SM CENTER SANGANDAAN OFFERS FREE AI SKILLS SESSION

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape how people study, work, and do business, SM Center Sangandaan is set to help members of the community better understand and navigate the technology through a free upskilling session focused on practical AI applications.

Dubbed “AI for All,” the learning session will be held on September 12, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the 2nd Level of SM Center Sangandaan, beside KKV.

The session aims to make artificial intelligence more accessible by moving beyond technical jargon and focusing on how AI can be used in everyday work, business, productivity, and career development.

Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of AI and prompt engineering, while also exploring practical AI applications in the workplace, business, and productivity. The session will likewise tackle responsible and ethical AI use, helping learners understand not only what the technology can do, but also how it should be used.

The program will also introduce participants to IBM SkillsBuild, providing them with additional learning resources as they continue developing skills in an increasingly digital workplace.

The free learning session forms part of SM Supermalls’ continuing efforts to bring accessible skills development and career opportunities closer to Filipino communities. 

With AI becoming increasingly present across industries, learning how to work with the technology can give students, jobseekers, working professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs another tool to navigate new opportunities.

Because “Your next skill could open your next door”, SM Center Sangandaan encourages the community to take that first step by learning something new, understanding emerging technologies, and becoming more prepared for what comes next.

The AI for All session is made possible through the support of SM Supermalls, DICT, and IBM SkillsBuild, bringing together industry and learning partners to make digital skills development more accessible to the community.

For registration details and further information, interested participants are encouraged to scan the QR code featured in the official event materials or visit the official Facebook page of SM Center Sangandaan for the latest event updates and announcements. 

The Comfort Food Fix: Familiar Favorites at SM City Marilao Foodcourt

There's something comforting about food that feels familiar—whether it's a warm bowl of lugaw on a rainy day, a mouthwatering kwek-kwek for a quick merienda, or a favorite snack to munch on in between errands. At your Most Loved SM City Marilao Foodcourt, these simple cravings combine to make each meal a little more enjoyable.

For those looking for something warm and nourishing, Lugaw Republic provides the comforting goodness that makes you feel at home. Meanwhile, street food favorite egg recipes from Eggspert brings some flavorful fix ideal for merienda or a quick bite. Craving something savory?  PotDog’s dimsum on stick makes an enjoyable snack, while Noodlemix’s fried noodles provide a filling meal complemented with delightful sauces.

And for those who adore a handheld favorite, Fariñas Ilocos Empanada offers savory Ilocano classics— perfect for enjoying while taking a break from a busy mall day.

Whether it's a quick snack, a satisfying meal, or simply a longing for something familiar, SM City Marilao Foodcourt offers comfort food staples that make every visit feel a bit more like home.

FITS ON POINT, RAIN OR SHINE AT SM

For students rushing to class and young professionals navigating the daily commute, getting dressed in the Philippines can sometimes feel like a weather forecast guessing game.

One minute, the sky is gray and rain is pouring. A few hours later, the sun is out and the heat is back. Then, just when you think the day is clear, another shower arrives.

The answer is not to overhaul your wardrobe every time the weather changes. Instead, build outfits around easy, lightweight and versatile pieces that can keep up with a rainy-to-sunny-to-rainy kind of day.

Whether you are heading to class, meeting friends after lectures or going straight from the office to dinner, these five styling tips can help keep your fits comfortable and on point, whatever the weather brings.

1. Keep It Light with an Easy Shirt

Start with a lightweight shirt that lets you breathe when temperatures rise but can still work as a base layer when the weather cools down.

Think relaxed-fit tees, lightweight polos or casual button-downs that can be worn on their own under the sun or layered when rain and cooler air arrive. Choose breathable fabrics and uncomplicated silhouettes so you can move comfortably from the classroom to the commute.

For everyday staples, check out Penshoppe at SM Center Sangandaan for easy pieces that can become the foundation of your school or work wardrobe.

Style move: Pick neutral or easy-to-match shades so one shirt can work with several bottoms throughout the week.

2. Choose Lightweight Bottoms

Rainy days are not the time for clothes that feel heavy, restrictive or take forever to dry.

Go for lightweight trousers, relaxed pants, chinos or other easy bottoms that give you room to move. For students, this means going from one class to another without feeling weighed down. For young professionals, it means staying polished without sacrificing comfort during the commute.

Style move: Keep the silhouette relaxed but intentional. A clean, straight or slightly loose cut can look put-together without feeling too formal.

Look to Bench at SM Center Sangandaan for versatile everyday styles that can easily transition from campus hours to after-work plans.

3. Make Comfortable Shoes Your Everyday MVP

A great outfit can quickly become a bad day when your shoes are uncomfortable or soaked.

For unpredictable weather, choose footwear that is comfortable enough for walking, commuting and long days on your feet. Sneakers and other practical everyday styles can work with both casual and slightly dressed-up outfits, making them a reliable choice whether the forecast calls for rain or sunshine.

