Bretman Rock’s Luxe El Nido Escape: Inside His “White Lotus” Work Vacation at Lihim Resorts

El Nido, Philippines — When global icon Bretman Rock takes a vacation, you know it’s going to be fabulous — and his recent tropical getaway to Lihim Resorts in El Nido was no exception. Blending work and pleasure, Bretman traded city lights for island vibes as he jetted off to Palawan’s most exclusive hideaway for a “workcation” that felt straight out of a White Lotus episode.

In a recent TikTok video, Gen Z star Bretman Rock revealed he was in El Nido with BLK Cosmetics, sharing, “I’m actually here with BLK Cosmetics, which is owned by Ms. Anne Curtis-Smith. I love her so much, and I am just happy to be here.” Along with his excitement, Bretman gushed about his love for Philippine mangoes and the iconic Philippine sunkissed glow, embracing the tropical paradise with his signature charm.

In another video, Bretman showcased a stunning view of El Nido’s paradise — a breathtaking panorama of lush greenery and turquoise waters. The exact spot? Right in front of the Presidential Villa at Lihim Resorts, where floor-to-ceiling windows and wrap-around balconies invite guests to wake up to nature’s masterpiece every morning.

What to Expect When You Visit This Luxury Resort in El Nido

Lihim Resorts, El Nido welcomes guests into their own personal sanctuary where exceptional service and stunning natural beauty create memorable experiences. The resort has an all-villa accommodation — from Luxury Villas and Seaside Villas to Premium Villas and the prestigious Presidential Suite, known as the “Araw Villa”. Each villa features wrap-around balconies with breathtaking sea and forest views, along with your own bath tub, and outdoor bath and shower areas surrounded by lush greenery. Enhancing the experience, a dedicated butler attends to every detail, ensuring a seamless stay from arrival to departure.

Wellness seekers can indulge in bespoke treatments at Panari Spa, stay active at the fitness studio, or enjoy a match on the tennis and basketball courts. Culinary adventures await at Gana Restaurant, where Filipino flavors shine, and at Henri’s, where you can savor exquisite dishes while witnessing the best sunset views in El Nido. For a more intimate experience, private dining options are available in hidden corners of the resort. For those in search of exploration, Lihim offers exclusive access to Cadlao Lagoon Lounge and Hayag Beach Club — hidden gems on secluded shores and secret lagoons that showcase the raw beauty of El Nido, making every moment at the resort a magical retreat.

Bretman's Presidential Villa

Perched at the peak of the resort’s mountain, this exclusive 146-sqm villa boasts breathtaking 180-degree views of Bacuit Bay and Calaan Beach. Inside, you’ll find a spacious retreat featuring a king-sized bed, a cozy kitchen space, and an outdoor shower with a luxurious bath tub, all designed to immerse you in nature without compromising comfort. Indulge in the villa’s private plunge pool, unwind in your personal sauna, and enjoy round-the-clock pampering with 24/7 private butler service. Curious to experience the Bretman Rock treatment for yourself? Lihim Resorts invites you to discover your own private paradise — where luxury and nature exist in perfect harmony.

Lihim Resorts, El Nido stands as the flagship of Araw Hospitality Group — a visionary collection of resorts in the Philippines redefining the industry through memorable stays rooted in curated experiences, wellness, sustainability, and cultural richness. Book your Lihim stay now at lihim.com.

Salum and Champ Green shine bright at the Puregold CinePanalo 2025 awards night

Hiligaynon full-length film Salum directed by TM Malones and Mindanaoan short film Champ Green were honored the top prizes in their respective categories at the second edition of the wildly successful Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.

At the awarding ceremony, held on March 19 at The Elements, Eton Centris in Quezon City, Salum took home four Puregold CinePanalo trophies in the full-length category namely: Panalong Pelikula, Panalo sa Production Design, Panalo sa Sound Design, and Panalo sa Musical Scoring as well as a cash prize of PhP 250,000. Meanwhile, Champ Green received a PhP 100,000 cash prize and five trophies in the student shorts category including Panalong Maikling Pelikula, Panalong Pangalawang Aktor for Sol Eugenio, Panalo sa Kwento, Panalo sa Brand Intrusion, and Mowelfund Special Citation.

