The Grand Illusion of "Diskarte": When Survival Becomes a Substitute for Governance

Wazzup Pilipinas!? .

It is not the hustle, the "diskarte," that is vile. The truly vicious act is when this survival strategy is elevated into the primary duty of the citizen, while the very architects of the system—the government—are absolved of accountability.

In this nation, "diskarte" is the unspoken prerequisite for existence. It is the toll gate on the road to a job, the hidden currency required for hospital admission, and the shadow skill needed to claim an ID, aid, or public service that should flow freely and without petition.

When the citizen succeeds, we praise their ingenuity, their "madiskarte" spirit. But when the government fails, we sigh, saying, "It's normal. That's just the way the world is."

We are conditioned to reserve our highest admiration for the survivor, yet we rarely pause to demand why survival—a desperate, clawing act—was necessary in the first place. We laud the grit, the sacrifice, the sheer tenacity, while tacitly accepting the rot of systemic incompetence and criminal neglect.

This is where the Culture of Diskarte becomes catastrophic.

While the masses are forced into perpetual, exhausting adaptation, there is no pressure, no imperative, for change to rise from the top. While we celebrate resilience, the accountable remain safe, secure, and untouched.

The hustle is transformed into a mask—a beautiful, tragic disguise. It is the mask covering the gaping hole of inadequate wages. It is the mask concealing the crumbling facade of the public hospital. It is the mask validating a slow, abusive, and non-functional bureaucracy.

Worse yet, this survival skill is chiefly demanded of the poor. When the impoverished falter, the cruel verdict is "lacking in diskarte." When the affluent fail, there are excuses—connections, time, a safety net woven from privilege.

Under this perverse culture, rights become rewards. Essential services devolve into sheer luck. And dignity? Dignity is no longer inherent; it is a prize won by the most cunning hustler.

This demands a stark return to the very foundation of our nation: the Republic. The Latin root, res publica, means "the public thing," "the common matter." It signifies that the government is not a personal estate, not a business venture, not an inherited heirloom.

The State is an Obligation. It is a solemn duty that cannot be farmed out to the desperation of its people.

In a true Republic, a citizen should not need to "dumiskarte" merely to live with dignity. Diskarte should be reserved for the pursuit of excellence and prosperity, not for the grim avoidance of hunger, sickness, and systemic abuse.

When the burden of "diskarte" falls entirely on the citizenry, and the government is held to no corresponding standard of performance, our national contract is fundamentally broken.

This is not resilience. It is lauded neglect. This is not inspiration. It is failure rebranded.

And as long as we continue to applaud the struggle for survival instead of fixing the broken machinery of the State, the forced hustler will remain a celebrated hero, and the government that failed them will remain comfortably, lethally inert.

Molecular Shield: UP Chemists Unveil a Dramatic New Weapon in the Fight Against Cancer Spread

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The global fight against cancer is a race against time, with the stakes rising dramatically. The statistics are stark: in the Philippines, nearly 189,000 new cancer cases were recorded in 2022, and globally, new cases are projected to surge by 77% to over 35 million by 2050. Facing this overwhelming health crisis, a team of pioneering chemists has developed a novel approach that doesn't just kill cancer cells, but seeks to strategically limit their deadly ability to spread.

The Molecular Veil of Hyper-Sialylation

The key to cancer's insidious progression lies in its ability to metastasize—to spread from the primary tumor to other parts of the body. At the heart of this process is a molecular deception known as hypersialylation.

The Problem: Cancer cells employ an excess coating of a sugar molecule called sialic acid on their surface. This dense, sticky coat acts like a molecular shield, helping the cells evade the body’s immune system and promoting their migration through the bloodstream to establish new, secondary tumors.

The Target: The enzyme responsible for this protective coating is sialyltransferase (ST). By stopping ST, researchers can essentially pull the rug out from under the cancer cell's disguise.

The Synthesis: A Hybrid Molecule is Born

In a landmark study published in RSC Medicinal Chemistry, chemists Christian Angelo Concio and Dr. Susan Arco of the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science’s Institute of Chemistry (UPD-CS IC), in collaboration with Dr. Wen-Shan Li's group in Taiwan, have synthesized a potent new weapon: lithocholic acid-3,3′-diindolylmethane (LCA-DIM) hybrids.

