The Dawn of a New Era: How SM Supermalls is Redefining "Inclusion" for Every Filipino

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

For many, a trip to the mall is a routine weekend escape. But for families of individuals on the autism spectrum, the bright neon lights, echoing music, and bustling crowds can transform a simple outing into an overwhelming sensory minefield. Recognizing this, SM Supermalls has officially entered a ground-breaking new era. During this year's National Autism Consciousness Week (NACW), the retail giant moved beyond simple awareness, launching revolutionary milestones designed to turn their spaces into a "Mall for All".

Through its CSR arm, SM Cares, SM has unveiled a nationwide movement rooted in acceptance, appreciation, and thoughtful design.

A Sanctuary in the City: The SM Sensory Lab

The crown jewel of this year’s celebration is the launch of the SM Sensory Lab at the SM Mall of Asia. This isn't just a room; it is the country's first-ever dedicated mall space designed specifically for children and adults facing sensory processing challenges.

Thoughtful Design: The lab features soft lighting, calming seating, and specialized sensory-friendly features.

A First for the Philippines: Developed in close collaboration with the DSWD, the NCDA, and Autism Society Philippines, it serves as a "calming corner" for those who need a moment of peace.

Safe & Accessible: Built to accommodate up to 10 people at a time, the space ensures that individuals and their guardians have enough room to feel truly at ease.

Seamless Integration: Access is made easy through the SM Malls Online App, where customers can scan a QR code to use the facility completely free of charge.

"Opening the SM Sensory Lab was a natural next step in our relentless pursuit of making our malls truly inclusive," says Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President.

"Lights Up, Sounds Down": Cinema Reimagined

For many on the spectrum, the traditional cinema experience—thundering bass and pitch-black rooms—is impossible to endure. SM Cinema is changing that narrative with its "Lights Up, Sounds Down" (LUSD) screenings.

By adjusting lighting levels and reducing sound, SM has created a movie-going environment where joy replaces anxiety. What began as a single-mall initiative has now exploded into a nationwide phenomenon, reaching over 5,000 participants across the Philippines. This year, the reach expanded even further with SM City BF Paranaque and SM City Butuan joining the network of host malls.

Beyond the Celebration: A 365-Day Commitment

While National Autism Consciousness Week provides a spotlight, SM’s mission is a year-round endeavor. The company understands that true inclusion is built on the empathy of its people.

Nationwide Training: Mall front-liners—including security guards, tenants, and operations staff—undergo regular training and refresher courses to better support customers on the spectrum.

Empowerment Campaigns: Continuous information drives are held to foster a culture of empathy and acceptance among all mall-goers.

Corporate Soul: As the heart of SM’s social responsibility, SM Cares remains dedicated to programs that empower communities and create long-lasting, impactful improvement.

As Steven Tan aptly notes, being an inclusive mall isn't a "one-week observance". It is a strengthened resolve to ensure that every single customer, regardless of their needs, finds their most loved space at SM.

The Backbone of a Nation: How SM Supermalls is Engineering a New Era for Filipino Entrepreneurs

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

In the heart of the Philippines’ economic landscape, a quiet revolution is taking place, powered by the hands of local artisans, food innovators, and visionary creators. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are not just businesses; they are the lifeblood of the country, accounting for a staggering 99.63% of all businesses and providing 66.58% of total employment. Recognizing this critical role, SM Supermalls has moved beyond being a mere marketplace to becoming a "big brother" and a scalable growth engine for the grassroots economy.

A Year of Unprecedented Momentum

As the calendar turned to 2026, SM Supermalls looked back on a year of explosive growth. In 2025 alone, the SM for MSMEs program empowered 920 new MSMEs and start-ups. This wasn't just temporary support; nearly 10% of these participants successfully transitioned into becoming regular mall tenants, securing permanent kiosks, counters, or in-line stores.

The scale of this engagement is breathtaking:

2,288 unique MSMEs have been supported since the program’s enhanced rollout in March 2024.

28,761 booth activations were mounted across the nation in 2025.

High-impact events like the Go Negosyo MSME Summit 2025 and the VIYLine MSME Caravan—where digital stars like Cong TV brought online communities into physical marketplaces—have redefined how local brands reach their audience.

Real Stories, Real Growth

The impact of these programs is best seen through the eyes of the entrepreneurs themselves. For Euclid S. Cezar, President and CEO of Famous Belgian Waffle, SM's support is a powerful motivator to "expand, innovate, and bring our products to more communities". Similarly, brands like Alamanga and Rainbow Scoops have used the MSME Hubs to bring local flavors directly to the community, proving that with the right platform, small businesses can truly thrive.

