The Gastronomic Revolution: Metro Manila’s Newest Flavor Icons Have Arrived

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The search for the "perfect bite" in the Metro has officially been elevated to an art form. SM Supermalls, the country’s most loved everyday destination, has curated a new wave of dining experiences that don’t just meet expectations—they shatter them. From the soul-warming traditions of Japan to global comfort staples that "slay," these new hotspots are defining the next era of foodie culture in the Philippines.

Prepare your palate: we are diving into the destinations that "ate and left no crumbs".

The Japanese Renaissance: Authenticity Reimagined

When it comes to Japanese cuisine, the Metro craves nothing but the real deal. Two new heavyweights are bringing OG flavors directly to your table with undeniable finesse.

Kaiju Ramen (SM Megamall): Located at Level 5, Mega Fashion Hall, this soon-to-open destination is a first-in-the-PH landmark. Offering authentic broths and noodles that "hit just right," their Tonkotsu and Shoyu bowls are engineered for pure, slurp-worthy satisfaction.

Yappari (SM Southmall): For those who believe every meal should be a celebration, Yappari at the Upper Ground floor is a masterclass in premium steak. It’s giving classic, it’s giving rich, and most importantly, it’s giving taste.

The "Soft Life" Aesthetic: Sips for the Soul

Dining today is about more than just the food; it’s about the vibe. For those seeking to stay "unbothered and in their lane," a new aesthetic powerhouse has emerged.

Super Matcha (SM Megamall): Slated for the Ground Level of Mega Fashion Hall, Super Matcha brings the "soft life" to life. As another first-in-the-PH concept, it serves up matcha lattes and iced blends that are visual 10s and taste even better.

Global Flavorites: Bold, Hearty, and Star-Studded

For the discerning diner looking for global influences and comfort that feels like a warm embrace, SM Southmall has become the ultimate playground.

PoBros (SM Southmall): Located at Level 2, PoBros is earning a "star-studded applause" for its legendary rice bowls. Known for hearty portions and bold flavor combinations, it’s the definition of mouth-watering comfort.

Goobne (SM Southmall): If you crave Korean flavors served with "unclockable finesse," Goobne is your destination. Specializing in oven-roasted chicken, they deliver perfectly seasoned, juicy meat that serves as the ultimate satisfying match.

A New Era of Experience

SM Supermalls continues to evolve, growing alongside the passions and lifestyles of Filipino communities. With 89 malls across the Philippines, SM is no longer just a place to shop—it is a destination for meaningful experiences and fresh concepts.

Ready to satisfy your cravings? Stay updated on the latest foodie events and grand openings by following @smsupermalls on social media or visiting www.smsupermalls.com.

The Blueprint for a Greener Tomorrow: Inside SM’s War on Waste

Wazzup Pilipinas?! 

In an era where the environmental clock is ticking louder than ever, a retail giant is stepping up to turn the tide. SM Prime Holdings Inc. has unveiled a powerful new weapon in the fight for our planet: The SM Waste-Free Future (WFF) Manual. This isn’t just a pamphlet; it’s a 17-page visual manifesto designed to transform every mallgoer into a frontline hero for the environment.

The Philosophy: Learn, Practice, Champion

At the heart of this movement is a deceptively simple three-step workflow: Learn, Practice, and Champion. As Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Sustainability, puts it, the goal is to build avenues that make waste management accessible while turning these actions into effortless daily habits.

By mastering this cycle, Filipino communities aren't just cleaning up—they are creating a "ripple effect" of sustainable change.

Deciphering the "R-D-C" Code

To win the war on waste, you have to know your enemy. SM conducted a massive Waste Analysis Characterization Study (WACS) at the SM Mall of Asia Complex to identify the "Top 10" everyday offenders, ranging from PET bottles and plastic cutlery to soiled diapers and food waste .

The solution? The Recyclable-Disposable-Compostable (RDC) system now anchored in every SM mall.

Recyclable Blue

Clean PET bottles, tin cans, cardboard, and paper bags.

Disposable Gray

Soiled food containers, sachets, plastic cutlery, and sanitary products.

Compostable Green

Pure food waste (no packaging or cutlery allowed).

Pro Tip: Always rinse and dry your recyclables! Dirty items often end up in landfills, while clean ones get a second life.