Style move: Keep a pair of easy-to-clean shoes in your rotation, especially for days when rain is likely. The goal is simple. Look good, but make sure your feet can keep up.

4. Layer Smart, Not Heavy

The trick to dressing for unpredictable weather is having a layer you can actually remove when the sun comes out.

A lightweight overshirt, casual jacket or breathable outer layer can instantly change the look of an outfit while giving you an extra barrier against cool air, sudden showers or heavily air-conditioned classrooms and offices.

For a more relaxed, youthful look, wear the layer open over a simple shirt. When the temperature rises, simply take it off and carry it instead of letting the heat dictate your entire outfit. For more fashion finds, BNY at SM City Valenzuela offers pieces that can easily fit into a young, everyday wardrobe.

Style move: Choose lightweight layers that fold easily into a tote or backpack. The best extra layer is one you will not mind carrying.

5. Do Not Forget What Is Underneath

Good style starts with comfort, and that includes the pieces no one sees.

When the weather swings between humid heat and sudden rain, breathable, comfortable basics can make a noticeable difference. Choose everyday essentials that feel good against the skin and help you stay comfortable through long hours away from home.

Jockey at SM Center Sangandaan offers everyday essentials that can complement a practical, weather-ready wardrobe.

Style move: Build your basics first. When the foundation is comfortable, everything else you wear becomes easier to style.

Dress for the Day You Actually Have

The best rainy-day outfit is not necessarily the one designed exclusively for rain. It is the one that can handle whatever happens next.

A lightweight shirt can survive the heat. Easy bottoms can take you from class to coffee. Comfortable shoes can handle a long commute. A removable layer can come off when the sun appears. Reliable basics can keep you comfortable from morning until the last stop of the day.

Through Styleverse, SM Supermalls brings together fashion finds that let everyone express their own take on style. Because personal style is not about dressing for a perfect forecast. It is about finding what works for you and making it your own.

Because when the Philippine weather refuses to stick to one forecast, your outfit should not have to either.

Rain or shine, keep your fit stay on point with your most-loved SM Center Sangandaan and SM City Valenzuela.

SM Job Fair Marks 500th Milestone, Expands Access to Jobs and Future-Ready Skills

OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN REACH. Across SM malls nationwide, jobseekers are finding new ways to connect with jobs, skills, and brighter possibilities.

For thousands of Filipinos, finding the right job begins with having the right opportunity within reach. SM Job Fair marked a major milestone while widening access to employment and skills development—from celebrating its 500th nationwide job fair and bringing SM Group employers directly to communities, to working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to connect technical-vocational training with careers. Together, these initiatives reflect SM Supermalls’ continuing commitment to make the journey from preparing for work to finding meaningful employment more accessible to Filipinos.

500 JOB FAIRS—AND COUNTING!

On August 12, SM City Daet hosted the 500th SM Job Fair, marking an important milestone in SM Supermalls’ nationwide jobs advocacy. As of its 500th Job Fair, the program has connected around 330,000 jobseekers with thousands of employers nationwide, resulting in more than 42,000 applicants hired on the spot (HOTS). Behind those numbers are individual journeys—from fresh graduates looking for their first break and career shifters starting again to breadwinners and experienced professionals taking their next step.

500 JOB FAIRS, THOUSANDS OF NEW BEGINNINGS. At SM City Daet, a nationwide milestone became personal as another jobseeker walked away hired on the spot.

Through partnerships with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), local Public Employment Service Offices (PESO), employers, and industry organizations, SM continues to use its nationwide mall network to bring jobs closer to communities.

FROM OPPORTUNITY TO EMPLOYMENT AT THE SM GROUP JOB FAIR

The momentum continued on August 18 at SM City Fairview, where the SM Group Job Fair connected jobseekers with career opportunities across the SM Group.

Applicants met recruiters face-to-face, explored vacancies, submitted applications, and underwent interviews in one accessible venue—simplifying the hiring journey while helping participating companies meet potential talent from the community.

ONE STEP CLOSER TO A CAREER. Jobseekers meet SM Group recruiters face-to-face, turning applications and interviews into possibilities for a fresh start.

For fresh graduate May Stephanie, the search for her first job ended with good news when she was hired by Savemore. “Masaya po kasi mahirap po maghanap ng work lalo po pag fresh grad ka po.” Her experience reflects the human impact behind every successful match: a chance to begin a career, earn a livelihood, and build toward a more secure future.

FROM SKILLS TO OPPORTUNITIES WITH TESDA

SKILLS IN ACTION. Hands-on training turns learning into practical skills that can open doors to the workplace.

