SM CITY MARILAO BOOSTS TOURISM AWARENESS AMONG ITS EMPLOYEES

MARILAO, Bulacan -- In partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Marilao Tourism Council, SM City Marilao rounded up its first month of the year with a specialized tourism awareness seminar to one hundred ninety two frontline service personnel at the event center.

The seminar aimed to equip tenants and mall staff members with the knowledge needed to serve the growing number of local and foreign tourists visiting the mall. Likewise, the seminar is expected to upgrade customer service and eventually contribute to the tourism process. By being a tourist oriented establishment, tourists can get information or directions on spots or festivals they plan to see or visit.

During the seminar, speakers emphasized the important role of SM employees in promoting tourism and further nation building. Employees were also asked to stimulate pride and love for the country.  “Malling is not only to entertain but also a way of educating tourists and visitors who frequent our malls for shopping and leisure”, added by SM City Marilao Mall Manager Ms. Bernadette D. Velasco.

Topics like introduction and overview of Philippine Tourism, behavioral patterns and local tourism products and services were likewise undertaken. Speakers were Ms. Avon Timbol from Department of Tourism, Councilor Allane Sayo and Chairman Ricky Manalo from Marilao Tourism Council in Bulacan.

Yes Tourism is one of the programs of SM Cares that is simultaneously conducted in all SM Supermalls.

SM’s bold step beyond the hour

Echoing the campaign to “save the planet”, SM City Baliwag and SM City Marilao went beyond the symbolic 60- minute lights switch off by promoting energy-saving alternatives.

At exactly 8:30 pm, SM City Baliwag and SM City Marilao simultaneously turned off lights on both malls’ perimeter which includes external signages, bill boards and lamp posts. Likewise, a selection of stores and car park lights were reduced to conserve energy while ensuring the safety of mall customers.

 In sync with this year’s theme dubbed, “I will, if you will,” SM City Baliwag, in partnership with Bulacan State University and Solartech Enterprise, highlighted the renewable energy source through the Solar panel and converter. Huge, solar-powered lanterns adorned the 50-meter stretch of the mall as it was dramatically lit following the switched off of lights. Each paper lanterns measuring at least 3 feet in diameter used LED bulbs which were all powered by solar energy.

Synchronously, SM City Marilao called on community members, institutions and government authorities to commit for the earth protection by encouraging sustainable living. To make it significant, rows of votive candles were lit on the symbolic sixty (60) minute candelabra as prayers were offered to show solidarity with the worldwide campaign of saving the earth. A ceremonial passing of light from generation to generation led the 10-second countdown for the earth hour.

Special performances from Sophia School in Marilao and the Bulacan State University Saring Himig, Jazz Band and Alexian Street dancers in Baliwag were carried out, inspiring mall patrons of the urgent need for action as regards to global warming.

Because earth hour is more than just switching off lights, SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag, have been committed in actively promoting earth-friendly activities through the unified environmental programs under SM Cares. Among the series of activities launched were the Trash to Cash Recycling Market, Green Retail Agenda and BioFuel Talks, Green Bag campaign, and solid waste management program in the malls. Without a doubt, these activities have shown great things in achieving sustainability and proving that people come together for a common cause and that is to save the earth.

JUST BEAUTY-FULL AT SM

It was a beauty-full evening for Jenna Pertgen when she was named the Grand Prize Winner in the recent SM Department Store Plus Size Model Search.

“Dreams can be fulfilled and what size you are shouldn’t hold you back from reaching them,” says this young and stylish Jenna Pertgen. And Jenna, who joined the search “for adventure and for proving that plus sized women do have a place in the fashion scene”, not only saw her dreams transform into reality, but also won exciting prizes like a trip for two to some of Asia’s fashion capitals – Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Macau with pocket money. She was also awarded P20,000 worth of SM Gift Certificates and a six month modeling contract, as well as gift packs from Dove and Etude.

The search was equally fulfilling for First Runner Up Christine Montalbo and Second Runner –Up Jennafer Ilagan. Christine believes that “each woman is unique and beautiful no matter what her size, shape, color or look.” She adds that she joined the search “to let plus sized women love and accept themselves and enhance their beauty.”

Jennafer, on the other hand, says that joining the search made her realize that “fashion has no size.” She unabashedly says that she is “proud of the beauty God bestowed on me, and I want to inspire other plus size women to share this confidence.” Both Christine and Jennafer won P10,000 worth of SM Gift Certificates and gift packs from Dove. The rest of the finalists received P5,000 worth of SM Gift Certificates.

Thousands of applicants joined the search, which was held nationwide, and eight finalists were eventually chosen. The finalists were presented during the Grand Finals held at the Filipinas Heritage Library, where the Grand Prize winner was also announced.

