Taste premium quality chocolates at Cacao Mindanao Artisan Chocolate Fair

Experience and savor world-class chocolate products at the Cacao Mindanao Artisan Chocolate Fair in SM City Davao and SM Lanang on May 31 to June 4.

In partnership between SM Supermalls and the Department of Trade and Industry XI, the three-day fair aims to highlight homegrown products in celebration to the milestone law, Republic Act No. 11547, that declares Davao City as Chocolate Capital of the Philippines and Davao Region as Cacao Capital of the Philippines.

The Cacao Mindanao Artisan Chocolate Fair 2024 is also supported by the Davao Regional Cacao Industry Council, Department of Agriculture, Department of Tourism, and City Agriculturist’s Office.

“We, at SM City Davao, have been an advocate for cacao development. Since we mount the first Chocolate Fair in 2014, we are happy to observe the rise of players from cultivating cacao to producing chocolates to the world,” said Engr. Leah Delarmente, mall manager of SM City Davao.

The Cacao Mindanao Artisan Chocolate Fair in SM City Davao is joined by Auro Chocolate, MS3 Agri Venture, Tableya Center, Nutrarich, Coco Dulce, Hao Cacao, Leschocolateries Davao and Cacao City.

In SM Lanang, purveyors include: Malagos Chocolate, Cacao Culture, Coscao Chocolate, Nutrarich, Hao Chocolate, Sikwate!, The Choco Bean, Auro Chocolate, Coco Libre, MS3 Chocolate and Rosario’s Delicacies.

“We invite the public to taste and experience the world-class chocolates and products from our participating purveyors here at the fair,” Delarmented added.

For more updates, visit the official social media pages of SM City Davao and SM Lanang./PR

SM Supermalls, Felicidad Sy Foundation celebrate love and faith with ‘8th Kasalan sa SM’ mass wedding

Kasalan sa SM

SM Supermalls and the Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, Inc. (FTSFI) bring together 16 couples, including SM SuperMoms, at the heartwarming 8th Kasalan sa SM mass wedding. The 8th Kasalan sa SM is held at the Shrine of Jesus the Way, the Truth and the Life Church in Pasay City.

SM Supermalls and the Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, Inc. (FTSFI) united 16 couples in holy matrimony during the “8th Kasalan sa SM” mass wedding held at the Shrine of Jesus the Way, the Truth and the Life Church in Pasay City. This special occasion included members of their 296,000-member Facebook community, the SM SuperMoms Club, making the day even more heartwarming.

The success of the event wouldn’t have been possible without the generous contributions of Kultura’s Barong Filipino and Berches Barong, who provided Barong Tagalogs for all the grooms. Goldilocks also played a key role by sponsoring the 16 wedding cakes, and Gandang Ricky Reyes ensured a memorable experience for the brides with their hair and makeup services. Their support made the day truly special for the couples and their families.

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The Kasalan sa SM initiative is an important part of FTSFI’s religious projects, an affiliate of the SM Foundation. This program, established nearly a decade ago, reflects the dedication of SM Group matriarch Felicidad T. Sy, also known as “Nanang,” to promoting spiritual well-being within communities.

A wedding gift, presented on behalf of SM Group matriarch Felicidad Sy, is given to all the 16 couples. In the photo, Paulo (left) and Sherry Joy Amita (second from left) receive theirs from the Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, Inc. (FTSFI) Executive Director Mel Elido (center), Reverend Father Rey Reyes (second from right), and Shrine Rector Reverend Father Danny Canceran (right).

Nanang’s vision extends beyond weddings. She champions numerous religious activities, including the operation of masses and the restoration/upkeep of churches and shrines within and near SM Malls. These initiatives provide accessible places of worship for Catholic mall-goers and the communities SM serves.

In honor of SM Group matriarch Felicidad Sy, known as Nanang, Kasalan sa SM has brought faith and matrimony to communities for nearly a decade.

The 8th Kasalan sa SM mass wedding, officiated by clergy members, brought joy and blessings to the newlyweds who celebrated their union with loved ones. This event not only strengthens the bond of marriage but also underscores SM Group’s commitment to upholding Filipino Catholic faith and fostering strong family values within the community.
Do you want to be part of our next FREE MASS WEDDING in October? Join the SM SuperMoms Club for more details: https://web.facebook.com/groups/SMSuperMomsClub.

For more information on exciting SM Supermalls events, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

DOT XI launches Davao Adventure Challenge tourism campaign at Mindanao Tourism Expo

Davao Adventure Challenge

DOT XI launches Davao Adventure Challenge tourism campaign at Mindanao Tourism Expo

The Department of Tourism XI proudly announces the successful launch of the Davao Adventure Challenge at the Mindanao Tourism Expo held on April 28 in Cagayan de Oro City.