As industries evolve, Filipinos need both access to jobs and the skills to succeed in them. Last August, SM Supermalls and TESDA brought the World Café of Opportunities (WCO) to SM malls nationwide in celebration of 2026 National Tech-Voc Day, connecting technical-vocational graduates and jobseekers with employers and industry partners.

READY FOR WHAT’S NEXT. From technology to creative skills, Filipino talent gets hands-on experience for an evolving world of work.

At the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on August 24, more than 1,000 jobseekers met 54 participating employers offering more than 4,000 job opportunities. Job matching was complemented by skills demonstrations in HVAC, autonomous robotics, driving, animation, and coffee barista—showing how practical training can translate into workplace readiness.

For Jeff Justine Geraga, a BS IT student at the University of Makati who took Computer Systems Servicing through TESDA, gaining additional skills has helped strengthen his confidence in a competitive job market.

“Definitely tumaas ang value ko dahil may added skills ako from TESDA, more opportunities for me. Requirement na po ang upskilling dahil competitive po ngayon.”

A key highlight was the launch of the TESDA Skills Compass, a career guidance and job-matching platform that helps Filipinos explore career pathways and connect their competencies with in-demand jobs. For some participants, the connection between skills and employment became immediate.

After traveling from Mindoro in search of work, Cristyl Faith Robles was hired on the spot as a barista at French Baker.

“Masaya po kasi last week pa po kami nag-aapply ng work kasi galing pa po kami sa Mindoro... Para po ito sa magulang ko at sa kapatid ko para matulungan ko po siya sa college.”

Employers also recognize the value of skills-based training. CJ Bajamunde, HR Assistant at SMC Repairs and Maintenance, shared that TESDA training and certifications are among the qualifications the company looks for when recruiting skilled workers.

“Nakatulong po talaga ang TESDA hindi lang sa mga naghahanap ng trabaho, kundi sa aming mga employers din.”

Through the World Café of Opportunities, SM and TESDA are helping turn skills into employability—connecting training, talent, and industry needs in ways that can lead to meaningful careers.

LEARNING THAT MOVES PEOPLE FORWARD. Free upskilling brings future-ready knowledge closer to learners in SM communities.

MORE JOBS AND SKILLS THIS SEPTEMBER

The momentum continues this September as SM Job Fair brings another nationwide lineup of employment activities to SM malls, complemented by government career opportunities and upskilling sessions with partners.

SEPTEMBER JOB FAIR SCHEDULE

• September 1 – SM City Sto. Tomas
• September 3 – SM City Manila
• September 4 – SM City Sta. Mesa
• September 7–8 – SM City Butuan
• September 8–9 – SM City Iloilo
• September 8–9 – SM City Davao
• September 9 – SM City Baguio
• September 9–10 – SM City Cebu
• September 9–10 – SM CDO Downtown Premier
• September 10 – SM City Trece Martires
• September 10 – SM Center Muntinlupa
• September 10 – SM City Tuguegarao
• September 10 – SM City North EDSA
• September 10 – SM City Zamboanga
• September 10 – SM Center Muntinlupa
• September 12 – SM City La Union
• September 12 – SM City San Pablo
• September 14 – SM Center Antipolo
• September 14 – SM CDO Downtown Premier
• September 16–17 – SM Seaside City Cebu
• September 22–23 – SM Seaside City Cebu
• September 23 – SM City Calamba
• September 24 – SM City Trece Martires
• September 24 – SM Center Pulilan
• September 24 – SM City Bacoor

*Schedules, venues, and participating partners may be subject to change.

UPSKILLING SESSIONS

Jobseekers and learners can also take advantage of upskilling activities scheduled throughout the month:

• September 10 – SM City Trece Martires
• September 12 – SM Center Sangandaan
• September 12 – SM City North EDSA
• September 24 – SM City Trece Martires

MORE THAN JOBS

SM’s employment advocacy continues beyond recruitment. Through partnerships with government agencies, educational institutions, and industry organizations, SM Supermalls has provided free upskilling opportunities to more than 1,600 learners, covering artificial intelligence, digital literacy, cybersecurity, and other emerging workplace competencies. In select malls, SM Government Service Express (GSE) also brings essential government services closer to communities, with selected locations serving as Upskilling Hubs.

From reaching the 500th SM Job Fair to helping a fresh graduate land a first job, and from gaining a technical skill to finding where it can lead, August demonstrated what can happen when employment, learning, services, and strong partnerships come together.

THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY STARTS HERE. Beyond the 500th milestone, SM Job Fair continues to connect more Filipinos with employers and possibilities closer to home.

And as SM Job Fair moves beyond its 500th milestone, the work continues—helping more Filipinos find jobs, build relevant skills, and move toward better futures closer to home. To learn more about upcoming SM Job Fairs and free upskilling opportunities, visit the SM Supermalls website or follow SM Supermalls’ official social media pages.

