Friday, September 4, 2026
Unveiled during the media launch, the official BÚTLAK video sweeps across Negros—its landscapes, landmarks, fashion, and artistry—bringing the island’s creative spirit to life.
One afternoon at SM Aura was enough to show why generations of shoppers have made the Negros Trade Fair a much-awaited celebration. The Association of Negros Producers (ANP), together with SM Supermalls, officially launched BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair with a preview that brought together the flavors, fashion, craftsmanship, stories, and creative spirit of Negros. From September 22 to 27, 2026, the landmark anniversary edition will bring 178 brands from the Negros Island Region to the SMX Convention Center Aura.
A Journey to Negros—Without Booking a Flight!
One of the media launch’s most evocative moments was the unveiling of the official BÚTLAK video. Taking viewers through the places, flavors, craftsmanship, and stories of Negros, the film offered the kind of visual journey that could make anyone want to book a flight and experience the island for themselves.
But there is no need to pack a suitcase. This September, Negros is coming to Manila for six days of food, fashion, art, homeware, and handcrafted discoveries at SMX Aura.
ANP leaders, partners, and Negrense culinary personalities share a celebratory moment at the BÚTLAK media launch.
SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and style icon Tessa Prieto celebrate the color, craft, and unmistakable creative spirit of Negros.
Broadcast journalist Ces Drilon serves as host, guiding guests through an afternoon celebrating Negrense creativity, enterprise, and heritage.
A taste of Negros: Guests sample regional flavors and culinary favorites during the media launch—a delicious preview of what awaits at the fair.
That journey continued at the table as guests sampled a taste of what awaits at the fair, with Negrense culinary personalities JJ Yulo, Joel Torre, and Chef JP Anglo sharing the flavors and stories of the province. The tasting offered just a first bite of the experience—from comforting regional favorites and heirloom recipes to fresh interpretations by a new generation of food entrepreneurs.
For Joel Torre—actor, restaurateur, and owner of JT’s Manukan—the pride behind the food is just as important as its flavor. “I’m a proud Negrense. I’m very proud of Negros products,” Torre said.
Chef JP Anglo linked that same pride to the fair’s ability to keep evolving. “Life is always changing; it’s a constant evolution,” Anglo said. “And that’s why the Negros Trade Fair is thriving through the years—it’s because of that chase to perfection and love for craftsmanship.”
That same spirit is carried by a new generation of brands. Stephanie and Cristina Claparols of Lakat Sustainables described the fair as a place where ideas are exchanged and makers support one another: “To us, this really feels like a family gathering, and there’s a lot of new brands to discover, especially coming from the new generation. I think that’s the most exciting part of it.
Food remains one of the fair’s biggest draws. Visitors can look forward to well-loved names such as Bob’s Café, 21 Restaurant, Chicken House, El Ideal, and Virgie’s Homemade Products, alongside newer food concepts, regional specialties, sweet treats, pantry staples, and pasalubong finds.
As Basti Escalante of the Antonio’s Group put it, “Negrense food goes beyond inasal—there’s a lot more to discover.”
Beyond the table, the fair offers plenty to wear and bring home. Arête creates handcrafted island-style accessories using indigenous Philippine materials, while Ellege Handcrafted Fashion brings Negros Occidental’s intricate hand-smocking tradition into contemporary clothing. Other fashion and lifestyle labels will showcase resort wear, jewelry, woven pieces, and modern designs rooted in local culture. Home and craft enthusiasts can explore pieces by Hacienda Crafts, Tumandok Crafts Industries, Artisana Island Crafts, NVC Foundation, and other makers transforming abaca, rattan, bamboo, capiz, ceramics, wild pandan, and repurposed materials into distinctive décor, houseware, art, and furniture. Many of these pieces also sustain artisan livelihoods and help keep community craft traditions alive.
The fair will feature 178 brands across food, fashion, furniture, homeware, art, and local crafts—bringing come for the names they already love and leave with a new favorite—or several.
A 40-year legacy designed for the next 40
ANP Vice President Mary Anne Colmenares captured the meaning behind the anniversary theme: “Our roots are found in the traditions, skills, and stories handed down to us. Our blooms are the new ideas, new enterprises, and new generations emerging from those roots. After 40 years, Negros continues to bloom—and its brightest chapters are still ahead.” The milestone edition is therefore both a homecoming and a new beginning. “We’re celebrating 40 remarkable years—but we’re equally excited about the next 40,” said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin. More than shopping, this is a celebration of talent, heritage, and heart. Bring your family and friends, support local, and take home a piece of Negros! See you at BÚTLAK!
