BNI Philippines 2024 set July 5-6 in PICC and Okada

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Business Network International (BNI) Philippines proudly announces the much-anticipated Philippine National Conference (PNC) 2024, scheduled July 5-6, 2024 at the Philippine International Convention Center and Okada Manila. This milestone event marks the 10th year of BNI Philippines' commitment to fostering meaningful connections and driving business growth.

At the helm of this gathering is Dr. Ivan Misner, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of BNI, renowned globally as the world’s largest business networking organization. With over 11,100 chapters spanning 76 countries, BNI has facilitated unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and commerce. Dr. Misner, a distinguished New York Times Bestselling author and recognized authority on networking, will deliver insights from his latest work, "The 3rd Paradigm: A Radical Shift to Greater Success," alongside his wealth of experience garnered from prestigious platforms such as Forbes and CNN.

Dexter Ortega, National Director of BNI Philippines, proudly announces the lineup of speakers joining Dr. Misner, including Mac Srinivasan, Global Markets President of BNI; Phil Ber, Entrepreneur and Business Coach; Kevin Barber, Board of Director at BNI Foundation; and a lineup of esteemed local luminaries including Joe Magsaysay, Paco Magsaysay, Jeff Bareiro, Anna Lacson, Donald Lim, Paul Soliman, and Louie Ocampo Gutierrez.

With 41 chapters nationwide and a membership base of 1,554 dynamic entrepreneurs representing diverse sectors of the Philippine economy, BNI Philippines is poised to elevate the networking landscape to new heights. Non-members are cordially invited to partake in the transformative power of BNI's referral-based business model.

For more information and registration, please visit https://bniphx.xperto.ph.

For sponsorship visit 

Sponsorship deck |

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sv19s4aTjNDP4vsjH2p1hskiNSUpRtQU/view?usp=drive_link

Exhibitor deck |

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DIoQE2ZgUioN4yut12h6eQgGSTQV0Epw/view?usp=drive_link

EATS HERE! MAFBEX Returns For a Culinary Journey!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Worldbex Services International continues to celebrate diverse industries with its premier food and beverage event, the Manila Foods and Beverage Expo (MAFBEX).

Celebrating its 18th year milestones this 2024, the Manila Foods and Beverages Expo (MAFBEX) is coming back this June 12 to 16, 2024 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, providing the next level of culinary journey for food enthusiasts and businesses sectors from all over the world to showcase their love and passion for a gastronomic and flavorful experience.EATS HERE, a play on words on “It’s here!” and “Eat” is the MAFBEX theme for this year’s show. MAFBEX 2024 will showcase a series of competitions and highlights that will surely satisfy your tastebuds. World-renowned chefs gather for an exclusive one-on-one learning opportunity that will spice up your cravings for new menu ideas at the Chefs of the World, a stage show featuring the very best from the F&B industry. MAFBEX is hosting the return of the Culinary Cup 2024: Home Chef Edition, the battle for the next home cook chef champion!

Experience the unique culinary flair from the Young Hoteliers’ Exposition (YHE), featuring students from De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde and other culinary institutions that will keep your appetite entertained during the event. MAFBEX will also feature zones and areas that focus on certain demographics, such as the Brew District, Wines & Spirits, International Pavilions and the Franchise Zone.

Join us in MAFBEX 2024 as we continue to be an avenue for local businesses and introduce their product to a wide array of audience not just from the Philippines, but all across the world.

This event helps bring in more opportunities for food and beverages sectors, MSME’s and students to grow and connect with global influencers and biggest brands in the industry

Featuring only the best, MAFBEX will surely deliver another record breaking event foot traffic as we remain to be the pillar of the food and beverage industry for many years to come. Get your tickets now and learn more about MAFBEX 2024 VIA https://mafbex.com/

MAFBEX 2024 is organized by Worldbex Services International and for the benefit of ABS CBN Foundation Incorporated.