EVERY CONVERSATION CAN OPEN A DOOR. Jobseekers meet recruiters face-to-face at SM Job Fairs, taking another step toward their next career opportunity.

About SM Supermalls – Job Fairs

SM Supermalls is one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and nine in China. For generations, SM has grown alongside Filipino communities by creating destinations where people, businesses, and opportunities come together.

Through SM Job Fairs, SM continues to evolve with the aspirations of Filipino jobseekers by making employment opportunities more accessible across its malls nationwide. Designed for diverse jobseeker communities—from fresh graduates and career shifters to experienced professionals—SM connects talent with employers through meaningful partnerships that support workforce development and inclusive economic growth. My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.

Strong Performance, Stronger Trust: SM Supermalls Evolves for the Next Generation of Customers

MANILA, Philippines, September 1, 2026 — SM Supermalls delivered record revenues in the first half the year, expanding 8% to P41.8 billion from P38.6 billion. Its exceptional performance was driven by higher leasable space and tenant sign-ups, along with steady foot traffic. 

Total gross leasable area grew 3 percent to 5.1 million square meters from 5.0 million square meters, while the number of tenants rose 4 percent to 23,174 from 22,192. Average daily foot traffic was steady at 3.7 million.  

“Our growth reflects the enduring trust of our tenants and shoppers. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, they continue to find value in the variety of our offerings and the strong sense of community in our malls,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “This gives us confidence to keep investing in spaces and experiences that respond to their changing needs.”

SM’s Transformation Journey

Noting market demand for diverse and unique experiences beyond retail, SM enhanced its spaces with refreshed sports, leisure, and entertainment offerings. The mall operator sustained foot traffic through the addition of 41 Pickleball courts in its first-half inventory, bringing up the number of its courts to 102 courts across 32 properties nationwide.

On June 12, 2026, SM Supermalls also co-hosted the Galaxy Manila Marathon, the first-ever full marathon to take over EDSA, drawing over 25,000 runners across multiple categories.

On top of these, SM also emphasized its corporate purpose of driving value to its surrounding communities through sustainable facilities developed in its malls. From 100 Megawatt peak (MWp) solar power generated through its mall rooftop solar PV system, SM has increased its capacity to 122 MWp with further plans on expansion until the end of the year. SM also recently reached 100% coverage for free EV Charging Stations across all 90 of its malls at 203 EV charging stations.

Because of its sustained innovation and pioneering customer-centric vision, SM Supermalls was heralded as the Philippines’ Strongest Brand for the second year in a row by leading global brand valuation consultancy firm Brand Finance. Fueled by its strong customer, community, and advocacy initiatives, SM Supermalls scored a 95.3 out of 100 on the Brand Strength Index, surpassing its 2025 performance to retain its AAA+ rating in the Philippines 50 2026 report.

The next chapter of My SM

With these milestones, SM aims to sustain its customer-defined transformation through My SM—its five-year platform for evolving SM malls around the changing needs, lifestyles and aspirations of Filipino communities.

“Our growth plan for the rest of 2026 and beyond is to continue evolving for our customers. SM will keep building business momentum through the introduction of exciting new brands, cinema and entertainment acts, as well as leisure offerings that will sustain market interest. With the upcoming opening of our 91st mall, SM Nuvali, we are expanding our business footprint in the emerging growth corridor of South Luzon and Calabarzon with an innovative upscale mall concept never experienced in the Philippine market before,” said Tan.

40 Years of Negrense Creativity. And the Light is Only Getting Brighter

The countdown to BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair officially begins as the Association of Negros Producers and SM Supermalls celebrate a milestone built by generations of entrepreneurs, artisans, and makers.

More than looking back, BÚTLAK shines a light on what comes next—new ideas, contemporary design, emerging entrepreneurs, and a new generation carrying Negrense enterprise forward.

Through SM for MSMEs, SM continues its partnership with ANP to help open more doors for homegrown businesses—connecting them to greater visibility, customers, markets, and opportunities to grow.

And now, it’s your turn to experience the best of Negros.

📅 September 22–27, 2026📍 SMX Convention Center Aura

Come hungry. Come curious. Taste it. Wear it. Bring it home—and be part of the next 40 years of Negros.

#SMForMSMEs #BUTLAK #NegrosTradeFair40 #SMSupermalls

BÚTLAK shines a light on 40 years of Negrense enterprise—and the next 40

Four decades of creativity, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship took center stage as the Association of Negros Producers and SM Supermalls officially launched BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair.

Celebrating light, optimism, and new beginnings, BÚTLAK honors the generations of entrepreneurs and makers who built the Negros Trade Fair while creating space for new ideas, contemporary design, emerging businesses, and the next generation of Negrense entrepreneurs.

Through SM for MSMEs, SM continues its collaboration with ANP to connect homegrown businesses with greater market access, visibility, customers, and opportunities to grow—demonstrating how culture and enterprise can grow together.

