Through the newly-deployed Green Recycling Machines (GR Machines), SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) uses the nationwide reach of SM Supermalls to make sustainable action easy, accessible, and rewarding for mallgoers all over the country.

"The GR Machines enrich the SM Group's existing waste management efforts under the SM Green Movement," said SM Supermalls President, Steven Tan. "Through the deployment of these machines, we hope to collaborate with our customers in caring for the environment by helping recycle PET bottles whenever they enter their most loved SM Supermalls."

Each GR Machine can be operated with ease by any user and can accept PET bottles up to two liters. Together, the GR Machines nationwide can collectively hold up to 5,000 bottles in one collection cycle which are compressed in-machine. The compressed PET blocks are then collected and given a second life by SM's hauling partner Sentinel which transforms the blocks into reusable items such as food trays.

Little makes much: Preserving the environment one diverted bottle at a time

According to the World Bank, the Philippines leaks more than 300 million metric tons of plastic waste into the sea annually—equivalent to around 9 percent of its improperly handled plastic waste. The Philippines was also noted as one of East Asia and the Pacific region's top contributors to ocean plastic pollution.

Recognizing that sustainability and protecting the environment is beyond the effort of one entity, SM has leveraged its presence nationwide through its properties to engage its customers and surrounding communities in maximizing the collection of recyclables especially plastics. Through SM Cares, its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM empowers communities to adopting sustainable practices through simple and accessible ways to take part in protecting the environment. Arresting the growing issue on pollution, the SM Group has enhanced waste segregation efforts to increase its collection and diversion of plastics from the environment since 2007 with its pioneer program, the Trash to Cash recycling market. 

SM Group's Trash to Cash initiative was organized by SM Cares as the pilot community program that encouraged customers to segregate recyclables like metal, paper, and plastic and exchange these for cash on a monthly basis. SM Supermalls also followed up this effort with the launch of two Reverse Vending Machines in SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall which empowered customers to segregate aluminum cans and empty PETs in exchange for discounts on sports and leisure attractions. On top of these, SM also hosts nationwide coastal clean-up drives annually through the strength and effort of its workforce volunteers.

With the latest in mobile recycling technology, SM's GR Machines encourage customers to turn good intentions into daily environmentally-conscious actions in three easy steps:

1. Feed any PET bottle up to 2 liters into the machine

2. Confirm your deposit by pressing the prompt on the screen

3. Await your reward

"This is just a glimpse into how SM aims to enrich the Circular Economy through the elevated role we play in integrating seamless waste management efforts, all for Filipinos. We are hopeful that with the addition of the SM GR Machines, our continued partnership with our customers in protecting the environment yields a more sustainable future" said Tan.

Customers can start depositing their plastic bottles in SM GR Machines across the following malls: SM North EDSA, SM City San Lazaro, SM Megamall, SM The Podium, SM Aura, SM Southmall, SM Mall of Asia, S’Maison, SM Seaside City Cebu and SM Lanang.

This year’s edition is a maxed-out experience, bringing an all-out global showdown of world-class pyrotechnics, music, and color. Each competing country lights up the night sky with high-impact visuals, perfectly synced to sound, designed to stop scrolls. Bigger bursts. Cleaner timing. Stronger crowd reactions. Every show competes for the title of Best Pyromusical Display, and every night delivers main-character energy.

The 2026 experience goes beyond fireworks. It is about the full vibe. Friends meet early, eat out, walk the strip, shoot content, and stay late. The fireworks are the peak moment but the night is the story. It is social, loud, and built for repeat weekends. This is not a one and done event. It is a weekly reset.

SM Mall of Asia continues to be the venue of choice for Gen Z, families, and friend groups. The open waterfront, easy access, and mix of food, entertainment, and hangout spots make it the go to place for shared experiences. Families turn it into a tradition. Friends turn it into plans. Gen Z turns it into content.

Adding to the fully maxed out experience is SM Mall of Asia’s wide dining lineup, giving guests plenty of options before and after the show. These include RICO'S LECHON, HAIDILAO, RACKS, ITALLIANIS, WATAMI, CBTL, MODERN SHANG, OLIVE GARDEN, BULGOGI BROTHERS, LECHONERIA, YAKINIKU LIKE, PEPPER LUNCH, DOHTONBORI, JATUJAK, PAIK'S COFFEE, KIWAMI, YAKINIKU KING, MAPLE TREE, DU HSIAO YUE, ROSSOPOMODORO, GERRY'S GRILL, TGI FRIDAYS, MESA, DONG WON, FELY J'S, BBQ CHICKEN, HOSHINO, CELADON, TAJIMAYA, KRAZY GARLIC, LONGHORN, and DESSERT 39.

The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2026 features top pyrotechnic teams from across the globe:

• February 21. Opening Exhibition with the Philippines and Hermanos Caballer of Spain.

• February 28. Fireworks Spectaculars of Canada versus Steffes Olig Feuerwerke of Germany.

• March 7. LUX Factory of France against Martarello SRL of Italy.

• March 14. Pirotecnia Minhota of Portugal facing the Pyrotex Fireworx of the United Kingdom.

• March 21. Polaris Fireworks of China followed by the Closing Exhibition from the Philippines.

More than just a fireworks competition, this event shows why the Philippines is a destination for big, world-class lifestyle experiences. Bigger crowds. Bigger moments. Bigger energy. Your most loved mall, SM, brings it All for You with a fully maxed-out experience at SM Mall of Asia.

The absence of public transportation due to social distancing effectively limited every household's capability to commute for essentials, and many relied on biking as their lifeline. 

