A Match Made in the Heart of Filipino Creativity: SM and DTI Celebrate MSMEs at Bagong Pilipinas Wedding Fair 2025

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Taguig City, Philippines — The soft shimmer of pearls, the rustle of indigenous fabrics, and the promise of forever set the tone as SM Supermalls proudly partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the Bagong Pilipinas Wedding Fair 2025—a dazzling showcase of Filipino love, legacy, and livelihood that took center stage at SMX Convention Center Aura Premier from June 27 to 29.

With over 100 local MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) weaving their magic under one roof, the three-day celebration was not just about tying the knot—it was about tying together culture, commerce, and community. Leading the charge was DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, who opened the fair with a message of empowerment and economic hope, as Filipino entrepreneurs from Luzon to Mindanao stepped into the spotlight with their innovative wedding essentials.

A Runway of Dreams, Rooted in Tradition

Day 1 unfolded with an emotional crescendo—a bridal fashion show featuring some of the country’s most promising Filipino designers. Bridal gowns swept the runway, each telling a different love story through handwoven fabrics, intricate embroidery, and sustainable materials. Modern cuts met timeless traditions, as the Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana were reimagined with contemporary silhouettes—showcasing how culture can evolve beautifully without losing its soul.

The audience—composed of soon-to-wed couples, fashion enthusiasts, wedding planners, and creatives—watched in awe as local designers redefined elegance with Tatak Pinoy craftsmanship, cementing their place not just in the fashion industry but in the hearts of every future bride and groom.

The Heart and Hustle of Filipino MSMEs

Across the exhibition halls, Filipino ingenuity radiated in every booth. From Capiz shell tableware to handcrafted bridal accessories, the Wedding Fair was a treasure trove of locally made artistry. Couples discovered custom stationery, floral design studios, gourmet catering, destination planning services, and even eco-conscious souvenirs—each one a reflection of Filipino pride, passion, and perseverance.

What made the experience even more enriching were the interactive exhibits and talks on Days 2 and 3, where industry experts and MSME owners shared stories of their humble beginnings, growth challenges, and big dreams. These sessions turned the event into a learning ground—not just for entrepreneurs but for anyone who believes in the beauty of building something with heart.

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

Sustainability, Sophistication, and Soul

More than just aesthetics, the fair championed sustainable wedding solutions. Many MSMEs offered eco-conscious alternatives—from biodegradable packaging and reusable décor to plant-based giveaways and cruelty-free makeup. The message was clear: the Filipino wedding of tomorrow is not just beautiful—it is mindful, meaningful, and rooted in community values.

Couples also fell in love with Filipino-made heirloom jewelry—from South Sea pearls and gold tiaras to bespoke engagement and wedding rings that honored heritage and history. Each piece told a story, not just of love between two people, but of love for country and craft.

A Celebration of Love, Culture, and Resilience

The Bagong Pilipinas Wedding Fair 2025 was more than a bridal event—it was a grand display of Filipino resilience, creativity, and unity. At its heart was a shared belief: when local MSMEs thrive, they uplift families, communities, and the nation as a whole.

This landmark collaboration between DTI and SM Supermalls reaffirmed the role of public-private partnerships in nation-building, while offering the wedding industry a renewed sense of purpose and pride.

Be Part of the Movement

SM Supermalls continues to champion the dreams of Filipino entrepreneurs. With over 80 malls nationwide, they offer unmatched exposure and business development support to help MSMEs flourish.

To become part of the thriving MSME community at SM, visit msme.smsupermalls.com or send your most innovative product and preferred location to customercare@smsupermalls.com.

Because in the Philippines, every love story deserves a beautiful beginning—and every business deserves a chance to bloom. 

Art Explodes into Life at SM Supermalls with "Art for Everyone": A Grand Celebration of Filipino Creativity

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

This July, the halls of 18 SM Supermalls across the country will no longer just echo with the sounds of footsteps and shopping bags—they will pulse with the vibrant rhythm of brushstrokes, sculpted dreams, digital visions, and photographic moments frozen in time. SM Supermalls has once again thrown open its doors to Filipino artistry, unleashing Art for Everyone—a powerful, month-long tribute to the soul of a nation brimming with creativity, resilience, and boundless imagination.

