3/31/23

Shop from S&R in Kawit and Imus via MetroMart

 

One great way to usher in the summer season is shopping online for cool, yummy and nifty finds from S&R.

 

Shop online from S&R branches in Cavite via MetroMart, the #1 online grocery delivery service in the Philippines. These include S&R Imus along Aguinaldo Highway, and the newly opened S&R Evo in Evo City, Kawit.

 

Customers can shop from S&R with or without a membership card via their MetroMart account. Score unique, awesome finds from S&R with great discounts and promos when you shop online with MetroMart.

 

Get FREE Delivery when you use the code SNRCAVITE. This promo is valid for ALL Users, for a one-time redemption within April 1-15, 2023, and applicable for S&R Evo, terms and conditions apply.

 

Start your online shopping experience and order a wide range of groceries and other essentials via MetroMart. Download the app via https://bit.ly/DownloadNowMM

3/30/23

National Milo Marathon Successful Comeback Pushes for an ACTIVE PILIPINAS

 MILO® brought together an ACTIVE PILIPINAS with the successful comeback of the National MILO® Marathon

For the first time in 3 years, the National MILO® Marathon returned to energize runners of all levels!




The much-awaited return of the National MILO® Marathon kicked off on March 26 with its first leg in the SM Mall of Asia Complex. After a 3 year hiatus, the marathon brought together over 12,000 runners for 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K, and 42K race categories.

 

The longest-running marathon in the country, this year’s National MILO® Marathon comeback marks its 44th iteration. It follows the brand’s MILO® ACTIVE PILIPINAS launch in January which was a call for the nation to go from couch to court with the help of MILO®’s energizing nutrition and sports programs.

 

“We started the year with a call to go from couch to courtto ease our way back into sportsand the return of the iconic National MILO® Marathon is one of the ways we’re doing that. Although it’s not on the scale that we’ve gotten used to, the MILO® Marathon continues to be a safe and trusted space where Filipinos can get together to start or strengthen their active lifestyles,” said MILO® Sports Head Carlo Sampan.

 

In line with the brand’s commitment to easing Filipinos back into sports, MILO® also launched its first-ever Virtual MILO® Race where over 2,000 runners nationwide were also able to join the MILO® Marathon festivities despite not being physically present in the Manila leg.

 

While the Virtual Race invited runners outside of Metro Manila to join the fun of running, the National MILO® Marathon, in its 44th year, did not only bring together seasoned runners, but also welcomed casual and first-time runners. Among the marathon’s podium finishers was James Kevin Cruz from Montalban, Rizal, a returning runner who joined three MILO® marathons and took home the gold medal for the 42K run men’s category. When asked about how he prepared for the 42K category after recently doing only a 32K run, he shared, “Tinest ko lang laruin itong 42[K] na ito kasi 10K lang pagitan kaya ginrab ko na din. Nagpatulong ako sa kaibigan ko na bigyan ako ng program training para makalaro ako sa MILO®.”

 

Aside from the elite runners who heated up the competition for the various race categories, the event was also filled with casual runners who shared the joy of running with their families and friends. Joining the National MILO® Marathon for the third year, Kjerstin Janikka R. Schei shared that her running experience was “relaxing especially [since I trained] and I haven’t done it in a long time.” The 10-year old runner finished the 5K run with her friends. When asked why she likes to run, she said that it’s productive and helps her train for her other sports like soccer.





 

Attendees also had fun activities to try such as the Active Zones that gave kids an introduction to taekwondo, basketball, and sepak takraw. 





Keeping the energy high, MILO® also welcomed cheer dancing teams from elementary, high school, and college divisions for a cheer dancing competition.





The successful comeback of the National MILO® Marathon was made possible with the support of its official venue partner SM, hydration partners Cristalino and Crystal Clear, timing partner Garmin, fitness partner Anytime Fitness and Surge, hotel partner TRYP by Wyndham, registration partners and sponsors Decathlon Mall of Asia, Landmark, Super 8, Puregold, Waltermart, Metro Gaisano, Ford, Nestlé Cereals, Kitkat, Chuckie, Nescafé, and adidas; and sports partners Best Center, Philippine Taekwondo Association, Club Gymnastica, Gymnastic Association of the Philippines, and the Associate for the Advance of Karatedo.

 

It will continue to energize Filipinos to run towards the finish line as it kicks off its second leg in Batangas City on May 28, 2023. For more details about the National MILO® Marathon and other MILO® Active Pilipinas initiatives, visit https://www.milo.com.ph/activepilipinas and follow MILO® on Facebook.

 



#MILOMarathon2023

#MILOActivePilipinas





3/22/23

SM scholar-alumna takes the road less travelled

 

SM Scholar Alumna pursues a career in SPED

 

Teaching surpasses the realms of jobs or professions–it encompasses service, vocation, and life mission.

