PINOY INNOVATION HOTBOX PHILIPPINES MAKES THE WORLD YOUR DINING ROOM

Pull the string to heat. That’s the concept of Filipino innovation Hotbox Philippines which promises diners that their food will always be fresh and hot when it is time to eat. 

Hotbox Philippines partners, Fil-American TV commercial producer Romeo Joven with actors Piolo Pascual and Eric Quizon say that with their innovation, the world can be your dining room. This concept is perfect for hot meals at home when you are too busy to cook, a perfectly packed lunch for when you have that one more meeting to attend, or road trips with family and friends so you can have a hot and appetizing meal by the beach or at the hiking grounds. 

“At home or in the office, we may use a microwave oven, to reheat our packed food, but the heat dries up your dish and makes it less appetizing as well as the food getting cold fast. With Hotbox’s steam technology, your food is hot within 5 minutes. There is also no rush to eat as your food continues to heat up to 30 minutes at over 80 degrees Celsius. Because of our technology, the food retains its original quality and texture.  Our clients love the product because their food tastes like it is fresh from the stovetop or oven,” says Hotbox CEO Romeo Joven. 

“With Hotbox, you no longer have to deal with meals that have gone cold. All you need to do is Pull, Heat, and Eat,” says Piolo. “With Hotbox, I know that even when I am busy with my tapings on location, I will be able to have hot meals to power me through my next scenes.”  

The self-heating boxes are also more earth-friendly because there is less plastic waste and there is no need to use electricity for a microwave.  This makes it a perfect on-the-go package for your meals. 

Hotbox Philippines offers several Filipino and International cuisine choices in its online menu, and they can also accept orders for customized boxes to be delivered for meetings or special occasions. For more information about Hotbox Philippines, visit www.hotboxph.com or follow their Facebook and Instagram accounts @hotboxphils. #theworldisyourdiningroom

 SM Supermalls will color you happy this summer!

Bursting with color starting April, SM Supermalls is giving its shoppers of all ages a spectrum of hope, happiness, and fun with delightful and safe activities that everyone in the family can look forward to when they visit their favorite SM mall.

Snap-worthy rainbow play areas! Multifunctional play pods in all colors of the rainbow await you at the indoor and outdoor play pods that kids and kids-at-heart will love. From rainbow staircases to larger than life displays, you’ll have no trouble getting the best and most colorful #POTD entry!

Sizzling hot summer deals! What’s summer without a mall-wide sale? Go on a shopping spree and get all your summer essentials, including must-have toys, at the nearest SM mall. Delight your kids with sporty knick knacks, inflatables, and bikes to amp up their summer activities even while at home. Visit the pop-up stores in select SM malls for great finds and exclusive deals!

Summer fun under the sun! Time to flex that Tiktok talent! Be witty and wacky, colorful and bright, at the SM Summer Tiktok challenge which you can shoot at any of the the malls’ colorful outdoor and indoor displays. For pawrents, you can have a furry fun time with your pets when you join the pet olympics, go on a picnic with them, or treat them with a pampering session. For the fitness buff, there’s going to be a 7-day fitness blitz for adults and kids at select SM malls where you can blow off steam and sweat it out. Whatever your passion is, we have lots of summer fun activities lined up for you!

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From safe dining to shopping and everything in between, make it a fun and colorful summer to remember at SM Supermalls! Make sure to visit www.smsupermalls.com or like and follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms for the latest news, promos, and activities.

SM Turns to Rain Water Harvesting a key to Living Flood Free

Climate change is real and Filipinos are among those who can attest to the devastating effects it brings to everyday life. Faced with about 20 typhoons a year, the Asian Development Bank reported that the total impact from storms have reached about US$20 billion from 1990 to 2020. It causes a temporary disruption due to mass evacuations which bring about an average of 2-8% reduction in gross domestic product annually. 

Despite the reoccurring devastation felt during calamities, Filipinos still manage to see the humorous side of life and are often reported as one of the happiest people in the world. However, this may soon be tested as, according to the latest report of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, things are about to get worse as the planet heats up, accelerating the effects of climate change and making the Philippines more vulnerable to drastic changes in weather patterns. 

On average, the Philippines receives about 2,400 millimeters of rainfall each year, one of the highest in the world. While this poses a problem for the country, there is a silver lining, as it can also be the solution for water scarcity. However, currently the Philippines only harvests around 6% of its rainwater compared to India which harvests around 60% of the 700-millimeter average rainfall it receives each year. 

Rain Water – a friend or a foe?

Water is a scarce resource. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 6 identifies access to clean water as one of the global priorities to be achieved by 2030. Aligned to its environmental responsibility programs, SM takes a closer look at the use of water and how it can be turned from a foe to a friend.