Beyond the Bin: The Electronic Frontier

Waste isn't just plastic and paper. With over 5 billion mobile phones becoming "e-waste" annually, the digital footprint is leaving a toxic trail. To combat this, SM Cyberzones now feature E-Waste drop-off points. These bins capture hazardous gadgets, batteries, and cords, preventing toxic chemicals from leaching into our groundwater.

A Movement in Motion

The "Waste-Free Future" isn't a static goal—it’s an active, community-driven engine:

Trash-to-Cash: On the first Friday and Saturday of every month, mallgoers can trade clean, dry recyclables for economic incentives, fueling a circular economy.

Plastic Collection: Since 2019, SM has successfully diverted 70,000 kilograms of consumer plastics from the environment.

Coastal Cleanups: Through SM Cares, volunteers diverted a staggering 200,000 kilograms of marine litter last year alone.

A National Mission: Upcoming cleanups are scheduled across the Philippines—from La Union to Tanza—in celebration of World Water Day.

The Vision

"When we all come together and choose to help save our planet, even the smallest actions toward the right direction yield great results," says Silerio. From the "Tela Tales" bags made by local artisans from recycled hotel linens to the solar-powered roofs of their mega-malls, SM Prime is proving that the future isn't just coming—it’s being built, one sorted piece of trash at a time.

Will you join the movement? The next time you're at an SM mall, remember: every waste tossed into the right bin is a quick win for the world.

The Power of Purpose: Filipina Entrepreneurs Redefine Resilience at SM Lanang

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

In a vibrant explosion of color, culture, and community, the WomenBizPH Trade Fair recently transformed SM Lanang Premier into a powerhouse of female-led innovation. Held from March 12-14, this three-day "Women Strong Network" event was more than a marketplace—it was a definitive statement on the rising impact of Filipina micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Organized by WomenBizPH in a strategic alliance with SM Supermalls, the fair brought together a diverse league of entrepreneurs who are proving that passion, when fused with purpose, can rewrite the economic landscape of the Philippines. 

A Tapestry of Talent and Tradition

The mall’s halls were lined with a rich array of local mastery, offering everything from handcrafted accessories and woven apparel to artisanal pastries and wellness products. Each booth represented a bridge between traditional Filipino heritage and modern commercial viability.

Sassy’s Creation Enterprise: This brand defines "sustainable and timeless," utilizing heritage weaving techniques and upcycled fabrics to create fashion staples for "EveryBODY". Their impact goes beyond style; the brand partners with home-based mothers and women from the BJMP in Antipolo, providing vital livelihood opportunities.

Magpoc’s Pastry Products: Carrying a legacy from Bataan that dates back to 1960, third-generation leader Cynthia M. Eusebio is evolving the brand for the digital age. For her, "Magpoc’s isn’t just a label—it’s a legacy of providing for our community".

From Survival to Strength

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the fair was the raw, human stories of survival that fueled these businesses.

"I started small... that small income became my hope and my courage—it helped me rebuild my life and prove that even from nothing, you can rise again." — Cuevas Planas, Founder of Kirby’s Chicharon.

Similarly, Flaviano’s Health Food Products from Laguna demonstrated the spirit of innovation, refusing to stall even during the global pandemic. These entrepreneurs have turned individual challenges into collective opportunities, building brands that uplift entire communities.

A Launchpad for the Future

For SM Supermalls, this initiative is part of a much larger mission. With 89 malls nationwide, SM is leveraging its massive retail footprint to act as a permanent launchpad for homegrown talent.

Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing at SM Supermalls, emphasizes this vision: "We see MSMEs not just as exhibitors but as future brands in the making... we help nurture the next generation of Filipino brands".

Connect with the Movement

Support these inspiring women by exploring their journeys online:

Sassy’s Creation Enterprise: @sassyscreationph (Instagram) 

Magpoc’s Pastry: MagpocsAraroCookies (Facebook) 

Kirby’s Chicharon: kirbyschicharonph (Facebook) 

Flaviano’s Food: Flavianos Food (Facebook) 

As this Women's Month celebration concludes, the message remains clear: when Filipina entrepreneurs rise, they don’t just grow businesses—they empower the nation.