Recognizing the urgency in supporting its customers and surrounding communities during the challenges of the pandemic, SM Supermalls strengthened the drive for Active Mobility across all of its malls nationwide. Since then, the mall leader has become a home and advocate for Active Mobility, remaining consistent in forging spaces that not only accommodate, but protect bikers. 

Because of this effort, SM has won the trust and confidence of its stakeholders in advocating for sustainable travel, culminating in a record-breaking 34-win citation at the 2025 Mobility awards.

 "What began as a heartfelt initiative to support bikers during COVID, has now become an integrated bike program spanning every single SM mall in the country," said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing, Joaquin San Agustin. "Active Mobility plays a crucial role not just in preserving the environment but in the enrichment of every Filipino. Thus, SM aims to continually foster the culture of biking across its properties by creating beloved places where movement is safe, easy, and inclusive for everyone."

Active Mobility Advances Through Coaction

Through a collaboration between its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares, its mall operations, and biking communities, SM continues to refine itself as a bike-friendly space championing maxed-out Active Mobility, cycling, and inclusive transport.

"It started with us setting up parking spots exclusive to bikes to ease access for cyclists picking up essentials in our malls. Then when the volume of cyclists picked up even as the lockdown eased, we knew we had to do more for them," said Mina Kahn, SM Division Head and Assistant Vice President for Transportation Management. 

For the mall leader, this meant improving transport access through sustainable means it could easily replicate across its properties nationwide. This involved carving out dedicated spaces equipped with essential tools to safeguard and repair bikes, protecting bikes from scratches with upcycled tires cushioning racks, the introduction of intuitive bike lanes for biker safety, and the promotion of the culture of cycling.

From there, bike-friendly features have become staples even in recent developments and renovations with plans to implement more secure bike parking, install more racks, and clearer cycling lanes around the malls. Cycling groups also found a conducive haven for activities at SM properties. Biking events were regularly encouraged and hosted, with surrounding tenants adjusting operating hours to accommodate cyclists, further promoting biking not just as a mode of transportation but as a lifestyle and sport one could enjoy.

This in turn earned SM a total of 34 accolades at the recent Mobility Awards: One Gold, 11 Silver and 22 bronze for nationwide mall efforts in promoting and protecting cycling as a culture across its properties.

Additionally, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) cited SM's sustainable approach as a demonstration of its leadership, innovation and long-term commitment to making active transport safer and more accessible to Filipinos. Its Pedal Power 2025 program was highlighted for this year's Notable Advocacy Program and the SM Supermalls Sustainable Mobility and Bike-Friendly program received a citation for Notable Development by the Private Sector.

MANILA, Philippines, 14 January 2026 - With the Southeast Asian (SEA) Open Short Track Speed Skating trophy's Philippine return, SM hopes the country's success at the international derby captures a crucial window of opportunity to further enrich local skating talent. 

Designed as an entry-level international competition, the SEA Trophy gives young and emerging skaters the opportunity to compete, learn, and gain exposure on a friendly yet structured stage.

“We are thrilled with the results of the latest season of this international competition,” said Joseph Silva, Senior Assistant Vice President for SM Skating. “Since its inaugural run, we’ve seen steady growth in participation, and this year marks our highest turnout yet, along with the country’s strongest medal haul to date. Coupled with the surge of interest in ice sports following the Philippines’ recent SEA Games successes, we see this as a pivotal moment to spotlight the potential of our young, emerging athletes and further strengthen support for the development of their talent.”

On its third local mounting, the SEA Trophy has registered its largest volume of participants at 90 athletes ages six to 24 years old representing the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, India, and Indonesia. The Philippines emerged with a total medal win of 12 gold, 11 silver, and 6 bronze medals.

"Most of the athletes who join are starting out on their skating journeys. With this international competition, they gain more than a chance of winning medals. They attain access to a professional arena, while competing against regional athletes exposing them to different styles of athleticism," said Nikki Cheng, President of the Philippine Skating Union.

Giving young, emerging athletes a home and an arena to shine

A long-time advocate of ice sports in the Philippines, SM has been home to the SEA Trophy since 2023. Mounted by SM through its Sports and Leisure Center (SLC) and SM Skating, the competition was hosted at the Olympic-sized rink of SM Skating Mall of Asia—one of the country's most established ice sports venues.

Backed by the International Skating Union (ISU) Development Commission and the Philippine Sports Commission, the SEA Trophy also serves as a development platform that ensures global participation in ice sports while encouraging skills progression, coaching exchange, and cross border-collaboration.

“Beyond providing conducive spaces for athletes to train and compete, SM recognizes that true skill development comes from exposure to international competition,” said Silva. “Events like this put everything they’ve trained for to the test, while fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship, values that are honed only on the ice, alongside fellow athletes.”

Through this holistic approach, SM has given both emerging and competitive athletes a home that hones them into champions. SEA Games podium finisher Hans Buemio, started his skating journey at SM's skating rinks. He has gone on to qualify as the country’s first homegrown speed skater for the ISU Junior World Cup series and is preparing for the next competition in Utah. Meanwhile, emerging international skating athletes have also been honed through the SEA Trophy. Chinese skater Bingzhen Dai is also a product of the tournament and has been training in SM’s Skating Rinks for the last two years. Silva hopes that with holistic support, more emerging athletes like them can come to fulfill their potential.

"With SM, our skating industry will always have a home one that provides inclusive and accessible pathways for our talents to grow and succeed. Through the 2026 SEA Trophy, we look forward to discovering our future champions and showcasing their excellence to the world.”