SM builds its malls and integrated lifestyle cities with resilience and sustainability in mind. Understanding the value of water, SM builds rain water catchments in its malls to harvest large volumes of rain water particularly in flood prone areas.

“We approach it two ways: resilience – to help communities be flood free; and sustainability – to optimize water which is a scarce resource so we can use it for other purposes rather than just waste it,” says Architect Fides Garcia-Hsu, Vice President at SM Engineering Design and Development.

Vermont Park and Vermont Royale are two communities that once saw rain as a foe. Every time it rained, their neighborhoods ended up under water, damaging their homes. Today, home owners welcome the rain as water that can be harvested and stored for future use. The reason? SM City Masinag’s rain water catchment facility!   It has a 17,681 cubic meter water capacity. The two communities connected their drainage systems to the mall which is equipped with three 30HP submersible pumps which are used to pump out accumulated rain water. 

“Wherever SM is, we try to help our communities become resilient to changing weather patterns,” explains Arch. Garcia-Hsu. “Nationwide, we have 20 malls equipped with rainwater catchment facilities that help rain water management to avoid flash floods for surrounding communities.”

As a company SM invests 10% of its capital expenditure to integrate disaster resilient and sustainability features in its malls and integrated lifestyle city designs. “We take a long-term view on resilience and when we talk about sustainability, we look at how we can address perennial problems like flooding and address systemic change,” Arch. Garcia-Hsu expounds.

Serving as pioneers in the installation of rain water catchment facilities, SM was instrumental in the passing ordinances and inclusion of the installation of water catchment facilities for developments by regulatory bodies. In recent years, Senator Manny Pacquiao passed the ‘Rain Water Harvesting Act – Senate Bill 1309’ mandating the establishment, maintenance and management of rain water harvesting systems in the country. 

 “Aside from building resilient infrastructure, we also build the resilience of our stakeholders by providing disaster preparedness training through our SM Cares programs,” shared Chito Bauzon, SM Cares Marketing Asst. Vice President. “We have programs targeted to senior citizens and those with special needs as they are the ones left most vulnerable during times of calamities.” 

With the threat of climate change looming, typhoons are only expected to get stronger with intensified rainfall. With more Filipinos moving to urban centers, the Philippines will need to retrofit its cities for resiliency or build new sustainability cities to finally live flood free.

 SM joins Earth Hour 2022; Lights switch-off, Virtual Run part of activity line-up

As part of the company's sustainability efforts, SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares, is once again joining the world in observing Earth Hour, with this year’s theme "Shape Our Future," focusing on how we can work together in halting and reversing climate change and nature loss by 2030.

This year, SM will continue to promote the campaign by being one of the official partners of WWF for the Earth Hour Virtual Run, to be held from March 26 to April 22. Aside from this, all SM malls will be joining the light switch-off on March 26 from 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

“Through Earth Hour, we want to engage over a billion people worldwide and engage decision-makers whether in business, institutions, and governments, to move the agenda of nature up the priority list in the global sphere and in the national agenda. We want people to lend their voices as we're shaping our future, and hopefully, we'll be changing the ending for the positive – for both people and the planet,” said Atty. Angela Ibay, Climate and Energy Program Head of WWF-Philippines

Aside from joining the campaign every year, SM has been active in environmental protection in many ways. For instance, all SM malls are equipped with energy and water conservation facilities. The company also regularly joins tree planting activities, and has waste management initiatives such as Trash-to-Cash, e-waste and used acid lead batteries collection programs, and the plastic waste collection program with the Plastic Credit Exchange.

SM has also been investing more in renewable energy. Eight malls in the country and three in China are now equipped with solar panels, with more to follow in the coming months. SM also pledged to increase its use of renewable energy to 50 percent of its overall energy usage by year-end.

SM's other sustainability initiatives include the annual Green Film Festival, promoting environmental awareness among students and the youth through films; the AweSMSeas project, promoting awareness on the negative impact of plastic waste on seas and oceans; and the International Coastal Cleanup joined by thousands of volunteers every year, to name a few.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, supporting initiatives that focus on communities and the environment. In addition to its programs on the environment, SM Cares’ advocacies include programs on women and breastfeeding mothers, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, children and youth, and the Bike-Friendly SM Program. 

Visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares to learn more.

Empowering communities through #SocialGood
Debbie Sy

The private sector plays a significant role when it comes to economic growth in the Philippines by generating more jobs and contributing to our gross domestic product (GDP). Beyond that, it is also considered to be a driving force for inclusive and sustainable development in the country as more and more businesses employ corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to address social and environmental concerns within the communities where they operate.

