SM recognized as top taxpayer in Valenzuela City

Valenzuela’s Premiere Mall SM Supercenter was recognized as one of the top taxpayers for 2011. Out of 11,277 registered businesses, SM was among the 20 companies that the City Government honored during the celebration of the 14th charter bay anniversary at Museo Valenzuela.

This year’s top tax payer- awardees included notable companies such as Manila Electric Company, Maynilad Water Services Inc., Filipino Metals Corporation and Splash Corporation.

Awarding the Top Taxpayers of 2011 in three categories for small, medium and large enterprise, SM Prime Holdings Inc., top the taxpayer award under medium enterprise and the 1st top job provider. “We are delighted to be recognized as a top economic contributor in Valenzuela City. It is inspiring to know that we were able to significantly contribute to the city’s progress as an employer and a taxpayer,” said Mall Manager Hazel Reyes.

For the past five years, SM Supercenter played an important role in creating business opportunities and jobs in Valenzuela. Overall, 3,795 jobs were provided. SM also leaded the list of top taxpayers for 2011 with a total payment of P9,136,743 in income taxes. Mayor Sherwin T. Gachalian, Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldos and Congressman Rex Gatchalian handed the awards to SM Prime Holdings Inc.

Mayor WIN commended companies like SM for being a role model as tax payer and in creating business and job opportunities as well.

Ms. Hazel Reyes added, “We will continue to support the local government of Valenzuela in its endeavor to help improve the lives of Valenzuelanos. It is our philosophy to serve the communities that we are a part of.”

Currently, SM has 42 branches nationwide including the newly opened SM branch in Olonggapo City. Other malls of the SM Prime Holdings Inc. in Central Luzon are in Marilao and Baliwag in Bulacan.

BE THE NEXT LUCKY WINNER OF SM INSTANT SHOPPING SPREE

Calling all shopaholics! We got great news! Because we know what you want, we bring you the latest and most sought after shopping news only at SM City Marilao.

                Get a chance to win up to 7 million pesos worth of shopping money for any P5,000 single receipt purchase with Mastercard at SM Department Store.   Simply scratch a card to reveal instant shopping spree.   Over thousands worth of SM gift pass were given away to four lucky winners in Marilao. Likewise, big-time winner Ms. Ma. Gladys D. Conferido, owner of wellness salon in Bulacan, won a total of P50, 000 worth of SM Gift pass last January 16.

So hurry and present your receipts to claim your scratch cards from any redemption booth of SM Department Store in Marilao. Don’t miss this amazing offer! Who knows… you might be the next lucky winner of fabulous shopping spree. Promo runs until March 31, 2012.

SM PRIME WINS ICSC FOUNDATION AWARD, MARKETING CITATIONS

SM Prime Holdings was recently awarded the 2011 Asia Community Award by the International Council for Shopping Centers Foundation for its Breaking the Poverty Chain campaign during the recent ICSC Recon Asia conference in Shanghai, China.

 During the event, the ICSC Foundation also awarded the John T. Riodan Professional Education Scholarship to Chivas Allejo of the SM Supermalls Leasing Division. Likewise, SM Prime received two citations for the Asia Pacific Shopping Center Awards for two marketing programs: for My City, My SM in the Public Relations category and for Global Pinoy in the Cause Related category.

 The Breaking the Poverty Chain campaign, which was held in time for the 25th Anniversary of SM City North EDSA, SM Prime’s first mall, was a partnership with Gawad Kalinga to build 25 homes for poverty stricken families. Volunteers and employees of SM City North EDSA mobilized to create a community that would change the quality of life for the 25 families, and at the same time boost the demographics of the area.

SM Prime Holdings President Hans T. Sy conducted a ceremony where each family received their new home. Overwhelmed by the joy of the recipients, Mr. Hans decided to extend his initial campaign and create an entire SM GK Village to benefit over 100 families. The campaign not only impacted the families who have received homes, but also allowed the community to flourish. Once a slum area, it has since been converted into a successful, fully functioning community.

