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Recycle & Earn: SM Supermalls’ Nationwide Trash to Cash Program

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Every first Friday and Saturday of the month, SM Supermalls transforms into a hub of sustainability through its nationwide ‘Trash to Cash’ (TTC) recycling market, where individuals can exchange recyclable waste for cash. This initiative, part of SM Supermalls’ Waste-Free Future campaign, has been a long-running program since 2007 that encourages waste segregation, recycling, and environmental awareness while also benefiting communities financially.

Held across 87 SM malls nationwide, the TTC program provides a convenient and accessible platform for shoppers, tenants, and local communities to participate in sustainable waste management. By ensuring that recyclables are properly sorted and repurposed, TTC actively contributes to the circular economy, reinforcing SM Supermalls’ commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.

Encouraging sustainable habits with tangible impact

The impact of TTC has been remarkable. In 2024 alone, the initiative successfully collected more than 12 million kilograms of recyclables, generating a total of over ₱28 million in earnings for participants. This is equivalent to 204,000 trees saved if all recyclable wastes are paper or a reduction of 18,000 tons of carbon emission if all recyclable wastes are plastic. More than just a recycling initiative, TTC empowers individuals, organizations, and businesses by making sustainability a rewarding and community-driven practice.

“TTC is more than just a recycling program—it’s a movement that enables communities to turn environmental responsibility into real opportunities. By participating, people not only contribute to waste reduction but also gain financial incentives, proving that sustainability can be both impactful and rewarding,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

A student weighs recyclables with his teacher at SM Cares’ Trash to Cash, proving that every small effort adds up to a greener future.SM employees and tenant partners join in by bringing piles and bags of recyclable waste.

A caring call to action: Be part of the change

As climate challenges continue to grow, initiatives like TTC show that small actions, when done collectively, lead to significant environmental impact. By participating in this program, individuals can contribute to the fight against waste pollution, support the circular economy, and take a meaningful step toward a more sustainable future.

Students, who brought in their trash, receive cash incentives from SM personnel for their commitment to a sustainable future.Segregating our trash plays a vital role in diverting waste from the landfills.

How to participate in Trash to Cash

With TTC locations spread nationwide, SM Supermalls provides convenient drop-off points where customers can properly dispose of materials such as paper, plastic bottles, and other recyclable waste. Joining the TTC movement is easy. Segregate your recyclable waste and bring them to any participating SM mall. You can visit the SM Supermalls official website for ways to contribute to a cleaner, greener future. 

To learn more about TTC and other sustainability initiatives under SM’s Waste-Free Future campaign, follow @SMCaresOfficial on social media. 

How SM Prime is Leading Water Conservation Efforts

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Access to clean and potable water is one of today’s most pressing challenges, with rapid urbanization and population growth straining freshwater resources. United Nations (UN)-Water emphasizes that effective water management is crucial for society and the environment.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), a leading integrated property developer in Southeast Asia, has prioritized water conservation and management since the early 1990s—long before water stress and its link to climate change became widely recognized.

Through Water for Tomorrow, SM Prime’s water stewardship campaign, the company actively integrates climate resilience into its developments, ensuring responsible resource management while supporting the well-being of the communities it serves.

Sustainable water management

Water conservation measures and efficient management systems are embedded in SM Prime’s building operations. The company invests heavily in sustainable water management technologies to reduce freshwater use and the demand for municipal water supply. It has identified practical water usage and innovations to address the growing concern of water security. 

In 2023, SM Prime’s reported total water consumption amounted to 7.2 million cubic meters, with 61% of that consumed water being recycled. 

On average, more than 1 billion gallons of recycled water is used for mall operations. SM Supermalls uses recycled water for cleaning and sanitation, caring for its plants and landscaping, and cooling its air conditioning towers.  Efficient plumbing and innovative water-saving technologies with low-flow fixtures also regulate the mall’s water consumption. 

These practices have been scaled throughout the group. The SM Offices’ E-Com Centers in the Mall of Asia Complex have sewage treatment plants that recycle greywater. Aside from rainwater harvesting systems that help maintain its urban gardens, SM Development Corporation (SMDC)’s Sea and Shore Residences donate its discharged treated water to the greening of the Estates in the MOA Complex. 

As part of its water conservation program in Pico Sands Hotel, SM Hotels and Convention Corporation reduced its freshwater consumption by 36%, reaching 52% water reuse and 41% for Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club. Together with Hamilo Coast, SM Prime’s luxury and leisure estates in Nasugbu, Batangas, its water desalination plant has made significant impacts on water management and sustainable eco-tourism since 2010, ensuring that it services all developments that call Hamilo home. 

Protecting water resources 

SM Prime supports this year’s UN-Water World Water Day 2025 on March 22, which focuses on the theme “Glacier Preservation.” 

