Alfamart, the Super Minimart chain of the SM Group, has recently installed solar panels in its distribution center in Silang, Cavite.
This initiative aims to lessen the reliance of the 30,000 square meter distribution center on the community’s power supply while also lessening power costs and carbon emissions with the installation of 117 solar panels equivalent to 55,370 watts on its roof deck. The company targets to finish the second phase of the project with an additional 100,000 watts by December 2023.
“As Alfamart continues to expand and reach out to different areas, we are cognizant of our impact on the environment and the community. We are committed to integrating sustainability in our operations as we continue to serve communities,” said Harvey Ong, Chief Operating Officer of Alfamart.
Alfamart is also keen on replicating this initiative in its new stores depending on this initial phase. The company has a total of 1,590 stores as of September 2023.
The solar panels are designed to power the operations of Alfamart’s back offices despite changing seasons of the country. Any excess of generated electricity is utilized by the 24/7 operational warehouse.
Alfamart and all of its four distribution centers in Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga, and Laguna further strengthen their initiatives towards sustainability by using electric forklifts and electric movers in their operations. The company has been using these electric forklifts and electric movers since the start of operations in 2014.
Alfamart Philippines is a joint venture between SM and Alfamart, one of the leading retailers with more than 21,000 mini-marts in Indonesia. Alfamart offers a wide assortment of products catering to daily needs including a selection of basic groceries, SM Bonus products, fresh and frozen goods, snacks, and personal care items at reasonable prices.
If you’re in search of a smartphone priced under Php 10,000, then the new OPPO A58 is the ideal choice for you.
Leading global smart device brand OPPO has been a go-to choice when it comes to high-quality and affordable smartphone options. With a commitment to delivering value for money and a seamless experience for users, the brand consistently impresses with devices that don’t skimp on performance or features.
The new OPPO A58 is aimed at budget-conscious consumers who need a reliable daily driver. At less than Php 10,000, it doesn’t compromise on features, boasting a FullHD+ screen, 33W SuperVOOC™ charging, and a 50MP f/1.8 primary camera.
Striking Premium Design
Imagine getting your hands on an aesthetically pleasing phone without breaking the bank, what a steal, right? The OPPO A58 5G offers buyers two captivating color options – Dazzling Green, which features a unique Glowing Silk Design giving a luxurious texture to the backplate and a refreshing visual appeal, and Glowing Black, which showcases the iconic OPPO Glow, creating a captivating shimmer akin to crystals and offering a comfortable tactile experience.
Radiant and Adaptive Sunlight Display
It’s best if smartphones adapt and function reliably under different environments and circumstances. The OPPO A58 6.72-inch FHD+ Sunlight Display feature breathes life into your content with vibrant colors and laser-sharp text that overall delivers an immersive visual experience.
This brilliant screen boasts 680 nits peak brightness, making it a breeze to view photos or read text even on the sunniest days. And, to top it off, the display cares for your eyes with the All-Day AI Eye Comfort features, ensuring comfortable viewing, be it day or night.
Exceptional Battery Life and Industry-leading SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charge
The OPPO A58 goes beyond its outstanding entertainment and camera capabilities by offering a larger battery and lightning-fast charging for a dependable battery experience. Equipped with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery, the OPPO A58 guarantees an impressive 32 hours of call time, an uninterrupted 16-hour viewing, or a thrilling 5-hour gaming session on a single charge. What sets it apart is the cutting-edge 33W SUPERVOOC™ flash charge, which fully charges from 0-100% in just 75 minutes.
The All-day AI power-saving features come to the rescue when you forget to plug in your device, stretching 5% battery life to support 91 minutes of talk time, making the OPPO A58 a dependable lifeline in emergencies.
Seamless Performance with Enhanced Hardware and Software
The OPPO A58 delivers in terms of performance with its MediaTek Helio G85 platform. Boasting 6GBGB RAM and 128GB ROM, this smartphone offers abundant memory and storage. Utilizing OPPO’s RAM Expansion technology, you can even boost your RAM to 8GB for a consistently smooth daily experience. ColorOS 13.1’s Dynamic Computing Engine handles computing resources efficiently, ensuring snappy transitions between apps, whether you’re gaming or multitasking.
What’s more, the OPPO A58 5G has aced the demanding 36-Month Fluency Protection tests at the OPPO lab, maintaining an aging rate below 10%, ensuring sustained smoothness in the long run.