The Davao Adventure Challenge tourism campaign aims to promote the diverse and thrilling adventure activities that Davao Region has to offer. It also endeavors to attract adventure seekers from around the world and position the region as a premier adventure tourism destination in the Philippines.

“Together, we will rediscover Davao Region’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures and exciting adventure pursuits in this year-long tourism campaign,” said DOT Xl Regional Director Tanya Rabat Tan.

During the launch event, attendees were treated to a presentation showcasing the various adventure activities in Davao:

For Hiking Trails: Mount Apo, in Davao del Sur; Mount Hamiguitan, in San Isidro, Davao Oriental; and Mount Dinor in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. For Water Thrills: Water Tubing in Sibulan River, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur; White Water Rafting in Davao City; Skimboarding in Dahican Beach, Mati City; and Giant Clam Sanctuary Tour in Samal Island.

For Scuba and Freediving: Samal Island in Davao del Norte; Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental; and Pujada Bay Dive Sites in Mati City. For Extreme Adventurers: Canyoneering in Tagtugonan Falls, Kapalong, Davao del Norte; Spelunking in Su’bon Cave, Matanao, Davao del Sur, and Okbot Cave in Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

For Heights and Flights: Ultralight Plane Experience in Mati City, and Sky Adventure Rides in Eden Nature Park, Davao City.

The Department of Tourism XI is collaborating with local government units, DOT-accredited establishments, tour operators and guides in curating unique adventure packages that cater to different interests and skill levels. To join, interested participants can simply sign up via www. dotxievents. com.

Once registered, they can choose any, if not all, of the 15 initially available adventures for the entire year. Challengers can then scan the QR codes at the sites, and then post photos via social media. For every completed challenge, they can earn points, which would qualify them for e-badges and rewards.

“Beyond the thrills, it’s an opportunity to explore unfamiliar places, learn new cultures and sustainable practices, meet locals as well as your fellow adventurers, and create memories that will surely stand the test of time,” added Tan.

For more information about the Davao Adventure Challenge and to plan your next adrenaline-filled getaway, visit the Facebook page of the Department of Tourism – Davao Region for regular updates.

Hold 9th Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo in Davao City this May

Slate RP Halal Trade and Tourism Expo here

Hold 9th Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo in Davao City this May

The Universal Islamic Center (UIC), the institutional partner of Davao City Halal Industry Development Council (DCHIDC) will be organizing the 9th Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo (PHTTE), with a theme: “Global Halal Market: Tourism, Trade and Investment Opportunities.”

According to PHTTE president Marilou Ampuan, the Expo will be held on May 23-25, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang, Davao City, Philippines.

This year’s PHTTE will have three main components: an exhibit, a plenary, and business-to-business and business-to-customers sessions. There will also be ancillary activities showcasing Mindanao’s culture, food, and modest fashion and three other Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) member countries.

The global halal market is a $7.2 Trillion economy worldwide, and PHTTE 2024 provides a platform for exhibitors and other participants to access and be part of this unstoppable bandwagon.

The plenary will bring together the tourism academe, entrepreneurs, and experts to present and discuss the latest trends in the Halal industry. The learning sessions will equip and empower individuals and enterprises of Halal and Halal potential food, manufacturing products, agriculture, tourism, e-commerce, and allied services to address challenges in doing halal business in the Philippines.

To take the first step to secure your booth, complete your reservation form via link https://forms.gle/eLj4azLArA69TbVq5

NGCP energizes its Cebu-Negros-Panay Link, calls for more power generation projects to avoid outages in Visayas

Calls for more generation projects

NGCP energizes its Cebu-Negros-Panay Link, calls for more power generation projects to avoid outages in Visayas

As part of efforts to improve power transmission services in Cebu, Negros, and Panay, NGCP successfully energized the Cebu-Negros-Panay 230-kiloVolt (kV) Backbone Project Stage 3 (CNP3), increasing the transfer of power capacity from Panay to Negros to Cebu, and vice versa.

The remaining components of the multi-island interconnection project were energized at 10:01AM of 27 March 2024, strengthening the transfer of power from Panay to Negros to Cebu, and vice versa.

The new line, with a carrying capacity of 400MW, is the 3rd stage in the Cebu-NegrosPanay backbone. his upgrades the existing Amlan-Samboan submarine cable which currently connects Cebu and Negros islands. The first stage of the CNP Project added a new 230kV transmission line from Bacolod to E.B Magalona, while the 2nd stage upgraded the Cebu Substation into 230kV level.

While the energization of the line will definitely improve transmission services and the reliability of the grid, NGCP stressed the need for the implementation of strategic developments in the generation side to fully optimize the benefits of the strengthened interconnection.