In addition, Champ Green, being the students shorts winner, also won film equipment including a Black Mist ⅛, a Dream Filter, a Blue Lightstreak Filter from MFP Rentals and Kase Philippines; a Nanlite FC 60B with Merch from MQ Group and Nanlite Philippines; and a Hollyland Lark C1 Wireless Microphone from Sieztech Enterprize and Hollyland Tech Philippines. Champ Green also won an extra PHP25,000 for winning the Panalo sa Brand Intrusion, as did fellow short film G! and full-length film Journeyman who won the same award; as well as Checkmate and Taympers, who similarly tied for Pinakapanalong Promosyon ng Pelikula. Each of these sponsors gladly awarded Champ Green with the equipment in order to support the development of young Filipino filmmakers such as Champ Green director Clyde Cuizon Gamale.

In the full-length category, another Hiligaynon film Tigkiliwi nabbed seven trophies including Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Hurado and Panalo sa Kwento for its writer-director Tara Illenberger. The charming film about a community of misfits swept the acting awards categories including Panalong Aktres for Ruby Ruiz, and Panalong Pangalawang Aktor for Jeffrey Jiruma.

In an interesting turn of events, two ties were declared during the awards night. The Panalong Aktor trophy was shared between JP Larroder as Tigkiliwi’s Tata, and Khalil Ramos as the titular Olsen in Olsen’s Day while both Journeyman and Olsen’s Day were declared the winners of the Panalo sa Cinematography category. Meanwhile, JP Habac of Olsen’s Day bagged the Panalong Direktor award.

Journeyman by the sibling-tandem of Christian Paolo and Dominic Lat took home a total of six trophies namely: Panalo Sa International Jury, Panalo sa Cinematography (tie with Olsen’s Day), Panalo sa Film Poster, the MTRCB Special Award for Responsableng Paglikha, Panalo sa Brand Intrusion, and the Puregold Always Panalo Film which it shared with the romantic-comedy film Fleeting by Catsi Catalan.

For the student shorts, Uwian, directed by Panalong Direktor winner Vhan Marco Molacruz of Colegio de San Juan de Letran crushed the competition, winning five different awards including Panalong Direktor, Panalo sa Musical Scoring, Panalo sa Production Design, Panalong Aktres for Geraldine Villamil, and Panalong Pangalawang Aktres for Uzziel Delamide.

Other notable entries to the student shorts category included Sean Rafael Verdejo’s absurdist dramedy Dela Cruz, Juan P., which took home Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Hurado; as well as Ira Corinne Esguerra’s coming-of-age sibling story SamPie, which took home the Puregold Always Panalo Film award.

Each award was deliberated upon by an impressive lineup of qualified judges, including Festival Director Christopher Cahilig, Festival Chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, and Republic Creative Creations, Inc. representative Sonny Bautista, each of whom sat on both the student shorts and full-length jury panels. Joining them on the students shorts panel were directors Emmanuel Dela Cruz and Victor Villanueva, as well as film critic Lito Zulueta. The full-length jury panel, on the other hand, consisted of Cahilig, Hayagan-Piedad, and Bautista, as well as directors Jeffrey Jeturian and Mae Cruz-Alviar, writer and producer Moira Lang, and Estonian filmmaker Tiina Lokk, the festival director of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.

This year’s CinePanalo saw increased grants for all entries, with PHP 3,000,000 grants for full-length entries, and P150,000 grants for student shorts. The festival was also supported in large part by its partner organizations ​​Terminal Six Post, CMB Film Services Inc., Gateway Cineplex 18, MFP Rentals, the MTRCB, and the Mowelfund Film Institute.

“The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival will always be fueled by a deep love for the art of cinema, and an even deeper ambition to show what Philippine talent and passion has to offer,” said Festival Chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad. “With the CinePanalo having reached a successful second edition, the possibilities are now endless. We can’t wait for all the wonderful films yet to grace the Puregold CinePanalo in all the years to come.”

Salum, Champ Green, and all the other full-length and student short films of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2025 will continue to screen exclusively at the Gateway Cineplex 18, Cubao, Quezon City until the closing of the festival on March 25. Regular tickets are P250, with discounts available for students, PWDs, seniors, Tindahan ni Aling Puring, and Perks Card members for P200. Meanwhile, festival passes for the entire experience cost P2,000, granting holders entrance to all official movie entries.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS:

Pinakapanalong Pelikula

Full-Length: Salum (TM Malones)

Student Shorts: Champ Green (Clyde Cuizon Gamale)

Puregold Always Panalo Film

Full-Length: Journeyman (Christian Paolo Lat & Dominic Lat), Fleeting (Catsi Catalan)