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About SM Supermalls – SM for MSMEs
SM Supermalls is one of Southeast Asia's largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China. For generations, SM has grown alongside Filipino communities by creating destinations where people, businesses, and opportunities come together.
Through SM for MSMEs, SM continues to evolve with the needs of Filipino entrepreneurs by creating opportunities that help businesses start, grow, and thrive. From market access and business visibility to strategic partnerships and entrepreneurship platforms, SM empowers MSMEs across different stages and sectors—connecting homegrown brands with more customers and communities nationwide.
My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.
Thursday, September 3, 2026
PASAY CITY, Philippines, 20 August 2026 — The SM Group received 12 Stevie Awards at the 2026 International Business Awards, with recognition spanning parent-company reporting and programs delivered through its malls and communities.
SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM Group, received four awards. It won Gold Stevies in the Conglomerates (Large) and Best Annual Report (Publicly Held Corporations) categories for its 2025 Integrated Report.
Its 2025 Sustainability Report received Bronze for Best Sustainability Report. The SM Sustainability School also received Bronze under Sustainability Initiative of the Year in Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
“Clear reporting gives investors and other stakeholders a better view of how we make decisions, manage the business and plan for the long term,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments. “The other awards show how that same sense of responsibility is carried through by our businesses in the communities they serve.”
That work can be seen across the eight awards received by SM Supermalls.
“People experience a mall through the things they do there, not through what we say about it,” said SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan. “A place to read, an event that brings local art to more people, or a program that makes the mall easier to use can make a practical difference to a community.”
The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition won Gold for Brand Experience of the Year (Consumer), while the Find Your SM campaign received Silver in the same category.
The SM Green Movement won Silver for Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility. The SM Cares Coastal Cleanup initiative received Silver for Achievement in Environment, while SM Cares: A Mall for All received Silver for Achievement in Diversity and Inclusion.
The SM Cares Book Nook received Bronze for Most Innovative Creative Project. The program makes space in malls for people to read and share books. The Empowering Communities campaign was also recognized under Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year in Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
More than 300 business professionals took part in two months of judging. Winners were determined from their average scores.
The International Business Awards, now in their 23rd year, recognize organizations, executives, entrepreneurs and teams worldwide.
The calendar has officially flipped to September, and in true Filipino fashion, the arrival of the ‘Ber’ months signals a celebratory shift in the air. As the festive spirit takes over, SM Supermalls is giving shoppers plenty of reasons to get ahead on holiday shopping, refresh their personal style, and power up their everyday tech.
Redefine Your Wardrobe with The SM Store Fashion Sale
From September 1 to 30, The SM Store at SM City Valenzuela and SM City Grand Central are serving up serious closet inspiration with the return of the Fashion Sale. Shoppers can score up to 50% off on select fashion items, making it the ultimate destination for early holiday wardrobe updates.
SMAC and SMAC Prestige Cardholders, enjoy extra savings every Wednesday! Maximize your shopping experience with these exclusive perks:
- Extra 10% off on all fashion items with a minimum purchase of ₱3,000.
- Extra 15% off on all fashion items with a minimum purchase of ₱5,000.
For added convenience, shoppers at SM City Grand Central can skip the lines and access these deals directly through a Personal Shopper via WhatsApp or Viber at 0917 8408900.
Plug Into Thrills with Cyberzone’s Connect & Win
While updating your BER months wardrobe, SM Cyberzone ensures your tech stays just as current. Running from September 1 to October 31, 2026, the Connect & Win promotion transforms every tech purchase into a ticket for major rewards across SM City Valenzuela, SM Center Sangandaan, SM City Grand Central, and participating Cyberzone branches nationwide.
Participating is easy:
- Scan to Register: Scan the official QR code in-store, fill in your details, and select your SM Mall branch.
- Shop & Earn: Receive 1 raffle entry for every ₱5,000 single-receipt purchase from participating Cyberzone tenants.
- Win Big: Stand a chance to be 1 of 9 lucky winners to take home premium tech gadgets from Cyberzone.
Whether you are curate-shopping fresh festive fits or upgrading your favorite devices, your most loved SM Supermalls invites everyone to max out the excitement and kick off the ‘Ber’ months on a winning note.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Discover the world of wine through guided tastings, free-flowing pours, and skyline views from the resort's top-most floor.
