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14 January 2025

Art Education At Asia Pacific College Leads To Real-World Employment Opportunities

The new era of “content creation,” in which creativity and technology come together to populate the contemporary media landscape, is providing new work prospects, particularly in the sector of creative digital marketing.

This increasing trend positions educational institutions such as Asia Pacific College (APC), a member of the SM Group, and its Multimedia Arts program at the forefront of providing an art education that can lead to solid professions.

According to human resource consulting company John Clements Consultants, digital marketing is one of the top five rising careers in the Philippines in 2024, with a focus on providing content in various formats for usage on social media platforms. According to the online job search platform Jobstreet, a digital marketing professional’s current average monthly compensation is Php 30,000.

Arts in the Multimedia Age

APC was founded in 1991 as a cooperation between the SM Foundation and IBM Philippines, and it has been pushing a curriculum designed to develop competitive IT professionals in the country.

SM has long been a strong supporter of quality education for the impoverished, which leads to practical and fulfilling work. APC is a direct product of this endeavor, as it is a non-profit, non-stock organization.

Their multimedia arts program, which presently enrolls 384 students, meets the demand for education that combines technology and art. The curriculum is intended to include the most recent disciplines in the creative area, as well as relevant understanding of the digital creative tools now utilized in the industry.

Students can use a variety of program-specific tools to help them work on projects involving 2D and 3D animation, digital sculpting and painting, multimedia publishing, sound design, video production, and photography.

Aside from the digital resources available to students in their courses, APC’s Multimedia Arts program takes a project-based approach.

“Our program is unique in that it offers very targeted and in-depth training,” explains APC Executive Director Robert Besana. “The many hours students spend in the studio creating creative works are critical to their education. They improve their skills as they spend more time in the studio. Furthermore, the mentor-apprentice relationship between professors and students is critical to developing a more engaging learning environment. Professors serve as facilitators of learning rather than lecturers,” Mr. Besana says.

Teachers as mentors

Many of the instructors in APC’s Multimedia Arts department are industry practitioners themselves, so students get real-world industry insights and valuable on-the-job experience.

Jaime Pacena II teaches video production, post-production techniques, scenography, and photography. Mr. Pacena II, a seasoned visual artist, music video director, and filmmaker, earned the Best Director award at the 2024 Cinemalaya Film Festival for his film Kono-Basho, which was shot entirely in Japan.

“I incorporate a large number of my pupils in most of my personal efforts. I have worked with many of them on music video projects. “Some of them had really worked with me on the film I shot in Japan,” Mr. Pacena explains.

APC’s project-based learning allows students to collaborate with various clients who are APC partners.

“We have a subject called seminars, in which we bring various industry executives to speak with our students directly and intimately in a classroom setting.

APC Multimedia Arts graduates have gone on to work in a variety of disciplines within the rapidly expanding digital creative economy.

“Many have pursued careers in post-production, studio design, music video production, television directing, and corporate videos, among others. Some have opened their own studios, creating opportunities for themselves,” Mr. Pacena explains.

26 November 2024

SM and Mastercard Empower Ten Outstanding STEM Students (TOSS) with Scholarship Grants

SM, through SM Store and SM Retail, in partnership with Mastercard, and SM Foundation have launched a new initiative to empower Filipino students pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through this collaboration, ten exceptional students from the Ten Outstanding STEM Students (TOSS) program will receive scholarship grants and access to critical digital learning tools to help them succeed in today’s tech-driven world.

Mastercard will donate P100 to SM Foundation for every eligible transaction made using a Philippine-issued Mastercard at SM Stores. The funds raised between November 15 and 17 during the promo period will go directly toward supporting the scholarships for these students, enabling them to pursue higher education and build careers in the technology sector.

In addition to financial support, the program also seeks to address the digital divide in the Philippines. Previous efforts have already equipped thousands of students with e-tablets and established digital learning hubs in public schools. In 2023 alone, nearly 10,000 students benefited from these resources, gaining access to modern technology that enhances their educational experience.

According to a 2020 Department of Education survey, only 64% of Filipino students had access to smartphones, and just 55% had access to laptops—critical tools for participating in digital learning.

23 October 2024

SM’s loyalty program raises PHP30M to solve food insecurity and quality education.

SMAC, SM’s loyalty program, raised over PHP30 million between December 2023 and January 2024 to assist in solving involuntary hunger and a lack of access to excellent education across the country, in conjunction with Globe’s Hapag Movement and the SM Foundation.
This is SMAC’s second year working with the Hapag Movement, which aims to provide supplemental meals and sustainable livelihood training to 100,000 Filipino families. Last year’s campaign raised PHP5.5 million, benefiting 10,000 people.