The celebration continues when BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair opens from September 22 to 27, 2026 at SMX Convention Center Aura, bringing together beloved Negrense food, fashion, home, art, craftsmanship, and new discoveries under one roof.

Forty remarkable years brought NTF here. Come discover what the next 40 can bring.

SM Megamall Becomes Part of Metro Manila’s Transit Backbone with Busway Link

MANILA, Philippines, 28 August 2026 - Every day, over 170,000 commuters board the EDSA Bus Carousel to get to work, school, and everywhere in between – and this passenger count continues to climb. As more Filipinos turn to the EDSA busway as their daily mode of transportation, the infrastructure around its busiest stations is being pushed to keep pace, with one of the initiatives being a direct walkway linking the bus station to SM Megamall.

The SM Megamall EDSA Busway Concourse, which opened to the public on April 2026, is an elevated, weather-protected walkway that connects the EDSA Bus Carousel’s SM Megamall station to SM Megamall Building A, eliminating the need for commuters to traverse the lengthy stretch across EDSA. It houses escalators and elevators to ensure convenient access for all, including commuters with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant women.

The concourse was developed by your most loved SM Supermalls in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), as part of joint efforts to improve the commuter experience. The link provides direct access to the bus platform that serves northbound trips to Monumento and southbound trips to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).

This development reflects a broader shift in how Philippine malls are evolving in design – being positioned not only as shopping and leisure destinations, but also as functional nodes within the country’s urban mobility network. SM Megamall’s busway link builds on a similar model previously introduced at SM North EDSA, signaling a pattern that may be replicated across other SM Supermalls strategically located along major transit corridors.

Under the My SM campaign, the mall operator highlights its larger commitment to enhancing and reenvisioning how daily activities – like commuting – can be made more seamless, comfortable, and safe for every Filipino. For more information, visit @smmegamall or https://www.smsupermalls.com/. 

Also check the youtube video:

https://youtube.com/shorts/UdF2XBF_M2A?si=UYjyRAuWf-QtvTdu

7 Reasons You Can’t Miss BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair

Forty years. Generations of makers. One landmark celebration of everything Negros—back at SM

Forty years of Negrense creativity, craftsmanship, and enterprise—all coming together under one roof. Food, fashion, home, and craftsmanship at BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair, in partnership with SM for MSMEs, brings homegrown businesses closer to more customers and opportunities at SMX Convention Center Aura, September 22–27.

Some fairs are worth visiting for the shopping. Others for the food. BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair gives you 40 years of reasons to come. From September 22 to 27, 2026, the country’s longest-running provincial trade fair returns to SMX Convention Center Aura, bringing the best of Negros closer to Metro Manila shoppers for its milestone 40th anniversary.

Through SM for MSMEs, SM Supermalls continues its collaboration with the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), helping provide Negrense entrepreneurs a highly visible marketplace where their products, stories and craftsmanship can connect with more customers and potential markets.

Crafted in Negros, made to be discovered. Negrense artisans give traditional craftsmanship a fresh, contemporary spin.

This year’s theme, BÚTLAK, celebrates a legacy moving forward with fresh energy: honoring the flavors, craftsmanship and stories that made the fair an institution while giving Negrense creativity a distinctly contemporary spin. Whether you come to eat, shop, discover something new—or all three—here are 7 reasons this milestone edition deserves a spot on your calendar.

Because the Big 4-0 is going BIG!

Forty years doesn't happen every day. More than 115 Negrense entrepreneurs are preparing to fill 178 booths with the best of the island—from beloved food and fashion to handcrafted furniture, home accents, art and more. For longtime NTF fans, it's a homecoming. For first-timers, this may be the best year to finally discover why generations of shoppers keep coming back. Six days. 178 booths. One island's creativity under one roof.

Hot off the griddle—and always worth the wait! One of the most sought-after experiences at the Negros Trade Fair is watching the iconic piaya freshly heated and served warm on-site. Crisp on the outside with its sweet, gooey filling inside, this beloved Negrense delicacy proves that some favorites are simply best enjoyed fresh, warm, and straight from the fair.

Come hungry. Very hungry.

Ask an NTF regular what they're looking forward to and chances are, food is somewhere near the top of the list.

21 Restaurant is bringing Bacolod favorites including its Signature Batchoy, Spanish-style Boquerones and Lola Nitang's Bibingka.

Quan Delicacies brings the ultimate Negrense comfort-food haul: classic kakanin, napoleones, chicken pie and Frozen Sud-an—including Cansi—alongside newer creations such as Puto Sorbetes and Batuan Focaccia.

Then there's Sir and Ma'am Restaurant's heirloom Morcon, a family tradition dating back to 1962.

Casa Carmela's small-batch Negrense dishes and culinary staples made for stocking the pantry.

