SM City Mindpro Brings Cultural Glamour to Life in the Fiesta Hermosa Fashion Show

The vibrant hues of Zamboanga’s culture came alive at the Fiesta Hermosa Fashion Show held at SM City Mindpro, where the city’s timeless artistry and fashion heritage took center stage. The event captivated mallgoers and guests alike as talented local designers showcased the region’s most exquisite Badju and Mascota creations – each piece reflecting the city’s deep-rooted history, artistry, and multicultural beauty.

 

A much-anticipated highlight of the Vibrant Hermosa Festival celebration, the fashion show brought together established designers who reimagined traditional attire with contemporary flair. The Badju, a representation of the city’s indigenous influences, and the Mascota, Zamboanga’s version of the Spanish-era traje de mestiza, were given a modern twist that blended heritage with innovation.

Gracing the runway were models dressed in stunning ensembles that told stories of faith, resilience, and pride. From intricately embroidered Badju adorned with beads and sequins to lavishly designed Mascotas with elegant trails and handwoven details, each piece celebrated the craftsmanship and identity of Zamboangueños.

“The Fiesta Hermosa Fashion Show is more than just a showcase of beauty – it’s a tribute to our roots,” said Aileen Ann Villa-Enriquez, Mall Manager of SM City Mindpro. “Through this event, we honor the artisans, seamstresses, and designers who continue to preserve our cultural treasures while inspiring a new generation to wear their heritage with pride.”

The event also served as a platform to promote local creativity and sustainable artistry. Participating designers emphasized the use of locally sourced fabrics and handwoven textiles, underscoring Zamboanga’s growing recognition as a hub for cultural fashion and craftsmanship in Mindanao.

Mallgoers were treated not only to the breathtaking runway spectacle but also to a deeper appreciation of the city’s fashion identity, one that bridges its rich past with a vibrant future.

As SM City Mindpro continues its celebration of Vibrant Hermosa Fest 2025, the fashion show stood as a dazzling reminder that Zamboanga’s beauty lies not only in its festivals and traditions, but also in the artistry of its people – where every Badju and Mascota tells a story of grace, legacy, and love for culture.

For more information on SM City Mindpro’s Vibrant Hermosa Fest celebration and upcoming events, follow SM City Mindpro on Facebook and other social media platforms. (PR)

SM Hotels Diverts more than 300 Tons of Food Waste Through Plate for the Planet, Eyes 80% Composting by 2040

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), the hospitality arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime), has diverted 323 tons of food waste through its “Plate for the Planet” program since its 2019 launch in Pico Sands Hotel and Taal Vista Hotel. This is equivalent to the amount of waste produced by more than 500 Filipino households in an entire year.

A buffet spread at Taal Vista Hotel reminds diners to ‘Take only what you can eat,’ part of SMHCC’s Plate for the Planet initiative that reduces food waste and promotes sustainable dining practices.

Plate for the Planet, SMHCC’s Sustainable Diner program, integrates circular economy principles into daily hotel operations. The initiative tracks the journey of food from sourcing to serving, starting with green procurement and support for MSMEs and local farmers, showcasing heritage and regional cuisine, encouraging responsible consumption, reducing plastic use, and managing food waste effectively.

SMHCC kitchens are equipped to minimize waste through accurate forecasting, mindful production and cooking techniques that optimize inventory and preserve freshness. Composting plays a central role in the program, with food waste converted into soil-enriching material used to grow vegetables, herbs and fruits that return to the table for guests to enjoy—completing the loop from plate to farm and back again.

“Plate for the Planet is now active across ten of our hotel properties and three convention centers. This reflects our commitment to closing the loop on food waste, reducing our carbon footprint, and bringing guests closer to the farm-to-table experience,” said Peggy Angeles, Head and Executive Vice President of SMHCC.

These SMHCC properties include Taal Vista Hotel, Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club, Pico Sands Hotel, Radisson Blu Cebu, Conrad Manila and Park Inn by Radisson branches in North EDSA, Clark, Davao, Iloilo and Bacolod and Lanson Place Mall of Asia, SMX Convention Center Manila, Aura and Megatrade Hall.

