THE ULTIMATE FLAVOR SHOWDOWN: Award-Worthy Eats Conquer the Metro!

  

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The votes are finally in. The atmosphere is electric, the competition was fierce, and the results are—quite frankly—undeniable. At SM Supermalls, the stage is set for a culinary revolution where your every craving doesn't just get satisfied; it wins big. 

Forget "just another meal." We are talking about the show-stoppers, the plates that carried the season, and the flavors that left absolutely no crumbs. From heritage staples to unlimited feasts, these are the award-winning experiences waiting for you in the heart of the Metro. 

🏆 The Most Iconic Meal Award: Pinoy Heritage Reimagined

The spotlight shines brightest on the Best Pinoy Heritage Award winner, and the prestige belongs to a name synonymous with excellence. 

The Winner: Azela by Balay Dako 

The Location: Soon to open at The Block, Level 2, SM North EDSA. 

The Assignment: Delivering unforgettable impact through traditional staples like rich Kare-Kare and the soul-warming, tangy Kansi. These are the main plates that understood the assignment and delivered flavors you simply cannot forget. 

🏆 The All-Out Eats Award: A Feast Without Limits

For those who believe more is more, the competition was over before it began. This category celebrates the "no-holds-barred" dining experience. 

The Winner: Jiang Nan Hotpot 

The Location: Coming soon to the Upper Ground Level, SM Southmall. 

The Vibe: An unlimited parade of premium meats and fresh seafood, paired with next-level dipping sauces that elevate every bite into a standing ovation. 

🏆 The Top-Tier Sips Award: Comfort in a Cup

A great meal requires a legendary companion. This award is reserved for the crafted drinks that hit the mark every single time, offering a masterclass in liquid comfort. 

The Winner: Candid Coffee 

The Location: Soon to serve at the City Center, Upper Ground Level, SM North EDSA. 

The Signature Move: The Toasted Horchata. This drink is a viral sensation in the making, balancing bold, creamy flavors with an easy, everyday comfort that steals the stage. 

Your Spotlight Awaits

These aren't just "worth the hype" picks—they are the standouts that deserve a permanent spot in your dining rotation. SM Supermalls continues to evolve, bringing fresh concepts and meaningful experiences designed around your passions. 

With 89 malls across the Philippines, your next award-worthy craving is always within reach. 

Join the Celebration: Follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates on openings and exclusive events. 

SM Supermalls: Your Most Loved Supermall — All For You.

The Heart of Filipino Success: How the 2026 DTI National Food Fair is Transforming Dreams into Empires

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

For many local entrepreneurs, the distance between a kitchen table and a global market can feel like an impossible chasm. Yet, at the 2026 DTI National Food Fair, held from April 8–12 at SM Megamall, that gap wasn't just bridged—it was obliterated. What emerged was more than a mere trade show; it was a high-octane engine for nation-building, innovation, and economic transformation.

The Moment That Changed Everything

The fair’s power is best captured in the story of Alvin Causing of Project Beans Coffee. Years ago, a chance meeting at a DTI trade fair in an SM mall allowed him to present his product to Teresita Sy-Coson. That single opportunity opened the doors to SM’s Kultura, transforming a small startup into a brand enjoyed both nationwide and globally.

“SM didn’t just give us space, they gave us a chance, and that made all the difference,” Causing shared. This sentiment reflects the core of the collaboration between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and SM Supermalls: turning simple visibility into long-term viability.

Scaling at the Speed of Demand

The Megatrade Halls became a launchpad where local businesses didn't just sell—they scaled. The synergy between DTI’s enterprise support and SM Supermalls’ massive retail reach provided an environment where growth was accelerated.

Manufacturing Milestones: King Del Rosario of Coffee and Mead Corporation noted that the platform helped his business evolve from a small coffee shop into a full-scale manufacturing enterprise.

National Reach: For regional businesses like Larry Lee Ong’s Orange Country Enterprises, the fair broke down the barriers to the national market, bringing Bicol’s finest products to a wider urban audience.