The approach was one of strategic molecular hybridization:

The Indole Advantage: They started with the compound diindolylmethane (DIM), which is known for its chemical stability and existing anticancer properties, hypothesizing that its "indole-rich" structure plays a vital role in inhibiting the ST enzyme.

The ST Inhibitor Scaffold: They then merged DIM with lithocholic acid (LCA), a compound already recognized as an ST inhibitor framework.

The Result: This molecular marriage resulted in a new class of LCA-DIM hybrids that proved far more effective than their individual components.

🎯 Surgical Precision: Targeting ST6GAL1

What makes this discovery so compelling is the hybrid's selective strike capability. The researchers focused on two key sialyltransferase enzymes, ST6GAL1 and ST3GAL1, both implicated in cancer.

"Interestingly, we observed that these new types of ST inhibitors presented selectivity towards ST6GAL1 in comparison to ST3GAL1, which is ideal for next generation ST inhibitors,” explained Concio.

The ability to selectively target ST6GAL1 is critical, as different ST enzymes are overexpressed in different cancer types. This precision offers the potential for improved therapeutic effectiveness while simultaneously minimizing the collateral damage and side effects often associated with broad-spectrum cancer treatments.

A New Hope for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

The new LCA-DIM hybrids showed particular promise against one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of the disease: Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). TNBC is notorious for lacking the three receptors (estrogen, progesterone, and HER2) that many targeted therapies rely on, leaving patients with limited options.

By inhibiting the spread of different TNBC cell lines, the new compounds offer a glimmer of hope for a cancer type desperately in need of innovative treatments.

The New Paradigm: Targeting Metastasis, Not Just Destruction

This research signals a potential shift away from the traditional, often brutal, methods of chemotherapy.

“Unlike traditional anticancer drugs such as doxorubicin, which directly kill cancer cells but often cause severe side effects and develop resistance, our ST inhibitor works through a different mechanism,” Concio stated. “It targets cancer metastasis, aiming to block the spread of cancer cells rather than just destroy them.”

This strategic approach aims to transform cancer from a rapidly advancing, deadly disease into a more manageable chronic condition by slowing its progression.

The Path Forward

While the focus began with breast cancer cells, the team intends to expand its investigation to other cancers that also exhibit high levels of the ST6GAL1 enzyme, including pancreatic and ovarian cancers. The critical next steps involve advancing the research toward real-world application: testing the hybrids for safety, stability, and effectiveness in animal models.

This dramatic synthesis from the labs of UP Diliman and Taiwan offers more than just a chemical compound; it offers a compelling new strategy for controlling cancer at the molecular level, moving the fight from mass destruction to targeted, strategic blockade.

Hunting the Ghost Storms: Filipino Scientists Crack the Code of the Deadly ‘Shear Line’

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

It begins deceptively. The cool winds of the Amihan season (northeast monsoon) typically bring relief from the tropical heat. But hidden within these winds lies an invisible, volatile phenomenon capable of unleashing torrential floods without the warning signs of a typhoon.

They are called shear lines—kilometers-long bands where warm and cold air violently converge. For years, these atmospheric phantoms have been notoriously difficult to spot, constantly shifting and evading even satellite detection.

Now, a groundbreaking collaboration led by Filipino scientists has developed a new physics-based algorithm to hunt these elusive storms down, marking a massive leap forward for weather forecasting in the Philippines.

The Invisible Enemy

Unlike the terrifying, swirling eye of a Tropical Cyclone or the sharp, defined edge of a cold front, shear lines are messy and ephemeral.

The Anatomy of a Stealth Storm: Shear lines form from cold fronts that lose their well-defined structure as they pass over the warm ocean waters. Because they lack a "universal threshold" or standard criteria for detection, they have historically been nearly impossible to track objectively.

The Cost of Invisibility: Despite their elusive nature, their impact is devastating. Shear lines are responsible for up to 20% of extreme rainfall days during the Philippine northeast monsoon season (November to February).

"Our study is the first to develop an objective index for monitoring and detecting shear lines over the Philippines," explains lead researcher Lyndon Mark P. Olaguera.

The Science of Detection

To trap a ghost, you have to understand its habits. A team of researchers from the Ateneo de Manila University, the Manila Observatory, Tokyo Metropolitan University, and PAGASA combed through decades of weather data to find the shear line's fingerprint.

They analyzed specific atmospheric ingredients—wind patterns, temperature shifts, and moisture levels—to isolate the common characteristics that signal a shear line is forming.