A refined ambiance always elevates an epicurean experience. Perched atop Solaire Resort Quezon City, Wine at 38 offers an enriching tasting event, where guests can appreciate the nuances of a beverage steeped in centuries of craftsmanship and culture, all within a relaxed setting framed by stunning views of the city skyline.
Indulge the senses with bottomless pours of exceptional reds, whites, and sparkling wines in a guided tasting experience led by a veteran sommelier and Solaire Resort Quezon City’s Senior Manager for Resort Beverages, Torky Barcena. Complementing the featured bottles is a grazing spread of cheeses, cold cuts, and canapés thoughtfully paired to enhance each sip, creating an enjoyable experience for wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
Taking place on select Friday evenings until the end of the year, Wine at 38 transforms the Level 38 foyer into an elegant wine-tasting venue, where the cocktail setting and the sweeping views of Metro Manila create the ideal backdrop for an evening of mingling, celebration, and an unhurried start to the weekend.
In partnership with premium wine distributors Philippine Wine Merchants, A Wine Company, and Happy Living, Wine at 38 presents a series of themed tasting journeys that celebrate iconic wine countries and producers. From California's sun-drenched vineyards to the renowned wine regions of Bordeaux and Tuscany, guests are invited on an adventure, one glass at a time.
Set between Finestra and Skybar, the experience also serves as the perfect start to the weekend, with the option to continue the night with an Italian dinner at Finestra or an after-party at Skybar, whichever one's Friday night calls for.
Solaire Rewards members can enjoy free-flowing wines and unlimited access to the grazing spread from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM for only Php 738++, while non-members can join the experience for Php 938++.
Catch the Wine at 38 series on August 21, September 4 and 18, October 2 and 23, November 6 and 20, and December 11. Seats are limited. For inquiries and reservations, call +632 8888 8888 or visit https://sn.solaireresort.com. Solaire Rewards members enjoy up to 20% off dining across the property, while new members who sign up for Solaire Rewards may receive 30% off their first bill. Join Solaire Rewards by signing up on site or by visiting https://sn.solaireresort.com/rewards.
About Solaire Resort Quezon City
Solaire Resort Quezon City is Solaire’s second integrated luxury resort in the Philippines and the first five-star integrated resort in Quezon City. Located in the heart of Metro Manila’s largest city, it brings together luxury hospitality, world-class gaming, exceptional dining, vibrant entertainment, and family-friendly experiences, and stands among Quezon City’s premier lifestyle destinations.
The resort features 526 elegantly designed rooms and suites, four gaming levels catering to both mass and VIP guests, 14 restaurants and bars, and versatile meeting and event spaces spanning 1,700 square meters. Guests can unwind at the expansive wellness center, 50-meter L-shaped swimming pool and water park, enjoy pickleball and basketball at the Outdoor Fitness Deck, or spend quality family time at the multi-level Kids Club. As day turns to night, the resort comes alive with dynamic entertainment experiences, from live performances at Quezon Club to panoramic evenings at Skybar.
Renowned for its warm Filipino hospitality and thoughtfully curated experiences, Solaire Resort Quezon City continues to redefine luxury entertainment, and leisure in the heart of Quezon City.
For more information, visit sn.solaireresort.com.
The back-to-school season is here, bringing with it the familiar excitement—and nerves—of meeting new classmates, adjusting to new teachers, navigating heavier workloads, and waking up early for the first day of class. Between buying school supplies, preparing baon, organizing schedules, and lining up multiple alarms to help you wake up, the start of a new school year often means settling into a whole new routine.
As students ease into longer commutes, packed class schedules, extra after-school activities, and new responsibilities, having dependable daily habits can make the transition feel much more manageable and lessen the amount of stress one can get.
Often, it's the smallest habits—from getting enough sleep to simply packing up your books and notes in advance before the next day—that help create a sense of stability throughout the school year.
For many families, that also includes choosing simple, everyday staples that help students feel ready for whatever the day brings. Adding Goodday Cultured Milk Yoghurt Drink to breakfast or packing it alongside baon can easily become one of those small but consistent habits that fit naturally into even the busiest school mornings.
Build wellness habits that keep you ready
The school year quickly fills up with quizzes, group projects, club activities, sports practices, and deadlines. While every day may look different, maintaining a few consistent habits can help students stay prepared through changing schedules.
Getting enough rest helps students recharge after long days of classes and studying, while staying physically active—whether through PE classes, sports, or simply walking across campus—supports overall wellness. Making mindful food and drink choices also becomes part of building daily habits that keep up with a busy school day.