How To Get Quality Customer References

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The value of customer references cannot be overstated in today’s business climate; they serve as testimonials to the efficacy and quality of a product or service. Establishing credible, effective customer references requires a strategic approach and a commitment to nurturing strong customer relationships. These references can significantly bolster a company's reputation and support sales initiatives. Below, you’ll find essential strategies and insights into cultivating and maintaining this vital business resource.

Establishing a Strong Relationship with Your Customers

To secure valuable customer references, building trust with clients is paramount. Genuine appreciation and recognition for their patronage are essential, ensuring they feel valued beyond mere testimonials. This involves attentive customer service, ongoing dialogue, and understanding their needs. Responding to feedback demonstrates a commitment to improving service and valuing customer input. Personalization strengthens connections, tailoring interactions to individuals to show respect and understanding. This personal attention fosters a willingness in customers to provide references. Establishing a robust relationship enables candid conversations when requesting testimonials. Trustworthy and satisfied customers are more likely to endorse products or services enthusiastically, resulting in authentic and persuasive references. This approach outlines how to get quality customer references effectively.

Creating a Robust Customer Reference Program

Creating a structured customer reference program is key to gathering high-quality testimonials efficiently. This program should outline how to identify potential references, reach out to them, and capture their insights effectively. Recognition of customers' efforts is crucial. Establishing a simple process for documenting and tracking feedback helps build a reliable repository of references for promotional purposes. Training your team on the importance of references and how to engage customers in the program is essential for success. Equipping them with the right skills ensures confident interactions with customers. Regula revaluation and refinement of the program are necessary. Feedback drives improvements that enhance participation and streamline the process for both customers and company representatives. 

Incentivizing Customers for Their Time and Help

Recognizing the value of customer time, and offering incentives for references is effective. Incentives can vary, including discounts, special access, or public recognition, aiming to express gratitude without compromising testimonial authenticity. It's best to surprise customers with incentives after they've provided a reference. Acknowledgment in community forums or events can also deepen relationships and set examples for others. Choose incentives that match contributions and align with your company ethos, showcasing respect for customers and their input. 

Tailoring Your Request to Match Customer Experience

Different customers offer different perspectives, so tailoring your reference request is key. A long-time customer might share a detailed case study, while a newer one could provide a quick video testimonial. Understanding this helps set appropriate expectations and guide customers in sharing experiences that resonate. When asking for a reference, personalize your request and respect the customer's time. Explain why their story matters and how it can assist others. Offer various formats like written reviews or videos to accommodate different preferences and ensure authenticity. 

Leveraging Social Proof Through Case Studies and Testimonials

Harnessing social proof, like customer case studies and testimonials, can significantly influence potential clients by showcasing real-life successes with your product or service. Case studies delve into detailed customer journeys, illustrating before-and-after scenarios to highlight positive outcomes. 

Testimonials capture genuine enthusiasm, whether written or in video format, fostering immediate emotional connections. While obtaining quality customer references may seem complex, with careful planning and a deep understanding of your customer base, you can cultivate a pool of advocates who provide credible endorsements, benefiting your business in the long run. Overall, the concerted effort to collect customer references pays off significantly. Through strong relationships, a structured reference program, appropriate incentives, personalized requests, and the strategic use of social proof, businesses can amass a trove of customer endorsements that strengthen brand credibility and drive growth.

2nd International Conference on Language Endangerment

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐀 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐏𝐄𝐋-𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐒𝐈𝐊

IKA-2 PANDAIGDIGANG KUMPERENSIYA SA NANGANGANIB NA WIKA

(2nd International Conference on Language Endangerment)

MB Auditorium, Philippine Normal University

Lungsod Maynila, Pilipinas

9–11 Oktubre 2024

Pagbibigay-lakas sa mga Katutubong Mamamayan tungo sa Pagpapasigla ng mga Wika (Empowering Indigenous Peoples towards Revitalizing the Languages)

Description:

