Seraphimsnotes

Jayson and Juanito proudly showcase a selection of produce at the SM City Clark’s Weekend Market. While modern agricultural techniques boost yields for some, there remains a number of Filipino farmers who struggle to keep pace. With inefficent methods passed down by generations of farmers, makes a higher percentage of failure in making a higher demand of  market supply and demand productions. One farmer from Pampanga, Jayson Garcia, sought to disrupt this prevailing narrative in his family. He knew that he had to chart a new course forward for his farm and innovate to remain competitive within the rapidly evolving landscape of modern agriculture. “Noon, mahirap ang magtanim,” he recalled their life before joining SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan. “Para bang tsambahan, basta pag itinanim mo ‘yan, hintayin mo na lang mamunga. Mas mahirap pa lalo kapag nagkaroon ng kalamidad,” he added. SM Foundation’s training program focused on high-value crop cultivation was the breakthrough ...

For the modern urban dweller, 15 minutes is a lot of time. For within  15 minutes, A lot of productive things can be done – a high-intensity, interval training (HITT) workout or run a 1.5-kilometer route, clearing your emails, meditating, catching up on the news, or preparing a quick smoothie. But for the Metro Manila commuter, 15 minutes is barely enough to get from point A to point B. During rush hour, it is most likely that within this time, you still haven’t moved an inch. Ever heard of the 15-minute city? It’s a modern urban planning concept that puts people and the planet first. The term was coined by Paris-based urbanist and Sorbonne University professor Carlos Moreno wherein he said that the ideal neighborhood or city is built in such a way where work, food, housing, education and cultural activities can be easily accessed within 15 minutes, whether by foot or by using a bike. An artist’s render of a 15-minute city, where work, food, housing, education and cultural activiti...

Countries with better, bigger, and more competitive concert venues have reaped economic benefits, especially with the massive and significant influence of popular international acts like pop superstar Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Coldplay’s World Tour in consumer behavior and spending. Driving tens of thousands of ‘Swifties’ and concert enthusiasts, the success of these concerts was an economic stimulus for countries worldwide, including Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore and Japan. Filipino fans alike had to spend big and travel miles to watch the exclusive performance of superstar Swift in Singapore’s National Stadium while others went to Japan’s Tokyo Dome and Sydney’s Accor Stadium in Australia. The massive concert gigs boosted the respective country’s economies, benefitting entertainment, hospitality, retail, and transport industries significantly. While Singapore’s strategy for a Southeast Asia exclusive Swift performance piqued interest and likewise piqued its neighbor...

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, is embarking on a unified waste management and segregation campaign in response to the growing global crises on waste. It aims to bring all its property groups and stakeholders toward an #SMWasteFreeFuture. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), humanity generates more than 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste annually, of which 45 percent is mismanaged. Without urgent action, municipal solid waste will double to almost 4 billion tons each year by 2050. On December 14, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 30 as the International Day of Zero Waste. The following year, UNEP inaugurated the First International Day of Zero Waste, to bolster actions to address the global pollution crisis. It aims to encourage global action and bring the world’s attention to zero waste. Strong foundations SM Prime’s founding leader, Henry Sy, believed that “...

Photo credit to Anamul Rezwan. Construction jobs are generated from new urban developments. Cities worldwide, while diverse in demographics and culture, share a common pursuit of progress through new urban developments. These projects not only enhance convenience amid urban congestion but also stimulate local economies and communities through various socio-economic activities like job creation. Whether in the form of public transportation, cutting-edge business districts, or towering residential communities, a single new development requires a whole host of jobs from pre-construction, to construction, and completion. These range from real estate developers and planners to construction workers and suppliers – all requiring extensive collaboration for successful project development. Hudson Yards: Direct and indirect employment opportunities Photo credit to Following NYC. Featuring ‘Vessel’, a honeycomb-like structure and visitor attraction in the Hudson Yards Development in Manhattan, Ne...

A dedicated teacher from PSD provides a hands-on lecture inside their newly rehabilitated school building. Being hearing-impaired is a challenge in itself, navigating a world where communication relies heavily on spoken words. In the Philippines, this challenge further creates a gap, as opportunities for the deaf are limited, particularly in education and employment. The struggle is intensified as only a few secondary learning institutions are catering to their unique needs, with affordability and facility conditions further hindering their pursuit of skills and knowledge. A personal advocacy Shery Funcion, the Principal of the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in Pasay City, is no stranger to these challenges. Her dedication to the cause began with her college thesis, focusing on job opportunities for deaf learners. Since then, she has immersed herself in various organizations and volunteer activities, gaining firsthand insights into the limited opportunities available to deaf lear...

Future sustainability leaders. Strengthening its commitment to both educational access and sustainability stewardship, SM Prime welcomes ten scholars from UPLB, who are taking up degrees in either Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology or Bachelor of Science in Forestry. Led by their dedication to sustainability and inspired by the late Henry Sy Sr.'s faith in the value of education, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), a prominent integrated real estate developer, has teamed up with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to offer scholarships.  Aptly called the "SM Sustainability Scholarship," the initiative reflects SM Prime's commitment to both educational access and sustainability stewardship. The program will fully support ten deserving students through their undergraduate studies at UPLB, providing them with the opportunity to pursue degrees in either Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology or Bachelor of Science in Forestry. These fields align with SM Pri...

