SM Proudly Celebrated Local MSMEs at DTI Wedding Fair at SMX Aura

 Taguig City, Philippines – Love, tradition, and local entrepreneurship shared the spotlight at the Bagong Pilipinas Wedding Fair 2025, held from June 27 to 29 at SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier. Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the three-day event successfully showcased over 100 Filipino MSMEs, celebrating Filipino creativity while driving real business opportunities in the events and wedding industry.

DTI kicked off the Bagong Pilipinas Wedding Fair 2025 at SMX Aura headed by DTI Sec. Cristina Roque, bringing together MSMEs from across the country in a celebration of love, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

The fair welcomed industry professionals, wedding planners, creatives, and couples preparing for their big day to explore everything from couture bridalwear and floral arrangements to photography, catering, travel services, and more. The highlight of Day 1 was a runway fashion show featuring Filipino bridal designers, who elevated traditional fabrics and sustainable design for the modern bride. Day 2 and 3 featured talks and interactive exhibits spotlighting creative industries—from graphic design and stationery to music and event production—showing how weddings can reflect both personal stories and cultural pride. 

Filipino bridal designers wowed the crowd with modern, sustainable, and culturally rooted creations at the Wedding Fair Fashion Show—proudly highlighting Tatak Pinoy talent.

“Through partnerships like this, SM Supermalls remains committed to helping build the future of Filipino MSMEs by providing entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their work, nurture local talent and creativity, and strengthen economic resilience.” shared Joaquin San Agustin, EVP of SM Supermalls. 

MSME designers wowed guests with their collection of bridal gowns, groom’s suits, and entourage wear—featuring silhouettes that range from classic romance to modern minimalist, all crafted with Filipino finesse.

A unique highlight at the DTI Wedding Fair: MSMEs showcased elegant Capiz shell dining wear—from plates and chargers to napkin holders and centerpieces—blending sustainability with sophistication.

Filipino tradition met timeless elegance at MSME booths featuring modern takes on the Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana—from hand-embroidered details to contemporary silhouettes perfect for formal Filipino weddings.

In essence, the 2025 Wedding Fair was more than an event—it was a celebration of love, culture, and entrepreneurship, underlining that when Filipino MSMEs thrive, our communities—and the nation—grow stronger, faster, and more beautiful.

About SM Supermalls MSMEs

 

SM Supermalls, owned by SM Prime Holdings, is the leading mall developer and operator in the Philippines. As a staunch advocate for MSMEs, SM Supermalls is dedicated to helping Filipino entrepreneurs succeed. Join our thriving marketplace across 80+ malls nationwide. Visit msme.smsupermalls.com to download your MSME application or email us at customercare@smsupermalls.com with your most innovative product and preferred location. Don't miss this opportunity to grow your business with SM Supermalls today!

Art Takes Over SM Supermalls with “Art for Everyone”!

SM Supermalls continues its unwavering support for Filipino artistry with the nationwide launch of Art for Everyone—a month-long celebration of creativity, culture, and community across 18 malls this July.

Building on the remarkable success of the 2024 Art Market, which earned the prestigious Gold Stevie® Award for Innovation in the Use of Events, SM Supermalls continues to elevate its commitment to championing the local art scene. Last year’s Art Market featured over 1,200 Filipino artists and showcased more than 4,000 artworks, providing a platform that not only celebrated local creativity but also offered meaningful support to emerging and established artists alike.

 

The overwhelming success of the event sparked renewed enthusiasm within the community, with many of last year’s participating artists eager to return, a testament to the event’s impact and SM’s growing role as a catalyst for Filipino creative expression.

 

Ilonggo artists (L-R) Joel Ferraris and Joy Fernando at last year’s SM Art Market in SM City Iloilo.

Now, Art for Everyone expands that vision. This year’s initiative transforms participating malls into vibrant art destinations, where both well-known and budding local artists can exhibit to sell their works, engage with new audiences, and contribute to a flourishing creative community. 

    Art for all ages at SM Aura.

Vibrant works of art at SM Megamall.

Throughout July, guests can immerse themselves in a rich artistic expression — from paintings, photography, and prints to digital art, mixed media, and sculpture—all proudly created by homegrown talent. The program invites art enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds to explore and celebrate Filipino creativity.

Discover various mediums of art at SM’s Art for Everyone!

Art for Everyone is more than just an art fair—it’s a celebration of the imagination, passion, and skill of local artists. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a budding artist, or someone looking to discover a new favorite artist, there’s something here for you.

Feast your eyes on Art for Everyone at 18 malls nationwide.