This forensic meteorology included analyzing the catastrophic rainfall event of January 2017, where HIMAWARI8 satellite imagery revealed deep convection and cold cloud tops attributed to a shear line. By reverse-engineering these events, the team created a detection method that serves as a mathematical dragnet for these wandering weather systems.

Why This Matters: Saving Lives and Crops

The implications of this new algorithm extend far beyond academic journals. By successfully identifying and tracking shear lines, the Philippines can revolutionize its disaster preparedness:

Early Warning Systems: The primary application is to feed this data into forecasting models, giving communities vital lead time before heavy rains hit.

Risk Mapping: The method allows scientists to identify specific geographic areas that are statistically more likely to experience extreme rainfall from shear lines.

Climate Understanding: It helps meteorologists quantify exactly how much rainfall is driven by these systems during the Amihan season, improving long-term climate studies.

Olaguera notes that this tool can also verify whether existing mathematical weather models are accurately capturing these systems, allowing for adjustments in physical schemes if the models fall short.

The Future: AI and The Next Frontier

The team is already looking toward the next horizon. When integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI), this physics-based algorithm could evolve into an even more powerful tool.

The researchers believe this hybrid approach of physics and AI could improve monitoring not just for shear lines, but for other fleeting and difficult-to-track phenomena, such as the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

This research, titled An Objective Method to Locate Shear Lines during the Northeast Monsoon Season in the Philippines, was published in November 2025 in the Meteorological Society of Japan’s Scientific Online Letters on the Atmosphere (SOLA). It stands as a testament to local scientific ingenuity, turning the tide in the battle against the Philippines' most unpredictable weather events.

25 Years of Charity and Celebration: The Grandest World Bazaar Festival Opens!

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The metro’s most anticipated one-stop shop and holiday marketplace —World Bazaar Festival, officially opens its doors today, December 12, 2025, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. Now on its historic 25th year, WBF fills the holiday atmosphere with nostalgia for Christmas through the years. More than just a showcase of booths, products, and great finds, the event creates moments for everyone to bond, and serves as a joyful platform that embraces the true spirit of the season — sharing, celebrating, and being together. 

Hosted by online presenter and YouTube content creator Ms. Charlotte Ferguson, the opening ceremonies featured Mr. Joseph Ang, Founding Chairman of Worldbex Services International (WSI), who delivered the opening remarks, welcoming visitors to ten days of festive treats and holiday cheer. Joining him were Co-founding Chair Ms. Levi Ang, WSI Managing Director Ms. Jill Aithnie Ang, and WSI Finance Director Ms. Michelle Paula Ang-Yu. The event was also graced by distinguished guests, including Pasay City Mayor Hon. Imelda Calixto-Rubiano; Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Hon. Christina Garcia Frasco, represented by Director Judy D. Gabato; Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Hon. Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., represented by Assistant Secretary Genevieve E. Velicaria-Guevarra; and Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, Hon. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, represented by Assistant Secretary Dominic R. Tolentino. The event also honored its long-time partnership with the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. in the presence of the Managing Director, Ms. Roberta Lopez-Feliciano  who received the special token of appreciation. 

With the grand lineup of speakers, VIP guests, and personalities, the symbolic ribbon-cutting, accompanied by the opening of festive gift boxes and a series of grand performances, set the tone for the biggest and grandest holiday bazaar in the country.

Further, the spirit of giving is more than alive as the festival presented tokens and gifts to 100 children, followed by a dazzling Christmas lighting at the Jingle Mingle Stage inside the halls.

Worldbex Services International (WSI) is wrapping up the year with full holiday cheer at the World Bazaar Festival. Shoppers can drop by today until December 21, 2025, between 10 AM to 10 PM at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. With Christmas just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to explore, enjoy the holiday rush, and shop all the way!

You can get your tickets now at www.worldbazaarfestival.com, or visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/worldbazaarfestival for more details. 

The World Bazaar Festival is for the benefit of the ABS-CBN Foundation and is organized by the leading event organizers in the country, Worldbex Services International. 

The Grid Revolution: Solar is Now 'Anytime' Electricity as Battery Costs Plummet!

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

A monumental shift is reshaping the global energy landscape: the once-prohibitive cost of battery storage has collapsed, making dispatchable solar—solar power available day and night—an economic reality. New analysis from the energy think tank Ember reveals that dramatic price drops in 2025 have confirmed batteries are now cheap enough to transform cheap daytime solar into reliable, anytime electricity.