SMAC sponsored the campaign by donating P50 for every SMAC kit sold. Bonus points were also donated to the campaign for every eligible purchase made at participating SM Retail affiliates, which included SM Store, SM Fashion, SM Beauty, SM Appliance Centre, Kultura, Our Home, Surplus, Sport Central, Silk Issues, Levi’s, Forever 21, The Body Shop, Echo, and Crate and Barrel.

“We credit our success to the support of our devoted SMAC members. Every purchase they make, every point they donate, helps needy families. “Together, we can create a future in which no one goes hungry,” said Kevin Hartigan-Go, Chief Operating Officer of SMAC.

This year, SMAC and Globe’s collaboration generated approximately 30 million points, which will be donated to the Hapag Movement and the SM Foundation. Hartigan-Go emphasized that “these will be put into programs that will directly impact the lives of many Filipinos.”

Unite to make a difference.

According to the most recent June 2024 Social Weather Station (SWS) poll, the country’s hunger rate has risen to 17.6% from 14.2% in March.

Hartigan-Go shared that “Hapag’s vision of fighting involuntary hunger resonates with SMAC, our retail partners, and our SMAC member base.”
Meanwhile, Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, emphasized the importance of working with SMAC.

“This cooperation extends beyond seasonal efforts to provide families with long-term support. We are laying the groundwork for long-term change by reducing involuntary hunger and empowering households to better their livelihoods. We are delighted to continue this effort and invite other organizations to partner with us so that we can make a difference,” Crisanto stated.

The Hapag Movement’s partner organizations include the UN World Food Programme, the Ayala Foundation, and World Vision Philippines.

4 August 2024

Increased Assistance from SM to Communities Affected by Typhoon Carina

Thanks to the SM Foundation’s Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) program, the SM Group has stepped up its assistance efforts following the devastating effects of Typhoon Carina on Luzon and Metro Manila. Those impacted by the torrential rains and widespread flooding have received over 23,000 “Kalinga” aid packets from the foundation.

Several impacted areas, including Metro Manila, Bulacan, Bataan, Olongapo City, Pampanga, Rizal, and Cavite, have received Kalinga Packs from SM employee volunteers in the field. To ease the urgent demands and bring comfort to families who have been relocated, these bags contain necessities.

As part of a concerted effort, SM Supermalls and the Philippine Red Cross have set up OPTE booths. These booths are central locations for providing aid and distributing relief supplies to those in need.

The SM malls have gone above and beyond to serve the community by providing free WiFi and phone charging stations, free overnight parking for those who are stuck, and other amenities to help people stay connected with their loved ones. Help desks have also been set up at several SM Supermalls to give locals the information and support they need during this difficult time.

In the event of a disaster or emergency, the SM Foundation, SM Supermalls, and SM Markets work together through their social responsibility initiative, Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), to ensure that people receive prompt assistance. More than 800,000 Kalinga packs have been distributed across the country since the campaign began.

25 July 2024

A Rise in SM’s Foot Traffic is Attributed to the Mall’s Enhanced Activities.

With an increase from 3.3 million in the same period last year, SM Supermalls recorded a rise in foot traffic, reaching an average of over 4 million daily visitors in the first quarter of 2024. This consistent increase demonstrates SM’s dedication to enhancing the mall experience by offering a wide range of exciting activities that meet the changing interests of consumers.

The rise in customer traffic is a direct result of our unwavering dedication to fulfilling our customers’ everyday demands and requirements, says Steven T. Tan, president of SM Supermalls. At our malls, you’ll find a perfect combination of cutting-edge retail services and thriving entrepreneurial atmospheres.

With its integrated property developments, SM has turned its malls into places where the whole Filipino family can enjoy immersive experiences.

The Space & Time Cube+ at S Maison is the first-ever immersive art museum in the Philippines.

Filipino consumers are increasingly flocking to malls for entertainment and culinary experiences, driven by a move towards discretionary spending. Food tenants now occupy 30% of mall spaces, up from 10% a decade ago, and non-food tenants, such as entertainment, occupy 50%. Other tenants that are service-related complement the varied offers.

S Maison’s Space & Time Cube+ is the Philippines’ first fully immersive art museum.

An immersive art museum with 20 themed attractions like LED tunnels and holographic displays, the Space & Time Cube+ at S Maison is a recent innovation that showcases SM’s dedication to combining art with entertainment.