Ang Ika-2 Pandaigdigang Kumperensiya sa Nanganganib na Wika ay sama-samang itinataguyod ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), Language Study Center ng Philippine Normal University (LSC-PNU), Departamento ng Linggwistiks ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Diliman (UP-Lingg), at Departamento ng Filipino ng De La Salle University (DLSU-Filipino). Ito ay tatlong araw na in-person na kumperensiya na magsisilbing venue para sa mga eksperto, iskolar ng wika, mananaliksik-wika, at mga miyembro ng katutubong pamayanang kultural o indigenous cultural communities (ICC) upang magbahaginan ng mga pag-aaral at karanasan, at magpalitan ng idea sa pagtugon sa mga isyung may kaugnayan sa panganganib ng wika. 

Layunin nitong mabigyang-lakas at kakayahan ang mga katutubong mamamayan o indigenous peoples (IP) sa pamamagitan ng kanilang pakikisangkot sa pagbuo ng mga patakaran, programa, at pananaliksik para sa pangangalaga ng kanilang wika. Kinikilala ng ICLE 2024 ang angking kakayahan at kakanyahan ng mga IP sa pangangalaga ng kanilang sariling wika at kultura. Sa International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL) 2022-2032 Global Action Plan (GAP), tinukoy ang mga IP bilang isa mga key targets na pangkat na mahalagang maisangkot sa mga gawaing pangwika. Bilang mga IP, sila ang mangunguna sa pagbabago, sila ang may karapatan at tungkulin na magsalin o magtransmit ng kanilang mga wika sa susunod na henerasyon. Ngunit hindi nila ito magagawang mag-isa kung walang tulong mula sa mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan, institusyon, organisasyon, eksperto, mananaliksik, at iba pang entidad.

Kayâ, sa Kumperensiyang ito, itatampok ang mga pag-aaral na nakatuon sa mga nabuo/binubuong patakarang pangwika, pagdodokumento ng wika, pagpapasigla ng wika, IP education, community-based programs, at ibang pang paksang makatutugon sa pangangalaga ng katutubong wika. 

Target na Kalahok:

Ang Kumperensiya ay inaasahang dadaluhan ng mga Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMR), elders, culture bearers, guro, mananaliksik, at kinatawan ng mga organisasyon, institusyon, at ahensiya ng pamahalaan na mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng Pilipinas. 

Pagpaplano at Patakarang Pangwika

- ahensiya ng pamahalaan

- kolehiyo at unibersidad

- pribadong institusyon

- non-governmental organizations (NGO)

· Pagdodokumento at Deskripsiyon ng Wika

· Community-Based Programs

- programang inisyatiba ng komunidad 

- paglilipat ng wika

- pagpapasigla ng wika

· Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd)

- pagpapaunlad ng wika

- kagamitang pampagtuturo

- estratehiya sa pagtuturo

 · Mother Tongue-Based-Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE)

· Pagbuo ng resources

- ortograpiya

- diksiyonaryo

- glosaryo

- aklat

Ang isusumiteng Abstrak ay kinakailangang naglalaman ng sumusunod:

1. Abstrak na hindi lalampas sa 400 na salita.

- pamagat ng abstrak

- teksto ng abstrak

- keywords

- sanggunian at footnote (kung aplikable)

2. Format para sa isusumiteng abstrak:

- naka-Word file sa A4-sized bond paper

- 1 inch margin sa lahat ng gilid

- double space

- Times New Roman, 12 font size

3. Ang abstrak ay maaaring nasa wikang Filipino o Ingles.

4. Ang dokumento ay nakaayon sa format ng KWF Manwal sa Masinop na Pagsulat, kung ang abstract ay nasa wikang Filipino.

Paanyaya sa pagsusumite ng papel-pananaliksik:

Inaanyayahan ang publiko, lalo na ang mga guro, mananaliksik, iskolar ng wika, at miyembro ng mga katutubong pamayanang kultural o indigenous cultural communities (ICC) na magpasa ng kanilang mga pag-aaral na tumatalakay, ngunit hindi limitado, sa sumusunod na paksa:

5. Ito ay dapat na orihinal na akda at hindi pa naisusumite upang ipresenta sa iba pang kumperensiya o ilalathala sa mga publikasyon.