Enhanced Camera System
Say hello to picture-perfect moments captured using OPPO A58’s 50MP AI Camera, designed for capturing crystal-clear, high-resolution photos. This camera, along with the 2MP Portrait Camera, crafts stunning background blur in Portrait Mode, making your subject pop. Plus, with an 8MP front camera, you’re surely covered when it comes to taking selfies and video calls.
With exciting features like Stylized Nighttime Photography, AI Portrait Retouching, and Panorama Mode, the OPPO A58 empowers you to explore diverse photography styles and let your imagination run wild.
Upgrade Your Smartphone with the OPPO A58 5G – Shop Now!
The OPPO A58 is available for purchase at its retail price of Php 9,999 at any OPPO stores nationwide. Home Credit offers a payment plan for this phone at Php 1,203 per month for 6 months with a 10% down payment, terms and conditions apply. You may also get your OPPO A58 5G through the official OPPO online platforms: Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.
How a childhood memory inspired this employee to work at the SM Store
If you told Johans Juruena that he’d be working at SM 12 years after he met its founder Henry Sy, Sr., he probably wouldn’t have believed you.
It was 1978, and the nine-year-old Johans was just looking forward to his yearly summer visit to Manila. Summers from his childhood were filled with memories of hanging around at what was then Shoemart along Carriedo Street in Quiapo, Manila, where his mother, Erlinda, worked as a sales clerk.
He still vividly remembers what the shoe store looked like. “Ang ibinebenta d’un, may men’s shoes, may ladies’ shoes, may pambata na rin talaga. May glass showcase sa gitna kung saan nand’un yung mga naka-display na sapatos,” he said.
(“It sold shoes for men, ladies, and children. There was a glass display in the middle where all the shoes were showcased.”)
However, there was a particular encounter that would shape his future career. During that same summer, Johans unexpectedly met the shoe store owner—Henry, whom SM employees fondly called “Tatang.”
A close encounter with Tatang
Johans shared that his mother immediately reminded him to pay his respects through pagmamano, the traditional gesture of respect toward the elderly by touching one’s forehead to the back of their hand as an act of “blessing.”
“N’ung bumisita si Tatang sa Carriedo para i-check yung display and items, nagkataon na nand’un ako. Isa ako sa mapalad na nakapagmano kay Tatang,” he recalled. “Nakangiti siya. Inabot niya kamay niya para makapagmano ako.”
(When Tatang visited the store along Carriedo to check the display and items, it just so happened that I was there. I was one of those lucky enough to approach him and pay my respects,” he recalled. “He was smiling. He even held out his hand for me to ‘bless.’)
While observing the store owner, Johans overheard how Tatang constantly quizzed his employees about what the customers needed. “Ano ba ang hinahanap ng customer na wala tayo?” Tatang would ask. “Ano ba ang kailangan ng customer na wala tayo?”
(What are customers looking for that we don’t have?” Tatang would ask. “What do our customers need that we don’t have?)
In that brief encounter, Johans caught what mattered most to Tatang – giving his customers what they need.
Working for SM
SM CITY NORTH EDSA 1980’s
It was 1990, and Johans, fresh out of college, officially became part of SM. He first worked as a sales utility clerk, facing customers day in and day out.
“North EDSA ang first Supermall ni SM. N’ung panahon namin n’un,pag-open pa lang nang 10 o’clock, pag-roll up, yung mga customers nasa may entrance na sila. Grabe ang foot traffic ni North EDSA,” Johans recounted.
(North EDSA is the first Supermall of SM. During our time, customers would line up as soon as the mall opened before 10 a.m. The foot traffic at North EDSA was really something else.)
His next encounter with Tatang happened while handling the Men’s Shoes section at the SM Store North EDSA. “Nakita ko siyang bumisita. Supervisor na ako noon sa Men’s Shoes—1996 or 1997. Yung araw na ‘yun, wala ‘yung Manager, naka day-off. Usually, ‘yung una niyang pinupuntahan yung Men’s Shoes. Naka-ready kami lahat,” Johans shared.
(I saw him visit. I was already a Men’s Shoes Department supervisor—1996 or 1997. My manager wasn’t around that day; he had the day off. Usually, he [Tatang] would drop by the Men’s Shoes [section] first. We were all ready.)
Johans distinctly remembers how Tatang reminded him to keep the sandals and other footwear clean. That way, the customers could appreciate their products better. It was a simple but important lesson that Johans would carry with him even in the decades to come.
Salute to a continuing legacy
Fast forward to 2023. Many things have changed, but some things have remained constant. SM is celebrating its 65th year in the industry.
