SM and Jobstreet Champion Filipino MSMEs at 2025 MSME Summit

 Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines, in partnership with SM Supermalls, welcomed entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and key stakeholders to the MSME Summit 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. The event showcased the shared commitment of Jobstreet and SM Supermalls to empower Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and foster sustainable growth for the nation’s backbone industries. Ms. Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines, highlighted the summit’s goal: supporting MSMEs as a driving force of the Philippine economy.

“SM aims to be a partner in every MSME’s success story.” Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing of SM Supermalls, reinforces SM’s commitment to supporting Filipino entrepreneurs as he delivers the inspirational message and accepts a Plaque of Appreciation from Ms. Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK, during the MSME Summit held at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, on November 25, 2025.

 Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines, in partnership with SM Supermalls, welcomed entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and key stakeholders to the MSME Summit 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. The event showcased the shared commitment of Jobstreet and SM Supermalls to empower Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and foster sustainable growth for the nation’s backbone industries. Ms. Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines, highlighted the summit’s goal: supporting MSMEs as a driving force of the Philippine economy.

“SM is not just a venue—it’s a partner in every MSME’s success story,” said Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls. “When MSMEs grow, the nation grows. Every small business that thrives represents a dream realized, a livelihood sustained, and a community strengthened.” SM’s own growth story mirrors that of its MSME partners. From a small shoe store in Carriedo to 88 malls nationwide, SM understands the value of small beginnings. “Almost 70% of our tenants are MSMEs—their success is the foundation of SM’s continued growth,” San Agustin added. Through the SM for MSMEs program, the company provides high-foot-traffic spaces, market access, and visibility to help entrepreneurs scale sustainably.

 Ms. Arlynne Roa-Awayan of Asia Pacific College accepts her Plaque of Appreciation from Mr. Henry Jose “Joey” Yusingco of Jobstreet (right) by Seek Country Marketing head.

Key sessions addressed practical needs for MSMEs. Participants learned how to scale their first hire with Mr. Henry Jose “Joey” Yusingco of Jobstreet, explored AI applications for small businesses with Ms. Arlynne Roa-Awayan of Asia Pacific College, and received insights on logistics and operations from Lalamove PH, 2GO Travel, and DITO BizBayan. Ms. Life Dawn Cervero of TikTok guided attendees on smart marketing on a budget, while a panel from BDO, Maya, RCBC, BanKo, and Asialink shared finance hacks for sustainable growth.

Industry experts Ms.Flor Tanay of Lalamove PH, Mr. Francis John Cha of 2GO Travel, and Mr. Gabriel Cui of DITO of BizBayan present logistics and digital solutions designed to help MSMEs scale.

MSME Summit 2025 partners BDO, Maya, RCBC, BanKo and Asialink host a panel learning session tackling finance hacks for MSMEs

Success stories, like Kay & Karl Santos of 1919 Chocolate, inspired participants with real-life examples of scaling Filipino businesses. Partner demos and the Partner Passport Challenge reinforced networking, learning, and practical engagement.

Attendees make their rounds at the Partner Passport Challenge, visiting different booths to learn about hiring solutions, business tools, digital platforms, and partner services that support MSME growth.

The MSME Summit 2025 reaffirmed SM Supermalls’ commitment to Filipino entrepreneurship, providing programs, spaces, and partnerships that help MSMEs innovate, scale, and thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.

From iconic destinations to evolved spaces, SM Supermalls is shaping malls that blend scale, innovation, and community for every Filipino.

SM Supermalls marks 40 years of retail leadership with a bold roadmap: to deliver one flagship mall every year from 2026 to 2030, transforming malls into future-ready spaces that anchor regional growth. Alongside these landmark projects, SM is investing over PHP150 billion in 16 major redevelopments and 12 new lifestyle malls, ensuring its entire portfolio evolves into greener, smarter, and more people-centered destinations by 2030.