6. Ang abstrak ay maaaring indibidwal o grupo (2–4 na tao) ng mananaliksik. 

7. Ang mananaliksik ay maaari lamang magsumite ng hanggang dalawang abstrak—isa para sa indibidwal at isa para sa grupo.

Ipadala ang panukalang papel-pananaliksik sa https://bit.ly/ICLE-Filipino o https://bit.ly/ICLE-English

. Ang huling araw ng pagsusumite ng abstrak ay sa . Para sa iba pang detalye, bisitahin ang Facebook page ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino at Pandaigdigang Kumperensiya sa Nanganganib na Wika 2024.

SM Prime Embarks on a Unified Waste Management Program for an #SMWasteFreeFuture

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, is embarking on a unified waste management and segregation campaign in response to the growing global crises on waste. SM Prime aims to bring all its property groups and stakeholders toward an #SMWasteFreeFuture. 

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), humanity generates more than 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste annually, of which 45 percent is mismanaged. Without urgent action, municipal solid waste will double to almost 4 billion tons each year by 2050. On December 14, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 30 as the International Day of Zero Waste.

The following year, UNEP inaugurated the First International Day of Zero Waste, to bolster actions to address the global pollution crisis. It aims to encourage global action and bring the world’s attention to zero waste. 

Strong foundations 

SM Prime’s founding leader, Henry Sy, believed that “business growth and social development must go hand in hand.” The company follows this guiding principle and has formed a sustainability policy that commits to the following: Resource Conservation and Efficiency, Disaster Resilience, Climate Advocacy, Social Integration, and Transparent Reporting. 

Anchored on these sustainability commitments are the SM Supermalls’ Environmental Programs on Waste Management. Through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, SM Supermalls has pioneered longstanding programs such as the Trash to Cash recycling market, and provided support to the annual International Coastal Clean Up, among other national events.

(Photo caption) The largest haul and biggest participation to-date: The 38th International Coastal Clean-up had 17,000 volunteers across 15 SM Malls in 12 locations nationwide. It is an annual community-driven partnership between SM Supermalls, SM Cares, the DENR, LGU’s and the volunteers from the SM community. 

(Photo caption) Scaled to perfection: One of the first recycling markets the country, Trash-to-Cash’s valuable example that waste can have monetary benefits. The recycling market is held every first Friday and Saturday of the month in all SM Supermalls to encourage waste segregation and recycling among SM customers, tenants, and the community. The recycling market is open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

In the hotel and tourism sector, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has taken the lead in mitigating global food waste by implementing sustainable initiatives across its properties in the Philippines. Their key initiatives include the World Wide Fund for Nature’s Sustainable Diner Program, that aims to transform and help the food service sector minimize its impact on the environment thru resource efficiency, plastic refusal and food waste management and contribute to the world’s future food security. 

(Photo caption) Closing the loop: SMHCC’s sustainability efforts are anchored on the 7Gs or Seven Green Goals, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). The overall thrust for sustainability is cascaded to the rest of properties, ensuring that it is embedded at every step of the hotel’s operations, ensured by property Sustainability Champions.

To support these programs, SM Prime also recently unveiled its waste-to-fuel partnership with GUUN Co. Ltd. (GUNN) to implement the Japanese technique of reducing landfill impact. The technology converts non-recyclable and hard-to-recycle packaging into alternative fuel. 

(Photo caption) No time to waste: Sorting through the amount of trash at the GUUN Facility in Cebu. Unfit for recycling and reuse, the waste material recovered avoids the landfill and is then reconverted to fuel resource. 

A Vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture 

To mark the International Day of Zero Waste on March 30, 2024, SM Prime is releasing its vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture. “As a community, we strongly believe in our ability to contribute to solving today's waste issues,” said Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM sustainability champion. 