Proving this day and night are millions of Filipino teachers who stand as second mothers to students. One of them is Rosalie Macaspac, an SM scholar alumna who chose to pursue a career in Special Education (SPED).

Life’s work

Choosing to teach, especially pursue SPED, is a path less travelled. Out of over 800,000 public school teachers, only about 4,000 are in SPED, and Rosalie is one of the few who took the path. For 21 years now, the SM scholar alumna has dedicated her life to teaching SPED students. She wanted to empower and give special children a voice by advocating the welfare of deaf learners.


Rosalie Macaspac (left) interprets the contents of the program for her students.

With much dedication and determination to have the right skills for her students, she pursued graduate studies in special education and Filipino sign language at the Philippine National University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, respectively.

She currently teaches at the Philippine School for the Deaf in Pasay, the only government-owned institution for the deaf in the country. Here, she spearheaded the numeracy skills training program for deaf learners.

Embedding grit, greatness

Her journey to becoming an educator was not easy. Her parents separated when she was three years old, and her mother became the breadwinner.

“In the early years of my life as a three year old, awareness of how hard life is became a part of my growing up. I grew up with a mindset that whatever happens, I will not abandon my studies. Sensing my determination, my mother earned a living by washing and ironing clothes of our neighbors. I came to realize my mom had to wash and press thousands and thousands of clothes so I could finish my studies. But I did not pity myself. Instead, I kept a strong determination to battle on and promised my mother that she will not grow old and die as a laundry woman,” she said.

The weight on their shoulder became heavier when her mother became bedridden for half a year. Instead of slowing her down, it did the opposite. She continued her studies with much determination. With the help of her uncle, the Missionaries of Charity, and the puto bigas she sold, they could get by.

She finished primary school with good grades, and was a consistent honor student in high school, despite having one centavo allowance and rice and coffee as meals. With good standing, she had her mind set on her next goal: going to college.

“Giving up or surrendering wasn’t in my vocabulary. The strong heart of my mother was passed on to me as she was my inspiration to strive to get us out of the predicament we were in,” she stressed.

“When I was in fourth year high school, I was deep in thought of what to do to support my college education.  Then, God in all His goodness, stepped in again. The Guidance Office in our school announced that the SM Foundation was offering scholarships for qualified students. I knew at that very moment that He was with me. All I had to do is to apply for the scholarship,” she recalled.


Rosalie (fifth from left) and her fellow scholar alumni take a photo with SMIC Executive Director Harley Sy (third from left)

She vividly remembers sending her SM College Scholarship program application at the Customer Service of the SM in Quiapo and how she learned on May 9, 1995 that she would be interviewed for the scholarship in room 214 of the MSE Bldg. The three-digit number has since become unforgettable for her. By June 1995, Macaspac was among the SM scholars who had started their college education under the scholarship program.

According to her, the scholarship helped her become a well-rounded individual. It was the key to the realization of her dreams and paved the way to success. The activities provided by SM Foundation, such as the scholars’ assembly, the orientation, leadership training, sports fest and annual retreat, were very memorable for her.

“Looking back, the retreats, monthly meetings and being able to work in SM as an employee, followed up by our project director boosted my self-esteem and opened my world to service,” she said.

Rosalie at the Philippine School for the Deaf

 

Before teaching, she first worked as a Merchandise and Planning Control-Clerk at the SM Head Office, which was then located in Calle Echague, Manila. She was hired immediately after college.

Working in DepEd has always been her dream, and she is proud of where she is today: “Since day one of my college days, I aimed to be a public-school teacher. I am happy with my work now as a High School Teacher for Deaf learners. I am so privileged that I am in this community and my heart is entwined with my students.” 

“I am not ashamed to tell my colleagues that I had a humble beginning and I thank SM Foundation for putting me where I am now. I owe these blessings to SM, Henry “Tatang” Sy, SM Foundation, Ma’am Nilda Bernaldez, and my fellow SM-Scholars, most especially, my mother. They are all the instruments to why I chose to give back to a special community and dedicate my life to being an effective SPED teacher.”

Daughter of former flower farmers lives a vibrant life through the SM Scholarship grant

 

Stability is the foundation of a well-lived life. With basic needs fulfilled, people have the opportunity to develop themselves, explore various facets of life, and contribute to the welfare of the community.

 

When aspiring youth, especially those from low-income households, are given the chance to stand on solid ground, they readily take the chance. They utilize it as a seedbed where they can cultivate their dreams and aspirations.

 

One testament to this is SM scholar alumna Jonnah Jane Sacamay, who grew up in a family where stability seemed like an uncharted territory. Years back, Jonnah’s family’s main source of living was flower farming. This made them walk on a thin line as the demand for flowers was seasonal, and they were also often affected by unpredictable weather disturbances. 

 

But while they had journeyed through life with uncertainty, they had always planted in her mind the power of education.

 

“Given that the nature of farming is very seasonal, our income is not stable. Aside from augmenting our daily needs, we also had to ensure that my education is secured,” Jonnah recalled. 

