rockyology

A new study from global healthcare leader Abbott   shows that when PediaSure® Plus, along with dietary counseling, is given to undernourished children they had two times height improvement and approximately 50% greater gain in lean mass compared to those who only received dietary counseling over an eight month period.  Lean mass includes muscle, bones, organs and everything in the body except body fat. The children also had other health benefits like fewer sick days, higher energy levels and better nutritional intake. Dr. Jose Dimaano Jr.,  Medical Director for Abbott’s Nutrition Business in Asia Pacific; Dr. Mandy Ow, Senior Clinical Scientist at Abbott Nutrition R&D in Singapore; and Jennifer Olay, Pediatric Gastroenterologist, joined PediaSure Plus ambassadors Chesca Kramer and Dimples Romana in a panel discussion on early childhood nutrition. They discussed nutritional gaps, the importance of quality growth, and key findings from Abbott’s SPROUT study during the ...

Inspired by More Than A Century of Pioneering New Technologies! Philips, one of the world’s biggest international brands, delivers meaningful innovations that help improve people’s quality of life. Founded in the Netherlands, the diversified company has a 132-year history of developing top of the line products known for their uncompromising performance and indisputable reliability.  Starting as a small light bulb manufacturer, Philips expanded into new business areas in its commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and innovation. In consumer electronics in particular, Philips introduced iconic products such as the compact cassette and the CD as well as Color TV and cutting-edge OLED displays that have reshaped how people are entertained. Philips has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible while remaining grounded in consumer’s basic needs.  The company’s dedication to innovation has become a highlight of Philip’s continuing presence in the Philippine market...

There’s nothing quite like strolling through a mall with breathtaking views, expansive arcades, and lush greenery. At SM Supermalls, shopping isn’t just about transactions—it’s about enjoying spaces designed for comfort, sustainability, and a healthier environment. More than ever, SM’s commitment to green infrastructure is shaping urban air quality while creating a more livable city for everyone. Designing for people and the planet SM Supermalls prioritizes people-centric design, creating welcoming spaces that balance nature with modern convenience. The SM Mall of Asia’s arcades and the MOA Sky, for example, offer open, breezy walkways, encouraging leisurely strolls and even outdoor dining and entertainment. Meanwhile, SM Aura and SM North EDSA’s Sky Garden—the first in an SM mall—integrates lush vegetation and water features to reduce indoor heat, improve air quality, and create cooling effects in dense urban areas. Championing bike-friendly cities Beyond providing open spaces, SM Sup...

In support of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) annual Brigada Eskwela initiative, SM Supermalls mobilized thousands of volunteers across its malls nationwide from June 9 to 13, 2025, to help prepare public schools for the upcoming academic year. This year’s Brigada Eskwela carried the theme, “Nagkakaisa para sa Handa at Ligtas na Pagbabalik Eskwela.” As a long-time DepEd partner, SM Supermalls once again participated in Brigada Eskwela 2025 as part of its broader commitment to youth empowerment, environmental stewardship, and inclusive community building.  The initiative was rolled out across 75 SM Supermalls, with more than a thousand employee-volunteers working hand-in-hand with DepEd, local government units (LGUs), school representatives, and community members. It empowered community volunteers to make a tangible impact by helping schools prepare safe, clean, and inspiring learning environments. “We are proud to be part of Brigada Eskwela again this year. Education is the c...

Love, tradition, and local entrepreneurship shared the spotlight at the Bagong Pilipinas Wedding Fair 2025, held from June 27 to 29 at SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier. Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the three-day event successfully showcased over 100 Filipino MSMEs, celebrating Filipino creativity while driving real business opportunities in the events and wedding industry. The fair welcomed industry professionals, wedding planners, creatives, and couples preparing for their big day to explore everything from couture bridalwear and floral arrangements to photography, catering, travel services, and more. The highlight of Day 1 was a runway fashion show featuring Filipino bridal designers, who elevated traditional fabrics and sustainable design for the modern bride. Day 2 and 3 featured talks and interactive exhibits spotlighting creative industries—from graphic design and stationery to music and event production—showing how weddings can reflect both pers...

