SM J Mall hosts ‘NAGARE’ for “Arts from All” 2026 initiative in Cebu

CEBU CITY –The SM J Mall in Mandaue City hosted “NAGARE”, a Japanese-inspired art installation at the Izakaya Terrace on June 8, featuring nine koi fish, crafted from 5,000 collected plastic bottles for the “Arts for All 2026” initiative of SM Supermalls in the Visayas.

NAGARE is a Japanese word meaning "flow" or "current, describing the art installation with the nine koi fish moving together as one current, they represent the power of unity and the shared journey toward growth and positive change.

The koi fish, in Japanese culture is a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and transformation.  Crafted from over 5,000 plastic bottles and other discarded materials, the artwork transforms into a powerful expression of sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Eric Valenzuela, SM J Mall manager, in his opening message welcomed guests, partners, artists, media, colleagues, and the public to SMJ Mall, highlighting the significance of the event, presenting it as a region-wide initiative of SM Super Malls in the Visayas, focusing on transforming community action into meaningful works of art.

“The campaign aims to foster appreciation for creativity and sustainability through collective efforts from shoppers, partners, artists, and advocates. More than 40,000 plastic bottles were gathered and transformed into nine remarkable installations across various malls in the Visayas,” Valenzuela said.

He said that SMJ Mall believes its spaces can be platformed for inspiration, learning, and positive change, beyond just shopping and leisure. The installation was created through the collaboration of artist and designer D’oro Barandino, Project Tapuk, and JCI Cebu, demonstrating how art can inspire awareness and meaningful community action to inspire a more sustainable future.

Valenzuela mentioned that Arts from All campaign received international recognition for its innovative approach to sustainability and community engagement. In 2025, the campaign earned a silver award at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Maxi Awards, highlighting its ability to transform environmental responsibility into an immersive public art experience.

The campaign also garnered a bronze award at the Asia Pacific Stevie Awards, emphasizing the impact of turning plastic waste into art. These awards affirmed the potential of simple ideas to inspire communities and create meaningful environmental impact.

“We hope that NAGARE and the installations across SM Supermalls in the Visayas will inspire everyone to see sustainability as an opportunity for positive change,” Valenzuela added. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

SM Seaside City Cebu unwraps “The Grand Gift of Christmas”

CEBU CITY – The SM Supermalls in the Visayas opened the Xmas season with SM Seaside City Cebu unveiling its dazzling holiday centerpiece Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Mountain Wing Atrium with the region’s shared Christmas story, unwrapping Magical Christmas Tales, its unique concept, “The Grand Gift of Christmas.”

The Mountain Wing Atrium transformed into a living storybook, marking the beginning of a truly enchanting holiday season for all, bringing the vision to life through a spectacular 40-foot Christmas tree designed as a grand present wrapped in an elegant red ribbon that opens to reveal an enchanted holiday book.

Guests and spectators joined the launch with more than a visual spectacle, The Grand Gift of Christmas lives on through shared experiences and festive activities across SM Seaside City Cebu that embody the joy, togetherness, and true meaning of the holidays.

From October 22, 2025 to January 4, 2026, mallgoers can enjoy a festive lineup featuring the Holiday Bazaar, Holiday Shop, Spin & Win, and the Christmas Souvenir Station. Families can enjoy the Santa Meet & Greet every Saturday and join Christmas Storytime with Mrs. Claus every Sunday.

Guests can also meet the SM Seaside Holi-Squad and its newest icon, Nana, every Friday to Sunday. Major highlights include the SM Seaside Holiday Magic Parade on November 9; the Santa Run on November 16 where SM Seaside City Cebu proudly joins eight other SM Supermalls nationwide in this festive run; World Choral Day on December 8; and a Christmas Special with Santa & Mrs. Claus on December 25.

This year, SM’s Bears of Joy return as the Besties of Joy, adorable bunny plushies in bright holiday hues. For every Bestie purchased, another will be donated to a child in need, spreading joy and the true spirit of Christmas.

And the story doesn’t end here, watch out as more unwrapping surprises await in the coming days at other SM Supermalls across the Visayas. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

20 select SM Malls nationwide host COMELEC Mall Voting on May 12

CEBU CITY—The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in partnership with SM Supermalls rolled out the Mall Voting Program (MVP) in 20 select SM malls nationwide, bringing democracy closer to home—literally on May 12 with SM City Consolacion for Cebu mall voting venue.

According to COMELEC and SM Supermalls, eligible voters assigned to MVP locations can head to their designated SM mall to vote in a secure, accessible, and air-conditioned environment.  Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or a senior citizen looking for comfort and ease, the MVP is designed to improve your voting experience,

Who Can Vote in the Mall?  Only voters whose precincts were officially transferred to a mall. This is indicated in the final list from COMELEC.  Check any of the following:  precinctfinder.comelec.gov.ph; Your Voter Information Sheet (VIS); Mall posters or tarps and Barangay caravans or your local COMELEC office.

Voting Hours at the Mall:  5:00 AM-7:00 AM — Priority: Seniors, PWDs, Pregnant voters and from 7:00 AM-7:00 PM — Regular voting hours.

Can I Bring Someone to Help Me Vote?  Yes, a relative (up to 4th degree) or Electoral Board member may assist.

Can My Companion Vote at the Mall Too?  Only if their precinct was also officially transferred to the same mall.  Here’s a list of the participating SM Supermalls where you can conveniently vote this coming May 12: SM City Manila, SM City North EDSA, SM City Fairview, SM City Sucat,  SM City Bicutan, SM City BF Parañaque, SM City East Ortigas, SM City Southmall, SM City Cauayan, SM City Baliwag, SM City Tarlac, SM City Batangas, SM City Santa Rosa, SM City Puerto Princesa, SM City Legazpi, SM City Iloilo, SM City Consolacion, SM CDO Uptown, SM CDO Downtown and SM City Butuan.

                                   SM Government Service Express (GSE)

This isn’t SM’s first time teaming up with government agencies. Through the SM Government Service Express (GSE), select SM malls already offer one-stop access to services like ID processing, permits, and more. The MVP is yet another way SM Supermalls is stepping up to serve the public in meaningful ways.

From Luzon to Mindanao, SM Supermalls open its doors, rent-free for the benefit of Filipino voters and COMELEC’s got the backend handled: trained election personnel, full compliance with electoral rules, and tight coordination for logistics and security.

Why mall voting works. The goal is for a smoother, more inclusive voting experience, especially for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and pregnant voters. Think ramps, elevators, comfortable seating, and spacious voting areas—all in a familiar and accessible setting.

“We believe democracy should be inclusive, convenient, and secure.  By offering our malls as voting venues, we’re not just making it easier to vote—we’re helping empower every Filipino to make their voice heard,” shared Junias Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations at SM Supermalls.

For eligible mall voting, expect an official advisory from COMELEC about your assigned voting venue. Then, on May 12, head to your designated SM mall, bring a valid ID, and vote with ease.

Find your precinct number easily at precinctfinder.comelec.gov.ph.  For more info and real-time updates, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.

SM Supermalls' Government Service Express (GSE) makes essential government services more accessible to Filipinos by bringing key agencies together in select malls nationwide. This one-stop hub offers ID applications, renewals, business registrations, permits, and more—all within a safe and convenient mall environment.

Through strong partnerships with government agencies, SM Supermalls champions efficiency, inclusivity, and ease of access, redefining public service to better serve communities. (Photos: SM Supermalls/FB/Rosemarie Rodriguez)