As the winner of the ICSC Foundation’s Community Support Award, SM Prime’s North EDSA mall will receive a US$5,000 donation to support their philanthropic cause. SM City North EDSA will also be eligible for the ICSC Foundation’s 2011 Albert Sussman International Community Support Award, which honors the best community support program worldwide.

Established in 2006, the ICSC Foundation’s Community Support Awards is a worldwide awards program that honors corporate social responsibility and community efforts of shopping centers for charitable initiatives that enhance the communities the retail real estate industry serves.

 The ICSC Foundation is the non- profit charity arm of the International Council for Shopping Centers, the premiere global trade association of the shopping center industry. Established in 1957, the ICSC has more than 55,000 members in over 90 countries including shopping center owners, developers, managers, marketing specialists, investors, retailers, and brokers, as well as academic and public officials. As the global shopping center industry’s trade association, ICSC links with more than 25 national and regional shopping center councils throughout the world.

SM joins 1st fun run for breastfeeding advocacy

SM Supermalls has always been a strong advocate of breastfeeding. Pioneering 41 breastfeeding stations nationwide, SM believes in creating an environment that supports, protects and empowers breastfeeding mothers.

Last February 4, 2012, SM Supermalls’ Breastfeeding Committee took part in the first running campaign that focused on breastfeeding at SM Mall of Asia.  Dubbed as “Run to Save Lives! Run for Breastfeeding!” the 5K run and 2K walk event aimed not only to promote breastfeeding but also the proper infant and young child feeding practice.

Thousands of avid runners, athletes, mothers, and breastfeeding advocates gathered before the break of dawn to support the campaign. Every step that the participants took drew attention in raising awareness to improve child nutrition through breastfeeding.

Partnering with international and national organizations; Food and Agriculture Organization, International Labor Organization, UNICEF, World Food Programme and World Health Organization, Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund-2030, Department of Health’s National Nutrition Council, speakers shared their experiences and gave inspirational talks to correct several breastfeeding misconceptions.

Dr. Jacqueline Badcock, United Nations’ Resident Coordinator, recommended that infants should be exclusively breastfed from birth to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years and beyond. Evidences on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and early initiation show that breastfeeding provides long-term benefits such as better protection against chronic disease, gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, allergies, diarrhea and neonatal sepsis. 

In addition, breastfeeding is the healthiest and most economical way to nourish a new born baby. “Breastfeeding is the best anti-poverty and anti-hunger strategy which is why it is so important for mothers to breastfeed.” said Assistant Secretary Maria-Bernardita Flores, Executive Director of the National Nutrition Council.

With these, SM joins the world in celebrating the profound experience of motherhood and national endeavor to support breastfeeding.

Spectacular Chinese New Year at SM

Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with a fascinating array of rich Chinese cultural performances at SM. At SM City Marilao, join the parade with the Chinese New Year Mascots happening on January 30. Likewise, watch the time-honored Lion & Dragon Dance and Sofia School’s Tai Chi Fan Dance as they grace their way into every corner of the mall on February 3 at 2 PM. Don’t miss the Year of the Rabbit Money Tree on display at SM Marilao Event Center on display from January 27 to February 6. In SM City Baliwag, shoppers can enjoy various Chinese food delicacies at SM Foodcourt’s Chinese Food Festival starting on January 30. Feel the festivities as SM Baliwag will be transformed to become a Little China town with Chinese Cosplayers roaming around the mall on February 6. Mall goers can also get their photos taken at the Golden Rabbit Display at the Event Center during the Chinese New Year weekend. Wonder what’s in store for you this 2011? What better way to test your luck than to take a peek into what your future might be through a Fortune Telling Session and Feng Shui Consultation by the famous Feng Shui expert, Ang Gapuz on February 6 at SM Baliwag' s Event Center. On Chinese New Year's Day on February 6, SM Baliwag will also have the Lion and Dragon Dance all over the mall to bring prosperity to the stores and mall goers. It’s bound to be a Chinese New Year blast so make sure to visit SM City Marilao and SM City Balwag!