Sold-Out Success: Alvin Samson of Easter Joy Rabbit Ventures highlighted the sheer demand at the venue, noting that his products consistently sell out whenever they are featured at SM.

More Than a Business: A Cultural Movement

Beyond the transactions, the fair served as a vibrant celebration of Filipino identity. The opening ceremony featured the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra and the Indak Guiguinto Folkloric Dance Troupe, setting a tone of heritage and pride.

Entrepreneurs like Sherly Biase of Basilio’s Kini-ing Food Processing used the platform to share Cordilleran cuisine and correct misconceptions about their culture while simultaneously creating livelihoods for local farmers. In this space, every booth tells a story of cultural preservation and community development.

A Unified Vision for the Future

The event was officially inaugurated by DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Bautista, and DA Secretary Francisco Laurel Jr., signaling a unified government and private sector commitment to the 17,000 MSMEs supported by SM nationwide.

“This partnership allows us to bring MSMEs closer to the market—not just in Manila, but across the entire country,” Secretary Roque stated.

The 2026 DTI National Food Fair proves that when grit and passion meet the right platform, Filipino businesses don't just grow—they thrive. At SM Supermalls, every enterprise is recognized as a vital building block of a stronger, more inclusive economy. The fair is a reminder that the future of the Filipino economy is being shaped today, one booth and one success story at a time.

Bridges to Success: Igniting the Futures of 3,600 Filipino Talents

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The air at the SMX Convention Center Manila crackled with a distinct kind of electricity on March 21, 2026. It wasn't just the hum of a crowd, but the collective pulse of over 3,600 students and graduates standing on the precipice of their professional lives. This was the third annual Bridges to Success (BTS) Career Fair, a powerhouse collaboration between SM Offices and National University (NU) designed to transform academic potential into real-world impact.

A Visionary Opening

The event was formally inaugurated by two key architects of industry-academe synergy: Mr. Lyle dela Cerna, Senior Director for Human Resources, Learning and Development at National University, and Mr. Antonio Felix Ortiga, VP of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and Head of SM Offices. Their presence underscored a shared mission: to dismantle the barriers between the classroom and the workplace.

More Than a Fair: A Learning Revolution

While traditional job fairs often feel transactional, BTS 2026 was a dynamic ecosystem of growth. The day was a relentless pursuit of excellence, featuring:

Direct Engagement: On-site recruitment activities that put hopeful applicants face-to-face with industry giants.

Expert Insights: High-stakes career talks and panel discussions where leaders shared the blueprints for navigating an evolving job market.

Meaningful Dialogue: A unique "learning forum" atmosphere that encouraged deep conversations rather than just the passing of resumes.

Students from across the National University network—including Manila, MOA, Dasmariñas, and Fairview—alongside peers from Asia Pacific College, flooded the booth activities hosted by SM Offices’ tenant-partners. This collaborative spirit ensured that every attendee left not just with a potential job, but with a refined mindset and a clearer career trajectory.

Empowerment in Every Form

Coinciding with International Women’s Month, the fair took on a deeper significance. BTS 2026 served as a testament to the rising leadership of women in the Philippine workforce, championing an inclusive environment where every Filipino, regardless of background, has a seat at the table.

The Momentum Continues

For those who missed the Manila event, the mission to empower the Filipino workforce is only gaining speed. SM Supermalls is taking this "Bridge to Success" nationwide with an extensive rollout of #SMJobFair events throughout March and April:

March 26

SM City Tuguegarao, Cauayan, & Trece Martires 

March 27

SM City Legazpi 

April 8

SM City Bacoor 

April 9

SM City Trece Martires 

April 15

SM City Davao 

April 23

SM City Trece Martires 

April 24

SM City Novaliches 

Note: Event schedules are subject to change; job seekers are encouraged to verify details with their local PESO or mall venue.

Through these initiatives, SM Supermalls continues to prove that it is more than a retail destination—it is a platform where talent meets opportunity, and where the future of the Filipino workforce is built, one connection at a time.