The Pulse of a Nation: How SM Supermalls is Igniting a Running Revolution

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The Pulse of a Nation: How SM Supermalls is Igniting a Running Revolution

In June 2026, the Philippines witnessed a seismic shift in its sporting culture. When a staggering 25,000 runners surged onto the historic thoroughfare of EDSA for the Galaxy Manila Marathon, they weren't just racing; they were participating in a movement that is fundamentally transforming how Filipinos experience movement, community, and national pride.  

This landmark event, which linked SM Mall of Asia to SM North EDSA, stood as a powerful testament to a broader reality: SM Supermalls has quietly, yet decisively, become the heartbeat of the Philippine running scene.  

Beyond the Finish Line: A Nationwide Phenomenon

The Galaxy Manila Marathon was merely the latest peak in a year-long ascent. From the dawn of 2026, SM Supermalls has served as the stage for an extraordinary tapestry of events that cater to every walk of life. 

The diversity of this ecosystem is its greatest strength, ensuring there is a place for everyone, from the casual family jogger to the elite marathoner: 

For the Fans & Families: Pop-culture themed events like the Star Wars Run and the Doraemon Run have turned fitness into a festive, immersive experience. 

For the Advocates & Athletes: Races like the Earth Day Run, Women's Run PH, and the Sante Barley Trilogy Run Asia bring purpose and intensity to the pavement. 

For the Community: The Pride Run at SM City Lanang and SM Mall of Asia exemplifies a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, turning streets into celebrations of self-expression.  

For the Fur Parents: The Pet Express Doggie Run ensures that even our four-legged companions are part of the active lifestyle revolution.  

With these events—and signature races like the SM2SM Run in Cebu, the Singlife Iloilo Marathon, and the HOKA Midnight Run Asia—SM Supermalls is projected to attract more than 100,000 runners nationwide throughout the year.  

The Ecosystem of Active Living

At the core of this transformation is the SM Active Hub, a dedicated platform designed to support runners at every stage of their journey. Whether it is finding a training path like the popular MOA Sky running track, accessing wellness activities, or participating in race-day recovery, SM provides a seamless, end-to-end experience. 

"At SM Supermalls, we see running as more than a sport," explains Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. "It is a platform that brings communities together, promotes healthier lifestyles, and creates meaningful experiences for Filipinos." 

This "maxed-out" approach—integrating retail, entertainment, and community spirit—means that a race at an SM mall is never just about the miles logged. It is about the post-race celebration, the shopping, the dining, and the connections forged among participants. 

A Future in Motion

With 90 malls across the country acting as hubs for this growing movement, SM Supermalls is effectively shrinking the distance between Filipinos and their fitness goals. By transforming major thoroughfares into symbols of unity and turning shopping destinations into race-day venues, SM is setting a new standard for active lifestyle engagement. 

As the Philippines continues to lace up and hit the road, one thing has become clear: when the nation runs, it finds its stride through SM Supermalls.  

Beyond the Tap: The Liquid Revolution Reshaping SM’s Future

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 


Beyond the Tap: The Liquid Revolution Reshaping SM’s Future

In an era where the United Nations warns that nearly half the global population faces the looming threat of severe water scarcity, every drop has become a precious commodity. Amidst the harsh realities of a prolonged El Niño and escalating climate pressures, one retail giant is proving that sustainability is not just a corporate buzzword—it is a lifeline.


SM Supermalls is rewriting the narrative of resource management, transforming its nationwide network into a powerhouse of conservation where water is granted a remarkable "second life".

A Milestone in Stewardship: 6.6 Billion Liters Saved

The scale of SM's impact is staggering. In 2025 alone, the organization successfully recycled a monumental 6.6 million cubic meters—or 6.6 billion liters—of water. To put this achievement into perspective, this volume is equivalent to nearly a thousand times the total daily water consumption of Metro Manila.


This is not a recent experiment; it is the culmination of three decades of unwavering commitment. The journey began in the 1990s with the installation of a pioneering Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at SM Southmall, a visionary move designed to safeguard the environment of surrounding communities. Today, that legacy has expanded into an integrated network across 90 malls, all equipped to turn wastewater into a vital, reusable asset.


Innovation Flowing Through the Pipes
The core of this transformation lies in an ingenious dual-process system.


Potable Water Process: Fresh water is supplied for human consumption and tenant use.


Non-Potable Water Process: Once used, that water doesn't simply drain away. It is directed through sophisticated treatment plants, where it is purified and recycled for non-potable applications like irrigation, cleaning, and maintaining the lush greenery that defines SM’s properties.