 

Holding on to the power of education

 

And so, to help her family, she studied hard in grade school as soon as she learned about others who had the opportunity to pursue college through the SM College Scholarship Program. With her whole heart dedicated to learning and her eyes set on the SM scholarship, she finished high school as the class valedictorian. Once the forms were available, she immediately processed her application at the SM Store in Cebu.

 

“I was informed that I got accepted as an SM Scholar. From then on, a huge weight was lifted off my parents' shoulders. I could pursue my chosen degree in my chosen university,” she added.

 

Through the scholarship offered by the SM group through SM Foundation, she was able to focus on the development of her skills and knowledge not only in accountancy but especially in life. She became a Magna Cum Laude graduate of BS Accountancy at the University of San Carlos.

 

Jonnah (center) with her parents during her graduation

 

“The SM Scholarship helped me reach my dream of becoming a CPA, and this opened doors for me, enabling me to land a job that empowered me to help my family,” she said. 

 

“My experience in retail has given me wide knowledge in different areas. With this, I always make sure that my family makes informed decisions in all aspects of life. One thing that has become a tradition among SM Cebu scholars during my time was to have an outreach program. In our own way, we were able to pay forward the help that we received from SM. It was a fulfilling experience that we could share our blessings in our own little way,” she added.

 

Jonnah currently serves as a Senior Accounting Manager at the SM Store, Cebu. Aside from financial security, she currently takes care of her parents’ medical expenses and lets them enjoy vibrant life experiences after retiring as flower farmers.

Jonnah Sacamay serves as a Senior Accounting Manager at the SM Store in Cebu.

 

“Having a degree enabled me and my family to experience more in life. It paved the way for me to secure a stable job, which allowed me to travel, treat my family to a nice meal, take them shopping on special occasions, and most importantly, support my parents and their medical expenses. Aside from providing me with a scholarship grant, working in SM has provided a sense of security for me and my family,” she shared.

 

Opening doors to more

 

SM Foundation made it its goal to help create an environment where low-income families can thrive and achieve stability, just like how the SM College Scholarship Program paved ways for Jonnah and her family.


For the school year 2023-2024, the application period is open from February 1-March 31, 2023. The selected scholars may specialize in accounting, information technology, engineering, and education with full tuition and monthly allowance, including enrichment programs and activities. 

 

For more information about the SM College Scholarship program, visit https://www.sm-foundation.org/what_we_do/college-scholarship-program


you may improve

SM Supermalls, SM Cares to join Earth Hour 2023

 


SM Supermalls, together with its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares, is joining the rest of the world in observing Earth Hour this coming March 25 as the company renews its commitment to environmental stewardship.

This year's Earth Hour is all about "creating the Biggest Hour for Earth," and those who want to participate in the global activity are encouraged to spend 60 minutes doing something positive for the planet, in addition to switching off their lights.

SM Supermalls has been supporting Earth Hour and the WWF since the initiative was first held in the Philippines in 2008. This year, customers, tenants and employees at SM malls nationwide are once again encouraged to “Give an Hour for Earth” as SM Supermalls joins the annual Global Lights Switch Off from 8:30 PM to 9:30PM on March 25.

This day also marks the start of the World Wildlife Fund’s Virtual Earth Hour Run, a self-paced run supported by SM Cares, to be held from March 25 to April 30, 2023. The run aligns with SM Supermalls’ bid to make “Earth Hour, Any Hour” as participants are encouraged to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle by running and win prizes along the way. Joiners may register here and tag SM Cares and WWF as they post their stopovers at SM malls with hashtag #BiggestHourForEarth and #EarthHourVirtualRun.

facade lights off for SM San Lazaro


Aside from these, SM Supermalls has been pushing to minimize its carbon footprint in support of the global green movement through various programs ranging from responsible energy consumption to investing in renewable energy.

For instance, more than 50 percent of the energy consumed by SM malls all over the country now come from renewable sources. In terms of solar energy usage, SM now has 12 malls equipped with energized solar panels, with SM Mall of Asia as the latest mall to receive a solar panel installation, which has a capacity of 2.003 MWp.

SM has also been recognized for exceeding compliance with RA7920 or the New Electrical Engineering Law, which regulates the practice, licensing, and registration of electrical engineers and electricians. This is proof that SM is operated and maintained only by highly qualified engineers.

SM Cares' sustainability initiatives include the Trash-To-Cash Market and the Plastic Waste Collection program, which encourage responsible solid waste disposal among Filipinos; the annual Green Film Festival which promotes environmental awareness among students and the youth; and the International Coastal Cleanup which encourages stakeholders to do their part in keeping our seas and oceans clean.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, the country’s biggest chain of malls built by one of Southeast Asia’s leading real estate developer, SM Prime Holdings. It is responsible for initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community, including programs on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative, in addition to its Programs on Environment.

To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.