Student Shorts: Sampie, (Ira Corinne Esquerra Malit)

Panalong Direktor

Full-Length: JP Habac, Olsen’s Day

Student Shorts: Vhan Marco B. Molacruz, Uwian

Panalong Aktres

Full-Length: Ruby Ruiz as Nay Pansay, Tigkiliwi

Student Shorts: Geraldine Villamil as Remy, Uwian

Panalong Aktor

Full-Length:

Khalil Ramos as Olsen, Olsen’s Day

JP Larroder as Tata, Tigkiliwi

Student Shorts:

Lucas Martin as Sam, SamPie

Jasper John as Juan Dela Cruz, Dela Cruz, Juan P.

Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Mga Hurado

Full-Length: Tigkiliwi (Tara Illenberger)

Student Shorts: Dela Cruz, Juan P. (Sean Rafael A. Verdejo)

Panalo Sa Mga Manonood

Full-Length: Co-Love (Jill Singson Urdaneta)

Student Shorts: Sisenta! (Mae Malaya)

Panalong Pangalawang Aktres

Full-Length: Gabby Padilla as Marlin, Tigkiliwi

Student Shorts: Uzziel Delamide as Imang, Uwian

Panalong Pangalawang Aktor

Full-Length: Jeffrey Jiruma as Pol, Tigkiliwi

Student Shorts: Sol Eugenio as Tekbong, Champ Green

Panalong Ensemble

Full-Length: Tigkiliwi (Tara Illenberger)

Student Shorts: Sine-Sine (Roniño Dolim)

Panalong Kwento

Full-Length: Tara Illenberger, Tigkiliwi

Student Shorts: Clyde Cuizon Gamale, Champ Green

Panalo sa Cinematography

Full-Length:

Dominic Lat, Journeyman

Kara Moreno, Olsen’s Day

Student Shorts: Lance Lascano, Dan, En Pointe

Panalo sa Production Design

Full-Length: Kyle Fermindoza, Salum

Student Shorts: Andrea Jayne Perang, Uwian

Panalo sa Musical Scoring

Full-Length: Armor Rapista, Salum

Student Shorts: Len Calvo, Uwian

Panalo sa Editing

Full-Length: Vanessa Ubas de Leon, Co-Love

Student Shorts: Jose Andy Sales, G!

Panalo sa Sound Design

Full-Length: Fatima Nerikka Salim and Immanuel Verona, Salum

Student Shorts: Elian Idioma, Dela Cruz, Juan P.

Panalong Awitin

Full-Length: “DI KO PINILI” by Kiko Salazar, performed by KD Estrada, Co-Love

Student Shorts: “Suga, Camera, Saad” by Jonathan Rey Sartorio and Lloyd Martin Villacortes Arce, performed by Jonathan Rey “ROTT” Sartorio, Sine-Sine

Panalo sa Brand Intrusion

Full-Length: Journeyman (555 Sardines and Lucky Me!)

Student Shorts: Champ Green (Bear Brand), G! (Chuckie)

Panalo sa Film Poster

Full-Length: Journeyman by Christian Paolo Lat and Dominic Lat

Student Shorts: Checkmate by Alexie Nicole Pardo

Pinakapanalong Promosyon ng Pelikula

Student Shorts:

Checkmate by Alexie Nicole Pardo

Taympers by Naiah Nicole Mendoza

Responsableng Paglikha

Full-Length: Journeyman by Christian Paolo Lat and Dominic Lat

Student Shorts:Dan, En Pointe by Adelbert Abrigonda

Sine-Sine by Roniño Dolim

1… 2… Strike!!! by Kenneth Flores

Mowelfund Special Citation

Full-Length: Olsen’s Day

Student Shorts: Champ Green

Panalo sa International Jury

Journeyman by Christian Paolo Lat and Dominic Lat

The National Resilience Council’s colloquium proves resilience thrives in collaboration

The National Resilience Council (NRC) of the Philippines convened a diverse group of stakeholders for the event “From Surviving to Thriving: Transformative Strategies through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and Innovations.” As a science and technology-driven public-private partnership, the NRC unites national and local governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector to advance the interconnected objectives of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Climate Agreement, New Urban Agenda, and other global commitments.