This is a game-changer for countries with soaring electricity demand and abundant solar resources.

The New Benchmark: $65/MWh Levelised Cost of Storage (LCOS)

Ember's assessment, based on recent auction results from markets like Saudi Arabia, India, and Italy, shows the Levelised Cost of Storage (LCOS) has fallen to just $65/MWh as of October 2025, in markets outside of the US and China.

This groundbreaking LCOS is driven by a stunning reduction in the total cost to build a utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS):

Total Project Capital Expenditure (CAPEX): An all-in cost of just $125/kWh for long-duration (4 hours or more) utility-scale BESS projects.

Core Equipment Cost: The core equipment, mainly sourced from China, costs around $75/kWh. This covers the BESS enclosures, Power Conversion System (PCS), and Energy Management System (EMS).

Installation & Connection: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services and grid connection typically add approximately $50/kWh.

More Than Just Cheaper Batteries

While the cost of battery equipment saw a 40% fall in 2024 and is on track for another major decline in 2025, the dramatic drop in LCOS is not solely due to cheaper hardware. Modern battery performance is far superior, with key improvements contributing to the sharp decline in storage costs:

Longer Lifetime

Modern Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) technology enables a 20-year standard design life, which alone reduces the LCOS by approximately $20/MWh.

Higher Efficiency

Round-trip, AC-to-AC efficiencies are now typically 90%, cutting an estimated $5/MWh off the LCOS compared to older models.

Lower Project Risk

Increased safety and the shift from high-risk merchant revenue models to lower-risk auction models have lowered the cost of capital from 10% to 7%, saving around $10/MWh.

Taken together, these performance and financing improvements have reduced the LCOS by over a third—from an estimated $100/MWh to $65/MWh—even before accounting for falling battery prices.

The Economic Case for Dispatchable Solar

The $65/MWh LCOS means that turning intermittent solar energy into reliable, dispatchable power is stunningly cheap:

The Cost to Store: Shifting 50% of a day’s solar generation to cover night-time demand adds only $33/MWh to the total cost of solar.

Total Dispatchable Cost: Using the 2024 global average solar price of $43/MWh, the resulting total cost of dispatchable solar is just $76/MWh.

"Solar is no longer just cheap daytime electricity; with storage, it becomes dispatchable, anytime electricity," said Kostantsa Rangelova, Global Electricity Analyst at Ember.

This makes dispatchable solar competitive with, and often cheaper and quicker than, building a new gas power plant, especially in countries reliant on costly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports. The pairing of solar and batteries provides a scalable, secure, and affordable foundation that is on track to meet much of the world’s future energy demand growth over the next decade.

Igniting the Nation's Engine: SM and Jobstreet Power the MSME Summit 2025

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The heart of the Philippines' economy beat stronger on November 25, 2025, as a powerful collaboration between Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines and SM Supermalls culminated in the highly successful MSME Summit 2025. Held at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, the event gathered a dynamic crowd of entrepreneurs, industry titans, and key stakeholders, all united by a singular mission: to empower and accelerate Filipino Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

A Shared Vision for National Growth

The summit served as a vibrant testament to the shared commitment of Jobstreet and SM Supermalls to foster sustainable growth for the nation's backbone industries.

Ms. Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines, underscored the summit's critical goal: supporting MSMEs as the undeniable driving force of the Philippine economy.

Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing of SM Supermalls, delivered a profoundly inspirational message, reinforcing SM's unwavering support for Filipino entrepreneurs.

"SM is not just a venue—it’s a partner in every MSME’s success story," stated San Agustin. He added, "When MSMEs grow, the nation grows. Every small business that thrives represents a dream realized, a livelihood sustained, and a community strengthened".

SM's own journey, from a small shoe store in Carriedo to a massive presence with 88 malls nationwide, echoes the spirit of its MSME partners. San Agustin highlighted that almost 70% of SM's tenants are MSMEs, cementing their success as the very foundation of SM's continued growth. Through the SM for MSMEs program, the company actively provides essential support, including high-foot-traffic retail spaces, crucial market access, and visibility to help entrepreneurs scale sustainably.

The Blueprint for Scaling: Key Learning Sessions

The MSME Summit delivered an arsenal of practical knowledge through powerful key sessions designed to address the most urgent needs of small businesses. Attendees received game-changing insights across crucial business pillars:

Talent and Hiring: Participants learned how to scale their first hire from Mr. Henry Jose “Joey” Yusingco of Jobstreet.