After working together to revitalize the 12-room laboratory facility housing Senior High School students, the Department of Education, the Pasay Local Government, and the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) hand-signed a note of gratitude. The Philippines’ Magna Carta for Disabled Persons ensures the rehabilitation, self-development, and self-reliance of persons with disabilities. The country provides educational assistance to people with disabilities from primary to tertiary education, including vocational or technical training. One such school is the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in Pasay City. For over a century, the school had demonstrated the transformative power of education in empowering and unlocking the capabilities of those with diverse disabilities to live fulfilling lives. Though standing as a testament to the Philippines' long-standing commitment to differently-abled education, the school, one of Southeast Asia's oldest institutions for the deaf, suffers f...

While some instances pass away with time, others create an enduring impression that shapes not just our paths but also our identities. Regarding Attorney. The SM scholarship application, for Amanda Hora and Marmie Deniega, wasn't merely a means of gaining access to higher education; it was also the turning point in their lives. The first to obtain a degree in the family A family legacy, SM scholar Amanda Hora becomes the first in her family to earn a degree. Amanda’s unforgettable story as an SM scholar began when she stumbled upon a Facebook post about the SM scholarship application. “It has always been my dream to pursue a quality education without the burden of tuition expenses. I enrolled in a university in Senior High School because of a scholarship, and I know that the only way to continue my college years at the same university is to obtain another full scholarship. That is why I never hesitated to apply for the SM scholarship, hoping to be accepted,” she said. In the quiet ...

Recognizing Filipinos' shared aspiration for meaningful employment, SM Supermalls takes a crucial role in connecting Filipino talent with job opportunities by hosting the biggest mall-based job fair and offering the chance to be Hired-on-the-Spot (HOTS). In partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Public Employment Service Offices (PESO), Local Government Units (LGUs), the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Jobs Committee, various industry associations, and SM Retail; SM Supermalls – a proud partner of DOLE since 2008 – will host a series of job fairs scheduled on the following dates: ● April 26: SM City Rosales ● April 30: SM City Taytay May 1: ● SM City North Edsa ● SM Mall of Asia ● SM City Grand Central ● SM City Valenzuela ● SM City Fairview ● SM City Novaliches ● SM City San Jose Del Monte ● SM Southmall ● SM City Sta. Mesa ● SM City Baguio ● SM City Tuguegarao ● SM ...

Are you planning a summer home refresh? As the weather rises, so do the discounts at OUR HOME GRAND CENTRAL's 3-Day Sale, 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 GRAND CENTRAL’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. Here are several more. Receive an additional 5% off your order when you pay in full or 10% off your purchase when you use eligible BDO Credit cards to take advantage of our Buy Now Pay Later installment option. A minimum purchase amount applies. Terms and conditions apply. In addition to providing free assembly, we also provide free interior design guidance to assist you with designing your house. Come see us to learn more about our amaz...

Dive into the best dry season ever with the hottest 0% interest deals on your ideal air conditioners and refrigerators. This summer season, keeping our homes comfortable against the hot days ahead is a priority; but beating the heat with cooling appliances can take a toll on your wallet, especially with electricity bills going through the roof. A 2022 study by Clasp revealed that 62 percent of the surveyed Filipino consumers frequently cut back on using air conditioners to manage energy costs, however, if you are looking for a way to stay cool while saving money, one step you can consider is the usage of inverter appliances. Equipped with innovative inverter technology, these appliances offer consistent cooling without the energy spikes associated with traditional units, as they adjust power consumption based on your needs. According to tests from one of the country’s electric distribution companies, air-conditioner models featuring this technology can significantly reduce electric...

BOLOGNA, ITALY- The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and its partner, The Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY), are set to make a historic debut at the 2024 Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) from April 8 to 11, 2024 at the BolognaFiere Exhibition Centre, Bologna. This is a milestone for the Philippine children’s book sector, as it marks the country’s first-ever participation at the world’s biggest international fair for children’s content. With the Philippine children’s book sector thriving and highly sought-after in the local publishing industry, this debut offers a long-awaited opportunity to showcase the country's children’s content, which is among the most widely translated genres, to a global audience. A curated selection of 103 books, exploring themes such as culture, diversity, identity, peace, community, and the environment, will be featured at the Philippines’ country stand at the BCBF. The delegation includes acclaimed artists Beth Parrocha (The Penci...

Cervical cancer can be prevented through vaccination against HPV—human papillomavirus, which causes about 99% of all cervical cancers—and regular screening. When diagnosed early and managed effectively, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer. Yet every year, out of the 8,549 Filipino women diagnosed with cervical cancer, 4,380 or more than half of them lose their lives. Every day, an estimated 12 Filipinas die of this disease—that means every two hours, a woman loses her fight against cervical cancer, and a family loses a loved one. Understanding the burden of cervical cancer and to underscore the urgency of a concrete multi-sectoral action towards its elimination, the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) and healthcare company MSD in the Philippines organized a forum titled “Together for Health: Making a United Stand Against Cervical Cancer” on April 5, 2024. Increased incidence, rising costs In the Philippines, cervica...