Innovation also extends to the skies. SM City Baguio, for instance, operates a sophisticated Rainwater Treatment Facility that captures nature’s supply. Since its inception in November 2022 through the end of 2025, this facility has processed 53,740 cubic meters of rainwater—enough to support an estimated 63,706 households.


Building for a Resilient Future
The momentum shows no sign of slowing. In 2025, SM integrated advanced water systems into its two newest properties:


SM City La Union: Features a 760-cubic-meter rainwater catchment system paired with a 543-square-meter sewage treatment plant.


SM City Laoag: Boasts a self-sustaining network capable of converting deep well water into a safe, potable supply.



"Water is a very precious resource, and we are committed to ensuring its sustainable use for the benefit of present and future generations," says Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Sustainability.



This commitment has not gone unnoticed. From the Bantayog ng Lawa Para sa Kalikasan award by the Laguna Lake Development Authority to the historic Gawad Taga-Ilog Award from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, SM’s leadership in water stewardship is setting the gold standard for the private sector.



As SM Supermalls continues to evolve, its promise remains clear: to pioneer environmental systems that do more than serve the shopper—they protect the planet. By treating every drop as a finite treasure, SM is ensuring that the future remains fluid, resilient, and sustainable for generations to come.









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Beyond Independence: How a Nationwide Movement is Reshaping the Filipino Workforce

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Beyond Independence: How a Nationwide Movement is Reshaping the Filipino Workforce

This past June 12, as the nation commemorated its freedom, a different kind of independence was being forged inside SM Supermalls across the country. In a powerful display of unity between the private sector and the government, SM Supermalls and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) transformed mall spaces into hubs of opportunity, effectively bringing the future directly to the doorsteps of over 21,000 Filipinos.  

A Catalyst for Transformation

The nationwide Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs were more than just recruitment events; they were a testament to the life-changing potential of accessible, community-based initiatives. By uniting over 800 employers with thousands of hopeful job seekers, the event facilitated an environment where aspirations met reality, resulting in over 1,900 individuals being hired on the spot.  

For many, the day marked a turning point. Patrick Tamayo, who secured a position as a Mobile Promoter, expressed his gratitude for the unexpected speed of the process, noting, "Masaya po ako na hired-on-the-spot ako. Matutulungan ko na po ang pamilya ko". Similarly, Ma. Jamaica Pabunan, who was hired as a Pharmacy Assistant, described the event as an "answered prayer" and praised the organization of the initiative.  

More Than Just a Job

The collaboration between SM and DOLE has evolved, moving beyond traditional recruitment to create a comprehensive ecosystem of growth. Recognizing that modern careers require modern skills, the job fairs integrated crucial upskilling opportunities.  

Through partnerships with TESDA, the DICT, and Jobstreet, attendees gained access to training in high-demand areas such as:

Digital Proficiency: Canva basics and AI prompting.  

Cybersecurity Awareness: Essential training for the digital age.  

Livelihood Development: Practical skills, such as creating doormats and potholders, which participants like Rhodora Felipe are now using to support their families' daily expenses.  

Streamlining the Path to Success

To further empower job seekers, SM malls hosted a "One-Stop Government Service Express." This initiative allowed applicants to process necessary employment requirements—including those for SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and NBI—all under one roof, saving them valuable time and resources.  

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto emphasized the importance of this unified approach, stating, "Samantalahin natin ang lahat nang programa ng pamahalaan lalo na’t habang nandito tayo. Sa SM maraming salamat–ang importante nagtutulungan po tayong lahat at ginagawa natin ang lahat nang ating makakaya".  

Sustaining the Momentum

The success of this Independence Day initiative is part of a broader, ongoing commitment to national workforce development. As Dannah Majarocon of Jobstreet by SEEK noted, the goal is to promote "the freedom to grow, the freedom to upskill, and the freedom to find the job that suits you". 

For those who missed the event, the journey does not end here. SM Supermalls continues to host job fairs year-round, ensuring that opportunities for growth remain accessible.  

Upcoming Job Fair Schedule (June 2026):

June 16–17: SM City Novaliches (QC University Job Fair) & SM City Iloilo (ICT companies)  

June 17: SM City Calamba  

June 18: SM City Bacolod & SM City Daet  

June 19: SM City Baliwag (NU Job Fair)  

June 25: SM City Trece Martires  

June 27: SM City Bataan (Trabaho at Negosyo)  

June 30: SM Center Muntinlupa  

Note: Schedules may change without prior notice. For the latest updates, please visit the SM Supermalls Job Fair page or their official social media channels.