From Gold to Glory: A Movement Reborn

Following the overwhelming success of the 2024 SM Art Market, which garnered the Gold Stevie® Award for Innovation in the Use of Events, SM Supermalls proves that this was never a one-time feat—it was the start of a cultural movement. That acclaimed initiative featured over 1,200 Filipino artists and more than 4,000 stunning artworks, a dazzling showcase of local talent that turned shopping malls into art sanctuaries.

Now, with Art for Everyone, SM is turning up the volume—not just spotlighting art, but embedding it into everyday life. Participating malls are being transformed into living, breathing art spaces where creativity isn't just admired—it’s celebrated, experienced, and lived.

“This isn’t just a display—it’s a declaration,” says one returning artist. “We’re not just hanging paintings; we’re reclaiming space for the Filipino spirit.”

Malls as Museums: Art in Every Corner

From the cool highlands of Baguio to the urban pulse of North EDSA, and from the coasts of Cebu to the heart of Iloilo, SM’s malls are becoming open galleries—accessible, inclusive, and transformative.

Guests can walk into any participating mall and be transported into a kaleidoscope of mediums: expressive paintings, emotive photographs, compelling sculptures, thought-provoking digital art, and everything in between. It's a sprawling, nationwide art odyssey that welcomes everyone—from curious mall-goers and aspiring artists to seasoned collectors and cultural advocates.

And yes, there’s art for all ages—with interactive activities, live demos, and artist meet-and-greets that make this not just an exhibition, but a fully immersive artistic encounter.

Spotlight on Community, Culture, and Commerce

This initiative isn't just about aesthetics—it's about empowerment. For local artists, especially those still emerging, Art for Everyone is a lifeline and a launchpad. It bridges art and audience, providing exposure, appreciation, and—crucially—income.

“Last year, I sold my first painting at SM,” shared a young artist from Angono, Rizal. “It wasn’t just money—it was validation. Now, I’m back, bolder and more inspired.”

It’s this kind of impact that positions SM Supermalls not only as a retail giant but as a true patron of Filipino culture. In a country where art often takes a backseat to economics, this corporate-driven initiative provides a rare and powerful fusion of business and cultural advocacy.

Where and When to Experience the Magic

The beauty of Art for Everyone is that it’s everywhere. Check the schedule below and mark your calendars:

SM City Clark & 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, Iloilo, Bacolod – July 15 to 31

SM Center Dagupan – July 16 to 30

SM City Baliwag – July 18 to 31

SM City Dasmariñas & CDO Downtown – July 20 to 30

SM City Santa Rosa, Center Angono – July 21 to 31

The Podium – July 22 to 27

SM City North EDSA – July 25 to 31

SM Aura – Special extended run from August 15 to 24

Each venue brings its own flavor, featuring both regional artists and national talents, so expect diversity in form, theme, and storytelling.

A Call to Feel, Discover, and Be Inspired

In a world often dulled by algorithmic distractions and mass-produced content, Art for Everyone invites you to feel again—to pause, to reflect, and to connect with the raw, authentic voices of Filipino artists.

Whether you find yourself staring into the eyes of a painted portrait, captivated by the flow of abstract lines, or marveling at the detail in a hand-carved sculpture, remember: this is more than art—it’s the heartbeat of our nation.

So bring your family. Invite your friends. Explore with open eyes and leave with a full heart. Because when art takes over our everyday spaces, it doesn’t just decorate—it transforms.

For more information, artist spotlights, and real-time updates, visit smsupermalls.com or follow your favorite SM mall on social media.

Let your journey into Filipino art begin. Art for Everyone is here—and it’s a masterpiece in the making.