Johans’s experience working at SM is a testament to not only the company’s decades-long commitment to top-notch customer service, but also to Tatang’s enduring legacy. Johans is now a manager at SM Store Quiapo, with people working under him and following his guidance.
From beginner to advanced, there’s a CRF model that will suit your needs.
Honda motorcycles are undoubtedly experts in Motocross racing having been part of the Off-Road circuit sport for over 50 years. In fact, Team Honda recently won the 2023 AMA Supercross championship, making the company’s iconic bikes one of the best in the world.
To commemorate this, Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), the No.1 motorcycle manufacturer in the country, is offering competition bikes. These are The All-New CRF150R, The All-New CRF250R, and The All-New CRF450R designed for Motocross riders.
On the other hand, The All-New CRF125F, and The New CRF250RX are meant for trail riders.
Moreover, these motorcycles are designed and engineered to offer outstanding performance to Filipino Off-Road enthusiasts of every skill level. This means whether you’re a novice or an expert rider, there’s a CRF motorcycle that’s ideal for you. But what exactly sets each model apart from each other?
Motocross Bikes that keep you ahead of the pack
CRF150R
For first time motocross riders, the company introduces the All-New CRF150R. The All-New CRF150R is equipped with a 150cc Liquid-Cooled, 4-Valve, 4-Stroke, Unicam Single engine capable of delivering outstanding yet controlled power, making the bike perfect for first-time Motocross riders. Likewise, the bike’s 19-inch Front and 16-inch rear Off-Road wheels and tires, and 37mm Upside Down front suspension by Showa work in harmony with its 220mm Front, and 190mm Rear Disc Brakes to give riders maximum control. And when you pair all these elements with its 336mm ground clearance and 866mm seat height you have the perfect Motocross bike for Filipinos who are just getting into the sport.
CRF250R
For more experienced riders or those who want to get into legitimate Motocross competition, The All-New CRF250R is what you need. This bike, with its 249cc Liquid-Cooled, 4-Stroke, Single DOHC engine, is designed to take on more challenging Motocross circuits. It’s also equipped with exclusive HRC launch control to help assist riders from a standing start to achieve the right hole shot. This allows the rider to open the throttle fully and release the clutch while engine management keeps the RPM at an ideal range for optimum acceleration.
Moreover, The All-New CRF250R also features an Engine Mode Select button that lets you choose what ride mode suits you best, giving you a competitive edge come race day. Meanwhile, its 49mm Upside Down Showa Front Forks and Showa Pro-Link Rear Suspension enables the bike to soak up any bumps and dips with ease.
This bike also utilizes a strong yet lightweight chassis in combination with 260mm Front and 240mm Rear Hydraulic Wave Disc brakes. These engineered elements deliver maximum control even when tackling demanding Motocross circuits.
CRF450R
Now if you’re an even more experienced rider who wants to take their Motocross racing abilities to the next level, The All-New CRF450R is just for you. This bike is engineered with Honda’s Motocross heritage in mind, and is powered by a 450cc Liquid-Cooled, 4-Stroke, Single Cylinder, SOHC engine. This engine is designed to work harmoniously with the bike’s new Showa 49mm Inverted Telescopic front, and Showa Adjustable Pro-Link rear suspension. When combined with its 2-piston caliper front and 1-piston caliper rear disc brakes, and HRC Launch Control, you get a Motocross bike that will truly let you dominate the competition.
Trail Bikes for total Off-Road adventures HPI also acknowledges that there is a growing number of Filipino riders who are more into trail riding. For these individuals, HPI offers The All-New CRF125F and The New CRF250RX.
CRF125F
The All-New CRF125F is the bike you need if you’re looking to jump-start your passion for trail riding. This bike features all the design elements you expect from a legitimate Off-Road enduro bike including a longer, more comfortable seat, prominent mudguards, and 19-inch Front and 16-inch Rear Off-Road ready wheels and tires. However, the unit comes with a 785mm Seat Height and 260mm Ground Clearance making it ideal for beginners particularly younger riders. The bike also has a 125cc Air-Cooled, Single Cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve engine and 31mm Telescopic Front, and Pro-Link Rear Suspension.
These features give you exceptional performance and riding comfort to take on any Off-Road trail with confidence.