Participating malls and schedules:

*Visit your favorite SM mall’s social media for up-to-date information:

●        SM City Clark – July 1 to 14

●        SM J Mall – July 1 to 14

●        SM Lanang – July 7 to 16

●        SM City Baguio – July 13 to 26

●        SM Seaside City Cebu – July 14 to 31

●        SM City Sorsogon – July 15 to 28

●        SM City Iloilo – July 15 to 31

●        SM City Bacolod – July 15 to 31

●        SM Center Dagupan – July 16 to 30

●        SM City Baliwag – July 18 to 31

●        SM City Dasmariñas – July 20 to 27

●        SM CDO Downtown – July 20 to 30

●        SM City Santa Rosa – July 21 to 27

●        SM Center Angono – July 21 to 31

●        The Podium – July 22 to 27

●        SM City North EDSA – July 25 to 31

●        SM Aura – August 15 to 24

Be part of this dynamic celebration of art! Visit participating SM malls, browse the incredible works on display, and discover your new favorite artist. Spark inspiration, ignite your own creativity, and share the experience with family and friends.

For more details and updates, visit https://www.smsupermalls.com. Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in creativity and be inspired. 

SM Prime: Creating infrastructure for plastic-free communities

According to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the global production of plastics is forecasted to reach 1,100 million tonnes by 2050, with severe environmental, social, economic, and human health consequences.

 

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) remains committed to creating thriving, sustainable cities.

 

With a waste-free future as part of its environmental strategy, SM Prime encourages the observation of International Plastic-free Day on May 25 and its call to rethink single-use plastics (SUP) for one day. Moreover, SM Prime celebrates the group-wide strides made to support the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022.

The Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable-labeled bins support SM's waste-free future initiative and align with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022.

A group-wide movement for the EPR Law

 

The SM group, working with its Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), is pursuing a group-wide strategy to comply with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)’s EPR Act of 2022.

 

Formally known as Republic Act 11898, the EPR law requires companies to take responsibility for the recovery of their plastic packaging products and to pursue waste management programs.

 

Acknowledging the challenges and realities for businesses and on-ground operations through its EPR working group committee, the SM group commits to a plan of action in reducing and recovering its plastic footprint within the given five-year period, sharing alternatives and new technologies to respond to the growing global crises, and establishing partnerships with government agencies and other private institutions.

 

As the property arm of the SM group, SM Prime’s commitment to a waste-free future aims to create the needed infrastructure that will help support and maintain plastic waste management strategies.

 

Crucial to waste recovery efforts, SM Prime equips its properties with a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), and standardized waste segregation and management practices to help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. A joint venture with a Japanese environmental solutions company, the SM GUUN Environmental Company, Inc. (SGECI), converts non-recyclable waste into cement fuel or “fluff fuel” for eco-conscious cement companies like APO Cement, Holcim, and Taiheiyo Cement, as part of its “co-processing” practice.

SM GUUN converts disposable waste into fluff fuel, which helps unload overfilled and over-capacity landfills.

Beyond compliance

SM Prime continues with its established programs such as the nationwide Trash to Cash recycling market. Since 2007, it has been one of SM Supermalls’ flagship programs that continues to be more relevant given the times.

Available in all 87 SM malls, the Trash to Cash program has since been recognized as a rewarding community-driven practice for surrounding residents and mall tenants.

Activating the SM malls to help their communities with sorted plastic waste, Trash to Cash incentivizes the exchange of recyclables to provide a venue for plastic recovery. Fifteen SM Plastic Waste Collection sites likewise serve as drop-off points for clean, empty, and dry plastics. In addition, the Solid Waste Action Program (SWAP) reverse vending machines at SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia enable the diversion of aluminum cans and polyethylene terephthalate bottles (PET), which are considered high-value plastic products.

The annual International Coastal Clean-up (ICC), supported by SM Cares, continues to empower volunteers to take part in this global effort for a record-breaking initiative. In 2024 alone, SM Cares helped mobilize 23,000 employees, students, and various communities that joined nationwide volunteer efforts to remove trash from the world’s beaches and waterways.

Volunteers participate in the International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) for a shared cause, with sign-ups increasing each year.

Aiming for a waste-free future

 

Reduction is always the best option. The SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has long since eliminated SUPs from all properties in support of the UNEP’s campaign to phase them out. Pico Sands Hotel was also one of the first hotels to sign with the World-Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF) in their Ayoko Na Sa Plastic Campaign in 2018. 

 

SMHCC has successfully replaced all single-use amenities, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) shampoo and shower gel bottles, and PET water bottles in all its hotel rooms.  Since 2019, as part of the SMX Convention Centers’ guidelines to promote sustainable events management practices, bamboo or starch-based environmentally friendly alternatives to replace plastic cutlery are encouraged to minimize waste generation.

 

Working collectively as a group to reduce the effects of the plastic waste crises creates a bigger impact at a greater scale. Through enhanced waste management systems, effective waste segregation practices, and proactive community effort, SM Prime aims to successfully divert a greater proportion of plastic waste away from landfills.

 

“Our work is never done. There are new technologies, innovative solutions, and more avenues for collaboration to look forward to in making the EPR Act work for our communities,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director of SM Cares for Environment. “But we all have a role to play--it is every individual’s responsibility to create a waste-free future.” 