Held as the 2025 Resilient Local Government Unit Program (RGLUP) Colloquium, the event showcased progress and updates from participating cities and municipalities in the NRC’s Adopt a City (AAC) Initiative. This initiative enables corporations to move beyond disaster relief, investing in risk reduction through preparedness funding, prevention, pre-disaster recovery planning, and long-term resilience programs. By empowering local governments, AAC promotes collaborative efforts to build safer, more resilient communities.



National Resilience Council (NRC) Co-Chairman for the Private Sector Hans Sy, in his message of support, reiterates that resilience is a continuous journey and is a collective responsibility to build on progress, promote innovation, and ensure lasting impact.

The colloquium also welcomed NRC’s private and public sector partners, with notable participation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of National Defense, and the United Nations ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies – Philippine network. The event opened with inspiring messages from NRC Co-Chairman for the private sector and SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, NRC Vice Chairman for civil service organizations and Zuellig Family Foundation President Austere Panadero, and NRC Vice Chairman for the scientific organizations and academe and Director of the Manila Observatory Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ.



National Resilience Council (NRC) Executive Director Silvestre Barrameda Jr., NRC Vice Chair for the academe Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin SJ, NRC Co-Chair Hans Sy, and NRC Vice Chair for civil service organizations Austere Panadero listen as participants of the Adopt-a-City Initiative present their progress towards disaster resilience.

Cities in the AAC’s Prepare phase—Baguio, Iligan, Mandaue, and Tiwi, Albay—presented their innovative disaster resilience strategies. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong emphasized, “Baguio’s resilience journey highlights the power of collaboration and national support.” Meanwhile, cities in the Adapt and Transform phase, the initiative’s next stages —Naga, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Bataan, Manila, and Ormoc—highlighted their advanced strides. Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez shared, “I am very proud to say that because of Project Transform, together with our esteemed partners, Ormoc City is always on track in terms of environmental stewardship and resilience.”



At the National Resilience Council (NRC) Colloquium, local government units in the Adopt-a-City Initiative deliver a public narrative and take part in a panel discussion with leading resilience experts.



Public officials take the opportunity to proudly expound on the programs developed together with the support of the National Resilience Council (NRC) and other partners.

A highlight of the event was the launch of the Resilience Competency Assessment (CompAss), a tool designed to strengthen local government capabilities in disaster resilience. Drawing from the NRC’s mission, the colloquium underscored the power of multi-stakeholder collaboration in driving transformative change. By bridging sectors and promoting innovation, the NRC and its partners are paving the way for a resilient Philippines.



The National Resilience Council (NRC) Board launches the Resilience Competency Assessment (CompAss) at the colloquium together with representatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of National Defense, the United Nations ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies - Philippine network, and the City Mayor of Baguio, Hon. Benjamin Magalong, and Mayor of the Municipality of Tiwi, Albay, Hon. Jaime Villanueva.



More than 150 members, partners, supporters and participants of the National Resilience Council (NRC)’s programs came together to celebrate the achievements of local government units in the realm of disaster risk resilience.

Step Forward for Inclusion: Happy Walk 2025 Unites Communities Nationwide

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This March 30, 2025, thousands of families, advocates, and supporters will come together to celebrate Happy Walk 2025, a nationwide movement dedicated to fostering awareness, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with Down Syndrome.

Hosted by SM Cares in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), this year’s event will take place at SMX Convention Center – Manila with simultaneous celebrations at SM City Cebu, SM City Bacolod, and SM CDO Downtown Premier, making it a truly nationwide effort to highlight the abilities and aspirations of individuals with Down Syndrome.

Two Happy Walkers take small, but meaningful steps with support and fanfare from the SM community.

More Than Just a Walk: A Movement for Inclusion

For more than two decades, Happy Walk has been more than an event—it is a powerful movement that highlights the strengths, talents, and contributions of individuals with Down Syndrome. It is a day of joy, unity, and acceptance, where communities come together to celebrate not just differences, but also shared dreams and aspirations.

“Happy Walk is not just about taking steps; it’s about making a difference. Every year, this event brings people together to reaffirm that individuals with Down Syndrome deserve the same opportunities, recognition, and support as everyone else. It is a celebration of abilities, not limitations,” said Nill Patrick Arroyo, DSAPI Board Member & Head, Happy Walk 2025. 

With the involvement of thousands of volunteers, this event is now more than just a walk—it’s a movement for change.

Participants come together to show love and support for individuals with Down Syndrome.

A Nationwide Call for Participation

With the theme “321 & Beyond”, Happy Walk 2025 is expected to draw thousands of participants, from individuals with Down Syndrome and their families to volunteers, educators, corporate partners, and inclusivity advocates. The event will feature various activities, including performances, inspirational stories, and community-building initiatives that reinforce the importance of inclusivity in society.