No matter what kind of fandom you’re into—K-pop, anime, or music—SM Supermalls is a place to support your favorite groups and artists. SM is thrilled to be a part of these communities and the gathering spot for fans of all ages and walks of life.

At SM City Fairview, there is a new attraction called Cosplay City, where fans may express themselves. This multi-district location has everything a community could want: toy displays, anime-themed zones, and that perfect Tokyo City ambiance for those Instagram-worthy photos.

Over 500 cosplayers from Metro Manila excitedly gather at SM City Fairview to check out Cosplay City.

With much anticipation, more than 500 cosplayers from the Metro Manila area assemble at SM City Fairview to see Cosplay City.

Launched in November 2023, the 1,947 square meter indoor entertainment complex inside SM Mall of Asia’s flagship location, Game Park, offers a variety of activities to suit varied interests, including bowling, basketball, e-darts, and an indoor archery range.

A family creates lasting memories at the Pyromusical Competition in SM by the Bay, SM Mall of Asia Complex

“SM always finds new ways to wow their customers,” Mr. Tan confirmed. “Our goal is to create lasting memories through dynamic destinations that complement traditional shopping.”

16 June 202416 June 2024

Education: A Path Away from Difficulty

Fritz Mendez, an SM Foundation alumnus, has an opportunity to pursue his dream of attending college and launching a prosperous career through the scholarship program.

Since 1993, the SM Foundation, SM’s social good arm, has given college scholarships to deserving students from underprivileged communities. This demonstrates how education and perseverance may lead to a life free of poverty.

Education, according to SM founder Henry Sy, is the greatest weapon against poverty. A college education, in his view, is one of the most powerful tools for social change, and the ripple effect it has on a graduate’s ability to improve not only his own life but also that of his loved ones, his employer, and the world at large.

The scholarship program has helped more than 4,200 students so far this year, and it is also assisting in the fight against the generational transmission of poverty through its emphasis on youth education, the construction of schools, and the provision of classrooms around the country.

Fritz Mendez finds this path to be far from simple. Because he was a member of a defenseless group, staying alive was his top priority.

Tragically, the war in Lebanon cut short his mother’s career as a domestic worker. He felt that getting out of poverty was an unachievable dream due to these and other family problems, so he stopped going to school.

Due to the widespread poverty in our neighborhood, it is almost anticipated that you do not have a bachelor’s degree or higher. A college degree was always a goal of his, but he wished to prove to his loved ones and neighbors that it was possible. The SM Scholarship has granted me my prayer: the chance to realize this ambition. After mustering up all my bravery, I applied, and the SM Foundation granted me a chance.

Realizing the hitherto unimaginable goal

Fritz, a graduate of the SM Scholarship Program, now has the opportunity to mentor the next crop of scholarship recipients.

Fritz began college at the tender age of nineteen, but he wasted no time gaining knowledge and making the most of his opportunities despite being older than his classmates.

He overcame adversity by actively participating in church activities and the scholarship program, both of which provided him with a supportive atmosphere. Through his involvement in numerous extracurricular activities at church and school, he developed his leadership abilities, his extroverted personality, and his love for writing and performing.

Important for Fritz’s well-being and performance in college and beyond, he honed practical skills such as time management and budgeting. He gained self-assurance and new perspectives as a result of these events.

My newfound confidence is all because to the scholarship. My sense of duty, discipline, and respect for the worth of work and money were all honed by the simple act of contemplating my own existence. This development was most pronounced when I was a summer intern with the SM Scholarship and learned how to manage my money wisely. I managed to take care of our household expenses and put up enough money for my stipend next semester.

Indulging in my passion

A person’s family is everything to them. Fritz promotes the idea of spreading social good among his coworkers at work.

His one and only job after graduating from Accounting Technology in 2014 was with BDO Unibank.

Now a senior teller and the BDO Employees Association’s Regional Director for the Visayas area, he has risen the corporate ladder. He encourages his coworkers, leads well, and suggests creative welfare measures for his colleagues, all while handling important accounts in his area.

One thing I’ve learned from the SM Group is the importance of family. They taught me the value of family through their unwavering support and encouragement while I was an SM scholar. He was able to learn and show how to care for his family while working at BDO Unibank.

Thanks to his mother, who believed in his ability to provide a better life for his family, Fritz is now able to provide them a good home and meet their basic necessities.

Beyond this, as a high school student who could have accepted his destiny, the SM Scholarship offered me hope. Not only did the SM Scholarship allow me to become the sole graduate in my fractured family, but it also gave me the chance to dream of a better, more hopeful future. It showed that there is hope for students like me who are looking to start over and create our own opportunities.