SM Supermalls continues its unwavering support for Filipino artistry with the nationwide launch of Art for Everyone—a month-long celebration of creativity, culture, and community across 18 malls this July. Building on the remarkable success of the 2024 Art Market, which earned the prestigious Gold Stevie® Award for Innovation in the Use of Events, SM Supermalls continues to elevate its commitment to championing the local art scene. Last year’s Art Market featured over 1,200 Filipino artists and showcased more than 4,000 artworks, providing a platform that not only celebrated local creativity but also offered meaningful support to emerging and established artists alike.  The overwhelming success of the event sparked renewed enthusiasm within the community, with many of last year’s participating artists eager to return, a testament to the event’s impact and SM’s growing role as a catalyst for Filipino creative expression. Now, Art for Everyone expands that vision. This year’s initiat...

According to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the global production of plastics is forecasted to reach 1,100 million tonnes by 2050, with severe environmental, social, economic, and human health consequences.  As one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) remains committed to creating thriving, sustainable cities.  With a waste-free future as part of its environmental strategy, SM Prime encourages the observation of International Plastic-free Day on May 25 and its call to rethink single-use plastics (SUP) for one day. Moreover, SM Prime celebrates the group-wide strides made to support the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022. A group-wide movement for the EPR Law The SM group, working with its Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), is pursuing a group-wide strategy to comply with the Department of Environment and ...

If there’s one thing that binds Asian culture together, it's how our legacy and tradition are preserved through food. From the careful sourcing of ingredients to the creativity and innovation in preparation, Asian cuisines are truly made to be extraordinary. SM Supermalls upholds this by delivering Taiwanese, Japanese, and Thai excellence to one of the centres of Filipino gastronomy—Pampanga. With the same sense of richness and attention to quality, Ninepot, The Matcha Tokyo, and Purple Rice establish themselves as must-try places at SM City Clark and SM City Pampanga! Ninepot—Quality Taiwanese Hot Pot Experience With the growing popularity of East Asian hot pot restaurants, Ninepot—its name reflecting the Taiwanese cultural belief that the number nine brings good fortune—sets itself apart by putting traditional Taiwanese flavors in the spotlight at the Tech Hub 2 of SM City Clark. Unlike many hot pot restaurants that focus on unlimited servings, Ninepot prioritizes quality by offe...

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippines generates over 60,000 metric tons of waste daily, a figure expected to rise with urban growth and economic activity.  Recognizing the urgency, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) launched the SM Waste-Free Future program in 2024 as one of its flagship environmental sustainability programs to reduce overall waste generation through effective waste segregation and divert waste away from landfills through recycling, composting, and other sustainable disposal methods. In its first year, it implemented a new waste management segregation system across its properties, including all malls, residences, offices, hotels and convention centers, and estates nationwide.  Beyond SM Prime, the campaign on waste has extended its reach to other SM groups and portfolio companies, making SM Waste-Free Future a group-wide endeavor. A bigger picture of waste  The Recyclable, Disposable, Composable (RDC) bin...

The future of employment in the Philippines' wholesale and retail trade sector got a major boost on June 16, 2025. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), together with the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) and the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP), officially launched Section G: Job Blueprint for the Wholesale and Retail Trade Sector at SM City North EDSA. The initiative included a two-day job fair, offering immediate hiring opportunities to Filipino job seekers. The Section G Job Blueprint, developed through extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, highlights the strong collaboration between government, the private sector, and mall leadership to address workforce gaps in retail and supply chain. Serving as a foundation for future reforms, it aims to boost employment growth by leveraging the sector’s vital contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and its role as a key employer of over 10 million Filipinos, accordin...

In celebration of World Oceans Day 2025, over 5,000 volunteers from all walks of life united on June 7 for a massive nationwide coastal cleanup led by SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls. Collectively, they removed an astounding 30,000 kilograms of trash from shorelines across the Philippines—proving that when a community comes together, real impact happens. This year’s theme, “WONDER: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” resonated deeply as volunteers took to coastlines in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, armed with gloves, sacks, and a shared mission: to protect the oceans that give us life. Beyond fostering community collaboration and promoting environmental responsibility, SM Cares’ coastal cleanup initiative played a vital role in cultivating healthier environment, enhancing the overall quality of life for local residents, and contributing to the long-term preservation of marine ecosystems.  “The oceans sustain us every day, and now it's our ...

