The Year of Living Deliciously: SM Supermalls and the Era of the Non-Negotiable Craving

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

For 2026, the mandate is clear: raise the standards. We are officially entering an era where compromise is a relic of the past. No more rushed decisions, no more settling for "good enough," and absolutely no more meals that feel like an afterthought.

SM Supermalls is igniting a culinary revolution in the Metro, unveiling a new era of dining defined by fresher concepts, bolder flavors, and better choices. This is your ultimate craving promise: never negotiate when it comes to how you eat.

Non-Negotiable 1: Snacks Are Not Placeholders

Snacking is no longer just a way to "get by"—it is an intentional act of pleasure. This year, quick bites must arrive with personality and zero shortcuts.

Pizza Planet (SM North EDSA): Blast off into a galaxy of cheesy, gooey comfort at the Annex, Upper Ground Level. Whether you’re a kid or just a serious pizza lover, this playful spot delivers an out-of-this-world experience every time.

Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks (SM City Fairview): Bring the vibrant streets of Taiwan to your plate with crispy, juicy hits like the legendary XXL Chicken and Handmade Oyster Mee Sua.

Non-Negotiable 2: "All-In" Must Mean Everything

All-you-can-eat only works when it is generous and intentional. If you are committing to unlimited, it must satisfy from the very first plate to the last.

King’s Feast Luxury Buffet by Buffet 101 (SM North EDSA): Prepare to feast like royalty at this soon-to-open destination on the 5th Level of The Block. Expect local and international flavors that never skimp on quality.

Mo-Mo Paradise (SM Megamall): The first in the Philippines, located at Mega Fashion Hall, sets the gold standard for unlimited hot pot. Their slow-simmered shabu-shabu and sukiyaki are designed for those who want to linger over a proper, soulful meal.

Non-Negotiable 3: Boldness is Mandatory

Subtlety has been deleted from the menu. 2026 is the year of big profiles and dishes that refuse to hold back.

Siklab+ (S Maison): Discover local flavors with a daring twist at the ground level. With benchmarks like Paboritong Pork Sisig and Kuhol ni Tanggol, your expectations for Filipino cuisine will be forever reset.

Thaiwadee (SM Southmall): Soon to open in the Foodcourt, this is where you go when you refuse to experiment with your Thai cravings. Their Pad Thai and Tom Yum Goong offer the perfect, uncompromising mix of heat and tang.

Royal Indian Curry House Bistro (SM North EDSA): Real spice isn't optional here. Opening soon at The Block, this bistro serves fragrant Hyderabadi Biryani and rich Murgh Makhani that hit exactly the way they should.

Non-Negotiable 4: Healthy is Not Synonymous with Boring

Choosing a lighter path shouldn't feel like you’re missing out.

Salady (SM Megamall): Marking its first appearance in the Philippines at the Level 5 Fashion Hall, Salady proves that eating clean can be just as exciting as any indulgence.

Non-Negotiable 5: The Coffee Break is Sacred

Coffee isn't just a caffeine fix; it’s a moment to slow down and sit longer than planned.

Cafe Kulture (SM Mall of Asia): Located at the South MOA Sky, this spot transforms the routine of coffee and pastries into a genuine "pause" worth taking.

The New Era of SM Supermalls

The standards are set, and your favorite mall has already answered the call with more spaces and better options than ever before. No overthinking, no settling—just choosing what feels right in the moment.

Stay Updated: Follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest events.

Everything we do—from world-class cuisine to sustainable, community-focused spaces—is all for you.

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.