fortune awaits shoppers at SM Supermalls this Year of the Tiger

It’s going to be a prosperous 2022 as SM Supermalls celebrates the Year of the Tiger with fun-filled events and activities for its shoppers! Whether you choose to stay home or safely shop at SM Supermalls, there are exclusive CNY deals for everyone to enjoy!

Lucky Dining Deals. Kick off the festivities with an abundant gastronomic feast with discounts and promos from January 16 to February 2. Shoppers can enjoy Lucky Eats Deals of as much as a 22% discount from participating tenants. For your convenience, you can easily shop via the SM Malls Online app where you can arrange for delivery or pick-up, or by calling our SM Customer Care hotline at (02) 8876-111, 0917-876-111 or 0908-876-1111. You can also have your fill of your favorite food while safely dining at Chinese New Year-themed indoor and outdoor Lucky Eats Dining Spots.

Lucky Red Finds Bazaar. Boost your luck and find all the lucky red items from SM Supermalls’ partner tenants and affiliates in this Chinese New Year-themed pop-up market. 

Lucky Tiger Park. Families will be treated to a dazzling Chinese New Year experience featuring an outdoor set-up with lighted 3D tiger art installations, Chinese lanterns, and Drive-Thru Lion and Dragon Dances and Fireworks Displays to welcome the year of the Tiger!

Lucky Paws. Show off your pet’s best CNY-themed costume and get a chance to win pawsome prizes when you submit photos of your pets online or take them to select SM Supermalls Paw Parks.

Lucky Forecasts. When it comes to ushering in good fortune, SM Supermalls knows how to help prepare shoppers for the positive energy this new year brings. By scanning the QR codes, you can check out your 2022 Chinese zodiac brought to you by Feng Shui expert Ms. Marites Allen. Plus, you can also get a chance to win exciting prizes and SM vouchers!

Additionally, SM Supermalls has also prepared other activities and promos for everyone to enjoy until February:

• Lucky Plants.  Attract good luck all year round with lucky plants in your home! This Chinese New Year-themed green market in select SM malls features floras that are considered lucky like the lucky bamboo, money tree, Jade plant, mandarin orange tree, orchid, bamboo, and bonsai.

• Lucky Finds on SM Deals. Check out CNY exclusive offers from SM Supermalls’ tenant partners and affiliates from Buy 1 Get 1 deals and 50% discounts. 

• Lucky22 vouchers. If you opt to stay at home during these festivities, don’t worry about missing out on these exciting deals because SM Supermalls has got you covered. SM Malls Online will be having Lucky22 vouchers– a special voucher offering a 22% discount on food and non-food items for stay-at-home shoppers like you!  

• Lucky in Red Pick-up at Curbside Promo. When you pick up your order at SM via SM Customer Care Hotline, SM will be giving away Php 200 worth of SM GCs on February 1 for those decked in red! So wear something red or drive by to pick up the items you’ve ordered in your flashy red car! This promo is for the first 22 customers only, so be sure to get there as early as you can.

Enjoy all these and more when you celebrate your #LuckyDaysAtSM this Chinese New Year! So, increase your luck and safely celebrate with SM Supermalls as it welcomes the Year of the Tiger with wishes of prosperity, health, abundance, and continuous good fortune!

For #SafeMallingAtSM, you can follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms.