Tasty Travel

From Gen Z innovation to zero-waste businesses, Filipino coco-preneurs are taking coconut somewhere new. A coconut may be familiar, but what Filipino entrepreneurs are doing with it is anything but. A college feasibility study has become a Gen Z-run coconut milk business. Surplus coconut shells are being transformed into handcrafted bags while helping provide livelihood to more than 100 workers. And one entrepreneur has developed around 40 products by finding new uses for virtually every part of the coconut. These are among the ideas and founder stories waiting to be discovered at the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair 2026, now underway at SMX Convention Center Manila until August 30. “Over the next five days, we bring our coco-preneurs, our buyers, shoppers and partners together under one roof here in SMX as we celebrate National Coconut Week,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista during the opening ceremony. Mounted by the Department of Trade and Industr...

As ridership on the EDSA Bus Carousel increases, infrastructure evolves to meet daily demand Every day, over 170,000 commuters board the EDSA Bus Carousel to get to work, school, and everywhere in between – and this passenger count continues to climb. As more Filipinos turn to the EDSA busway as their daily mode of transportation, the infrastructure around its busiest stations is being pushed to keep pace, with one of the initiatives being a direct walkway linking the bus station to SM Megamall. The SM Megamall EDSA Busway Concourse, which opened to the public on April 2026, is an elevated, weather-protected walkway that connects the EDSA Bus Carousel’s SM Megamall station to SM Megamall Building A, eliminating the need for commuters to traverse the lengthy stretch across EDSA. It houses escalators and elevators to ensure convenient access for all, including commuters with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant women. The concourse was developed by your most loved SM Supermalls in...

Forty years. Generations of makers. One landmark celebration of everything Negros—back at SM Some fairs are worth visiting for the shopping. Others for the food. BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair gives you 40 years of reasons to come. From September 22 to 27, 2026, the country’s longest-running provincial trade fair returns to SMX Convention Center Aura, bringing the best of Negros closer to Metro Manila shoppers for its milestone 40th anniversary. Through SM for MSMEs, SM Supermalls continues its collaboration with the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), helping provide Negrense entrepreneurs a highly visible marketplace where their products, stories and craftsmanship can connect with more customers and potential markets. This year’s theme, BÚTLAK, celebrates a legacy moving forward with fresh energy: honoring the flavors, craftsmanship and stories that made the fair an institution while giving Negrense creativity a distinctly contemporary spin. Whether you come to eat, shop, disc...

Neither rain nor disrupted schedules could stop jobseekers from pursuing their next opportunity. After being rescheduled to August 17–18 due to inclement weather in Metro Manila, the PMAP Mega Job Fair 2026, held in collaboration with SM Job Fair, pushed through at the SM City North EDSA Skydome—connecting jobseekers with employers, career coaches, upskilling opportunities, and employment support services under one roof. The two-day event brought together around 30 employers and hundreds of jobseekers, with several applicants hired on the spot (HOTS). Held in celebration of the People Management Association of the Philippines' (PMAP) 70th Anniversary, the career fair carried the theme “HumanITy Forward 2026: Empowering Talent in a Digital World,” putting the spotlight not only on getting Filipinos hired, but also on helping them become better prepared for the changing world of work. More than getting hired For Ghie Lara, Chairperson of PMAP's Employability Committee, the event ...

For millions of Filipinos navigating EDSA, the daily commute could soon become safe, more seamless, and more convenient. As SM continues its transformation journey beyond its retail and shared spaces, its malls are also evolving to make getting to and from key transport hubs easier for commuters. In the coming months, mallgoers can look forward to improved connections through the SM Megamall EDSA Busway Concourse and Pedestrian Bridge and SM North EDSA MRT-7 link. The projects aim to shorten long walks to transportation hubs while giving commuters familiar, well-lit, and ventilated access and departure points. The completion of the SM Megamall EDSA Busway link, which connects SM Megamall to the Ortigas station of the EDSA Bus Carousel, provides an accessible entrance and exit point for commuters. Prior to the completion of the elevated walkway, commuters had to pass through the congested MRT-3 footbridge to reach the EDSA Carousel. The new pedestrian bridge significantly shortens the l...

Learning knows no age. At SM City Baguio, children and senior citizens came together to discover the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) during an interactive learning session held in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DICT-CAR). More than an introduction to emerging technology, the session created a space where generations could learn together, ask questions, and discover how AI can be used responsibly in everyday life. For young participants, the activity encouraged curiosity and creativity, showing how AI can support learning and inspire new ideas. Ten-year-old Jacob Jimenez, a Grade 5 student, was eager to explore more. “I want to know more about AI because it is futuristic technology. I tried a game where you have to use AI, and I also made an app,” Jacob shared. His mother, Joan Jimenez, appreciated the opportunity for children to become more familiar with technology that is increasingly part ...

With inclusivity and access as a key pillar in SM’s corporate purpose, inclusive spaces and facilities enhance the SM Group’s portfolio of malls, offices, and retail spaces. It is this universal implementation of accessible environments, and commitment to advance disability inclusion that bagged SM Group industry distinctions from The Philippine Foundation For the Rehabilitation of the Disabled Inc. (PFRD) and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA). Through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares, disability-friendly facilities are overseen and supported nationwide with manpower training in line with industry standards to effectively accommodate Persons With Disabilities. “Every single person entering and engaging in the spaces built by SM deserves to feel welcomed and accommodated,” said Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Operations and Program Director for Disability Affairs, SM Cares. “Our benchmark for true inclusivity expressed well is w...

Cebu continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the country's most dynamic travel destinations, offering visitors a diverse mix of attractions, experiences, and activities that go beyond its renowned beaches and heritage sites. As part of its SM for Cebu commitment, the most-loved SM malls in Cebu continue to bring together shopping, dining, entertainment, recreation, and leisure experiences, giving both locals and visitors a maxed-out experience and more ways to discover, dine, play, and make the most of their time in the province. At SM City Cebu, visitors can experience a vibrant urban destination where shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreation come together in one convenient location. From leading fashion and lifestyle brands to the latest in technology, beauty, home, and everyday essentials, SM City Cebu curates one of the city's most comprehensive retail destinations, making it a preferred shopping hub for both locals and tourists. Food lovers can also explore...

Your saved list is about to get longer!  This month, SM Supermalls is bringing even more reasons to plan that next mall trip across Mindanao. Think new cafés, fresh dining spots, and exciting brands making their debut! Here's a quick roundup of the latest openings you won't want to miss. Let's get into the newest arrivals, shall we? DJI ARS (Authorized Retail Store) Take your content creation to new heights at CDO’s first ever DJI ARS, now open at Level 3, Cyberzone, at SM CDO Downtown. Explore DJI's latest lineup of drones, action cameras, handheld gimbals, and creative imaging gear, with expert guidance to help you find the right setup, whether you're a beginner, traveler, or seasoned creator. Zus Coffee Coffee lovers in Davao have something new to look forward to as Zus Coffee is soon to open their first-ever Mindanao branch at SM City Davao this September! A new great spot for your daily caffeine fix, quick breaks, or catch-ups with friends. Drop by soon at SM C...

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) received the Gold Award in the Transformation Category at the 2026 ESG Edge Impact Awards for its SM Waste Free Future initiative. The Transformation Category celebrates businesses and organizations that have significantly improved and evolved overall sustainability performance and operational models over time. From Vision to Transformation Through a collaborative ecosystem of stakeholders working toward a common goal, the shared commitment of a waste-free future reflects the SM way of creating meaningful and lasting impact. The launch of SM Waste Free Future in 2024 at the SM Mall of Asia marked the start of the group-wide initiative on waste circularity and standardized waste segregation across SM properties. At the core of the initiative is the belief that lasting waste reduction begins with everyday behavior. Applying the theory of change, the program started with observations of daily waste generation and an assessment of existing segregation sys...

Meet the inspiring women taking center stage through WomenBizPH and SM for MSMEs The next great Filipino brand may be closer than you think. Behind every handcrafted accessory, woven textile, artisanal delicacy, sustainable fashion piece, and proudly Filipino product is a woman who dared to turn an idea into a business. Some are preserving generations of Filipino craftsmanship. Others are creating livelihoods for their communities. And some are already making the leap from trade fair booths to wider retail distribution. These stories came together at the Women Strong Network Hybrid Trade Fair 2026, which opened at SM Megamall on August 10, bringing women entrepreneurs, government leaders, industry partners, and shoppers together for three days of business, learning, and meaningful connections. Organized by WomenBizPH in partnership with SM Supermalls through SM for MSMEs, the trade fair celebrates more than what's being sold. It puts the spotlight on the remarkable women behind the...