As part of these everyday habits, Goodday Cultured Milk Yoghurt Drink offers a simple addition to students' routines. Packed with 10 Billion Paraprobiotics that help keep natural immune defenses strong, it easily fits into breakfast or baon as students juggle classes, extracurricular activities, and everything in between.
Build your confidence
Beyond academics, a new school year is also about embracing new experiences. Whether it's joining organizations, discovering new hobbies, speaking up in class, or spending time with new friends after school, each new experience is an opportunity to build confidence. While stepping into unfamiliar situations can feel intimidating at first, confidence grows with every small step and every new routine.
Having a sense of stability during these moments of change can make a big difference. Simple daily habits create a practice that helps students feel more prepared for the day ahead, making it easier to navigate classes, activities, and new challenges with greater confidence.
As students settle into new customs, it's often the simplest habits practiced consistently that become the foundation for a healthier, more productive, and more confident school year.
Finding balance in everyday routines, Good Move Yan!
Building healthy habits doesn't have to mean making big changes. Sometimes, it's the small, consistent choices that are easiest to stick with. Including Goodday Cultured Milk Yoghurt Drink as part of a balanced breakfast or packing it alongside daily essentials is one simple way to support everyday wellness. With 10 Billion Paraprobiotics that help boost immunity it fits seamlessly into students' daily practices as they take on everything the school year brings.
Because when life gets busy, having dependable daily habits can help turn every day into a good day.
Good Move Yan, with Goodday. Goodday is available at leading supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, and online retailers nationwide.
OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN REACH. Across SM malls nationwide, jobseekers are finding new ways to connect with jobs, skills, and brighter possibilities.
For thousands of Filipinos, finding the right job begins with having the right opportunity within reach. SM Job Fair marked a major milestone while widening access to employment and skills development—from celebrating its 500th nationwide job fair and bringing SM Group employers directly to communities, to working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to connect technical-vocational training with careers. Together, these initiatives reflect SM Supermalls’ continuing commitment to make the journey from preparing for work to finding meaningful employment more accessible to Filipinos.
500 JOB FAIRS—AND COUNTING!
On August 12, SM City Daet hosted the 500th SM Job Fair, marking an important milestone in SM Supermalls’ nationwide jobs advocacy. As of its 500th Job Fair, the program has connected around 330,000 jobseekers with thousands of employers nationwide, resulting in more than 42,000 applicants hired on the spot (HOTS). Behind those numbers are individual journeys—from fresh graduates looking for their first break and career shifters starting again to breadwinners and experienced professionals taking their next step.
500 JOB FAIRS, THOUSANDS OF NEW BEGINNINGS. At SM City Daet, a nationwide milestone became personal as another jobseeker walked away hired on the spot.
Through partnerships with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), local Public Employment Service Offices (PESO), employers, and industry organizations, SM continues to use its nationwide mall network to bring jobs closer to communities.
FROM OPPORTUNITY TO EMPLOYMENT AT THE SM GROUP JOB FAIR
The momentum continued on August 18 at SM City Fairview, where the SM Group Job Fair connected jobseekers with career opportunities across the SM Group.
Applicants met recruiters face-to-face, explored vacancies, submitted applications, and underwent interviews in one accessible venue—simplifying the hiring journey while helping participating companies meet potential talent from the community.
ONE STEP CLOSER TO A CAREER. Jobseekers meet SM Group recruiters face-to-face, turning applications and interviews into possibilities for a fresh start.
For fresh graduate May Stephanie, the search for her first job ended with good news when she was hired by Savemore. “Masaya po kasi mahirap po maghanap ng work lalo po pag fresh grad ka po.” Her experience reflects the human impact behind every successful match: a chance to begin a career, earn a livelihood, and build toward a more secure future.
FROM SKILLS TO OPPORTUNITIES WITH TESDA
SKILLS IN ACTION. Hands-on training turns learning into practical skills that can open doors to the workplace.
As industries evolve, Filipinos need both access to jobs and the skills to succeed in them. Last August, SM Supermalls and TESDA brought the World Café of Opportunities (WCO) to SM malls nationwide in celebration of 2026 National Tech-Voc Day, connecting technical-vocational graduates and jobseekers with employers and industry partners.
READY FOR WHAT’S NEXT. From technology to creative skills, Filipino talent gets hands-on experience for an evolving world of work.
