SM Employees Continue to Reach More Communities

There's a saying that goes "If you choose your passion, you never have to work a day in your life!". Those words actually come close to my personal journey. This is also true for some of our friends from SM. You see, they've been doing a lot of things in the shadows and they've won several internal and external awards through their CSR arm SM Cares. I personally witnessed this when they helped a foundation that serves persons that are differently abled, the deaf and mute. They have some really good employees, they also help children, the elderly and less privileged communities.

It's quite nice to see private corporations insert these things on their employee relationships. It gets the ordinary people a chance to help those in need and make them better versions of themselves. Mr. Kevin Bonifacio who is a Resident Engineer of SM City Tarlac says "I really love participating in activities like these with my colleagues. Through the Adopt a Daycare Program of SM, we were able to take time off our busy schedules and participate in a worthwhile program that can make us feel better. It also reminds me of when I was a kid, where the simplest gift and show of concern for someone can already bring me genuine happiness. We also get motivated and get the needed morale boost so we can work efficiently the next day when we go back to the four corners of our office. That to me is priceless!"

Michael Uy, one of SM's Mall Managers says that the experience is quite humbling. Being a volunteer at SM North EDSA’s Brigada Eskwela, he was able to be a part of the team that helped repair damaged classroom furniture and repaint walls of a public school near their area. He adds “It inspires us to work harder. The most fun part is the teamwork that all volunteers had during the whole activity!”. Having a mall in different parts of the Philippines has not only proven to have benefited the economy but bring a different change in the community. They've been doing this for quite some time now and it has really brought out the best in their employees, to have the chance to help a brethren in need. That feeling of volunteerism brings pride, makes the employees be more positive in the office and in turn make them more productive even if it's outside their office. That's about 2,500 of their workforce, and they've never been happier. 

I wish I could do the same in my community. I really appreciate it when they take their time and help other people, we all should do that! 

For more information about their cause:

SM CARES

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http://www.smcares.com.ph/

The Plight of a Mall Security Guard

It was Independence day when I was writing this piece. I thought about the men and women out there who are still working even if it's a holiday. Small things, may likely feel nothing to us. I feel though that we should be thanking these people who still take the time to serve us in times when they could have been just resting at home. Have you ever said "thanks" to an SM Mall security guard?

These men and women put themselves out there, they get paid salaries just like the rest of us but think about it... they're actually protecting us from bad elements while inside the mall. The amount of money they actually get in one day cost around 20 thousand Philippine pesos to 2 thousand dollars yet they go the mile and return it to their respectable owners. They barely are even seen by the public and can always take it for themselves, but they chose to give it back to their proper owners or surrender it to mall administration instead. Isn't that a selfless act? Shouldn't that be something to be proud of? Even if sometimes they get smirks and bad comments from mall goers they still do it out of their own will. They're not just serving the mall, they're practically serving you too! Their integrity, is just insurmountable. You would be proud about if you knew about the amount of mobile phones, gadgets and things they find and return in a single day. They just want to make sure the next time you shop, you won't find gang members, pickpockets, shoplifters and bad men inside it as well.

SM prides itself in making security a top priority. They also have made arrangements recently to honor some of them in ceremonies at SM Skydome a few weeks ago. Arrests, apprehensions were also possible because of them so it was a nice thing they were honoring these men for doing a good job, for keeping us safe during mall hours. In behalf of everyone, I'd like to say thank you to Mr. Jayred C. Martin, Mr. Norberto S. Bautista, Jr., Mr. Angelito P. Fuentes, Mr. Dominador O. Apawan, Mr. Lourince Z. Olog, Mr. Dexter P. Gadot, Mr. Melvin O. Muramatsu, Mr. Rowell R. Condolon, Mr. Oliver M. Maramag and Mr. Ramon P. De Leon for going beyond their duty and helped SM, the people and ordinary Juan's community safe all these years. They also have in their own way helped different communities that they visit through SM Cares.

The next time you go to a mall, say "Thank You" to show how much you appreciate their work the next time they need to check your things going inside the mall. They deserve every bit of that and it would be good to make mall security officers feel how thankful you are as they keep the place safe no matter when, where and whatever it takes. Their lives are on the line most of the time, so isn't that too small of a favor? We at least owe them that.

For more information about their organization:

Official SM Cares

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Visit their official website

http://www.smcares.com.ph/

PWD Farmer Plants Seed and Goes Global

Let's change the mood a bit and read some good news. See the photo above? You're looking at a very inspiring and determined man. His name is Donald Carpo, a man who works as a maintenance guy from SM City Rosales in Pangasinan - a province in Central Luzon. Just like the rest of us, he's got a family too. He's trying to make ends meet, trying to use the little things he earns so he could feed the people at home.

You see, Mr. Carpo suffers from a congenital indisposition in his limbs. He's got his left hand and legs in this predicament but this doesn't stop him from striving hard to provide for his family. So when the opportunity for training arrived, he immediately grabbed it. There, he learned to grow, plant, harvest and sell crops like papayas. His profit went to the welfare of his family, so they could live a comfortable life. The training was sparked by the Committee on Disability Affairs under SM Cares. SM Cares is the mall company's CSR arm. Words seems to have spread of how this program helped Mr. Carpo, so when SM’s project and efforts were recognized by the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability, they sent Mr. Carpo as a delegate - and finally made him go to Bangkok, Thailand.