Industry benchmarks highlight SMHCC’s progress. According to a WWF Philippines pilot study on food waste management in SMHCC hotels, hospitality properties typically generate an average of 300g waste per cover, with plate waste often accounting for the largest share.

SMHCC properties have consistently maintained food waste levels below this benchmark, averaging 150–200g, demonstrating how structured systems and staff engagement can deliver measurable results.

Aligned with its sustainability roadmap, SMHCC targets composting 80 percent of its food waste by 2040. Its strategy also includes expanding partnerships with local producers and MSMEs to promote inclusive sourcing and integrating more local produce into menus.

This initiative supports the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ efforts to reduce food waste and landfill contributions, helping mitigate methane emissions from decomposing organic waste.

As the hospitality sector faces climate and waste challenges, Plate for the Planet demonstrates how targeted interventions can reduce environmental impact while reinforcing SMHCC’s leadership in sustainable and resilient hospitality practices.

About SM Green Movement

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, committed to creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Guided by its vision of building a better future, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the growth of communities across the Philippines.

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come. (SM PRIME)

SM Supermalls crowns 2025 SM Super Spelling Bee grand winner

Jamver Mallari of SM City Legazpi clinches this year’s crown

After three gruelling rounds, Jamver Mallari of SM City Legazpi was awarded the 2025 SM Super Spelling Bee grand winner. From left: Power Mac Center Assistant Marketing Manager Miguel Carpio, National Book Store President Adrian Ramos, SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Leasing Hanna Carinna T. Sy, National University Senior Director for Business Development and Linkages Dr. Shainne Hostalero, Jamver Mallari, Power Mac Center Senior Business Development Manager Niña Rodriguez, and SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin.

A thrilling showdown of sharp minds and spelling prowess unfolded as SM Supermalls hosted the Grand Finals of the SM Super Spelling Bee 2025 last October 4 at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

After weeks of elimination rounds across SM malls nationwide, the country’s brightest young spellers gathered to showcase their mastery of words in a battle of wit, confidence, and linguistic skill.

Young spellers from all over the Philippines gathered together at the grand finals of the 2025 SM Super Spelling Bee at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia last October 4.

The grand finals featured three challenging phases: The Written Spelling Round, where contestants raced to spell ten words correctly to advance; the Oral Spelling Round, which tested their composure under pressure; and the nail-biting Final Oral Spelling Round, where the last three spellers faced off using buzzers until only one champion emerged.

After a gruelling Written Spelling Round, P-Pop group Hori7on provided a breather for spellers and everyone at the venue with their electrifying performance.

In the end, Jamver Mallari rose above the competition, demonstrated exceptional focus, determination, and talent to be crowned the SM Super Spelling Bee 2025 Grand Winner.

The champion received a prize package that included a 100% tuition and miscellaneous fee discount at National University, ₱25,000 in cash, ₱25,000 in SM gift certificates, a ₱150,000 National Bookstore gift card, a ₱20,000 Jollibee e-gift card, and a brand-new 13-inch MacBook Air from Power Mac Center.

Topel Maglana of SM City Davao and Lucas Pedroza of SM City Bacolod were the runners-up of the 2025 SM Super Spelling Bee.

Topel Maglana of SM City Davao and Lucas Pedroza of SM City Bacolod were the first and second runners-up of the grand finals. They received a 100% tuition discount at National University and a brand-new 13-inch MacBook Air from Power Mac Center. They also got cash prizes and gift certificates from SM Supermalls, National Bookstore, and Jollibee.

Topel Maglana of SM City Davao and Lucas Pedroza of SM City Bacolod were the runners-up of the 2025 SM Super Spelling Bee.

“This year’s Super Spelling Bee has once again highlighted the brilliance of Filipino students and their passion for learning,” said Hanna Carinna Sy, SM Supermalls AVP for Marketing and Leasing. “At SM, we are proud to provide a platform that celebrates academic excellence, builds confidence, and inspires the next generation of leaders.”

Through the SM Super Spelling Bee, SM Supermalls continues to champion educational opportunities while creating memorable events for students and families alike.

To know more about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. (SM Supermalls)