At the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on August 24, more than 1,000 jobseekers met 54 participating employers offering more than 4,000 job opportunities. Job matching was complemented by skills demonstrations in HVAC, autonomous robotics, driving, animation, and coffee barista—showing how practical training can translate into workplace readiness.
For Jeff Justine Geraga, a BS IT student at the University of Makati who took Computer Systems Servicing through TESDA, gaining additional skills has helped strengthen his confidence in a competitive job market.
“Definitely tumaas ang value ko dahil may added skills ako from TESDA, more opportunities for me. Requirement na po ang upskilling dahil competitive po ngayon.”
A key highlight was the launch of the TESDA Skills Compass, a career guidance and job-matching platform that helps Filipinos explore career pathways and connect their competencies with in-demand jobs. For some participants, the connection between skills and employment became immediate.
After traveling from Mindoro in search of work, Cristyl Faith Robles was hired on the spot as a barista at French Baker.
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“Masaya po kasi last week pa po kami nag-aapply ng work kasi galing pa po kami sa Mindoro... Para po ito sa magulang ko at sa kapatid ko para matulungan ko po siya sa college.”
Employers also recognize the value of skills-based training. CJ Bajamunde, HR Assistant at SMC Repairs and Maintenance, shared that TESDA training and certifications are among the qualifications the company looks for when recruiting skilled workers.
“Nakatulong po talaga ang TESDA hindi lang sa mga naghahanap ng trabaho, kundi sa aming mga employers din.”
Through the World Café of Opportunities, SM and TESDA are helping turn skills into employability—connecting training, talent, and industry needs in ways that can lead to meaningful 
LEARNING THAT MOVES PEOPLE FORWARD. Free upskilling brings future-ready knowledge closer to learners in SM communities.
MORE JOBS AND SKILLS THIS SEPTEMBER
The momentum continues this September as SM Job Fair brings another nationwide lineup of employment activities to SM malls, complemented by government career opportunities and upskilling sessions with partners.
SEPTEMBER JOB FAIR SCHEDULE
September 1 – SM City Sto. Tomas
September 3 – SM City Manila
September 4 – SM City Sta. Mesa
September 7–8 – SM City Butuan
September 8–9 – SM City Iloilo
September 8–9 – SM City Davao
September 9 – SM City Baguio
September 9–10 – SM City Cebu
September 9–10 – SM CDO Downtown Premier
September 10 – SM City Trece Martires
September 10 – SM Center Muntinlupa
September 10 – SM City Tuguegarao
September 10 – SM City North EDSA
September 10 – SM City Zamboanga
September 10 – SM Center Muntinlupa
September 12 – SM City La Union
September 12 – SM City San Pablo
September 14 – SM Center Antipolo
September 14 – SM CDO Downtown Premier
September 16–17 – SM Seaside City Cebu
September 22–23 – SM Seaside City Cebu
September 23 – SM City Calamba
September 24 – SM City Trece Martires
September 24 – SM Center Pulilan
September 24 – SM City Bacoor
UPSKILLING SESSIONS
Jobseekers and learners can also take advantage of upskilling activities scheduled throughout the month:
September 10 – SM City Trece Martires
September 12 – SM Center Sangandaan
September 12 – SM City North EDSA
September 24 – SM City Trece Martires
MORE THAN JOBS
SM’s employment advocacy continues beyond recruitment. Through partnerships with government agencies, educational institutions, and industry organizations, SM Supermalls has provided free upskilling opportunities to more than 1,600 learners, covering artificial intelligence, digital literacy, cybersecurity, and other emerging workplace competencies. In select malls, SM Government Service Express (GSE) also brings essential government services closer to communities, with selected locations serving as Upskilling Hubs.
From reaching the 500th SM Job Fair to helping a fresh graduate land a first job, and from gaining a technical skill to finding where it can lead, August demonstrated what can happen when employment, learning, services, and strong partnerships come together.
THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY STARTS HERE. Beyond the 500th milestone, SM Job Fair continues to connect more Filipinos with employers and possibilities closer to home.
And as SM Job Fair moves beyond its 500th milestone, the work continues—helping more Filipinos find jobs, build relevant skills, and move toward better futures closer to home. To learn more about upcoming SM Job Fairs and free upskilling opportunities, visit the SM Supermalls website or follow SM Supermalls’ official social media pages.
EVERY CONVERSATION CAN OPEN A DOOR. Jobseekers meet recruiters face-to-face at SM Job Fairs, taking another step toward their next career opportunity.
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