SM Sta. Rosa (Yulo) in Nuvali coming 2026

The opening of SM North EDSA in 1985 forever changed how Filipinos shopped, dined, and connected. From that single vision grew a nationwide network of 88 malls, welcoming millions of visitors weekly and housing thousands of local and global brands. Today, SM celebrates this legacy as both a retail hub and a trusted partner, community builder, and symbol of continuity for generations.

A Legacy Anchored on Trust

“At SM, we’ve always believed that success is shared,” said Steven T. Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “From the very beginning, SM was built on trust and relationships. We only win when our partners win.”

This philosophy has guided SM through decades of growth and transformation, from opening the country’s first supermalls to building nationwide retail destinations. Every milestone has been anchored on collaboration with tenants, partners, and communities. That same spirit of shared success continues to shape SM’s New Era vision, ensuring that the malls of tomorrow remain trusted spaces where people come together.

Flagship Destinations that Redefine Retail

Over the next five years, SM will deliver landmark flagship malls that serve as ecosystems combining shopping, dining, culture, and community in destinations that anchor regional economies. Planned projects include SM Sta. Rosa (Yulo) in Nuvali (2026), Harrison Plaza in Manila (2027), SM Malolos in Bulacan (2028), Cavite (2029), and Pasay (2030). These projects reflect SM’s ability to raise the benchmark for Philippine retail while remaining deeply rooted in local communities.

SM Zamboanga

SM Harrison in Manila

Beyond flagships, SM is modernizing existing malls with open-air promenades, lifestyle zones, and sustainable features. These redevelopments will make every SM mall more vibrant, green, and people-centered.

All For You

This vision reflects more than just physical expansion. It highlights SM’s long-standing ability to adapt, modernize, and introduce new experiences that matter to Filipino families. SM is evolving its retail ecosystem to be tenant-led, offering dynamic formats, personalized leasing, and collaborative platforms. Sustainability is a cornerstone, with smarter designs, renewable energy, and eco-conscious developments.

“This New Era is not about adding more malls,” Tan said. “It is about creating destinations that matter, modernizing the malls people already love, and ensuring every Filipino has access to world-class malling. Our promise is simple. Everything we do is all for you.”

SM La Union

He added, “Our vision is clear. We are building the next generation of malls for the next generation of Filipinos.”

With its reach, partnerships, and track record, SM is positioned to lead the next phase of retail and community development in the Philippines.

40 Years of Partnership

The anniversary is being marked nationwide with over 4,000 exclusive partner-powered deals across all 88 malls, SM’s biggest shopping celebration yet. The milestone underscores SM’s unique position, a company that has grown hand in hand with its tenants while remaining the most loved retail channel, deeply woven into the daily lives of Filipino families.

“For four decades, you’ve been with us every step of the way and for that, maraming salamat,” Tan said. “As we look ahead, we will keep evolving with you and for you. Because at SM, our success has always been shared.”

Filipinos love concerts, but venue infrastructure gaps are a threat to the experience

Countries with better, bigger, and more competitive concert venues have reaped economic benefits, especially with the massive and significant influence of popular international acts like pop superstar Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Coldplay’s World Tour in consumer behavior and spending. 

Driving tens of thousands of ‘Swifties’ and concert enthusiasts, the success of these concerts was an economic stimulus for countries worldwide, including Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore and Japan.  Filipino fans alike had to spend big and travel miles to watch the exclusive performance of superstar Swift in Singapore’s National Stadium while others went to Japan’s Tokyo Dome and Sydney’s Accor Stadium in Australia. The massive concert gigs boosted the respective country’s economies, benefitting entertainment, hospitality, retail, and transport industries significantly.


While Singapore’s strategy for a Southeast Asia exclusive Swift performance piqued interest and likewise piqued its neighboring countries, the strategic move sparked conversations and brought to light what the Philippines can improve on in terms of concert venues.

1. Location is key

The Philippines doesn’t lack in big venues. In fact, it boasts of venues that can rival Singapore’s National Stadium and Japan’s Tokyo Dome. Accessibility to the location as well as public transportation and nearby commercial establishments are key.

2. Concert Experience

Photo credit to Stanley Quek. An empty Singapore National Stadium, viewed from the front stage.