SM Prime’s announcement of its vision of an #SMWasteFreeFuture demonstrates the company’s strong commitment and sustainability stewardship, by inviting its stakeholders to engage in activities that will help spread zero-waste awareness and work for a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach on waste management.

“We understand that this may seem like a daunting challenge to overcome However, by joining forces, we can create a world that our future generations truly deserve – if we have the courage to take on this journey together,” said Sy. 

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.  

All within 15 minutes: Urban planning concept city to rise in Pasay

An artist’s render of a 15-minute city, where work, food, housing, education and cultural activities are easily within reach.

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

For the modern urban dweller, 15 minutes is a lot of time. 

A lot of productive things can be done – a high-intensity, interval training (HITT) workout or run a 1.5-kilometer route, clearing your emails, meditating, catching up on the news, or preparing a quick smoothie – all within 15 minutes. 

But for the Metro Manila commuter, 15 minutes is barely enough to get from point A to point B. During rush hour, it is most likely that within this time, you still haven’t moved an inch.

Ever heard of the 15-minute city? It’s a modern urban planning concept that puts people and the planet first. The term was coined by Paris-based urbanist and Sorbonne University professor Carlos Moreno wherein he said that the ideal neighborhood or city is built in such a way where work, food, housing, education and cultural activities can be easily accessed within 15 minutes, whether by foot or by using a bike.

Pasay City, in its forward-looking 360-hectare smart city development, aims to create an innovative tropical 15-minute city for over 300,000 residents. 

Situated at the edge of a densely-packed and overpopulated metropolis perpetually in a traffic gridlock, this city will provide respite to its residents and visitors with sustainable, inclusive, safe, and healthy living where all their needs can be accessed within reach. 

Among its intended features, the project is envisioned to have low carbon and safe mobility networks with multimodal public transport services and enhanced infrastructure that prioritizes active mobility like walking and biking. There will be parking lots equipped with electric vehicle charging stations, dedicated bike lanes, easily accessible public transport hubs, and unimpeded pedestrian walkways.

An artist’s rendition of a soon-to-rise 15-minute city in Pasay

This assures lower transportation costs, less carbon emissions, and most importantly, healthier and happier people. No more long and tiring queues at the EDSA bus carousel or sitting hours on end in the middle of EDSA traffic. 

The project has been thoughtfully planned and designed for many years, and finally it has received the green light by government to proceed. In fact, no less than Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda highlighted how the Pasay-led project is expected to earn billions in real estate assets for the government. 

Revenues from the project will generate a massive multiplier effect on our gross domestic product (GDP) and an estimated 300,000 new jobs from 2027 to 2040. By 2035, it is projected to employ 4% of the National Capital Region’s (NCR) total work force.

The Pasay 360 Project will be a city that nurtures lives and livelihood, is expected to revitalize the economy, and hone the next generation of Filipino leaders. It can be a source of pride for Filipinos as we push towards the 22nd century. 

A school renovation project amplifies the potential of deaf community

A dedicated teacher from PSD provides a hands-on lecture inside their newly rehabilitated school building.

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Being hearing-impaired is a challenge in itself, navigating a world where communication relies heavily on spoken words. 

In the Philippines, this challenge further creates a gap, as opportunities for the deaf are limited, particularly in education and employment. The struggle is intensified as only a few secondary learning institutions are catering to their unique needs, with affordability and facility conditions further hindering their pursuit of skills and knowledge. 

  

A personal advocacy 

Shery Funcion, the Principal of the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in Pasay City, is no stranger to these challenges. 

Her dedication to the cause began with her college thesis, focusing on job opportunities for deaf learners. Since then, she has immersed herself in various organizations and volunteer activities, gaining firsthand insights into the limited opportunities available to deaf learners. 

She eventually became a SPED teacher, before taking on the role of principal in PSD. 