Come hungry. Leave with enough pasalubong to make everyone at home very happy.

Discover old favorites and new finds from Quan Delicacies, Casa Carmela, 21 Restaurant, Sir and Ma’am Restaurant, and more—proof that at the Negros Trade Fair, there’s always something worth coming back for seconds.

Wear Negros differently.

This isn't heritage that stays behind glass. At BÚTLAK, traditional craftsmanship finds its way into pieces made for today's wardrobe.

Behind every contemporary Negrense fashion piece are skilled hands transforming fabric, texture, and tradition into something made for today.

Negrense makers transform craftsmanship and tradition into fashion designed for today.

Tia Lacson The Label's Medina Collection brings effortless resort dressing in natural linen, lace, fine piña and recycled materials, with selected pieces supporting mother-embroiderers in Silay and local seamstresses across Bacolod and Talisay.

Ellege Handcrafted Fashion keeps Negros Occidental's intricate hand-smocking tradition alive, translating a painstaking heritage technique into elegant contemporary clothing.

And Arête brings handcrafted island-style accessories made with indigenous Philippine materials and created in partnership with local Local fashion, but make it unmistakably Negrense.

Negrense style, reimagined. From contemporary fashion to handcrafted accessories, local makers bring heritage, artistry, and modern design together—unmistakably Negros.

Bring a little bit of Negros home.

Consider this fair dangerous territory for anyone who says, “I'm just looking.”

Hacienda Crafts transforms abaca, rattan, bamboo and coconut twigs into export-grade lighting and home décor while providing livelihoods to sugarcane communities during tiempo muerto. Around 90% of its artisans are local mothers who weave from home.

Hacienda Crafts: Woven with purpose. Local materials become beautiful home pieces while creating livelihoods for Negrense artisan communities.

Tumandok Crafts Industries turns carefully treated capiz shells into premium houseware and statement décor, preserving a craft it has developed since 1988.

Meanwhile, Artisana Island Crafts combines ceramics with wild pandan harvested from the foothills of Mt. Kanlaon to create eco-luxury table décor while supporting livelihoods for wives of local sugarcane farmers.

Crafted by nature, shaped by Negros. Capiz, ceramics, and wild pandan are transformed into distinctive pieces that bring Negrense artistry home.

These aren't simply beautiful objects. They're pieces of Negros—and the communities behind them—that you can bring home.

Be among the first to discover what's new.

Here's where the 40th gets particularly exciting. Five product specialists from the Design Center of the Philippines went directly into Negros workshops to collaborate with ANP makers, exploring local raw materials and combining time-honored skills with contemporary design perspectives. The result? Fresh, market-ready collections debuting at the 40th Negros Trade Fair, alongside the 2026 Bulawan Awards pieces.

After four decades, Negros isn't simply looking back. It's designing what comes next.

Find something you never expected to buy.

One of the best things about NTF has always been discovery.

A typhoon once stripped Chef Mae Selene Puentespina-Resultay's Sarisa trees of their fruit. Instead of looking at what was lost, she looked at what remained—the leaves—and eventually transformed them into Rensel's crispy Sarisa Chips.

Come for your favorites, leave with a new discovery. From Sarisa chips and mosaic art to clay sculptures, NTF is full of unexpected finds shaped by creativity, resourcefulness, and purpose.

Artist Ramon De los Santos makes his official NTF debut with Lutak Art Sculptures, combining clay and raw earth in textured works inspired by the nostalgia of Larong Pinoy.

And NVC Foundation transforms discarded materials such as broken tiles and used Nespresso capsules into intricate mosaic art, with every purchase helping fund nutrition, education and livelihood initiatives in Negros Occidental.

Made in Negros, designed to stand out. Natural and repurposed materials are handcrafted into one-of-a-kind décor and art pieces—showcasing the ingenuity behind Negrense craftsmanship.

Come looking for your favorites. Leave having discovered a new one

Because when the right partners open doors, local businesses can go further.

The Negros Trade Fair has always been more than a place to shop. For four decades, it has helped give Negrense entrepreneurs a marketplace for their creativity, craftsmanship and products. This milestone edition builds on that legacy by bringing together ANP, the Provincial Government, SM Supermalls through the SM for MSMEs program and SMX Aura around a shared opportunity: helping more Filipino enterprises reach more people.

Through SM for MSMEs, SM helps bring platforms such as the Negros Trade Fair closer to a ready, high-traffic market—providing entrepreneurs with greater market access, business visibility and opportunities to connect with customers.

It's an idea at the heart of SM for MSMEs: when Filipino entrepreneurs are given the right marketplace and the right opportunities, small businesses have more room to grow.

