A New Era of Firsts: Metro Manila's Hottest New Dining Spots

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Get ready, Metro Manila foodies, because SM Supermalls is shaking up the dining scene this July with an incredible lineup of new restaurants and flagship stores. From cozy spots perfect for a quick bite to-go to upscale destinations for a truly special meal, there's a new era of firsts to explore.

Your Next Coffee and Matcha Obsession

Expand your horizons with some of the most sought-after cafes. If you're looking for a new spot for your daily caffeine fix, % Arabica at SM Podium is a must-visit. This minimalist coffee shop serves the finest Arabica coffee beans and is the perfect place to grab a drink and snap an Instagram-worthy photo.

For matcha lovers, The Matcha Tokyo has opened its first flagship store at SM Mall of Asia. They offer a complete menu of beverages and desserts made from purely organic matcha. 

Another great option for coffee enthusiasts is Hoshino Coffee at SM Mall of Asia. Known for its signature hand-dripped blends and famous souffle pancakes, this spot is perfect for enjoying a rich, aromatic coffee paired with delicious food.

A Flavorful Journey Through Asia

Your next craving for Asian cuisine can be satisfied with these new additions. For a solo hot pot experience, check out Shaburo 21 at SM Mall of Asia. This Korean-style, single-serve shabu-shabu restaurant is the first of its kind in the Philippines and offers a variety of quality meats and fresh vegetables with house-special sauces.

Craving the best katsudon? Look no further than Katsudonya Saiko at SM City North Edsa. With its authentic Japanese flavors and upscale interiors, you'll feel like you've been transported to Japan with every bite.

If you can't decide on just one Japanese dish, Kiwami: Japanese Master Kitchens at SM Mall of Asia is your ultimate dining destination. It's their biggest space yet and features a collection of famous dining spots from Japan, including Koyo, Yabu, Ippudo, Hannosuke, and Hachibei. 

And for a unique experience, don't miss Niku Niku Oh!! Kome at SM Mall of Asia, a new omakase-style hamburger steak chain that serves high-quality beef cuts imported from Japan, ground daily and prepared live.

Indulgent Favorites, Elevated

Some food favorites have been made extra special with newly opened and upgraded restaurants. 

Burger & Lobster at SM Aura recently launched a new, must-visit terrace area. You can now enjoy their famous surf and turf combo from London while taking in a great view.

Whether you're in the mood for a casual treat or a high-end pleasure, SM Supermalls has you covered. With new concepts and crafty dishes, each of these spots offers a unique culinary journey you won't want to miss.

The Mighty Coconut: How an Iconic Fruit is Empowering Filipino Communities

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

From the lush fields of the Philippines to the bustling halls of SM Megamall, the humble coconut is proving to be a powerful symbol of Filipino innovation, sustainability, and economic empowerment. The 2025 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair, a collaboration between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine Coconut Authority, and SM Supermalls, recently shined a spotlight on this versatile fruit, showcasing how it is transforming lives and communities nationwide.

Held from August 28 to September 2, the event was more than just a trade fair; it was a movement celebrating the ingenuity of Filipino entrepreneurs and the deep-rooted importance of the coconut industry. With over 220 exhibitors from across the country, the fair highlighted a diverse range of coconut-based products, from food and wellness items to biodegradable household goods.

Innovation with a Purpose

The fair was a powerful testament to how coconut-based innovations are shaping a more sustainable future. Entrepreneurs displayed a wide variety of eco-friendly creations, from organic health supplements to household items that champion green living. Dr. Priscilla Kimes of Kimes Foods (Cebu) highlighted how the support from DTI and SM has allowed her company to reach more consumers and even secure patents in 11 countries, proving that local innovation can thrive on a global scale. Randy Pineda, President of the Association of Bamboo and Coco Crafts of Tiwi (Albay), echoed this sentiment, noting the strong support from the DTI and the significant boost in sales that come from trade fairs held at SM.

A Partnership for Progress

The success of the COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair is a powerful example of what can be achieved when government and private sectors collaborate. As a key partner, SM Supermalls reaffirmed its commitment to providing platforms that elevate local industries and create opportunities for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

"By bringing together coconut farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs under one roof, the COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair not only strengthens the coconut industry but also empowers the communities behind it," said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. "SM Supermalls is proud to be part of this mission." The company, which operates 88 malls nationwide, views its spaces as launchpads for innovation and entrepreneurship, providing a vital stage for MSMEs to grow and succeed.

This trade fair stands as a powerful testament to how a single agricultural asset can become a catalyst for national growth and empowerment. It proves that with the right support, the Philippines' most iconic fruit can build a stronger, more sustainable future for its farmers and entrepreneurs.

SM Supermalls' Bold New Era: All for You

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

In an era defined by constant change, one name in the Philippines has become synonymous with continuity, community, and retail leadership: SM Supermalls. As it celebrates its 40th anniversary, SM is not just looking back at its legacy but is charting a bold new course for the future of retail. From its humble beginnings with the opening of SM North EDSA in 1985, which fundamentally changed how Filipinos shopped and connected, SM has grown into a vast network of 88 malls that welcome millions of visitors weekly. Now, it is poised to enter a "New Era," promising to transform its entire portfolio into smarter, greener, and more people-centered destinations by 2030.

A Bold Vision for the Future

SM’s ambitious roadmap is a testament to its commitment to innovation and growth. The company plans to deliver one flagship mall every year from 2026 to 2030. These landmark projects are designed to be more than just shopping centers; they will be "ecosystems" that blend shopping, dining, culture, and community, serving as anchors for regional economies.

The list of upcoming flagship destinations is a clear sign of this vision in action:

SM Sta. Rosa (Yulo) in Nuvali, set to open in 2026 

Harrison Plaza in Manila, scheduled for 2027 

SM Malolos in Bulacan, planned for 2028 

New malls in Cavite (2029) and Pasay (2030) 

Beyond these new developments, SM is making a massive investment of over PHP 150 billion to redevelop 16 major malls and build 12 new lifestyle malls. These redevelopments will modernize existing malls with features like open-air promenades and sustainable designs, ensuring every SM mall becomes a vibrant and green space.

A Legacy Built on Trust and Partnership

At the heart of SM's success is a simple yet powerful philosophy: "success is shared". According to Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls, the company was built on a foundation of trust and collaboration with its tenants, partners, and communities. This guiding principle has enabled SM to grow alongside its partners, making it a beloved retail channel woven into the daily lives of Filipino families for four decades.

This spirit of partnership is reflected in the "New Era" vision. SM is evolving its retail ecosystem to be more tenant-led, offering dynamic formats and collaborative platforms to ensure that its partners also succeed. As Tan puts it, this new phase isn't just about building more malls; it's about "creating destinations that matter" and modernizing the ones people already love.

More Than Just a Mall

SM's new vision goes beyond physical expansion. It represents a commitment to adapt, innovate, and create experiences that matter to Filipino families. With a focus on sustainability, the new developments will incorporate smarter designs and renewable energy. The ultimate goal is to build the next generation of malls for the next generation of Filipinos.

As SM celebrates its 40th anniversary, it is honoring this legacy with over 4,000 exclusive deals in collaboration with its partners across all 88 malls. It's a grand celebration that underscores the company’s unique position as a community builder and a symbol of continuity for generations. In the end, SM's promise is straightforward: "Everything we do is all for you".