No two mall visits are exactly the same. Some days call for a café stop, others for a shopping trip or a meal you've been craving! This July, SM Supermalls is adding more experiences across Mindanao with a fresh mix of dining spots and lifestyle brands. From first-in-SM concepts to exciting new openings, there's even more to enjoy, whatever brings you to the mall. Here's what's new at your most-loved mall, SM Supermalls! Gashapon Bandai A new world of surprises awaits at Level 3 of SM CDO Downtown with Gashapon Bandai. From beloved anime characters to adorable mini collectibles, every capsule offers the thrill of not knowing exactly what you'll get next. Comma Café Take a pause and enjoy thoughtfully crafted drinks and café favorites at Comma Café, soon to open at the Level 2 of SM Lanang. As the first branch in SM, it's an inviting spot for casual catch-ups, quiet afternoons, and everything in between! Yappari Yappari is now open on the Lower Ground Level of SM...

As the world of work continues to evolve, finding employment is no longer the only goal—staying competitive means continuously learning new skills and having easier access to services that support one's career journey. This August, SM Supermalls continues to create more opportunities for Filipinos through its nationwide SM Job Fair program, bringing together employment opportunities, free upskilling initiatives, and convenient access to government services that help jobseekers prepare for the future of work. More than a hiring event, SM Job Fair has evolved into a platform that empowers Filipinos by connecting them not only to employers, but also to learning opportunities and essential government services—all designed to support every stage of their employment journey. PMAP Mega Job Fair headlines August lineup Leading this month's activities is the PMAP Mega Job Fair, happening on August 10–11 at the SM City North EDSA Skydome in partnership with the People Management Associat...

SM Cares’ multi-mall mental health caravan created safe spaces for young people to share, connect, and build resilience When it comes to mental health, room must be made for young people to be heard and reassure them that their voice has value, their lives are precious. Spaces where they feel safe to speak their mind and seek help matters now more than ever. In line with its advocacy of empowering the next generation of Filipinos and strengthening communities by providing enriching experiences for the youth, SM Cares mounted Better Days: A Youth Mental Health Caravan. The caravan was hosted in partnership with Mental Health Youth Hub PH, I AM MAD (Making A Difference), the National Youth Commission, and Global Peace Foundation Philippines. The multi-mall initiative was geared toward creating safe, welcoming spaces where young people could speak openly about their experiences, learn practical ways to care for their mental well-being, and discover that they do not have to face difficult ...

Three award-winning campaigns showcase how SM Supermalls transforms insights into experiences that resonate with Filipino communities. Great marketing goes beyond capturing attention—it creates genuine connections. At SM Supermalls, every campaign begins with understanding the communities it serves, from celebrating local culture and uncovering consumer insights to creating launches that reflect the identity of a place. This commitment was recognized at the Marketing Excellence Awards 2026, where SM Supermalls received two Gold Awards and one Silver Award, affirming its consumer-first approach to creating meaningful, maxed-out experiences for Filipino communities. One of the Gold Awards recognized SM Lanang’s Mindanao Art for Excellence in Cultural Storytelling. More than an art initiative, the campaign transformed the mall into a platform for Mindanao’s artists, showcasing local creativity while fostering a deeper appreciation for Mindanao’s rich artistic heritage. By bringing art clo...

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. has partnered with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to launch the Unified 911 for Resilience: National Campaign, a nationwide initiative that aims to strengthen public awareness of emergency preparedness and promote a more coordinated emergency response system across the country. Held at the SM Mall of Asia Globe in observance of National Disaster Resilience Month, the campaign brought together more than 2,000 representatives from the DILG, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police, local government units, barangays, and other partner agencies for a unified call to build safer, more resilient communities. "At SM, we believe that resilience is a shared responsibility. Building safer, more prepared communities requires the government, businesses, and citizens to work together toward a common purpose," said SM Supermalls Vice President ...