Technology and Innovation: Ms. Arlynne Roa-Awayan of Asia Pacific College led a session exploring AI applications for small businesses.

Logistics and Operations: Experts from Lalamove PH, 2GO Travel, and DITO BizBayan provided essential guidance on logistics and operations.

Ms. Flor Tanay of Lalamove PH, Mr. Francis John Cha of 2GO Travel, and Mr. Gabriel Cui of DITO of BizBayan specifically presented logistics and digital solutions designed to help MSMEs scale.

Marketing: Ms. Life Dawn Cervero of TikTok guided attendees on mastering smart marketing on a budget.

Finance Hacks: A high-profile panel featuring partners from BDO, Maya, RCBC, BanKo, and Asialink shared vital finance hacks for achieving sustainable growth.

The atmosphere was further electrified by real-life inspiration, including success stories like that of Kay & Karl Santos of 1919 Chocolate, who shared their experience scaling a Filipino business.

Networking and Engagement

Beyond the main stage, the summit fostered hands-on learning and practical engagement.

Partner Demos: Attendees actively engaged in partner demos.

Partner Passport Challenge: This interactive activity encouraged attendees to make their rounds, visiting different booths to learn about essential services supporting MSME growth, such as hiring solutions, business tools, digital platforms, and other partner services.

Booths from partners like Jobstreet, BDO, Maya, BanKo, Asialink, and others were active during the challenge.

The MSME Summit 2025 was more than an event; it was a powerful statement that reaffirmed SM Supermalls' enduring commitment to Filipino entrepreneurship. By providing innovative programs, essential physical spaces, and strategic partnerships, SM helps MSMEs innovate, scale, and thrive amidst a rapidly evolving economy.

SM Supermalls champions Filipino entrepreneurship as the country’s biggest marketplace for MSMEs, driving local growth and fueling the Filipino spirit of enterprise.

Cebu Ushers in a #NewEraOfFirsts: Big Thrills, Bigger Experiences at SM Supermalls!

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Life is truly more fun when you have greater access to discovering new things. From running small errands to embarking on bigger adventures, the best of living means continuously expanding the things you love! SM Supermalls is proudly leading this charge, bringing a groundbreaking New Era of Firsts to explore and discover, with exciting, never-before-seen brands heading your way—now closer than ever, right here in Cebu.

No longer do you need to travel across regions for world-class dining, retail exclusives, and innovative spaces; the best experiences are now within reach. At SM Supermalls, you will find culinary destinations and experiences you won't find anywhere else.

Culinary Adventures Await at SM City Cebu

Get ready for a sweet and savory sensation at SM City Cebu!

While you can already savor the authentic Japanese Teishoku set meal experience at the newly opened YAYOI , the culinary landscape is about to expand dramatically with these highly anticipated food spots opening their first Cebu branches this May:

Manam (Opening May 26): A celebrated Filipino bistro offering classic and modern interpretations of traditional dishes.

Ooma (Opening May 28): A modern Japanese dining spot known for its bold flavors and creative dishes, blending traditional Japanese cuisine with contemporary twists.

Café Laguna (Opening May 8): A renowned Filipino restaurant chain bringing the comforting flavors of Luzon to the Visayas with its authentic Tagalog-style dishes.

Abaca Baking Company (Opening May 10): A beloved Cebu-based café and bakery serving artisan-crafted breads, all-day breakfast offerings, and premium coffee selections.

Ramen Kuroda: A popular Japanese restaurant specializing in authentic, high-quality ramen with homemade noodles and rich, flavorful broths.

Action and Flavor at SM J Mall

The thrill continues in Mandaue City, Cebu, with an exciting mix of flavor and fun at SM J Mall!

For a taste of Japan, savor familiar flavors and beloved dishes at the Food Hall area's Yuki-Kun. But expect even more first-in-Cebu experiences to arrive soon:

Ramen Nagi: Complete your J Mall experience with this Japanese favorite, offering authentic, customizable ramen bowls featuring rich, savory soup and handcrafted noodles.

iSwing Golf Arena: Enjoy a round of golf without the scorching sun, thanks to this indoor, high-tech golf simulation experience.