CRF250RX
For more experienced trail riding enthusiasts, HPI offers The New CRF250RX. This bike is packed with the same awesome features as its motocross-specific sibling. The All-New CRF250R. These include HRC Launch Control, the 249cc Liquid-Cooled, 4-Stroke, Single Cylinder, DOHC engine, 49mm Upside Down Showa Front Forks and Showa Pro-Link Rear Suspension, and the front and rear Hydraulic Wave Disc brakes. These factors ensure you get the same outstanding performance and handling control with the enduro-style bike as on its Motocross variant.
The New CRF250RX has an 8-liter fuel tank. This gives The New CRF250RX the ability to go for longer distances in between refueling – a must for enduro riding. It is also equipped with 21-inch Front and 18-inch Rear off-road tires for maximum grip when riding through your favorite Off-Road trail.
The CRF series comes at various price points. For motocross bikes, The All-New CRF150R can be yours for PhP306,000.00 while The All-New CRF250R is priced at PhP459,000.00 and The All-New CRF450R can be yours for PhP500,000.00. For the trail bikes, The All-New CRF125F retails for PhP189,000.00 while The New CRF250RX is priced at Php469,000.00.
With the CRF competition bikes, experiencing an Off-Road adventure with the right motorcycle is now a reality. The CRF series promises to have a bike that’s suited to what each rider needs.
For more information, visit www.hondaph.com. Stay updated on Honda’s newest products and promos by following Honda Philippines, Inc. on Facebook and Instagram (@hondaph_mc), Youtube (@hondaphilippines_motorcycl8048) and Tiktok (tiktok.com/@hondaphilippines) or contact (02)-8581-6700 to 6799, and 0917-884-6632.
When the Mall of Asia opened in 2006, Henry Sy, Sr. walked around the SM Store alongside Ma Cecilia Abreu, who was then Assistant Vice President for Store Operations.
As is usually the case with Mr. Sy, he dropped by the Shoe section, checked the shoes and sandals, and then asked a few questions to the sales clerks. “Marami pa ba nito? Are these fast-moving?”
The questions did not stop there. Holding one sandal, he asked Abreu a question that stayed with her: “Can our customers still afford to buy our sandals at this price?”
“Ang iniisip niya talaga is kaya pa ba ‘to ng customer. Very consistent si Mr. Sy when understanding his customers, what they want, and what they need,” Abreu shared.
Shoemart Makati in the 1980s
That consistency in understanding its market has stayed with SM through the years. Providing customers with affordable and quality items goes way back to Tatang – the name Mr. Sy, Sr. was fondly called by those whose lives he touched.
Once an Assistant Branch Manager of SM Makati, Abreu has a lot of stories about Tatang.
“Meron rin kaming isang customer. Nagdadala siya ng maraming bag. Hindi naman siya bumibili. Then she would always look for Mr. Sy. Uupo siya dun sa daanan ng lobby namin. Sasabihan namin si Tatang, Sir andyan na naman ho yung lady na palaging naghahanap sa inyo. Tatang would tell us with a smile on his face, ‘let her sit there.’”
Honouring commitments, respecting hard work
Continuing the story of the SM Makati customer, Chelo Monasterio, once an SM Makati Branch Manager, said, “Tatang feels that SM is for everyone. That’s why di ba kahit pag typhoon, we will open. It was because, for Mr. Sy, we are a shelter for people.”
Monasterio joined SM 41 years ago, back when there were only three stores: Quiapo, Cubao, and Ermita. Climbing the ladder from HR manager, SM Makati Branch Manager to becoming SM Store President, and now a Consultant for SM Retail, Monasterio shared with pride, “We were trained by Tatang. So what we think, what we impart came from him. He moulded us to be what we are. He managed us but he did not make us scared of him. We could tell him how we felt and he would never take it against us. He listened to what people had to say.”
According to Monasterio, Tatang was not flowery with his words. He was very direct to the point. These words, simple as they may seem, but for her, “these are the words that I carry with me.” In one instance, Tatang told her. “Chelo, there are two traits that you should have that will make you successful. One, you have to have common sense. And the other one is you have to have industry.”
With a smile, remembering those days at SM Makati as Branch Manager, Monasterio shared, “Mr. Sy mentored me on selling operations. He would help me in the morning and talk to me about merchandising, about shoes. He would talk about how to handle people including suppliers – that you have to be kind and that you have to honour your commitments to them because that will dictate your reputation.”
Tatang liked to spend time and talk and share his dreams and aspirations.
“When he shares it with you, you feel a certain affinity – that you belong and that you’re gonna help him with his vision,” Monasterio said.
Believing in your vision and your people
On Mr. Sy’s last visit touring SM Store’s Distribution Center in Paranaque, Rose Siaco still remembers what he told her, “This is a bonus, Rose, and it’s not part of my vision.”