"The immersive experience really showed me how important these projects are for our students—kung gaano kahalaga ang pagbibigay ng mga pasilidad sa mga mag aaral lalo na sa mga bingi," she underscored the importance of providing facilities for students with hearing impairment. 

 

A facility that produces opportunities 

The collaborative project of the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation (SMFI), and the Department of Education's Schools Division Office of Pasay City equips students with in-demand skills that will prepare them for employment upon graduation.

In the century-old PSD, their senior high school laboratory building serves as the training ground for students. Its classrooms and halls, no matter how old, have always played their role in honing and preparing deaf students to have solid career prospects after PSD. 

Amidst the competing priorities within the school and the broader Philippine educational system, the facility barely had enough funds for the rehabilitation and major repairs it needed. For years, students and teachers worked around issues ranging from dim lighting and leaking roofs to uneven floors. These not only presented structural concerns but also hindered the overall learning experience of students. 

"Our deaf learners need special accommodation to fulfill their special educational needs. They need to have a conducive learning environment so we can optimize the activities and learning programs," Funcion stressed. 

Funcion further shared that the 2023 collaborative project of the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation (SMFI)—the social good arm of the SM Group, and the Department of Education's Schools Division Office of Pasay City could not have come at a better time. 

 "The rehabilitation of the Home Economics (HE) laboratories is crucial because students need to fulfill their performance tasks. These are vital components of our senior high school program to ensure that they acquire essential skills and competencies for employment post-graduation from PSD." 

Through the collaboration, PSD has been provided with the much-needed facilities in dressmaking, beauty care, cookery, electrical, bartending, food and beverage preparation, ICT, and dance. 

For Funcion, their Henry Sy. Sr. building serves as a great beginning that will help pave equal opportunities and create a future where deaf students’ abilities will shine within and beyond the four walls of classrooms. 

Through the collaboration, PSD has been provided with the much-needed facilities in dressmaking, beauty care, cookery, electrical, bartending, food & beverage preparation, ICT, and dance.

Henry Sy Foundation promotes inclusive education

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Revitalizing the Philippine School for the Deaf

Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) hand signs a gratitude message to Henry Sy Foundation (HSF), Department of Education, and Pasay Local Government after they collaborated for the revitalization of the 12-room laboratory building of Senior High School students.

The Philippines’ Magna Carta for Disabled Persons ensures the rehabilitation, self-development, and self-reliance of persons with disabilities. The country provides educational assistance to people with disabilities from primary to tertiary education, including vocational or technical training.

One such school is the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in Pasay City. For over a century, the school had demonstrated the transformative power of education in empowering and unlocking the capabilities of those with diverse disabilities to live fulfilling lives.

Though standing as a testament to the Philippines' long-standing commitment to differently-abled education, the school, one of Southeast Asia's oldest institutions for the deaf, suffers from the effects of time and wear, compromising its ability to fulfill its mission.

The school lacked basic facilities and accessibility features: converted classrooms, timeworn corridors, limited space for vocational training, inadequate furniture, dilapidated walls and ceilings, broken tiles and faucets, and dim lighting. It was also prone to flooding due to drainage problems, and it had only one functional toilet with a broken door infested by termites.

Teachers conduct lectures on electronics in a more conducive laboratory after the rehabilitation of the school building

Revitalizing a legacy

In a transformative partnership, the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation (SMFI), and the Department of Education's Schools Division Office of Pasay City joined forces to breathe new life into the Senior High School building and a four-story, 12-classroom structure. This initiative, executed under the DepEd's adopt-a-school program, stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in revitalizing educational infrastructure for the benefit of the community.

Previously hindered by infrastructural limitations, the century-old school now features enhanced learning spaces dedicated to various subjects, including dressmaking, beauty care, cookery, electrical, bartending, food & beverage preparation, ICT, and dance. A dance studio with a dressing room and a conference room were also refurbished.

Through the social good collaboration, the laboratory for baking and cookery has been equipped with new tools and furniture, helping conduct more hands-on classes.