Building a Waste-Free Future: SM Prime Leads the Charge for Plastic-Free Communities

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a world suffocating in plastic, where the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) projects that global plastic production could skyrocket to 1,100 million tonnes by 2050, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. has taken a bold stand. More than just Southeast Asia’s integrated property titan, SM Prime is emerging as a transformative force—laying the groundwork for a future where sustainability is not just an aspiration, but an infrastructure-backed reality.

A Turning Point on International Plastic-Free Day

May 25, International Plastic-Free Day, is more than a symbolic observance for SM Prime. It is a rallying cry—a moment to rethink the excessive dependence on single-use plastics (SUPs) and renew collective responsibility. At the heart of this advocacy lies the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022, a Philippine law that places the onus on businesses to recover and recycle the plastic they produce.

SM Prime is not merely complying—it’s trailblazing. With support from the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), the SM group has launched a comprehensive, group-wide action plan to meet—and exceed—the EPR Law’s ambitious goals. This includes the roll-out of color-coded bins labeled Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable across its properties, streamlining waste segregation and community participation.

Infrastructure Meets Innovation

In building the architecture of sustainability, SM Prime recognizes that real change starts with robust systems. That’s why it has equipped all its properties with Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and standard waste segregation systems. But it doesn’t stop there.

Through its joint venture with Japanese firm GUUN Co. Ltd., SM GUUN Environmental Company, Inc. (SGECI) converts non-recyclable plastics into fluff fuel—an eco-friendly alternative to coal. This fuel is then co-processed by cement giants like APO Cement, Holcim, and Taiheiyo Cement, keeping tons of otherwise non-biodegradable waste out of overburdened landfills.

Grassroots Solutions with Nationwide Reach

Compliance may begin at the corporate level, but SM Prime ensures its sustainability strategy reaches the barangay. Since 2007, Trash to Cash, a monthly recycling fair held across all 87 SM malls, has empowered local communities to turn their waste into rewards. The initiative enables residents and tenants alike to exchange sorted recyclables for cash, fostering a circular economy from the ground up.

In tandem, 15 SM Plastic Waste Collection Sites serve as drop-off points for clean, dry plastics. High-value waste like aluminum cans and PET bottles are collected through SWAP reverse vending machines at SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia, gamifying the act of recycling for maximum engagement.

Meanwhile, SM Cares, the group’s social responsibility arm, continues to galvanize environmental volunteerism through the International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC). In 2024 alone, 23,000 volunteers—employees, students, and community members—joined forces to clear coastal areas of plastic debris, driving home the point that saving the environment is a shared, scalable effort.

Hotels Without Plastic: Redefining Hospitality

The fight against plastic extends even to hospitality. SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has eliminated SUPs from all its properties, replacing traditional amenities with biodegradable, sustainable alternatives. Leading the charge is Pico Sands Hotel, a pioneer in the Ayoko Na Sa Plastic campaign led by WWF-Philippines.

Since 2019, SMX Convention Centers have followed suit, advocating for sustainable events through bamboo and starch-based cutlery, ditching plastic utensils for earth-friendlier options. This shift signals a deep-seated transformation—one where luxury, service, and sustainability coexist harmoniously.

From Awareness to Accountability

SM Prime’s movement is grounded not in virtue signaling but in verifiable impact. From its co-processing partnerships to its community programs, every effort reinforces its unwavering stance: a waste-free future is non-negotiable.

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

The Path Forward: Plastic-Free Cities

What sets SM Prime apart is its vision. It’s not content with isolated success stories—it aims to build cities where plastic waste is not just managed but minimized. Through partnerships, policies, and people-centered initiatives, it’s paving a new urban model—one that tackles one of the 21st century’s most pressing environmental challenges head-on.

In the face of a mounting plastic crisis, SM Prime stands as a beacon. It reminds us that sustainability is not just about reduction—it’s about redesigning the way we live, from our shopping habits to our hotel stays, from beachside cleanup drives to what we throw in the bin.

In this narrative of change, the infrastructure is already rising. The momentum is growing. The future can be waste-free—if we build it together.