THE FIRST IN PAMPANGA—A New Era of Asian Flavors Served with a Twist

 If there’s one thing that binds Asian culture together, it's how our legacy and tradition are preserved through food. From the careful sourcing of ingredients to the creativity and innovation in preparation, Asian cuisines are truly made to be extraordinary.

 

SM Supermalls upholds this by delivering Taiwanese, Japanese, and Thai excellence to one of the centres of Filipino gastronomy—Pampanga. With the same sense of richness and attention to quality, Ninepot, The Matcha Tokyo, and Purple Rice establish themselves as must-try places at SM City Clark and SM City Pampanga!

Ninepot—Quality Taiwanese Hot Pot Experience

With the growing popularity of East Asian hot pot restaurants, Ninepot—its name reflecting the Taiwanese cultural belief that the number nine brings good fortune—sets itself apart by putting traditional Taiwanese flavors in the spotlight at the Tech Hub 2 of SM City Clark.

Unlike many hot pot restaurants that focus on unlimited servings, Ninepot prioritizes quality by offering carefully curated ingredients in each customizable set meal. Following a six-step process, Ninepot creates a well-rounded dining experience that highlights the richness of Taiwanese cuisine.

Each order includes a choice of protein, sides, broth, and vegetables, complemented by a dessert and a weekly special drink—completing a satisfying dining experience.

But what truly makes Ninepot stand out is its flavorful selection of soup bases, ranging from classic Taiwanese savory specials to hot and spicy picks. Among these are the signature Taiwan Stone Hot Pot, the aromatic Sesame Oil Hot Pot, the refreshingly sweet Dashi Broth Hot Pot, and the delectably spicy Szechuan Hot Pot.

The Matcha Tokyo—Haven for Premium-Grade Matcha

 Matcha-inspired drinks and desserts are popping up left and right. However, despite the growing accessibility, matcha has proved to be a difficult flavor to handle—especially since matcha lovers are even more difficult to please!

 But when it comes to perfecting that earthy, rich, and refined flavor, no one does it better than The Matcha Tokyo with its authentic, premium-grade selections at the Ground Level of SM City Clark.

Highlighting 100% organic matcha specials, The Matcha Tokyo is committed to promoting health and sustainability by bringing Japan’s finest matcha for daily and casual consumption.

For starters, their definite must-tries include the #1 best-selling Organic Matcha Latte—popular across all The Matcha Tokyo branches worldwide—and the Philippine-exclusive Ube Matcha Latte, which features a delightful blend of their high-quality matcha and the iconic sweet taste of purple yam (ube).

From a wide variety of matcha-infused beverages and pastries to chocolates, snacks, and conveniently available pure matcha powder—everything you can imagine to satisfy your matcha obsession is possible with The Matcha Tokyo.

Purple Rice—Thai Flavors with an Innovative Twist

 

Nothing is more delicious than sustainably crafted meals made rich with their culture of origin. This is exactly what Purple Rice brings to the table—introducing Thai flavors cooked through future-forward approaches to food at the Ground Level of SM City Pampanga.

Rooted in stories of heritage, environmentally conscious agricultural practices, and ultimately, a deep love and respect for Thai cuisine, Purple Rice offers a variety of creative Thai flavors fused with touches of Filipino warmth and food traditions.

Dedicated to serving authentic Thai cuisine with signature innovative twists, the uniquely colored Purple Rice takes center stage—often paired with popular Thai dishes and set against an inviting interior that enhances the experience.

Their menu features a variety of dishes, including soups like Tom Yum Talay, salads such as Purple Yam Woon Sen, and mains like Khao Soi and Pad Thai, with their best-selling meals including the Red Angus Beef Curry and Thai Halo-Halo, among other noteworthy selections.

Allow yourself to explore flavors that greatly satisfy your Kapampangan taste buds and visit Ninepot at Tech Hub 2 and The Matcha Tokyo at the Ground Level of SM City Clark, as well as Purple Rice at the Ground Level of SM City Pampanga."

Whether you see yourself as a connoisseur of particular dishes or a casual food enjoyer, SM Supermalls ensures you get the best from across different cuisines—serving flavors suited to our own taste and culture while introducing food innovations that integrate familiar practices with new experiences.

There’s always more to enjoy and more to share at SM Supermalls! For more exclusive dining experiences and first-to-market brands, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

 

SM Supermalls #NewEraOfFirsts

At SM Supermalls, we’re proud to lead a New Era of Firsts—bringing you first-to-market brands, groundbreaking experiences, and culinary destinations you won’t find anywhere else. From world-class dining and retail exclusives to innovative spaces that connect and inspire communities, we’re redefining what it means to have it all.

As we continue to grow, we remain committed to sustainability, community empowerment, and creating memorable moments that make every visit more meaningful. There’s always something new and exciting waiting for you at SM.