Tag: SM

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SM Expands Rewards Ecosystem with Trip.com Partnership, Unlocking New Travel Perks for Members

Travel just got more rewarding for SMAC members. The SM Group has taken another step in strengthening its lifestyle ecosystem by partnering with global travel platform Trip.com, offering members new ways to earn points while exploring destinations both local and abroad.

At the heart of this collaboration is a simple but appealing benefit: SMAC members can now earn 1 SMAC Point for every PHP250 spent on hotel and flight bookings made through Trip.com. These points will be credited within 60 working days after the completion of the trip—whether that’s after a hotel stay or a finished flight journey.

The move signals SM’s continued push to integrate everyday experiences—shopping, banking, travel, and more—into one seamless rewards-driven ecosystem.

Patrick Cua, Chief Operating Officer of SMAC

“Through strategic partnerships, both within and beyond the SM Group, we continue to enhance the value proposition for our members,” said Patrick Cua, Chief Operating Officer of SMAC. “This collaboration with Trip.com further expands our travel ecosystem, allowing members to earn rewards while accessing local and global destinations.”

Trip.com brings significant scale to the partnership. The platform operates across 39 countries and regions, supports 24 languages, and offers services in 35 currencies. Its network includes more than 1.5 million hotels, flights from over 640 airlines, and access to more than 300,000 tours and attractions across 220 countries and regions.

To take advantage of the offer, members need to log in to their SMAC account via the official website and access Trip.com through the SMAC homepage before completing any booking. It’s a small extra step that unlocks added value for frequent travelers and occasional vacationers alike.

This latest tie-up complements SMAC’s growing roster of travel and lifestyle partners, including Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay Miles, AirAsia Rewards, and SM Hotels. Beyond travel, the program continues to expand into retail and financial services, with initiatives such as remittance rewards through SM Store and BDO.

As SM builds out its ecosystem, the goal is clear: to make everyday transactions more rewarding—whether you’re booking a flight, checking into a hotel, or simply going about your daily routine.

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Through Pamaskong Handog 2025, BDO and SM will continue their holiday practice of honoring Filipinos living abroad

The holidays are a time for many Filipino families to get together, celebrate, and be thankful. But for the millions of Filipinos who still work abroad, Christmas often means another year of watching important events from afar.

BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) and SM Supermalls will hold their annual community celebration, Pamaskong Handog, again on Dec. 6 in SM City Sto. Tomas and on Dec. 13 in SM City Laoag. The goal is to honor their sacrifices and bring families closer together, even if they live far away.

A beloved custom for more than ten years, Pamaskong Handog started as a way for BDO to thank Filipinos who worked abroad in places like Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Italy, and the Middle East. Over the years, it has grown into several happy events that allow families to get together and enjoy “Pasko sa Pinas.”

This celebration every year has always shown BDO’s dedication to Alagang Kabayan, a type of care that is based on knowing OFs’ hopes, struggles, and strengths. BDO makes sure that all money sent home gets there safely and easily, and Pamaskong Handog strengthens the emotional bond by reminding each of them that they are seen, valued, and honored.

This year’s message highlights the partnership between BDO and SM.

“Abot ang pangarap kasama ang BDO at SM” is this year’s message, and it says something simple but very important: dreams aren’t meant to be carried alone. Filipinos can count on BDO and SM to help them every step of the way, whether they are building a house, starting a business, saving for retirement, or making sure their kids go to school.

BDO makes sure that every Filipino family, whether they live in the Philippines or another country, has access to safe and helpful banking services that help them reach their goals through goods and services like BDO Kabayan Savings, BDO Pay, Kabayan Loans, Cash Agad, and other financial solutions.

A party with lots of fun, music, and important ties

The Pamaskong Handog celebrations this year look like they will be lively and emotional. The celebration is even more special because Piolo Pascual, who has been a BDO ambassador for remittances for a long time, is returning. His genuine concern for Filipino families has made him a familiar and comforting figure in BDO’s community activities around the world.

Lifestyle star Small Laude will be joining the fun with her witty and lively personality. Also joining are the crowd-favorite comedy and content group Beks Battalion, who will make everyone laugh, play games, and feel truly joyful during the holiday season.

People who go can look forward to exciting prizes, events for the whole family, and the chance to catch up with kababayans, which is the Filipino word for “family.”

A coming home of the heart

Pamaskong Handog has touched the lives of many Filipino families every year, bringing back memories of hometown fiestas, reunions full of laughter, and just being together. This is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of who we are, our thanks, and our love for those who have given so much to make the lives of those they love better.

BDO is always there for OFs through Alagang Kabayan, not just during the holidays. Because there is one truth that doesn’t change: ang pangarap, mas kaya kapag may kasama. Talk about the plan with BDO and SM.

Follow the BDO Kabayan Facebook Page to get more news and to watch Pamaskong Handog Live.

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SM Expands Entertainment Ecosystem To Capture Emerging Consumer Demand

SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the parent company of the SM group, recently shared that it is strengthening its entertainment ecosystem across its portfolio to meet and possibly capture the growing demand for experiences among younger Filipino consumers.