More than just a model search, the contest allowed full figured women not only to embrace their curves but also to dress fashionably as well. They learned more about the stylish 1L to 4L clothes from the SM Department Store’s Jus’ Ur Size and Jus’ Jeans collection.

Jus’ Ur Size offers stylish and comfortable day-to-night clothes in extended sizes. Designed for full figured working women whose on the go lifestyle calls for a versatile wardrobe, it features classic investment pieces and on-trend numbers.

Jus’ Jeans, on the other hand, is perfect for weekends with a collection of denims in a myriad of cuts perfect for the full figured woman. It features smart looking shorts and skirts, as well as chic knit tops in cotton, knit, or weaves.

Because healthy, full-sized women are riding the wave of runways, Plus Size Model Search is one of the many exciting events of the SM Department Store. Check out the fashionable clothes that are made of high quality fabric designs that fit a woman’s body curves.

Bulakeños benefited at SM City Marilao’ s Medical and Dental Mission

SM Foundation recently conducted its “Gamot Para sa Kapwa-Medical and Dental Mission Mall Caravan” at SM City Marilao benefiting over 1076 indigent patients from Bulacan.

 Beneficiaries availed the free medical and dental check-up and tooth extraction. Through the SM Foundation Mobile Clinic, diagnostic and laboratory services were also provided; 74 underwent Electro Cardiograph (ECG) tests, 94 got free X-Ray exams, 32 had their urinalysis, while 93 had their eye checked. Thousands of medicines were also distributed, as per doctors’ referral, along with vitamins and other health supplements.

This year's project partners included San Lazaro Hospital, Order of Malta, Capitol Medical Center, Bulacan Medical Society, Bulacan Medical Center, Philippine Dental Association- Bulacan Chapter, Kapisanan ng Dentista ng Bulacan (KADEBU), Marilao Municipal Health Office, Marilao Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and Philippine National Red Cross-Bulacan Chapter. Bureau of Fire Protection and Philippine National Police of Bulacan also supported the event.

 St. Michael Family Hospital and Samahan ng mga Kababaihan ng Ibayo provided volunteers to help conduct the medical mission while mall eye shop, Ideal Vision, gave free eye check-ups and huge discount stubs for all the patients. Ms. Connie Angeles, SM Foundation’s Executive Director, welcomed the patients during her visit. She also acknowledged all volunteers that include doctors, dentists, nurses and NGOs for joining the noble activity for the needy. SM Foundation also gave literacy programs to educate individuals on the prevention of certain diseases and illnesses through a film showing. Among the health advocacies that was shown during the mission was the “Anti- Rabies campaign”. Patients were provided with wealth of information on rabies and were encouraged to have their dogs and cats vaccinated as the disease is irreversible and 100% fatal. This medical/dental mission is part of the commitment of SM in reaching out to the marginalized sectors of the society.

SM Malls Top Taxpayers in Key Cities

SM Prime Holdings was cited as a top taxpayer in key cities like Mandaluyong, Naga, Valenzuela, and Antipolo. The awards are given in recognition to the SM Mall group as being a partner in the city's progress and development. Through its taxes, SM is able to help the whole City in order to create more jobs, businesses and other opportunities that uplift the city’s economic growth

The City Government of Mandaluyong honored SM Megamall with the Top Taxpayer Award for carrying out its various developmental agenda, advocacies and pro-people initiatives towards sustainable progress recently at the Wack-Wack Golf & Country Club.

The SM Group of Companies also topped Naga's list of corporate national taxpayers for the second straight year. Another recognition was also given to SM Prime Holdings in the Real Property Tax category for corporations.

SM Supercenter Valenzuela was honored with the Valenzuela City Top Taxpayer Award for Medium Enterprise for 2011 by the Mayor’s Office during the celebration of the 14th charter day anniversary at the Museo Valenzuela.

SM City Valenzuela has been cited as the Top Taxpayer for the fifth year in a row. “SM City Valenzuela has been very generous in terms of giving their time and effort to help us with our employment project,” Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian states. He also adds, “They’ve been constantly paying the right taxes, and that means a lot to the city.”

Antipolo City commemorates their 4th year Golden Tipolo Awards on April 11, 2012, at the Sumulong Park. Topping this award was SM City Masinag, on the other hand, who was awarded as the Top Business Taxpayer for 2011 during the 4th year of the Golden Tipolo Awards. Cristina Agbunang SAVP for SM Investments Corp, Ms. Johanna Melissa Rupisan ROM for Central 3 Region and Engr. Rejin Cruz Mall Manager of SM City Masinag.