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SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM Group, underscored the need for businesses to look beyond short-term economic cycles and identify the changes that matter at the 24th MAP International CEO Conference, held under the theme “In the Age of Flux: Scaling the Next Inflection Points.”
The conference examined how companies are responding to rapid change, from artificial intelligence to shifting consumer demand, and how leaders can distinguish lasting shifts from market noise.
In his welcome address, SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio said nearly seven decades of operating in the Philippines have taught the group to take a long-term view.
“At SM, nearly seven decades in the Philippines have taught us to look beyond the cycle. We have seen periods of uncertainty, disruption, and rapid change. Through them, one thing has remained constant: the long-term potential of the Philippines and the aspirations of the Filipino people,” Mr DyBuncio said.
He pointed to the growth of regional markets as one change creating opportunities for businesses.
“That potential is increasingly visible beyond Metro Manila. As incomes rise and aspirations evolve, opportunities are opening across the regions. For businesses, this means looking beyond where growth has traditionally been concentrated and investing where the next generation of demand is emerging,” he said.
Discussions at the conference also explored how technology is changing the way companies understand and respond to change. Artificial intelligence and data can help businesses identify patterns more quickly, but more information does not necessarily make the decisions for them. Leaders still have to decide what matters, where to invest, and when to act.
Across the SM Group, this long-term approach can be seen in the continued growth of its retail, banking, property, and portfolio businesses, including their expansion beyond traditional economic centers. These businesses fund their own growth, allowing SM Investments as the parent company to benefit from their growth and the dividends they generate.
This structure gives SM Investments a distinctive position as a parent company, with established businesses that can invest and grow independently while contributing dividends to the parent over time.
The underlying approach remains straightforward: understand where demand is going, invest with discipline, and stay close to the customers the businesses serve.
Beauty + Health & Wellness Manila (BHW) proudly opened its landmark 10th edition today at the SMX Convention Center Manila, marking a decade of shaping the country’s self-care industry. Running until September 19, the Philippines’ premier trade show unites more than 85 local and international brands across the beauty and wellness spectrum.
Organized by Global-Link MP Events International, Inc. in partnership with the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP), and co-located with the Hotel & Foodservice Suppliers Show, BHW Manila continues to champion social impact through its support of the Ayala Foundation, Inc.
A Decade of Self-Care Evolution
Over the past ten years, BHW Manila has chronicled and propelled the transformation of self-care in the Philippines—from niche wellness products to a fully established industry now competing on the Asian stage.
High-Efficacy Formulations: Filipino innovators have elevated organic ingredients and essential oils into science-backed, everyday essentials.
Filipino Brands Rising: Homegrown names now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global competitors, offering superior quality, modern packaging, and proven results.
Complete Industry Ecosystem: By linking local creators with international suppliers and technical experts, the Philippine market is primed for rapid expansion in its next decade.
Exhibitor Highlights
This year’s showcase reflects the full ecosystem driving self-care forward:
Filipino Brands & Enterprises: Hiwaga ng Dagat Corp., Hairreve (Jradiance Corp.), Juju Health and Wellness, Niveus Skin, Palawan Pearls, Scents & Memories Enterprises, The Zen Institute, Christian Cosmetic Science Inc., and MX3 (DMI Medical Supply Co., Inc.).
Industry Pillars & Regulators: CCIP, DOST-ITDI, Philippine Association of Wellness and Aesthetics (PAWA), Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA), and the Packaging Institute of the Philippines.
Global Supply Chain Partners: Taiwan Pavilion (KS Digital Inc.), China Pavilion (Shanghai Wanlicheng Exhibition Co., Ltd.), Hubei Fortune Pharmaceutical, and Guangzhou Baosijie Biotechnology.
Leaders and partners behind BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair come together during the media launch. From left: Royce Cabuñag, AVP and Head of SM Communities; Chef JJ Yulo; Mary Anne Colmenares, NTF Chairperson; Chef Tony Boy Escalante, owner of Antonio’s; Francis Esteban, owner of Breakfast at Antonio’s; Christina Gaston, ANP President; Antonio Sebastian Escalante of Antonio’s; Pats Lim Dy, SAVP for SM Communities; and Joaquin San Agustin, EVP for Marketing of SM Supermalls.
Step into SM Aura this September, and you’ll find yourself transported—not just to a mall, but to Negros Island itself. For 40 years, the Negros Trade Fair has been more than a marketplace; it’s been a living showcase of Filipino creativity, resilience, and pride. This year’s milestone edition, aptly called BÚTLAK (to bloom), brings together 178 brands under one roof at the SMX Convention Center Aura from September 22 to 27, 2026.
Unveiled during the media launch, the official BÚTLAK video sweeps across Negros—its landscapes, landmarks, fashion, and artistry—bringing the island’s creative spirit to life.