These success stories are celebrated annually at the SM for MSMEs Wall of Champions, an event that honors the resilience and community impact of those who are building the nation one business at a time.

The Road Ahead: 2026 Kick-off

SM Supermalls is not slowing down. With 89 malls nationwide, the company is leveraging its massive footprint to push opportunities beyond Metro Manila and into regional hubs. The start of 2026 is already bustling with activity:

DTI Region IV-A Coco Festival Food Fair (Jan 14–20): Highlighting coconut-based products at SM City San Pablo.

Philstar Nakakalokal Bazaar (Jan 16–18): Showcasing Visayas and Cordillera craftsmanship at SM Seaside City Cebu.

The Silk Events Bazaar (Jan 28–Feb 10): A curated artisan market at SM La Union designed to capture the tourism-driven market.

A Legacy of Empowerment

"The private sector has a role to play in enabling the future growth of the MSME sector," says Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. "Supporting the grassroots economy is a long-term commitment we intend to uphold".

As SM celebrates 40 "Super Years", it continues to evolve alongside the Filipino entrepreneur. By providing market access, mentorship, and a platform for innovation, SM Supermalls is ensuring that the dreams of today's MSMEs become the sustainable enterprises of tomorrow.

The Pickleball Revolution: How SM Supermalls Is Serving Up a New Way of Life

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The rhythmic pop-pop-pop of a plastic ball against a paddle has become the new heartbeat of the Filipino sporting scene. What began as a rising trend has exploded into a full-scale cultural phenomenon, and SM Supermalls is leading the charge, transforming the retail landscape into the nation’s ultimate sports playground.

A Bold Expansion: Breaking Records and Boundaries

By the end of 2025, SM has cemented its status as the undisputed home of pickleball in the Philippines. Through the SM Sports and Lifestyle Center (SLC), the mall giant achieved a staggering milestone: 61 court locations spanning 25 properties across the country.

This expansion includes 37 permanent courts—the largest inventory among all mall operators—including newly launched professional-grade venues at SM Center Shaw and SM Center Muntinlupa.

"Closing 2025 with our largest pickleball court locations... is evidence that sports remains not just a strong interest, but a new way of life for our customers," says Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing.

Inside the SM Active Hub: More Than Just a Court

Launched in March 2024, the SM Active Hub was born from a vision to provide high-quality, accessible spaces for every kind of athlete. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a "casual pickler" picking up a paddle for the first time, the Hub offers an experience that is as inclusive as it is adrenaline-pumping.

What Makes the Experience "Maxed-Out"?

Modular Innovation: Utilizing a modular court approach, SM meets the athletic "appetite" of its communities with agility and style.

A Court for Every Player: The new SM Center Shaw features three outdoor permanent courts, while SM Center Muntinlupa offers four indoor permanent courts.

Creative Play: SM is redefining sports entertainment with "out-of-the-box" events like Glow Ball, a glow-in-the-dark pickleball twist that turns the game into a neon spectacle.

Skill Building: For those just starting, free coached Pickleball Clinics ensure the next generation of players is ready for the dink.

From Local Friendly Matches to Global Inspiration

The SM Active Hub isn't just about local play; it’s a stage for major competition. In partnership with Toby’s Sports, it hosts the prestigious SM Pickleball Super Series.

Perhaps most inspiring was the Pickleball Power Tour, featuring world-ranked Filipino-American pro-athlete Lauren Mercado. The event was such a massive success in igniting passion among young athletes that a second iteration is already scheduled for the first half of 2026.

The Future: The Road to 80

The demand for pickleball is so intense that SM’s courts remained fully booked through the end of 2025. Never one to rest on its laurels, SM’s upcoming thrust is even more ambitious: building enough permanent courts to increase their inventory to nearly 80 by 2026.

On top of the permanent infrastructure, SM maintains 24 semi-permanent courts nationwide to ensure that every Filipino has a place to play.

Join the Movement

Becoming part of this thriving community is easier than ever. Through the SM Malls Online app, enthusiasts can sign up, discover upcoming tournaments, and unlock exclusive rewards, discounts, and freebies.

As Joaquin San Agustin puts it, "As long as the Filipino desire for community and activity remains ablaze, SM is determined to continually give that passion for sports a home".

Ready to find your game? Download the app and visit your nearest SM Active Hub today.