“SM Cares has been a proud partner of Happy Walk for years because we believe in the importance of creating a society where everyone feels valued and included. This event is a reminder that inclusivity is not just an initiative—it is a responsibility we all share,” said Engr. Bien C. Mateo, SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs.

SM Prime Chairman Hans Sy, together with SM Cares and DSAPI members, is celebrating the success of last year’s Happy Walk event.

The Happy Walk community continues to grow in number and contribute to a broader movement of inclusivity and empowerment.

Join the Movement: How to Be Part of Happy Walk 2025

Everyone is encouraged to take part in this inspiring event—whether by walking, volunteering, or simply showing support. To register, kindly visit the official Happy Walk 2025 registration page at: https://portal.dsapi.ph/dsapi/Register/RegParticipant. For more details on how to join, follow SM Cares’ social media pages.

About SM Cares

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, leading initiatives on inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and community development. Through its long-standing partnership with DSAPI, SM Cares continues to advocate for persons with disabilities, ensuring that every SM mall is a place where everyone feels welcome and valued.

About DSAPI

The Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. Through education, awareness campaigns, and community-building efforts like Happy Walk, DSAPI works to create a more inclusive society.

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SM Job Fairs: Bringing career opportunities nationwide

SM Supermalls is making job hunting easier, faster, and more rewarding! February’s job fairs set the stage for 2025, with the SM Retail Job Fair at SM North EDSA successfully connecting more than a thousand job seekers with top employers. Now, the momentum continues with a nationwide series of job fairs this March, offering even more opportunities for Filipinos to build their careers.



SM Retail's Job Fair at SM North EDSA bridges thousands of job seekers with leading employers.

The March schedule includes:

March 21 (Friday) – SM City Trece Martires and SM City Naga


March 25 (Tuesday) – SM City Bacoor


March 27 (Thursday) – SM City Daet


March 28 (Friday) – SM City Sta. Mesa and SM City Trece Martires


March 29 (Saturday) – SM Seaside City Cebu


Success stories: Real people, real impact

SM Job Fairs continue to change lives by providing a fresh start, stable incomes, and career growth. Here’s what some of our hired-on-the-spot applicants had to say:



John Paul Arido begins his career journey as a Stock Clerk at SM Hypermarket.

“This is the best—I can finally stand on my own and support my family! Thank you, SM Job Fair, for this life-changing opportunity. I hope more job seekers take advantage of this chance to build a better future.” - John Paul Arido, a newly hired Stock Clerk at SM Hypermarket



SM Hypermarket welcomes Maria Patricia De Leon, a new Customer Assistance team member hired instantly.

"Getting hired on the spot was both exciting and overwhelming since this is my first job fair. Thank you, SM, for creating opportunities like this—your job fairs truly make a difference for job seekers like me!" - Maria Patricia De Leon, hired on the spot for Customer Assistance at SM Hypermarket




Joselito Oniza joins the Watsons team as a proud pharmacist assistant.

"I’m grateful to be hired on the spot after two months of job hunting. This opportunity means so much to me and my family. The SM Job Fair was well-organized, and the staff were very approachable, making the entire process smooth and comfortable.” - Joselito Oniza, hired pharmacist assistant at Watsons



Teresa Enriquez, Toy Kingdom’s newest cashier, is excited to start her journey in customer service.

"I’ve been following SM Supermalls’ job fair schedule, hoping for a chance to work for an SM-affiliated company. Being hired on the spot made the wait completely worth it! What sets SM Job Fairs apart is the quality of employers—established, reputable companies that offer real career opportunities. I’m truly grateful for this experience!" - Teresa Enriquez, Cashier at Toy Kingdom

Hassle-free job hunting with on-site government services

Finding a job is easier when everything you need is in one place! SM Job Fairs feature government agency booths to assist applicants with essential requirements, such as Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Pag-IBIG Fund—ensuring a smooth hiring process.


Driving growth, building the nation

More than just hiring events, SM Job Fairs contribute to economic recovery and uplift communities. With SM Supermalls' commitment to employment, more Filipinos are securing brighter futures. Your next big career move starts here—don’t miss out!



SM Retail and SM North EDSA unite to empower job seekers at a bustling job fair.