Halfway around the globe, glaciers play a critical role in the global water cycle.  Glacial ice is the largest reservoir of fresh water, holding about 69% of the world’s fresh water. With rapid glacial melting, altered rainfall patterns, droughts, and rising sea levels, the planet risks a water crisis that affects the most vulnerable.

Recognizing these challenges and the need for a reliable water supply, SM Prime continues to integrate water-efficient systems in its property developments. This helps create public awareness and encourages responsible water use among mallgoers, tenants, employees, and communities. In 2023, SM Supermalls’ SM City Baguio rainwater treatment facility (RTF) was launched to help reduce dependence on freshwater sources. It has treated 17,000 cubic meters of rainwater into potable water and continues to operate and serve its host community. 

SM Prime’s Water for Tomorrow program plays a key role in SM Prime’s sustainability strategy, along with Net Zero by 2040 and a Waste-Free Future. 

“As businesses face growing water challenges, we must take action to secure our Water for Tomorrow,” said Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman.

“Water stewardship is an investment in our future. We must move beyond conservation and prioritize resource protection, waste reduction and water security for future generations,” he added. 

SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility (RTF) utilizes a rigorous six-step treatment process with real-time monitoring to ensure processed water meets potability requirements, and its service to the community was recognized at the 2024 Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards.

Headquarters to some of the largest Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) brand names, the Three E–com Center at the Mall of Asia Complex efficiently operates its sewage treatment plant to collect, treat, and remove contaminants from wastewater, making it safe to discharge to the surrounding environment.

Pico Sands Hotel – SM Hotels

Pico Sands Hotel has reduced water consumption by advocating towel and linen reuse, inviting guests to join its sustainability journey and conserve water.

Hamilo Coast’s desalination plant provides sustainable water to its community, serving residences, hotels, staff housing, and offices since 2010.

SM Development Corporation (SMDC)’s Sea and Shore Residences donate their treated wastewater to green the landscape of the Estates in Mall of Asia Complex.

SAMSUNG Galaxy AI Festival featuring HORI7ON, EXO’s Xiumin, BINI, Juan Karlos & Maki!

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Headlining the night were HORI7ON, EXO’s Xiumin & BINI as they welcomed a new era of Galaxy AI with the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6

MANILA, Philippines – Samsung recently unveiled a new era of creativity, connectivity, and self-expression across the Galaxy ecosystem at the Galaxy AI Festival at Bonifacio Global City, with immersive experience zones featuring the latest devices – the Galaxy Z Fold6 and the Galaxy Z Flip6 – and a night full of unforgettable performances from top artists. 

Eager to know what unfolded? Read on for all the details!

Exhilarating performances from exceptional artists of the new era

The Galaxy AI Festival took off with exciting performances from world class performers brought together by Samsung. Local artist Maki kicked off the night with hit song “Dilaw” followed by an electrifying performance by Nation’s Girl Group, BINI with a back-to-back play of their best hits and featuring the trendy summer hymn, “Pantropiko”. 

Then the vibe kept moving up with Juan Karlos and his playlist, which included hit song “Buwan,” while global Pop group HORI7ON took to the stage with their hits, “Lucky”, “Dash” and “Hit Me”. The amazing evening finished off with the much awaited Kpop idol, EXO member, singer, and actor, Xiumin, seized the stage, headlining the festival and took the audience’s breath away with performing fan favorites, “Serenity”, “Beyond”, “Brand New”, and more! 

#TeamGalaxy’s Janine Gutierrez also took the stage to share her love for the latest Galaxy devices and how Galaxy AI is helping her pursue her new passion.  

Experience a new frontier of Galaxy AI at the Galaxy Voyage Experience Space

During the festival, guests also entered a new era of productivity, creativity, creativity and self-expression using the latest Galaxy AI features at the Galaxy Voyage Experience Space set at the festival grounds, an immersive zone that allowed everyone to discover a new world of possibilities.

Productivity features were demonstrated to highlight how Galaxy AI can help you work more efficiently. Improved Circle To Search with Google can help with learning such as showing how to solve math problems – not only does it show you the answer, it also displays the solution to help you learn along the way. 

Transcript Assist uses AI technology to transcribe voice recordings into text with Galaxy AI, so you can also summarize and even translate voice recordings. A newly added Composer from Samsung Keyboard generates suggested text based on simple keywords for email and supported social media apps, even reflecting your tone by analyzing previous posts.

Meanwhile, creativity and connectivity features were showcased to exemplify that there’s so much more to life – the all-new Sketch to image allows you to create more sophisticated art pieces by generating image options when you simply sketch or draw on the photos in Gallery or Note screen. The Dual Screen Mode Interpreter  is an improved version of the interpreter which allows you to translate conversations back-to-back, hands-free and more naturally. 