“The project’s completion was touted by some parties as the primary solution to the recent spate of power outages in Negros and Panay. But CNP3 is not the sole or primary solution to the woes of Panay consumers. Transmission and power generation go hand in hand. Sufficient power generation development supported by reliable transmission is the formula for optimized energy development. This will support the country’s push towards economic recovery,” NGCP explained.

“We have long advocated for a holistic approach to energy industry development. Generation and transmission must be developed together. One cannot be made to bear the whole burden of keeping the industry stable,” NGCP stressed.

The CNP3 is the last of the three critical projects the transmission service provider delivered amidst mounting calls for completion of projects, and despite experiencing numerous challenges beyond its control. Difficulties in securing right-of-way, slow progress of expropriation cases, and permitting issues with several local government units have hampered the completion of the project’s critical components. The project was completed by NGCP in less than seven years, below the average of 7-10 years of project completion in first world countries.

“This is a big step towards improving power transmission services in the Visayas grid as its energization will allow the delivery of power to support Panay’s needs from Cebu or elsewhere from the grid, provided that there is an availability of excess power generation.

While the line will help improve the delivery of power, more baseload plants in Negros and more in-island generation in Panay are needed to prevent the occurrence of power outages,” NGCP said. “The energization of the CNP is a testament to NGCP’s commitment to complete this, and all its other projects,” the company added.

The CNP3 is comprised of 544 transmission towers spanning 354 circuit kilometers of overhead lines, 58 circuit kilometers of submarine cables, and 10 substations.

The project was filed for approval with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in 2016 with a project cost of PhP43.41 Billion. However, the ERC granted a provisional approval in 2017 for only one year’s worth of capital expenditure amounting to PhP176.75 Million. NGCP has yet to receive the ERC’s final approval.

“Despite awaiting the ERC’s final approval of the project and the corresponding budget for its construction, NGCP continued to pursue the completion of the CNP3 due to the critical operational need to strengthen the transmission backbone in the area,” said NGCP.

Aside from the CNP3, NGCP also recently energized the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection, which fully links Mindanao to Luzon and Visayas, for the more efficient operation of a single Philippine grid. Last year, one circuit line of the Hermosa-San Jose 500kV Transmission Line (HSJ), critical to Luzon, was also energized. ###

GREAT SAVINGS FROM OUR HOME DAVAO 3-DAY SALE

Best time to shop for the home ….

GREAT SAVINGS FROM OUR HOME DAVAO 3-DAY SALE  

Planning for a home refresh this summer?   As temperature rises, so do the savings at OUR HOME Davao on its 3-Day Sale from April 19-21!

Now is the best time to shop for the home refresh that you’ve been wanting to do with OUR HOME’s great selections of home furniture, decor and accessories.   Visit us and get inspirations for your living room, bedroom and dining room.  

Check out OUR HOME Davao’s great offers:   

Save up to 80% off on great finds for your living room, bedroom and dining room. 

Get extra 10% off with SMAC and SMAC Prestige cards. 

And here’s more.  Get another extra 5% off when you pay straight or extra 10% off when you avail of our Buy Now Pay Later installment offer using qualified BDO Credit cards with a minimum purchase required. T&Cs apply.     

We assemble for free and we also offer free interior design advice to help you out with your home styling.  Visit us to know more of our great offers.   

OUR HOME has something for everyone.  So, what are you waiting for?  Head on to OUR HOME Davao located at the Ground Level Annex Bldg. of SM City Davao where you can find great designs at great prices.   Call a personal shopper at 0977-8052231 or check out  www.ourhome.ph     

SM distributes 108 Kalinga packs to fire-affected families in Bucana

Kalinga packs for fire victims

SM distributes 108 Kalinga packs to fire-affected families in Bucana

A total of 108 families who were recently affected by fire incidents in Barangay Bucana received Kalinga packs from SM City Davao through SM Foundation’s Operation Tulong Express (OPTE).

Data from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) bared that a total of 90 families were affected in the fire incident last April 7 at Puroks 25 and 26a while 18 households in Purok 4, all in Barangay Bucana, Davao City.

The recent OPTE was in collaboration with CSWDO. Employees and agency personnel from SM City Davao also volunteered to join in the distribution of Kalinga packs, which consist of rice, canned goods, water bottles, and noodles.

Through this initiative, SM aims to be one of the first responders that provide immediate relief to individuals and families affected by calamities through its corporate social good arm, SM Foundation.

SM Foundation and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XI also signed the memorandum of agreement on April 15 during the Kapehan sa Dabaw in SM City Davao. The agreement intends to formalized the partnership with the department, including the deployment of donation boxes within SM malls in times of disasters.

With the partnership, proceeds from the donation boxes will be turned over to DSWD XI./PR

Sizzling summer finds at SM City Davao’s biggest sale this April 19 to 21

SM City Davao’s 3 Day Sale starting this Friday until Sunday.