Singapore’s pride, the National Stadium, has innovative features such as the world’s largest free-spanning dome, a retractable roof and comfort cooling technology for spectators’ convenience. Its innovation, strategic location, and efficiency bring positive and immersive experiences for enthusiasts and concert fans, making it a magnet for entertainment acts from all over the world. A similar concert venue and experience is something that Filipino concertgoers are hoping the country can replicate. 

3. World-class concert amenities and facilities

Accessing the venue's amenities and facilities should offer a premium music experience for concert enthusiasts or convenience in a sporting event.

Architectural “Eyecon” SM Mall of Asia Arena prides itself on having exceptional world-class amenities unique in the Southeast Asia region. –Photo from SM MOA Arena official website

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 held in SM Mall of Asia Arena – Photo from SM MOA Arena official website

Take for example the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena – a flexible indoor arena developed in 2012 by leading integrated property developer SM Prime – that has been a top-of-mind venue for all sorts of events and offers a unique concert experience. With a full house seating capacity of 20,000, it has been a haven for thrilling sports events, remarkable OPM shows, and unforgettable international superstar performances. 

Meanwhile, the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City is likewise an enormous outdoor venue that can accommodate at least 50,000 people. Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour and Rivermaya The Reunion were among the performers that have graced the stage recently.

4. Achieving Filipinos’ concert dreams

One of the most forward-looking plans of SM Prime is its 360-hectare smart city development which is envisioned to bring in a centerpiece to the country’s entertainment and sporting events – larger in capacity and a more enhanced venue infrastructure that would attract legendary icons in the entertainment scene and compete against Southeast Asia and the world’s best. It will feature an estimated 70,000-capacity stadium and concert arena connected to one of the island’s main destination paradises called Central Park. The sizable arena is envisioned to be the Philippines’ biggest concert venue, with world-class facilities and sustainable features, comparable to other big concert venues worldwide. Once that’s built, Filipinos won’t have to fly overseas because they can watch top-tier performances right from the comfort of their home country.

An artist’s render, visual sketch of the proposed concert venue at Pasay 360 project.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/band-playing-on-stage-2747446/

Without a doubt, Pinoys live and breathe entertainment shows. In fact, Filipinos are the 4th top concert spenders in Asia-Pacific according to digital payments company Visa, proof of how passionate we are about concerts. By investing in the development of modern, smart, and accessible concert venues, Filipino concert enthusiasts can continue to embrace and celebrate live performances with the convenience, comfort, and enjoyment they deserve. Beyond entertainment, well-curated, smart, and innovative concert facilities can further drive economic benefits to the Philippines’ national and local economies, including ancillary local spending in retail, tourism, and hospitality.

A UNIQUELY PINOY CHRISTMAS WITH NEW DISHES AT MAX’S RESTAURANT

When it comes to the holidays, no one celebrates it better than Pinoys. In fact, we are known to have the longest Christmas season in the world kicking off in the -ber months when the fun starts and the countdown begins. As Christmas day is fast approaching, Max’s Restaurant offers the Philippines sumptuous new treats that will truly ignite your festive spirits—the new Nilagang Pasko and Bibingka Cheesecake!

Uniquely Filipino traditions are very much alive especially during Christmastime as Pinoys start organizing reunions with families and friends as early as September. This year, make the festivities twice as merry, vibrant, and colorful with the new Nilagang Pasko, Max’s own take on the well-loved pochero dish. Dig into a tender trio of beef bulalo, cured meat, and chicken submerged in a rich annatto oil-infused broth with potatoes, pechay, squash, sweet potatoes, green beans, and saba banana. Partnered with eggplant salsa, this dish will certainly light up your Christmas dinners.

Come together and reminisce the good times with the people who matter in your life, because Nilagang Pasko is also available for sharing with the Holiday Classics Supreme Bundle—a jubilant spread consisting of one (1) hearty bowl of Nilagang Pasko, one (1) regular whole Sarap-To-The Bones® Fried Chicken, a choice of one (1) Pancit, Chopsuey, or Lumpiang Shanghai, one (1) Large Plain Rice, five (5) glasses of iced tea, soft drinks, or sago’t gulaman, and five (5) regular Buko Pandans. This feast for five can be yours for just PHP1,799.