After 40 years, NTF offers plenty of proof of what can happen when communities, entrepreneurs and partners grow together. 40 years brought them here. Come see where they go next. BÚTLAK is more than an anniversary. It's a chance to taste recipes passed through generations, wear craftsmanship reimagined for today, bring home extraordinary Filipino design, meet the people behind the products—and support businesses helping keep Negrense culture and enterprise thriving. So come hungry. Come curious. And perhaps come with an extra shopping bag!

BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair September 22–27, 2026 SMX Convention Center Aura

Taste it. Wear it. Bring it home. And be part of the next 40 years of Negros.

A Taste of Home: Top 8 Filipino Favorites to Snack On at SM

There is no better way to celebrate what makes us proudly Filipino than by enjoying the flavors that have always brought us home.

Long before food trends filled our feeds, Filipino snacks were already part of our everyday stories. They were merienda after school, afternoon treats shared with family, street food enjoyed with friends, and simple bites that somehow made an ordinary day feel special.

From classic kakanin to creative twists on beloved favorites, these familiar flavors continue to remind us of our roots. And for shoppers looking for a taste of home, SM City Valenzuela and SM Center Sangandaan have plenty of Pinoy favorites worth discovering.

Here are eight Filipino favorites worth savoring, not just on National Heroes Day, but any day you feel like having a taste of home.

1. Turon: The Ultimate Pinoy Favorite

Few snacks say Pinoy merienda quite like turon. Crispy on the outside, sweet and satisfying inside, this humble banana snack has earned its place among Filipino favorites. At SM Supermarket in SM Center Sangandaan as well as SM City Grand Central and SM Hypermarket in SM City Valenzuela, shoppers can discover delicious twists on the classic, including turon with Choc Nut, langka, and ube. It is a familiar favorite with just enough surprise to keep every bite exciting.

2. Cheesy Ensaymada: A Favorite Worth Sharing

Soft, buttery, sweet, and generously topped with cheese, ensaymada is the kind of pastry that needs little introduction. Enjoy this well-loved Filipino bakery classic with a freshly brewed coffee or a comforting cup of hot chocolate. Shoppers can pick up perfectly moist and cheesy ensaymada from Red Ribbon at SM Center Sangandaan and Classic Ensaymada from Mary Grace at SM City Valenzuela. It is the kind of merienda that feels right whether enjoyed on your own or shared with family.

3. Binatog: A Sweet-and-Salty Trip Down Memory Lane

For many Filipinos, binatog is more than a snack. It is a delicious trip down memory lane. Made with tender corn and enjoyed with a combination of sweet and salty flavors, this familiar street food brings back childhood memories with every spoonful. Mang Binatog at SM City Valenzuela and SM Center Sangandaan serves up this classic Filipino favorite for shoppers craving a simple but satisfying merienda. Sometimes, the best snacks are the ones that remind us where we came from.

4. Bibingka: A Classic with Filipino Soul

Bibingka is deeply woven into Filipino food culture, traditionally associated with Christmas mornings and family gatherings, but its comforting flavors are worth enjoying any time of year. At BBK Bibingka & Coffee in SM City Valenzuela and SM Center Sangandaan as well as SM City Grand Central, shoppers can savor this Filipino favorite topped with cheese and salted egg. Soft, fragrant, and unmistakably Pinoy, bibingka is a delicious reminder of how food can carry traditions from one generation to the next.

5. Kakanin: Filipino Comfort in Every Bite

Filipino rice cakes have always had a place at the Filipino table, and Kuya J Restaurant gives these traditional favorites a delicious modern touch.

At Kuya J Restaurant in SM City Valenzuela, shoppers can enjoy a variety of kakanin, including sapin-sapin topped with coconut and milky kutsinta drizzled with ube and caramel sauce. The Kakanin Trio is a must-try for anyone who wants to sample several Filipino favorites in one go. Kuya J also gives maja blanca a flavorful twist, with its rich and creamy coconut pudding topped with cheese and sweet corn kernels. It is a comforting Filipino dessert that makes a perfect merienda or sweet ending to a family meal.

6. Taho: The Taste of Filipino Childhood

Few Filipino snacks bring back childhood memories quite like taho. Traditionally served warm with silky-soft tofu, sweet arnibal, and chewy sago, it remains a beloved merienda across generations. At Hap Chan in SM City Valenzuela, shoppers can enjoy chilled taho with sago, perfect for those looking for a cool and comforting Pinoy treat. For a more playful take on the classic, Taho Story at the SM Foodcourt of SM City Grand Central gives this childhood favorite a modern makeover. From the comforting Ube de Leche and indulgent Oreo-holic to the fruity Mango Graham, each cup puts a fresh spin on a familiar Filipino favorite. Taho Story offers taho hot or chilled, with creative toppings and even ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. 