“At SM, we recognize the younger generation’s growing preference for experiences, and this shift opens new opportunities for growth across our businesses. By listening closely to our customers, we are broadening our entertainment offerings to strengthen engagement and create long-term value across the SM ecosystem,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments.

A Groupwide Approach to Entertainment

The group’s presence in entertainment is not limited to its malls and arenas. Through SMIC SG Holdings, SM became the first Philippine company to invest in Klook, the Asia-based travel and experiences platform. It’s a one-stop logistics solutions provider, 2GO, which features karaoke lounges and video arcades in its vessels, rare in inter-island travel. BDO Unibank and China Bank also integrate lifestyle and travel-related rewards into customer programs.

This groupwide presence positions SM to tap the ₱1.94-trillion Philippine creative economy, which grew by 8.7% in 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Next-Gen Entertainment Hubs

In its people-facing businesses, SM is transforming malls, convention centers, and arenas into multi-dimensional experience hubs.

“Malling for the older generation of customers in SM Malls was much simpler and practical then—dining, shopping and fun. Fast forward to today with our emerging segments, the millennials and Gen Z, who grew up on the Internet and social media—they now value the experience, the feeling of inclusivity, community involvement, and even sustainability,” said Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls.

“That is why our marketing efforts, including entertainment events, are now geared toward targeting communities, or what we call ‘tribes’. These are your gamers, geeks, foodies, and the many fandoms sprouting, who like more interactive and personalized experiences. The mall has become their entertainment hub and their escape,” Mr San Agustin said.

The MOA Arena, designed for global productions, continues to host international acts and will soon be complemented by a larger arena in Cebu.

“Production value is a whole lot better at the MOA Arena because the building is able to accommodate the creative demands of big events and top-tier acts, especially for multi-sensory experiences. We see the value in constructing world-class venues in key areas that would be able to support their economic growth,” said Arnel C. Gonzales, Vice President for Arena Operations, MOA Arena.

Meanwhile, SMX Convention Center is benefiting from the surge in fan meets, gaming expos, and pop culture conventions, with attendance and bookings rising significantly since late 2023.

“Over the past year, there’s been a remarkable increase in event bookings, ticket sales, and audience turnout at our venues, particularly for entertainment-driven events. This upward trend gathered momentum in late 2023 and continued to grow steadily through 2024 into this year. Even weekday events are seeing rising attendance, indicating that audiences are actively making time—and room in their budgets—for these experiences,” said Mike Albaña, Vice President and General Manager of SMX Convention Center.

Entertainment as Enabler

For SM, entertainment is not just an add-on but an enabler of business and community value. It drives consumer traffic across group businesses, strengthens partnerships with global content providers, and creates shared spaces for leisure and wellness, such as the FIFA-grade football pitch at SM MOA Sky.

“Our role is more of an enabler for all of the entertainment content to pass through our properties, to be able to give back more to our stakeholders as well as to give the fans, our loyal patrons, something to look forward to every time they visit our properties,” said Mr Gonzales.

With its scale, integration, and customer-first mindset, the SM group is positioning itself as a leading player in the country’s fast-expanding experience economy, where business growth, consumer satisfaction, and community value intersect.

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Corporate Governance Asia Recognizes SM with Seven Awards for Corporate Excellence

SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the parent company of the SM group, was recently honored with seven major distinctions at the 15th Asian Excellence Awards organized by Corporate Governance Asia, a leading regional journal on corporate governance.

The accolades recognize the company’s consistent leadership in corporate governance, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. Among this year’s honors, Corporate Governance Asia named SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio as Asia’s Best CEO, while Executive Vice Presidents Erwin G. Pato and Franklin C. Gomez were co-awarded Asia’s Best CFO, affirming the company’s strong financial stewardship and leadership excellence.

Commenting on the recognition, Mr DyBuncio said, “We are deeply honored by these awards, which reflect the collective effort of our people across the SM Group. Our commitment to long-term value creation, sustainability, and sound governance remains core to how we operate and grow.”

This year’s theme, “The Role of Asian Corporations in Climate Neutrality”, underscores the growing importance of sustainable and transparent practices in shaping the region’s future.

SM Investments also earned awards for its other corporate initiatives, namely, the Sustainable Asia Award, Asia’s Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Best Corporate Communications, and Best Investor Relations Company (Philippines). The following accolades marked the second consecutive year the company has received all seven awards.

Founded in 2011, the Asian Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in management, financial performance, corporate social responsibility, environmental practices, and investor relations.

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SM Helps Smallholder Farmers Make A Living

The SM Group keeps helping with inclusive development by giving smallholder farmers useful, long-lasting farming skills. This helps them improve their lives and make their communities more food secure.

The Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farming Program from the SM Foundation is at the heart of this project. It has trained 32,359 farmers. SM Foundation and the Philippine Geothermal Production Company, among others, have trained over 49,000 farmers across the country so far.