The Galaxy Z Flip6 also features FlexCam Auto Zoom – just set down the device anywhere and it can do the angling for you – along with interactive and ambient FlexCam Wallpapers to showcase your style. 

Samsung also continued to innovate on the design of both devices, which now have an ergonomic squared-off symmetrical straight edge design and a matte finish. It’s the slimmest and lightest Galaxy Z series ever, optimized for portability. Both Fold and Flip are also equipped with Armor Aluminum and Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2, new vapor chambers and a better hinge, making it the most durable Galaxy Z series yet. 

Galaxy AI expands across the ecosystem

With the power of Galaxy AI, the Galaxy Buds3 series brings a new communication experience. Turn on Interpreter in Listening mode on Galaxy Z Fold6 or Flip6 with Galaxy Buds3 series to hear translations directly through your Galaxy Buds. 

Sound can also be intelligently optimized as microphones in the Buds3 series analyze both internal and external sound in real time to enhance sound and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) quality through Adaptive EQ and Adaptive Adaptive Noise Control. To deliver a premium audio experience, Galaxy Buds3 Pro is equipped with enhanced 2-way speakers with planar tweeter for sophisticated, precise high range sound production, and Dual Amplifiers for a crystal-clear sound experience on the go. 

Meanwhile, Galaxy AI is also expanding to the Galaxy Watch7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra to enhance digital health, delivering personalized insights and tailored health experiences that enable a more comprehensive understanding of yourself through a holistic approach to everyday wellness. Galaxy Watch7 maximizes everyday wellness with personalized workouts along with intelligent and preventative health monitoring capabilities. Galaxy Watch Ultra – the newest addition to the Galaxy Watch lineup – is Samsung’s most capable smartwatch yet, designed for next level achievements.

Experience Galaxy AI for yourself and the chance to avail exclusive deals for every pre-order of the newest Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch7 series, and Galaxy Buds3 series. Visit and experience Galaxy AI at the Galaxy Voyage Experience Space until August 10, 2024 at One Bonifacio Park. Keep updated with the latest Samsung news by visiting the Samsung Philippines website and following Samsung on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter).

Record High COVID-19 Crowdfunding Campaigns Spike as Delta Virus Hit Hard Southeast Asia

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Despite the stringent effort to curb the pandemic around the globe, the Delta variant found new routes into Southeast Asia. Cases were at an all-time high in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Indonesia has the highest number of cases with 3,989,060 cases and 127,214 deaths followed by the Philippines with 1,857,646 cases and 31,961 deaths and Malaysia with 11,572,765 cases and 14,342 deaths.

The highly contagious Delta variant was first detected in India last October and has become the dominant strain worldwide. With this spike in Southeast Asia, many people sought help to help themselves and their families to raise funds for a variety of causes. During this pandemic, the use of such initiatives has significantly helped individuals or communities requiring money for medical, personal, and other expenses.

The covid-19 pandemic has changed the world a lot, we get to see how the weakness of the system and governments are in handling this crisis, we also get to see how people are unprepared and suffering from this pandemic. Crowdfunding became one of the most helpful ways to alleviate their needs, it became a tool to empower them to rise beyond their needs by asking help from kindhearted people across the globe. Crowdfunding provided

“Airfunding has been helping a lot of people especially COVID-19 related project overall we have raised $321,518 USD for pandemic related projects in the past year and still gearing up to help more people across the globe get help beyond borders and beyond lockdowns.” – Ryosuke Abe, CEO Co-Founder Kiheitai Inc.

Many crowdfunding platforms are available across the globe, however, many of which are not available in Southeast Asia. Not even the world’s biggest crowdfunding platform that helped millions of people get funding is not yet available in the region. But not to fear, as Kiheitai Inc., a Tokyo-based digital company that owns the crowdfunding site called Airfunding is here to help everyone by everyone. In its 3 years of operations, Airfunding has helped close to a million people around the world get funding for medical and other personal or community needs. In the region alone, Airfunding has helped over 300,000 people raise funds for any cause especially in this time of pandemic where people need financial assistance to pay for their medical, business, community, or even personal needs.

Airfunding is a fundraising platform that specializes in small-scale projects made by individuals, groups, or local NGOs, for a personal cause, community initiative, an event, or just anything that needs funding. It is a keep-it-all crowdfunding platform, so the project owners keep the entire amount collected even if the target has not been met.

There is help beyond borders and barriers, Airfunding has over 10,000,000 supporters around the world and can be accessed in 200+ countries. Airfunding is free to use, anyone can register and start creating projects in less than 5 minutes. Joining is completely free, Start your Airfunding project today!