A Journey Without a Plane Ticket
The launch preview captured the essence of Negros through a stirring video that whisked guests across its landscapes, kitchens, and workshops. It was the kind of reel that makes you want to book a flight—but the fair itself brings Negros to Manila, offering six days of food, fashion, art, and handcrafted treasures.
ANP President Christina Gaston reminded everyone why this fair matters: “MSME development is about giving people the opportunity to discover what they can create, what they can become, and where their creativity can take them.” Over four decades, small ventures have grown into enterprises, and local products have reached markets once thought impossible.
Flavors That Tell Stories
Guests at the launch were treated to a culinary journey led by Negrense icons JJ Yulo, Joel Torre, and Chef JP Anglo. From heirloom recipes to bold new interpretations, the tasting was a delicious preview of what’s to come.
Joel Torre, actor-restaurateur and proud Negrense, summed it up simply: “I’m very proud of Negros products.” Chef JP Anglo added, “Life is always changing; it’s a constant evolution. That’s why the Negros Trade Fair is thriving—it’s about the chase for perfection and love for craftsmanship.”
From savory empanadas and sisig to ube halaya and distinctive local ice cream flavors, the BÚTLAK media launch served a flavorful celebration of Negros—featuring Wawa Bing’s, JT’s Manukan, Cocina Javellana, and Marcelo’s Microcreamery.
Expect beloved names like Bob’s Café, 21 Restaurant, Chicken House, El Ideal, and Virgie’s Homemade Products, alongside fresh food concepts and pasalubong finds that go far beyond inasal.
Fashion, Crafts, and Culture
Beyond the table, the fair is a treasure trove of wearable art and homegrown design. Labels like Arête and Ellege Handcrafted Fashion showcase accessories and clothing rooted in tradition yet styled for today. Meanwhile, Hacienda Crafts, Tumandok Crafts Industries, and Artisana Island Crafts transform abaca, bamboo, capiz, and other indigenous materials into décor and furniture that sustain artisan livelihoods.
The fair will feature 178 brands across food, fashion, furniture, homeware, art, and local crafts—bringing come for the names they already love and leaving with a new favorite—or several.
For Stephanie and Cristina Claparols of Lakat Sustainables, the fair feels like family: “There are a lot of new brands to discover, especially from the new generation. That’s the most exciting part.”
Roots and Blooms
The anniversary theme, explained by ANP Vice President Mary Anne Colmenares, captures the fair’s spirit: “Our roots are found in traditions, skills, and stories handed down to us. Our blooms are the new ideas, new enterprises, and new generations emerging from those roots.”
SM Supermalls EVP for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin echoed the sentiment: “We’re celebrating 40 remarkable years—but we’re equally excited about the next 40.”
Final Take
The 40th Negros Trade Fair isn’t just about shopping. It’s about heritage, talent, and heart. It’s about supporting local makers while discovering flavors, fashions, and crafts that carry the soul of Negros. Bring your family, bring your friends, and take home a piece of the island.
The SM Group received 12 Stevie Awards at the 2026 International Business Awards, recognizing both parent-company reporting and programs delivered through its malls and communities.
The SM Group’s parent company, SM Investments Corporation, received four awards. It received Gold Stevie Awards in the Conglomerates (Large) and Best Annual Report (Publicly Held Corporations) categories for its 2025 Integrated Report.
Its 2025 Sustainability Report was awarded Bronze for Best Sustainability Report. The SM Sustainability School was also awarded Bronze in the Asia, Australia, and New Zealand Sustainability Initiative of the Year category.
“Clear reporting provides investors and other stakeholders with a better understanding of how we make decisions, manage the business, and plan for the long term,” stated Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments. “The other awards demonstrate how our businesses carry that same sense of responsibility into the communities they serve.”
That work can be seen in the eight awards received by SM Supermalls.
“People experience a mall based on what they do there, not what we say about it,” SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan explained. “A place to read, an event that promotes local art, or a program that makes the mall more user-friendly can all make a tangible difference in a community.”
The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition won Gold for Brand Experience of the Year (Consumer), while the Find Your SM campaign took Silver in the same category.
The SM Green Movement received Silver for Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility. The SM Cares Coastal Cleanup initiative received Silver for Environmental Achievement, and SM Cares: A Mall for All received Silver for Diversity and Inclusion.
The SM Cares Book Nook won Bronze for Most Innovative Creative Project. The program creates spaces in malls for people to read and share books. The Empowering Communities campaign was also named the Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
SM Mindanao Art received Bronze in the Corporate and Community (Community Engagement Event) category, bringing Mindanaoan artists and their work to a wider audience.
Over 300 business professionals participated in two months of judging. Winners were determined based on their average scores.
The International Business Awards, now in their 23rd year, honor organizations, executives, entrepreneurs, and teams worldwide.