The Distribution Center (DC) is where SM Store’s suppliers drop their products for transfer to SM Store branches and Retail affiliates across the Philippines.
In 1978, Siaco was a practising Medical Technologist who dared to try something outside of her comfort zone. She started her journey as Shoemart Inc.’s Supplies Officer that year. This is where her organizational skills and attention to detail would come in handy.
Seeing that Siaco thrives on challenges, she was given the task by Mr. Sy of becoming an acting warehouse manager. “I told him that it’s a man’s world, but he told me to train as a warehouse manager. He said to me, ‘I need your talent. I don’t need your physical strength. That would be too taxing for you,’” Siaco shared.
This encouraged her and inspired her to enrol in management courses. “Talagang nag train ako. I attended seminars. Those were the days na pag nag attend ako ng seminar, I was the only female participant,” Siaco further added.
For her, Tatang is really a disciplinarian, like a strict teacher. “If you make a mistake, i-cocorrect ka na niya – on the spot. Ganun siya mag train.” She also said that he also informed the affected staff of the consequences of the mistake.
Other than thriving on new challenges, Siaco shared the reason why she stayed with SM for 45 years: “Kaya rin ako nagtagal, I don’t feel that they are other people. They treat their employees like family.”
Stories shared, vision realized
Abreu shared another anecdote. “Supermarket. After his usual ‘rounds,’ Tatang bade farewell to everyone. He got into his car but before the car even left, Mr. Sy got out of the car. Everyone was still outside, waving and thanking him for the visit. Mr. Sy said in a clear voice ‘I want to thank each and every one of you for your hard work.’”
Sharing his vision, telling stories, and words of gratitude are the ways in which Henry Sy, Sr. showed he cared. Now, his employees and colleagues from the small stores of Quiapo and Makati continue to tell his stories and help the company realize its vision.
Plush toy and fleece items are available from October 6, supporting UNESCO initiatives for clean oceans
Global apparel retailer UNIQLO announces the launch of the 2023 Fall/Winter collection for JOIN: THE POWER OF CLOTHING, a campaign supporting UNESCO activities to reduce marine debris. The new items, the final in the series featuring the popular cartoon character Doraemon, will be available at UNIQLO stores throughout Japan and the uniqlo.com online store from Friday, October 6.
JOIN: THE POWER OF CLOTHING is a customer-participation project that connects the “power of clothing” with actions for a more sustainable world. Items for the 2023 Fall/Winter collection are the Doraemon Sustainability Mode Fluffy Yarn Fleece Full-Zip Jacket, and the Doraemon Sustainability Mode Toy, both made of 100% recycled polyester fabric. The Full-Zip Jacket features a small Doraemon Sustainability Mode motif on the chest, and the Toy is UNIQLO’s first plush toy made from fluffy yarn fleece material. This will be the final Doraemon Sustainability Mode collection.
For every purchase of products eligible for the campaign, which include Doraemon Sustainability Mode items and other fleece items made from recycled polyester, Fast Retailing will donate US$1 to UNESCO to support its international initiative to reduce ocean garbage, which includes educational programs to raise awareness of marine debris issues. *
* The maximum donation amount is US$1.5 million (approx. ¥200 million). Donations will be made by UNIQLO parent company Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.
Website: https://www.uniqlo.com/jp/en/contents/sustainability/jointpoc/ See the special website for other JOIN: THE POWER OF CLOTHING products eligible for donations
Special website to learn about ocean garbage.
The JOIN: THE POWER OF CLOTHING special website contains content to learn about ocean garbage. Continuing from the previous season, the site features interviews with experts, videos about marine debris issues, and advice for reducing plastic waste in our everyday lives. The site also includes reports on how donations made through the JOIN: THE POWER OF CLOTHING project since 2022 (approximately US$ 3 million) have so far been utilized.
About Doraemon Sustainability Mode
Beloved for more than 50 years, the cat-type robot Doraemon is a worldwide popular manga and anime character from the 22nd century. Always kind and ready to help, Doraemon pulls all sorts of secret gadgets out of his fourth-dimensional pocket to solve problems throughout his many adventures. In Sustainability Mode, Doraemon joined UNIQLO as a global sustainability ambassador, to show us how sustainable steps can be our secret gadgets to help transform the world into a better place for all.
UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication, and information. UNESCO promotes knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas to accelerate mutual understanding and a more perfect knowledge of each other’s lives. UNESCO’s programs contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.