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy reaffirmed the vital role of the private sector in disaster risk reduction (DRR) during the 2025 Global Platform of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), held in Geneva, Switzerland.  Representing the Philippine private sector at the Ministerial Roundtable on “Accelerating Financing and Resilience,” Sy underscored how businesses can help drive scalable, science-based resilience solutions. Private sector as a force multiplier in DRR “Resilience strengthens businesses while safeguarding lives and communities,” Sy stated. “We know the government cannot do it alone. The private sector is ready to do more.” He cited SM Prime’s integrated approach to DRR, which includes allocating a significant portion of project costs to disaster-resilient infrastructure and applying science-driven planning frameworks.  Sy also pointed to cross-sector initiatives such as the Adopt-a-City Program with th...

To live in the moment is your theme this month of June with several opportunities for joy and fulfillment heading your way. What makes life truly rewarding is having the present moment to create meaningful memories—whether it’s by yourself or with the people you love. From sharing great food, to celebrating small wins, to saving the day after a long, arduous week—you can live your best life by making the most of today. Indulge in having moments to cherish, and take the chance to create memories of happiness with SM Supermalls—right here in Cebu. Moments Worth Savoring at SM City Cebu What better way to share special moments than over delicious food? Savor memorable dining experiences with these must-visit food destinations headlining this June and July: Manam—finally opening this month, get ready to relish familiar yet innovative flavors with modern takes on Filipino comfort food and traditional dishes—including their signature Beef Short Rib Sinigang & Watermelon. Ooma—the long wa...

In collaboration with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Muntinlupa, the Muntinlupa Local Government Unit (LGU), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), SM Center Muntinlupa will host the pilot run of the Jobs and Skills Matching Fair on June 19, 2025. This one-day event offers jobseekers—particularly those interested in the IT- Business Process Management (BPM) industry—a streamlined path from employment screening to skills training and re-employment. The fair begins with an on-site job matching session, where walk-in and registered applicants can undergo interviews with participating companies. Qualified candidates may be hired on the spot, while “near-hires” will be referred to the Skills Hub for personalized consultations facilitated by DTI-PTTC. At the Skills Hub, ...

Variety & Great Options at SM Mall of Asia With more options, you uncover more paths, opening doors to fresh experiences and delightful discoveries—whether it be trying out different meals at once or spicing up your everyday style! Enjoy the diverse flavors of Japan at Kiwami: Japanese Master Kitchens, opening their first-ever SM flagship store soon—their biggest one yet! Offering a variety of authentic dishes all under one roof, indulge in an extensive dining experience and savor the best of Yabu (katsu), Ippudo (ramen), Hachibei (yakitori), and Hannosuke (tempura)—each offering their own distinct and authentic taste of Japan. Meanwhile, our stylish go-getters can look forward to more soon-to-open stores, serving up options after options in everyday fashion and sportswear: JD Sports—elevate your active lifestyle with impactful design and exclusive picks from top-performing brands. Britain’s leading retailer in street and activewear is bringing its first-ever store to the Philippin...

In a country like the Philippines, where typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural calamities are part of the norm, resilience is not just a necessity but a way of life. Ranked consistently high in the World Risk Index due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and the typhoon belt, the nation faces challenges that demand coordinated, forward-thinking approaches to disaster preparedness and response.  Among those leading the way is SM Supermalls, whose commitment to resilience continues to evolve through investments in systems that safeguard not only business continuity but, more importantly, the communities they serve. Disaster resilience in the private sector has become increasingly crucial. Corporations have the capacity to create ripple effects both in terms of operational continuity and their influence on surrounding communities. For SM, a sustained and risk-informed approach to resilience ensures that when emergencies strike, response is swift, coordinated, and grounde...

For SM Supermalls, resilience remains an essential pillar in its pursuit of sustainability. Without safe, secure, and prepared communities, the vision of sustainable development becomes difficult to achieve. This is why the company believes that promoting resilience is not only a matter of operational readiness but a responsibility to the communities and businesses that form the backbone of the economy. At the heart of this commitment are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These businesses are often the most vulnerable to disruptions brought about by natural and man-made hazards. Yet, they represent a critical force in the national economy---generating jobs, driving local commerce, and sustaining livelihoods. Recognizing their importance, SM Supermalls has made it a priority to help cultivate an MSME sector that is resilient. Across its network, close to 70 percent of SM Supermalls’ tenants are currently MSMEs. These businesses operate under unique lessee contracts that ackn...