With Simbang Gabi just around the corner and the year almost ending, cap off every get-together with Bibingka Cheesecake, Max’s Corner Bakery’s unique take on the classic Filipino Christmas staple. For only PHP249, this extraordinary kakanin and cheesecake concoction is a marriage of soft, fluffly vanilla chiffon and smooth and silky cheesecake, generously topped with salted egg slices. Wrapped in aromatic banana leaves, the Bibingka Cheesecake is definitely a nostalgic yet ultra-modern treat for you and your loved ones. Max’s Corner Bakery also has its heavenly Caramel Fudge Cake available for only PHP687, which is an incredibly moist and fudgy chocolate cake elevated with luxurious caramel icing and piped chocolate fudge.

Indeed, Max’s newest dishes and treats especially made for the Christmas season will have diners come running to their nearest store despite the holiday rush!

From November 4, 2019 till January 3, 2020, the new Nilagang Pasko and Holiday Classics Supreme Bundle is available in all Max’s Restaurant branches nationwide, and Bibingka Cheesecake and Caramel Fudge Cake in all Luzon stores only. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant.

Let's be part of Global Climate Strike

MILLION OF PEOPLE around the world will join mobilization on September 20 to 27 in response the climate emergency.

The week-long mobilization are inspired by the School Strike for Climate that started in Europe and have spread to other countries — with hundreds of thousands of young people walking out of their classrooms to call attention to the climate emergency and demand actions from those responsible.

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges humanity is facing today.  Climate change is a consequence of the unnatural warming of the surface of our planet since the start industrialization. The warming is being caused by the dominant energy and economic systems that are resulting in excessive concentration of greenhouse gases in the earth's atmosphere. This warming is causing the destabilization of the earth's climate system's.

Filipino knows first-hand the destructive impacts of climate change — from our experiences with super-typhoons, rising sea levels, unprecedented droughts, scarcity of freshwater. The super-typhoons alone have caused thousands of deaths the loss of homes and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands families, the dislocation of millions of people, the devastation of thousands of hectares of agricultural lands that will take years to recover.

Climate change has already reached the level of a planet-wide emergency - with devastating consequences for people and all living things. And it is quickly becoming much worse.

According to scientists, in order to stop the increase of the earth's temperature at the safest level still possible — below 1.5 to 2.0 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels — the rich industrialized countries have to reach near zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2030 and all order countries have to reach near zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050.

We have only a small window of time to prevent the situation from reaching greater catastrophic levels, and this window is closing rapidly. Thus far, government pledges, policies and actions are very short of what is required, and most corporations are refusing to stop their massive pollution of the atmosphere with their greenhouse gas emissions and the damage they are causing to the environment and the earth's natural carbon sinks.

Get ready to sing your heart out as Megasound Smart PRO launches in the Philippines!

Belt out your favorite tunes and have fun bonding with family and friends over videoke as Digital Focus Unlimited Incorporated has now included Megasound Smart Pro to its roster of premium brands.

Established in 2013, Digital Focus Unlimited Incorporated is focused in only offering unique, quality, and technology-driven audio-video products that will perfectly complement their clients’ lifestyle.

Given that Filipinos love to sing and enjoy doing even more when surrounded by family and friends, Megasound Smart Pro offers a lot of nice products that are sure to be a big hit at any party.

Backed by Korean technology, these new Megasound Smart Pro products don’t just guarantee endless fun but great quality as well.  It comes with over 18,000 built-in English and OPM songs and up to 2 years free song updates.

Here’s a look at three of their specialty videoke systems that are now available in the Philippines.