Beat the heat and snag up to 70% discounts on a variety of items, mallwide in SM City Davao’s 3 Day Sale starting this Friday until Sunday.

Be summer ready and shop at a discounted price from different brands and stores in SM City Davao.

Shoppers can also get the chance to win Suzuki Dzire GL MT car when they join the e-raffle during the 3 Day Sale. To participate, shoppers shall purchase P1,000 or more, single or accumulated purchase receipt, from any of the stores.

Shoppers can also get extra 10% discount whole day on Friday for Prestige cardholders; and on Saturday to Sunday, from 3PM to 7PM for SMAC cardholders in The SM Store and select SM affiliates.

No SMAC or Prestige? An extra 10% discount at The SM Store can be also enjoyed on Friday only by all cardholders of Philhealth, Pag-IBIG, PRC License, and Ateneo de Davao Alumni; employees of City Government of Davao, AFP, PNP, BFP, BJMP, DepEd, Davao Doctors Hospital, Brokenshire Hospital, San Pedro Hospital, Adventist Hospital, CTTMO, LTO, and HPG; and residents of Matina Enclaves and Verdon Parc.

For more updates, join and visit SM City Davao Community, the official community group of SM City Davao in Facebook. Mark your calendars now and shop at SM City Davao’s 3 Day Sale beginning this Friday. /PR

TASTE THE WORLD AT SM LANANG FOODHALL

Flavors of the world in SML

TASTE THE WORLD AT SM LANANG FOODHALL

Japanese bento from Ureshi Japanese Restaurant

Taste the flavors of the world in one hub when you drop by the SM Lanang Foodhall for an elevated dining experience with family and friends.

For the adventurous palate, SM Lanang Foodhall offers a unique blend of flavors with its diverse mix of tenants offering well-loved dishes and delicacies from Japanese, Korean, American, Chinese, and even Filipino cuisines.

Shoppers and tourists alike can explore distinct flavors that suit their cravings from Panda Shabu Shabu, Lakuseana, Yoo Dae Bak, JG Salo, Red Corner, Coffee Box, Potato Corner, Juice Co., and Ureshi Japanese Restaurant.

The SM Lanang Foodhall also boasts of being an inclusive food hub as it welcomes restaurants such as GreenEats which offers 100% plant-based options for people opting for a healthier diet.

To add to the delight, Foodhall diners with a minimum single receipt of P499 who also purchase a 1.5L bottle or three 16 oz of Coca-Cola beverages from any of its stores are also entitled to a free tote bag which they can claim from the designated redemption booth up until April 28.

To know the latest buzz at SM Lanang, follow its official social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.#

Worry Free Cruising: Holy Week Travels with SM Supermalls’ 50 EV Charging Stations

#ReChargeWithSM …. #EVTravelsWithSM

Worry Free Cruising: Holy Week Travels with SM Supermalls’ 50 EV Charging Stations

As the Holy Week approaches, many Filipinos are gearing up for a well-deserved break, seeking the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re planning a road trip up north or a leisurely drive down south, you can #ReChargeWithSM through an extensive network of free Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) at 50 SM malls around the Philippines, ensuring your journey is smooth, convenient, and eco-friendly.

Before setting off on your Holy Week adventure, drive worry-free as SM Supermalls’ EVCS remain open to serve you, with the exception of The Podium from Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (March 28-29) and SM City Manila, SM San Fernando Downtown and SM San Pedro on Good Friday (March 29).

Now, let’s start your #EVTravelsWithSM with scenic routes and exciting destinations for your Holy Week getaway:

Davao

Visit Davao’s highlands and islands with your e-vehicle. Begin your journey by making a pitstop at SM Lanang and charge your e-vehicle at the mall’s basement parking. Indulge in the sea of clouds and reflect at the Majestic Peak with the 360-degree scenic view of the mountains and Via Crusis at Marilog, Davao City. Not into highlands? Discover giant clams and white sand beaches at the Island Garden City of Samal, a tropical haven near Davao City.

Bukidnon

Prepare your leather boots and feel the breeze at the Communal Ranch in Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao. With vast mountain ranges and adventure-packed activities, you’ll surely have a long weekend to remember. Plus, there’s a perfect place too to contemplate and have spiritual healing, which is The Abbey of the Transfiguration in Bukidnon. Just don’t forget to recharge your e-vehicle at SM Cagayan de Oro Downtown and SM Cagayan de Oro Uptown in preparation for this exciting nature therapy.

As you embark on your Holy Week adventure, let SM Supermalls’ extensive network of EV Charging Stations guide your way. Vacations in the Visayas and Mindanao can recharge at SM Cebu, SM Cagayan de Oro Downtown and SM Cagayan de Oro Uptown and SM Lanang in Davao.

With free charging services in strategically located branches nationwide, you can pack your bags, hit the road and make unforgettable memories this Holy Week with SM Supermalls.