A warm bowl of lugaw, a steaming cup of coffee, crispy merienda, and the perfect excuse to stay indoors—it’s weather that invites us to slow down and indulge. But while we’re embracing these comforts, our gut may face a different reality. Heavy rains, flooding, and increased humidity can raise the risk of food and water contamination, creating conditions that make digestive illnesses more common.
Studies link heavy rainfall and flooding with increased cases of diarrheal diseases and foodborne infections, making gut health an often-overlooked part of staying well during the season. The Philippine National Nutrition Council reminds Filipinos that rainy months are associated with a higher risk of waterborne diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever, underscoring the importance of food safety and proper hygiene.
The rainy season also influences our eating habits. Comfort foods, fried snacks, irregular meals, and street food indulgences can put added stress on the digestive system, especially when food safety risks are heightened. Since a large portion of the body’s immune system resides in the gut, maintaining a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria is essential for supporting overall immunity.
When this balance is disrupted by poor diet or exposure to contaminated food and water, the risk of digestive issues increases, making gut health an important priority throughout the rainy season.
Listen to your gut. It often gives warning signs. Frequent stomach discomfort, loose stools, bloating, changes in bowel movements, and mild abdominal cramps may indicate an underlying digestive issue or an imbalance in the gut that should not be ignored.
Our bodies often give early warning signs when something’s wrong, especially during the rainy season. Persistent stomach discomfort, bloating, loose stools, or changes in bowel habits may indicate a need for gut attention. Addressing these symptoms early through proper hydration, good food hygiene, and care can prevent more serious digestive issues.
Give your gut an extra layer of support during the rainy season with probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that restore and maintain the natural balance of good bacteria in the gut, supporting healthy digestion and the body’s defenses. They can help enhance natural resistance to intestinal infections, improve intestinal ecology, aid digestion, and improve lactose malabsorption with proper diet and exercise.
Probiotics like Erceflora Probiotics contain billions of INTELLI-SPORES® and are for all ages above 6 months old. They enhance natural resistance to intestinal infections, improve intestinal ecology, aid digestion, and improve lactose malabsorption. They’re a helpful addition to everyday gut care, especially during the rainy season.
Enjoy the rainy season by listening to your body, practicing good hygiene, making mindful food choices, and giving your gut the support it needs. This will help protect your digestive health and make the most of everything the tag-ulan has to offer.
Rainy weather shouldn’t stop Filipinos from enjoying the season. Instead, it should remind us to care for our health. Small, proactive habits, like choosing safe food and water and supporting gut health with probiotics like Erceflora, can help keep our digestive system resilient. A healthy gut is the foundation for enjoying life’s moments, rain or shine.
ERCEFLORA GUT DEFENSE AT ERCEFLORA GUT RESTORE AY HINDI GAMOT AT HINDI DAPAT GAMITING PANGGAMOT SA ANUMANG URI NG SAKIT.
2GO Travel has launched TraveLink, a multi-modal travel service that seamlessly integrates sea and land journeys into a single itinerary. This innovative service aims to enhance the convenience and ease of traveling across the Philippines. TraveLink combines 2GO Travel’s sea fares with connecting bus and van transportation, allowing passengers to book their entire journey as one unified itinerary.
Whether passengers are traveling from the city to an island destination or connecting across different provinces, TraveLink simplifies the planning process from start to finish. Instead of booking separate bus, van, and ferry tickets, passengers can now arrange their entire journey in one booking, saving time and eliminating the hassle of coordinating multiple transport providers. TraveLink offers a range of routes, including Manila-El Nido, Manila-Caticlan (Boracay), Baguio-Cebu, Baguio-Bacolod, and Baguio-Siargao.
Francis John Chua, Head of 2GO Travel, emphasized the significance of TraveLink, stating, “Travel doesn’t begin at the port—it begins the moment you leave home. For years, travelers had to make separate bookings for each leg of their journey. With TraveLink, we’re bringing these connections together, making it easier for our passengers to travel across the Philippines with greater convenience and confidence.”
TraveLink is powered by 2GO’s partnership with 12Go Asia, a leading travel technology company in Asia specializing in multimodal transportation. By integrating 12Go Asia’s booking technology with 2GO Travel’s extensive domestic shipping network, passengers can now enjoy smoother connections between buses, vans, and sea travel through a single itinerary.
This new service is particularly designed for travelers heading to destinations beyond 2GO Travel’s ports, eliminating the stress of planning each transfer separately.
The introduction of TraveLink is part of 2GO Travel’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the Philippine travel experience. By creating a more connected, accessible, and hassle-free travel network across the archipelago, 2GO Travel aims to make journeys across the Philippines more enjoyable for its passengers.
For booking, visit www.12go.asia or www.travel.2go.com.ph.