About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls, a division of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the Philippines' leading mall developer, dedicated to sustainable and community-driven initiatives. Through its job fairs, SM Supermalls continues to empower job seekers, support businesses, and contribute to economic growth.

Women on Fire 2025: Empowering Women, Building Resilient Communities

The iconic SM Mall of Asia Globe lights up in purple to celebrate gender equality, together with SM Cares, United Nations Philippines, and the Philippine Commission for Women.

In recognition of National Women’s Month and Fire Prevention Month, SM Cares launched Women on Fire, a celebration of the remarkable leadership, strength, courage, and resilience of women in fire prevention, disaster response, and community safety. Through collaboration with key government agencies and private organizations, Women on Fire served as a platform for education, awareness, and empowerment, reaching over 25,000 participants across all initiatives.

SM Cares, in partnership with the United Nations Philippines and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), kicked off Women’s Month on February 28 with the Purple Illumination Ceremony, lighting up the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Globe and mall façades nationwide. As a globally recognized symbol of justice, dignity, and women’s rights, the color purple marked the start of National Women’s Month in the Philippines, reinforcing SM’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment.

SM Megamall’s Time Sculpture turns purple in support of women empowerment.

Shoppers at SM North Edsa walk through the display at the LED Tunnel, a striking tribute to gender equality and women’s resilience.

Strengthening Preparedness and Safety

A key highlight of the campaign was Women on Fire, which recognized female firefighters, emergency responders, and community leaders for their role in safety, fire prevention and disaster preparedness. On March 4, 2025, SM Cares and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) conducted the 4th SM & BFP Nationwide Simultaneous Fire Drill across SM malls nationwide, with SM Mall of Asia as the main venue. Hundreds of registered participants took part in the Fire Square Roadshow, engaging in fire safety demonstrations and interactive training sessions to strengthen preparedness.

"Women are at the forefront of resilience. Through ‘Women on Fire,’ we celebrate and honor their contributions and reaffirm our commitment to gender-inclusive safety efforts," said Atty. Pearly Joan Turley, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President of the Corporate Compliance Group and SM Cares Program Director for Women.

A female mall-goer tries the fire fighter’s protective uniform at the Fire Square Roadshow of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).	Students from the Philippine College of Criminology participate in the Fire Square Roadshow of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Women in Resilience: Empowering Women as Leaders in Disaster Preparedness and Community Building

On March 5, 2025, SM Cares and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) led the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration Kickoff at SM Mall of Asia. The event, centered on the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas”, aimed to empower women across various sectors, particularly those from marginalized communities. Its activities included gender equality discussions on women’s rights and leadership, a trade fair showcasing products from women-led MSMEs and free services such as medical check-ups, legal consultations and livelihood support. 

Meanwhile, the Women LEAD Forum, co-hosted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and SM Cares, emphasized the crucial role of women at the barangay and grassroots levels in disaster resilience. The discussion underscored how women-led initiatives strengthen community preparedness and serve as models for national climate and disaster resilience programs.

On Day 2 with PCW, SM Prime Vice President Jessica Bianca Sy emphasizes the significance of empowering women in our communities.

The celebration also highlights the launch of the 50th Anniversary coffee table book, entitled as “From HerStory and Beyond: Five Decades of the Philippine Commission on Women”.

On Day 3 with DILG, the panel discussion moderated by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Specialist for the Urban Connect Project Crystal Eunice Dela Cruz, highlights the significance of women’s leadership.

Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano (center) receives the DILG Certificate of Appreciation for Advancing Women’s Leadership for Community Resilience.

SM Cares Champions Safe and Inclusive Spaces with Safe Spaces Act Orientation

To reinforce its commitment to creating safe environments, SM Cares held the 3rd Nationwide Safe Spaces Act Orientation on March 4 and 6, engaging more than 12,000 participants across 86 SM malls nationwide. This initiative educated students, employees, tenants, and security personnel on the importance of maintaining harassment-free spaces in malls and workplaces.

SM Supermalls holds the 3rd Nationwide Orientation on the Safe Spaces Act with in the photo: Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Officer in Charge Executive Director Nharleen Santos-Millar, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President (VP) of the Corporate Compliance Group (CCG) Atty. Pearly Joan Turley, PCW former Executive Director Atty. Khay Ann Magundayao-Borlado, SM Supermalls VP for CCG Liza Silerio, together with SM Supermalls security and janitorial personnel.

For more updates on SM Cares' initiatives, visit the official website or follow @SMCaresOfficial on social media.

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