The KSK program will reach more rural areas in 2025, including parts of Visayas, Bicol, and Northern Mindanao that don’t get enough help. This will bring opportunities closer to where they are most needed.
Cristie Angeles, the SM Foundation’s Assistant Vice President for Livelihood and Outreach Programs, said, “We think that inclusive growth starts at the community level.” “We’re not only helping to secure local food supply chains by investing in smallholder farmers, but we’re also making it possible for people in rural areas to have better lives.”

KSK teaches people how to improve the quality and quantity of their crops by giving them hands-on experience with backyard and small-scale farming. More importantly, the program helps them connect with local markets and SM’s larger supplier network, which helps farming families form cooperatives and get more stable, long-term income.

The Asian Development Bank found that smallholder farmers are the backbone of food systems in developing countries. They make up 84% of all farms and grow almost a third of the world’s food. In the Philippines, where many people farm less than a hectare of land, having access to information, technology, and markets is very important.

To strengthen connections in the market, SM started the SM Weekend Market, a place where local farmers and agripreneurs can sell their goods directly in busy malls. The weekend market helps local farmers find new customers, including people who shop there every day and people who work or live in the mall.

SM cares about the community in all of its businesses. SM supports urban farming projects in collaboration with the Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC) and the Makiling Centre for Mountain Ecosystems. They do this by promoting sustainable gardening and finding long-term farm sites.

The SM Group’s larger mission is to be a partner for inclusive progress by making meaningful, inclusive opportunities that support rural development, create jobs, and boost local economies. These projects are part of that mission.

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SM Harnesses Business Ecosystem To Support an Evolving Job Market

SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the parent company of the SM group, is harnessing the strength of its diverse business ecosystem to help bridge the country’s skills gap and prepare the workforce for the demands of a rapidly evolving, tech-driven economy.

With interests across retail, property, banking, and investments, SM is aligned with the implementation of the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework—a newly enacted law aimed at strengthening public-private collaboration, especially in the industry and education sectors. The EBET Framework promotes industry-driven apprenticeships and training programs that equip Filipino workers with job-ready skills aligned with actual market needs.

“SM can function at its optimum because of the skills of our people. As our businesses continue to grow, so too does our need for more skilled and resilient professionals to join our workforce. We shall continue to do our share to upskill and professionalize the Filipino workforce to make them competitive in the ever-evolving job market,” said Mr Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments.

He added that SM’s responsibility to contribute to a skilled, resilient workforce goes beyond employing them within the SM ecosystem.

“Whether they work for us or even in other companies, we are committed to equipping them with the right tools, as we have been doing so with our investments in education through institutions like the National University and Asia-Pacific College, both non-profits, and of course the SM Foundation, which has been graduating scholars for more than 40 years,” Mr DyBuncio said.

Right people, right jobs

As of 2024, SM has over 142,000 employees across its ecosystem of businesses operating in key areas nationwide, making it one of the country’s top job creators. A majority of job functions in SM are sales, engineering, IT, and other STEM-related positions.

SM Investments’ vice chairperson, Teresita Sy-Coson, is a member of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Education and Jobs group, a public-private partnership established in 2022 to address employment gaps.

A key initiative resulting from this partnership is job fairs mounted in SM malls across the country as part of the group’s J.O.B.S. (Job Opportunities Building Skills) programme.

From 2024 to May 2025, SM held 244 job fairs in its malls, during which 8,095 employers, 149,626 job seekers, and 20,616 were immediately hired.

Recently, BDO Unibank launched an accelerated hiring process for IT and cybersecurity professionals. The positions offered included project management, cloud technologies and operations, security analyst, security engineer, customer relationship management delivery, and other IT-related jobs.

Better education, better opportunities

In 2024, the SM Foundation welcomed more than 1,100 new college scholars, its largest batch to date. The program has nurtured over 4,600 graduates since its founding. In a recent alumni homecoming, 925 graduates across 27 batches shared their career journeys, with a majority now gainfully employed across various fields.

Additionally, 71% of the alumni have pursued further studies, including master’s degrees, PhDs, secondary degrees, and other professional programs.

The SM Foundation Scholarship Programme provides full tuition coverage, comprehensive enrichment activities, part-time jobs, internship placements and potential career opportunities within the SM Group.

National University, one of the oldest educational institutions in the country, founded in 1900, was acquired by SM in 2008 and has since embarked on a long-term campus expansion strategy to make education within reach. With the expansion, NU is aiming to reach 100,000 students in 2027.

While some programs in NU, particularly in Allied Health and Engineering, are long-established, of note are the courses offered in their College of Computing and Information Technologies that lean towards the future of digitalization, among them: BS Computer Science with specialization in Digital Forensics and Machine Learning; BS Information Technology with specialization in Mobile and Web Applications and Multimedia Arts and Animation.

Asia Pacific College, founded in 1991 as a partnership between SM Foundation and IBM Philippines, has been championing an industry-based curriculum that combines traditional classroom learning and hands-on experience calibrated to produce competitive IT professionals.

APC’s Multimedia Arts program is notable for combining technology and creativity, merging current disciplines in the creative field and the relevant knowledge of the digital creative tools currently used in the industry.

APC recently announced that 97.28% of its graduates as of 2024 have successfully secured employment after graduation.