By helping improve the quality of life of the people in these host communities, business is able to flourish. As such, CSR has become a key pillar of successful business management through the years. SM’s visionary founder, Henry “Tatang” Sy, Sr., put it best in his principle that social development and investment go hand in hand with business growth to achieve a better future.

The SM group has embraced the responsibility to contribute to nation building through its social good arm, the SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI). For nearly four decades, we have focused our resources, time, and reach to ensure that we are able to create opportunities wherever SM is present through social good programs that are geared towards quality education, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and disaster response.

SM Scholars General Assembly

SM Employees show their spirit of volunteerism as they help repaint an SM school building

Anchored on Tatang’s belief that education is the greatest equalizer, SMFI established the SM Scholarship Program in 1993 to provide the youth access to quality tertiary and vocational education. We believe that through our scholarship grants, SM will be able to contribute to eradicating the intergenerational poverty cycle by granting scholarships to economically challenged but deserving students. And to complement this and more importantly, to address the challenges being faced by our public school system, SMFI, together with social good partners such as SM Prime, we have provided school buildings equipped with key facilities and equipment to underserved communities. 

SM KSK Urban Farmers from Pasay City

Another social good pillar of SMFI is sustainable agriculture that aims to address the dilemma of the aging farmer population in the country as well as the growing gap between supply and demand for local food sources. In 2007, the foundation launched the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) program to bring modern and sustainable farming skills and linkages in both rural and urban communities, empowering farmers to have food on their table and creating market linkage to provide them with economic opportunities. 

Residents from Foreshore, Tondo Manila can now utilize a fully equipped Super Health Center from SM

Accessible healthcare and timely disaster response are also at the heart of the foundation’s advocacy. Through its Health and Wellness program, SMFI helps address the shortage of quality healthcare facilities in the country by constructing and upgrading health centers in host communities supplemented by medical mission activities nationwide. The Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), on the other hand, gives immediate assistance in the form of relief goods and medical services in collaboration with SM Supermalls and SM Markets to communities affected by calamities and disasters that frequently occur in the country.

Staying true to its commitment, SMFI is one of the first responders after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette

During the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, SMFI was one of the first organizations to assume an active role in assisting in the pandemic response by expanding the reach and impact of the Health and Wellness program and utilizing its partnerships to extend a helping hand to frontliners and Filipinos nationwide, especially those in SM host communities.

Through these social good programs, we continuously aspire to be a development partner for our host communities and serve as model for other organizations in terms of bringing social development specially in areas where they operate.

Implementing CSR involves a dynamic learning process given that social and environmental good are moving targets – and these cannot be fully achieved through one-time activities and decisions. Instead, companies should view and approach CSR as a process of continuous improvement that involves being constantly alert to new issues and considerations, which can be achieved through consistent community consultation and engagement.

And contrary to the notion that CSR is only an approach for large corporations and multi-national businesses, small and medium-scale enterprises can also have the means to benefit their respective communities in their own ways. In fact, they are more likely to effectively facilitate local-level CSR programs as they are more deeply embedded in their communities. Examples of these include sourcing of raw materials from community-based suppliers, matching and encouraging charitable work by employees, and even as simple as going paperless in their daily business operations.

CSR programs, no matter the size or scale, are valuable to the communities they are serving because of their pivotal role in promoting sustainable, just, and balanced development, and contribution in addressing social and environmental challenges.

SM Supermalls and PHILHAIR launch National Beauty Caravan

Invites shoppers, PH hairdressers, and makeup artists to join the beauty and wellness event

Fun and beautiful days ahead await mallgoers as beauty and wellness take over in 18 SM malls!

Starting February 28, shoppers and beauty and wellness enthusiasts are in for a treat as SM Supermalls and the Philippine Hairdressers Association launch the National Beauty Caravan which will run until April 2022.

As part of the two-month event, SM Supermalls and the Philippine Hairdressers Association (PHILHAIR) are inviting all local hairdressers and makeup artists to showcase their talents at the Hair and Makeup Trends 2022. 

A series of three-day caravans will be staged in select SM malls from February 28 to April 30, 2022. Local makeup, beauty, and wellness brands will be featured at the trade fairs, and discounts and promos are up for grabs during the first two days of the caravan series. Meanwhile, beauty demos, workshops, and other beauty activities will be held along with the competition among beauty industry professionals will be held on the third day. 

The winners for each leg will compete at the Grand Finals at SM Megamall on April 29 where Mr. & Ms. Health and Beauty Ambassadors will be crowned.