To enhance safety and accessibility, ramps and railings were installed throughout the campus, ensuring ease of movement for all students. Aside from revitalizing 10 classrooms, the SM group also refurbished the conference rooms, and the lobby with a reception area to provide a comfortable environment.

Differently abled students from PSD focus as they attend their beauty and cosmetology class in their new building.

Helping instill good hygiene and encourage healthy habits, a handwashing station, and separate male and female toilets were rehabilitated with clean, functional cubicles, urinals, and PWD-friendly facilities.

The covered court was restored with a spacious stage, creating a conducive space for outdoor learning and recreation. 

The rehabilitation of the facilities at the PSD was undertaken, not just to address the physical challenges but also to cultivate an environment where every student can thrive. The project stands as a testament to the SM and Henry Sy Foundations’ continued pursuit of inclusivity and its commitment to empowering differently-abled individuals through education.

SM Foundation school building program head Juris Soliman and SMFI Project Supervisor Ar. Caren Lopez (fourth and fifth from left) with PSD Principal Shery Funcion and SDO Pasay City SGOD Sylwyn Tenorio (sixth and seventh from left) with the team behind the school’s refurbishment.

Farming futures

Jayson and Juanito proudly showcase a selection of produce at the SM City Clark’s Weekend Market.

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

While modern agricultural techniques boost yields for some, there remains a number of Filipino farmers who struggle to keep pace. These experienced hands find themselves falling behind in a market demanding higher production, clinging to familiar yet often inefficient methods passed down through generations.

One farmer from Pampanga, Jayson Garcia, sought to disrupt this prevailing narrative in his family. He knew that he had to chart a new course forward for his farm and innovate to remain competitive within the rapidly evolving landscape of modern agriculture.

“Noon, mahirap ang magtanim,” he recalled their life before joining SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan. “Para bang tsambahan, basta pag itinanim mo ‘yan, hintayin mo na lang mamunga. Mas mahirap pa lalo kapag nagkaroon ng kalamidad,” he added. 

SM Foundation’s training program focused on high-value crop cultivation was the breakthrough Garcia needed to revitalize his farming techniques. These included selecting the best seeds and caring for them as well as strategic planting schedules. 

Jayson attends the SM City Clark’s Weekend Market to observe best practices and gain insights into new agricultural techniques.

The livelihood program also gave way for him to discover alternative sales channels that enhanced his earning potential while extending fair prices to his customers. The knowledge and confidence he gained led him to expand his farm, and in effect, increased his monthly income to more than Php25,000.

Aside from directly selling his harvests, he is now planting a variety of vegetables–on his farm, including lemongrass, malunggay, and madre de cacao, which he sells online to small businesses that process the produce into other products. 

Embracing new techniques

Sharing the same story of hope is another KSK farmer from Pampanga, Juanito Dela Cruz. Despite his age, he actively pursued and adopted modern farming techniques. Building on his current success, he shared the importance of adaptability for farmers, calling for others to try and explore new practices. 

From a modest monthly income of Php10,000, Juanito experienced an upsurge in his earnings, notably through participation in the Weekend Market at SM City Clark, yielding around Php30,000 weekly. “Kailangan maging bukas tayo sa makabagong pamamaraan ng pagsasaka para makahabol tayo sa demands ng panahon ngayon—ito ang itinuo sa akin ng SM Foundation-KSK,” he said. 

Juanito, alongside his wife, actively participates in the SM City Clark Weekend Market. They credit the market with contributing to their increased profitability.

The SM Group’s KSK program has changed the lives of roughly 30,000 Filipino farmers, including Jayson and Juanito. Through its initiatives, farmers who once lost hope have been able to embrace modern farming techniques, leading to adaptability in the face of the evolving agricultural landscape. 

The SM Group, through SM Foundation, remains steadfast in its commitment to spreading social good. This dedication extends to SM’s forthcoming endeavors to be led by its future smart city property development – with focus on enhancing positive social impact in the communities where SM operates. 