MEGASOUND EXODUS HDD SMART PROFESSIONAL VIDEOKE
A Smart Videoke Player with a mobile karaoke app for effortless song search and remote function capabilities with over 18,000 high quality built-in OPM and English songs and more than 50,000 International songs.  With a built-in 1 terabyte Hard Disk Drive, the exodus contains a library of music videos and movies that the users may enjoy while on a karaoke break.  The Exodus features a system that allows users to record songs that can be saved directly on their smartphones or to USB.  It also allows users to connect to WIFI and turn their television into a Smart TV through built-in apps (Youtube, Netflix, Chrome) for unlimited fun and entertainment.  This high-end karaoke system comes with an advanced processor that delivers clear and crisp sound for both Midi and MP3 based songs without distortion to deliver higher bit-rates than any other brands.

MEGASOUND COLOSSEUM WIRELESS PORTABLE SMART PROFESSIONAL VIDEOKE
The Colosseum high-end smart portable videoke uses the same mobile karaoke app for effortless song search and remote function capabilities. It synchronizes the more than 18,000 high quality built-in OPM and English songs via Bluetooth technology. The Colosseum comes equipped with two built-in UHF wireless microphones with full remote functions and two more microphone inputs to allow groups of people to sing together. The Colosseum also allows users to record their favorite songs in their own voice, in high quality 128kbps audio quality via USB.

MEGASOUND ARRAY SD SMART PROFESSIONAL VIDEOKE
The ARRAY is the newest addition to the premium smart videoke machines for more discerning users who want a more professional, modern, and memorable singing experience.  It comes with more than 18,000 high quality built-in OPM and English songs that can be synchronized with the mobile karaoke app via Bluetooth technology for effortless song search and remote function capabilities. The Array also allows users to record their favorite songs in their own voice, in high quality 128kbps audio quality via USB.

Jonathan Fabian, president of Digital Focus Unlimited Inc. said “We are very pleased to welcome the premium Megasound line to the Digital Focus family and are excited for us Filipinos who are known all over the world for our love for singing, to experience this wonderful new line with the most number of built-in songs to enjoy that allows everyone to simply use a downloadable app on their mobile devices to control the videoke machines - from song choice to microphone and sound controls.”

For more information on the new Megasound line distributed by Digital Focus Unlimited, Inc. , you may check out:

FACEBOOK: MegaSound Smart Pro Videoke
INSTAGRAM: megasoundvideoke
TWITTER: Megasound Videoke
YOU TUBE: Megasound Videoke
WEBSITE: www.megasoundvideoke.com

EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR:
DIGITAL FOCUS UNLIMITED INC.
Unit 806, Page 1 Bldg 1215 Acacia Avenue,
MBP, Brgy. Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Email: Sales@digitalfocus.com.ph
admin@digitalfocus.com.ph

Tel. No.: 02 9573169 | 02 5046776
Mobile No.: 09178581214 | 09171203462

Creating Moments of Joy Through Taste and Experience

In emerging economies like the Philippines and Malaysia, income shifts have challenged the traditional definition of a consumer. Mondelēz International has noted that growing middle-class consumers now demand for products and formats which fit their lives and growing families. They seek enhanced brand experiences which go beyond the first bite. 

As for Filipino families, Amante said, “Our insights have shown the trend in income shifts affecting the parent-to child segment. Parents’ lives have grown to be hectic. Because of this, their interests lie in spending time with their family, who still come first in their priorities.” She added, “To address these lifestyle needs, Mondelez Philippines will continue to expand into consumer white spaces or new categories, creating meaningful innovations to turn ordinary moments into joyful experiences, just like with Cadbury Dairy Milk Lickables.”

As a new entry in the Market, particularly in the Philippines, Mondelez Philippines created excitement for Filipino families through teaser campaigns leveraging on social media and the internet, which are key touchpoints in consumers’ lives. Amante announced that in the coming months, the market will see and hear more from Cadbury Dairy Milk Lickables in the channels and mediums they prefer like online, TV, billboards and radio. 

“Through brands like Cadbury Dairy Milk Lickables, we invest in creating more moments of joy by bringing together the delicious taste experience and bonding spirit of being with a loved one,” Amante said.

With different Pokemon toy freebies that can be collected and a suggested retail price of P46.50 in the Philippines, Cadbury Dairy Milk Lickables can now be availed at your favorite supermarkets and convenience stores.