”We want to thank SM Supermalls for giving us the opportunity to put the spotlight on the talents and skills of our local beauty practitioners, as well as the brands at the trade fairs. I encourage all my fellow practicing hairdressers and makeup artists from different regions to join the Hair and Makeup Trends 2022 competition,” said Mader Ricky Reyes, president of PHILHAIR. 

To register for the event, the interested hairdressers and makeup artists can contact the corresponding PHILHAIR leaders in their respective areas. Medals, cash prizes, and gift packs from SM Supermalls and PHILHAIR await the lucky winners of the competition. 

“At the National Beauty Caravan, you can discover a plethora of beauty and wellness brands that can give them a luxe pampering and self-care experience. Shop for your holy grail beauty, health, and personal care items in a safe and convenient manner, the #SafeMallingAtSM way!” said Mr.San Agustin.

Visit SM Supermalls and indulge in #AweSM beauty and wellness deals like no other! And to get all the latest updates about SM Supermalls, make sure to log on to www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms.

6 Myths About Personal Finance That Still Persist Today

Managing your hard-earned money can seem like a complicated affair, especially with an abundance of financial advice going around that can sometimes be more impractical than helpful. There may also be instances when you encounter conflicting suggestions from the experts, which can make things even more confusing and challenging.

To help you become better at handling your finances, here are some of the most persistent myths about personal finance that you should STOP believing right now:

Saving Money Means Giving Up Fun

One of the first things that financial advisors tell you to do in order to save more money is to cut down on your frivolous expenses. This can feel quite limiting, to the point that you’re not encouraged to save anymore because you feel guilty and miserable.

However, the key word you need to focus on is “cut down.” It doesn’t mean you have to stop spending money on the things you enjoy; rather, you just need to reduce and prioritize. If you order from your favorite restaurant once a week, consider making it just once a month instead. If you usually get a large cup of cold brew from your neighborhood cafe, switch to a smaller size so you can still get your fix.

Indeed, when it comes to saving, don’t deprive yourself. You’ll feel more inspired to work towards your financial goals if you still give yourself treats from time to time.

When you’re building your savings, it can feel discouraging to see only a small amount in your account or if you’re only able to save a couple of hundred pesos every time. Still, any amount saved is better than nothing at all. Besides, as the saying goes, big things have small beginnings. As you get more used to saving money and as you eliminate a bigger chunk of debt, you can start saving more and more. Before you know it, you’ll have a big amount ready for emergencies or waiting for your next big purchase.

Credit Cards Are a Gateway to Debt

There are many reasons Filipinos don’t want to get their own credit cards, and getting saddled with debt is one of them. Of course, there’s some truth to it. When you use a credit card, it’s just like taking out a small loan from the card provider. However, as long as you’re paying your bills in full and on time, you won’t have any issues. 

Besides, there are actually a lot of perks when you use credit cards. Philippines’ top retailers often have partnerships that let you earn rewards points or enjoy automatic discounts when you use your credit cards to pay. Many providers also take note of your payment standing and increase your spending limit if you’re a good customer; this can give you more options to circulate your funds and maximize your points.

You’re also not obligated to use your credit card each and every time! There are certain transactions that are best paid with cash, while some are ideal to be charged to your card. The bottom line here is that in the hands of a responsible individual, a credit card is a powerful financial tool.

One of the best ways to grow your money is to invest it. Yes, your money earns interest in the bank but investing it can give you much better returns. Fortunately, investing doesn’t actually require a lot of money. Even if you can only allocate Php 1,000 or even Php 500 per month, you can already start investing your money.

The key is to know your options. Do your own research as well, and ask for advice from experts. Little by little, you’ll be more confident in your knowledge and you can start investing more.

Retirement Savings Can Come Later

You’re never too young to start saving for your retirement! In fact, the earlier you start, the better. This gives your money more time to grow and by the time you’re ready to retire, all you have to do is enjoy the fruits of your hard work.

Consistency is your friend here. Again, it’s perfectly fine if you’re only able to save a small amount each month. Just open an account as early as you can so that you can give your retirement money some time to grow.

You Don’t Need a Budget

If you already know where your money is going every month—utility bills, groceries, savings, rent—do you still need an honest-to-goodness itemized budget? The answer is yes. Having a record of your earnings and expenses helps you better keep track of things and also get a good look into your financial status in the future.

Having a budget also makes it easier for you to achieve your individual financial goals, such as saving for a new gadget or setting up your emergency funds.

When it comes to handling your personal finances, remember that there’s no “one size fits all” solution. Again, it’s personal and everyone has different situations. Nevertheless, you can take note of these myths—now debunked! They can help make financial management a little easier.