Sweet Indulgences at SM Seaside City Cebu

Satisfy every sweet craving at SM Seaside City Cebu, where new dessert and dining destinations are opening their first stores in Cebu:

Beard Papa’s (Opened April 25): The famous Japanese cream puff chain known for its freshly baked choux pastries.

Conti’s (Opened April 30): The beloved Filipino bakeshop famous for its iconic cake specials and signature comforting savory dishes.

Additionally, coffee lovers have something significant to anticipate: the rapidly growing Pickup Coffee is headlining its upcoming first-in-SM premium café concept, offering elevated brews perfect for a productive lifestyle.

SM Supermalls is committed to providing groundbreaking experiences that connect and inspire communities. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to sustainability, community empowerment, and creating memorable moments that make every visit meaningful.

You'll never run out of things to add to your itinerary! Explore beyond limits and discover these exciting firsts here in Cebu—only at SM Supermalls, bringing you a #NewEraOfFirsts. There's always something new and exciting waiting for you.

The Dawn of a New Era: SM City Davao Unveils a Massive, Must-See Expansion!

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Davao is stepping into a bold new chapter as SM Supermalls welcomes an age of evolving finds. SM City Davao, which is already known as the first and largest SM mall in Mindanao, has just opened its expansive new building, bringing fresh urban experiences to every Davaoeño.

This is more than a simple renovation—it’s an evolving destination encompassing over 120,000 sqm of added space for shopping, style, and leisure. Every spot is deliberately designed to be pure "feed goals," transforming the mall into a host of stylish hangouts and Insta-worthy scenes.

Culinary Adventures: Dining Hotspots Ready to Serve You

Prepare for a true culinary treat! The expansion brings a handpicked lineup of restaurants, serving everything from casual fine dining to comforting Filipino classics and bold Singaporean flavors.

Firsts in Davao: Taste the New Era 

Nanyang: Experience the best of what Singapore has to offer for the first time in Davao. Located at the 1st Level, Main Mall Expansion, Nanyang delivers hearty Southeast Asian delicacies, including aromatic Laksa and savory Curry Chicken Rice, catering perfectly to the Filipino palate.

Brique: The "bisaya" brothers from Cebu are bringing their distinctly Cebuano flavors to Davao for the very first time. Soon to open at the 2nd Level, Main Mall Expansion, Brique combines modern cuisine with a provincial touch that will remind you fondly of home cooking.

The Joy of Fluffiness

Puffy’s: Making its first mark in Davao, Puffy's brings its signature charm to the 1st Level, Main Mall Expansion. This sweet spot is famous for its cloud-like soufflé pancakes. Whether you choose Original, Crème Brûlée, or Tiramisu, every bite is delightfully light and perfectly Instagrammable!

Unique Finds & Insta-Worthy Spots

Looking to add flair to your everyday life? Discover a specially chosen mix of finds to make every visit exciting, from customizing your tumbler to spotting that unique item you didn’t know you needed. Every corner is made to make your feed more aesthetic.

Exclusive Retail Treasures (All Firsts in Davao!) 

Fully Booked: For the first time in Davao, a true bookworm’s haven awaits. Experience a warm, cozy ambiance at the 1st Level, Main Mall Expansion, featuring a wide selection of books and hard-to-find titles.

Flying Tiger: In search of quirky finds and unique knick-knacks? This is the novelty store for you. For the first time in Davao, Flying Tiger at the 2nd Level, Main Mall Expansion, offers playful crafts, trinkets, and ornaments to personalize your living space.

Gashapon Bandai: Collect high-quality gacha toys, keychains, and accessories with the first Gashapon Bandai in Davao at the 2nd Level, Main Mall Expansion. Pop a coin into the vending machines for a surprise collectible from franchises like Dragon Ball, Gundam, Demon Slayer, and Pokémon.

Anta: Level up your style and turn the gym into your personal runway. Anta, for the first time in Davao, offers a premium sports line of trainers, bags, and ready-to-wear apparel at the 1st Level, Main Mall Expansion.

More Style and Finds

Aquaflask: Find their newest, customizable designs at the 2nd Level, Main Mall Expansion. These vacuum-insulated bottles let you enjoy cold or hot drinks anywhere and drink in style!

This is the #NewEraOfSMSupermalls. SM City Davao is ready to give you the very best of everything in one place , ensuring you enjoy curated experiences that are not just for you to enjoy, but also to share.

At SM Supermalls, we truly got it all for you!