7. Ginataang Bilo-Bilo: A Bowl of Filipino Comfort

Chewy ube bilo-bilo, sweetened saba, tender sweet potatoes, sago, langka, and pinipig come together in this comforting Filipino classic. Available at Kuya J Restaurant in SM City Valenzuela, ginataang bilo-bilo brings the familiar flavors of coconut milk and Filipino root crops into one warm, satisfying treat. It is the kind of dessert that feels homemade even when enjoyed during a mall day with family.

8. Halo-Halo: A Favorite Filipino Celebration in a Glass

No list of Filipino favorites would be complete without halo-halo. At Bebang Halo-Halo in SM City Grand Central, SM City Valenzuela, and SM Center Sangandaan, this classic gets a delicious twist with creamy leche flan hidden at the bottom and layers of sago, ube, pandan jelly, nata, corn, and more. Try the bestselling Presidential, or enjoy refreshing flavors like Mango, Melon, Buck Pandan, and Ube.

National Heroes Day is a time to remember the Filipinos who helped shape our nation, but it is also an opportunity to celebrate the everyday things that continue to make us proudly Pinoy. Our food is one of them.

From the humble turon and binatog to the colorful halo-halo, these snacks tell stories of family, tradition, creativity, and home. They remind us that being Filipino can be found not only in history books and monuments, but also in the flavors we grew up loving and continue to share with the next generation.

This August 31, celebrate National Heroes Day with a taste of home. Discover your favorite Filipino snacks at your most loved SM City Valenzuela and SM Center Sangandaan, where familiar Pinoy flavors are always worth coming back to.

SM Supermalls Brings Together Today’s Biggest Tech, Gaming, and Fandom Communities for Tech & Play Month

Technology has changed more than the way people work, communicate, and play—it has transformed the way communities are built.

Gaming has become a global spectator sport. Collecting has evolved into a thriving hobby culture. Content creation is now a career, while cosplay, trading card games, and pop culture fandoms continue to bring people together both online and offline.

Recognizing this shift, your most loved SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan launch Tech & Play Month, a month-long nationwide celebration until August 31, transforming malls into vibrant destinations where technology, gaming, creativity, and fandom converge through immersive maxed-out experiences designed for today’s generation.

More than a seasonal campaign, Tech & Play Month reflects SM Supermalls’ continued evolution into a destination where communities gather, passions are celebrated, and shared interests come to life.

Builders Society: Build your perfect setup

For tech enthusiasts, every upgrade is an opportunity to create something better.

Whether you’re assembling your first gaming rig, upgrading your workstation, or discovering smart innovations for everyday living, Builders Society showcases the latest technology designed to power work, play, and everything in between.

At the heart of the experience is Cyberzone at SM City Baliwag, and IT Zone at SM City Marilao and SM Center Pulilan, Bulacan’s premier destinations for technology, where shoppers can compare products, receive expert advice, and enjoy the confidence of Tech-Assured Shopping through authentic products from authorized retailers.

Visitors can also discover SM Home at the SM Store for smart cleaning innovations that make everyday life easier, along with exclusive product launches, immersive brand activations, nationwide gadget deals, and flexible payment options throughout Tech & Play Month.

Creators United: Turn ideas into reality

Every creator starts with an idea—and the right tools can help bring it to life.

Whether you’re capturing cinematic moments, producing content for social media, launching a livestream, or exploring photography for the first time, Creators United is designed to inspire creativity through hands-on experiences and the latest innovations.

Discover Sony’s cutting-edge imaging technology for stunning photos and videos, explore DJI’s industry-leading drones and creative imaging solutions, or experience smarter wellness through Oura Ring, designed to help creators stay energized and perform at their best.

From creator showcases and live demonstrations to interactive experiences with the latest creative technology, Tech & Play Month celebrates the growing community of storytellers, photographers, filmmakers, and digital creators shaping today’s culture.

Collectors Club: Find your next great discovery

For collectors and fans, the thrill isn’t just about owning something rare—it’s about sharing the experience with a community that understands your passion.

Throughout August, Collectors Club transforms participating SM malls into gathering places for hobbyists and enthusiasts through trading card game battles, cosplay showcases, collectible marketplaces, and fandom events that celebrate today’s biggest pop culture communities.

Whether you’re searching for exclusive merchandise, expanding your collection, meeting fellow fans, or simply discovering a new hobby, every visit offers something unexpected to take home—and memories to share long after the event ends.

More than a mall destination

As technology continues to shape the way people live, learn, create, and connect, SM Supermalls is redefining what the modern mall experience can be.

Through Tech & Play Month, malls become more than places to shop—they become spaces where gamers compete, creators find inspiration, tech enthusiasts discover the latest innovations, and collectors connect over shared passions.

This August, whether you’re upgrading your gear, discovering your next favorite hobby, or simply looking for a fun day out with family and friends, there’s always something new to experience at SM Supermalls.

Experience Tech & Play Month until August 31 at SM Bulacan malls and discover the latest in technology, gaming, creativity, collectibles, and entertainment—all in one destination.