Filipinos love concerts, but venue infrastructure gaps are a threat to the experience

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Countries with better, bigger, and more competitive concert venues have reaped economic benefits, especially with the massive and significant influence of popular international acts like pop superstar Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Coldplay’s World Tour in consumer behavior and spending. 

Driving tens of thousands of ‘Swifties’ and concert enthusiasts, the success of these concerts was an economic stimulus for countries worldwide, including Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore and Japan.  Filipino fans alike had to spend big and travel miles to watch the exclusive performance of superstar Swift in Singapore’s National Stadium while others went to Japan’s Tokyo Dome and Sydney’s Accor Stadium in Australia. The massive concert gigs boosted the respective country’s economies, benefitting entertainment, hospitality, retail, and transport industries significantly. 

While Singapore’s strategy for a Southeast Asia exclusive Swift performance piqued interest and likewise piqued its neighboring countries, the strategic move sparked conversations and brought to light what the Philippines can improve on in terms of concert venues.

1. Location is key

The Philippines doesn’t lack in big venues. In fact, it boasts of venues that can rival Singapore’s National Stadium and Japan’s Tokyo Dome. Accessibility to the location as well as public transportation and nearby commercial establishments are key.

2. Concert Experience 

Photo credit to Stanley Quek. An empty Singapore National Stadium, viewed from the front stage.

Singapore’s pride, the National Stadium, has innovative features such as the world’s largest free-spanning dome, a retractable roof and comfort cooling technology for spectators’ convenience. Its innovation, strategic location, and efficiency bring positive 

and immersive experiences for enthusiasts and concert fans, making it a magnet for entertainment acts from all over the world. A similar concert venue and experience is something that Filipino concertgoers are hoping the country can replicate. 

3. World-class concert amenities and facilities

Accessing the venue's amenities and facilities should offer a premium music experience for concert enthusiasts or convenience in a sporting event. 

Architectural “Eyecon” SM Mall of Asia Arena prides itself on having exceptional world-class amenities unique in the Southeast Asia region. –Photo from SM MOA Arena official website

Take for example the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena – a flexible indoor arena developed in 2012 by leading integrated property developer SM Prime – that has been a top-of-mind venue for all sorts of events and offers a unique concert experience. With a full house seating capacity of 20,000, it has been a haven for thrilling sports events, remarkable OPM shows, and unforgettable international superstar performances. 

Meanwhile, the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City is likewise an enormous outdoor venue that can accommodate at least 50,000 people. Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour and Rivermaya The Reunion were among the performers that have graced the stage recently.

4. Achieving Filipinos’ concert dreams

One of the most forward-looking plans of SM Prime is its 360-hectare smart city development which is envisioned to bring in a centerpiece to the country’s entertainment and sporting events – larger in capacity and a more enhanced venue infrastructure that would attract legendary icons in the entertainment scene and compete against Southeast Asia and the world’s best. It will feature an estimated 70,000-capacity stadium and concert arena connected to one of the island’s main destination paradises called Central Park. The sizable arena is envisioned to be the Philippines’ biggest concert venue, with world-class facilities and sustainable features, comparable to other big concert venues worldwide. Once that’s built, Filipinos won’t have to fly overseas because they can watch top-tier performances right from the comfort of their home country.

An artist’s render, visual sketch of the proposed concert venue at Pasay 360 project.

Without a doubt, Pinoys live and breathe entertainment shows. In fact, Filipinos are the 4th top concert spenders in Asia-Pacific according to digital payments company Visa, proof of how passionate we are about concerts. By investing in the development of modern, smart, and accessible concert venues, Filipino concert enthusiasts can continue to embrace and celebrate live performances with the convenience, comfort, and enjoyment they deserve. Beyond entertainment, well-curated, smart, and innovative concert facilities can further drive economic benefits to the Philippines’ national and local economies, including ancillary local spending in retail, tourism, and hospitality.