The 2 day workshop was sponsored by United Nations. It focused on Building and Enabling PWD's. Donald says "Even in my wildest dreams I didn't know that I would be able to go to another country. I thought it was impossible because of my condition, but because of SM I was given the opportunity to not only step in foreign soil but also come to a seminar that I didn't think I would even be invited to. We listened to fellow PWD's who talked about how they improved their harvests. I also shared them my experiences here. I also went to learn from different seminars there which I could use further improve the yield of my own crops and share them in my community. I feel so confident now that I'm earning much better every month. Because of SM I have been able to get a decent job. I have been able to get a life changing experience because of them and I won't hesitate to do the same with my fellow PWD's!"

Mr. Donald Carpo definitely feels like he's accomplished a lot. He's been given a lot of opportunities despite of his condition, he has steadfastly proven that hard work really pays off. He's not just going to harvest the fruits of his labor but also share it with his fellow men. Now that is something that we Filipinos must always try to learn from. No matter what the future brings, what ever challenges we see, there's always hope if we are given the chance, the opportunity. I hope other corporations would follow suit and hire more PWD's and help integrate them into the workforce. It's a good thing.

For more information about their organization:

Official SM Cares

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Visit their official website

http://www.smcares.com.ph/

LED's Benefit You and SM Malls

What light bulbs are you using at home? Are you using LED's already? Well if not, you should! Millions of people around the world use the same LED lights to save Millions of dollars in electricity bills because this is the technology that can obtain the same intensity light less the consumption. One of the leading malls in the country even have their own Solar panels and use that energy to efficient LED lights in order to have less carbon footprint and individually power their malls separate from the power produced by plants nationwide. It's a greener source, greener products and less harmful to the environment which is one of SM Care's priorities.

SM now uses it in carparks and other facilities so it would radiate less heat, help customers find a spot and make the environment better for all of us! 

Now you're going to have a safer community, environment and can even grow a million trees in places like Samar if you get Yellow Tag products in their malls too. You can help now by getting your bulbs change at home. It's nice to know private corporations are doing their share to make this world a better place to live in!

For more information about their programs:

Official SM Cares

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Visit their official website

http://www.smcares.com.ph/

SM Cares Holds Bowling for Differently Abled Peers

A few days ago, we went to the bowling lanes of SM North Edsa Annex to witness something special. A couple of our differently abled friends and their partners have gone hand in hand with SM Cares in the goal to actually be real deal bowlers for a day and we witnessed that first hand. SM Cares wants you to know that they actually have their facilities available for your family no matter who you are, what you do and how you are in the society. SM takes pride in an environment fit for your family and they've been able to do this for years. We met a couple of their executives and one got me surprised. One of my bowling idols was there, do you remember World Champion CJ Suarez?

Cj Suarez is now the Division Manager for SM Bowling and Leisure Center. He's been with them a couple of months ago. I've seen him play for the country several times along with legends like Bong Coo and Paeng Nepumoceno. He used to handle sports programs for special children too in the past, mostly with ILLC in Mandaluyong. People might thing SM is just providing these facilities for ordinary people, but as you see they're actually playing games and enjoying it. The activities that we do, we give out and share with people with special needs. It's their advocacy. SM Cares approached them and asked for this Bowling Buddies event and they never hesitated to accommodate them. There are several other organizations and special olympics participants that use the lanes too. They do this on a regular basis. That's endearing to know.

They have activities with PWD's and they'll be doing this on a regular basis next year too. They have the venue, 8 bowling centers nationwide. CJ Suarez left bowling since 2007 and he's devoted much of his life playing for the country. When SM approached him he never hesitated, he explored and accepted this as an opportunity. He can now promote the sport at an advantageous angle. There has been a decline in the sport but he's hopeful their efforts will pay out especially next year. They're also hosting their biggest event in November with a prize as much as 2 Million pesos and a brand new car called SM Millionaires Cup. It's across all their centers and the top 32 from all their centers nationwide will battle it out in Manila as part of their celebration since SM Bowling is now 25 years old.

They're going to have an international tournament also next year that would be even bigger because they're inviting professional players from around Asia and the world to get a more rearing interest in the sport, more so in the talented pool in the Philippines. There are going to be some school programs as well next year plus coaching certifications for those who would want to pursue it. You should watch out for that big tournament soon. Bring your family because that's where you can bond big time.

SM is a mall for all. They want inclusion for everyone to enjoy their facilities. No one gets left out. For differently abled customers, you can play here. You should be aware that they have programs here that would be able to cater to you. They have other organizations also aligned with SM CARES' cause. The Angels Walk will also be happening soon in Mall of Asia so make sure you check out their social media channels to participate in that. SM Cares will also push for activities like these to be a regular thing so awareness can be done. The organizations usually tap them and they won't say no if they see there's potential to reach out to big communities. Don't think you won't enjoy activities like these because as I see it, they've succeeded to make these guys and gals happy. The name is apt for them, SM Cares.

For more information about their foundation:

Official SM Cares

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Visit their official website

http://www.smsupermalls.com

SM Holds Movies for the Deaf and Blind

It was a heartwarming sight to see our brothers and sisters who are differently abled, blind and deaf at the cinemas of SM The Block a few days ago. The plan is, to actually have these facilities (all SM Cinemas) to be retrofitted with the right equipment in order to cater to these wonderful kids and their families a place to watch movies even if they are in that condition. This is a very good move for SM, SM Prime Holdings, SM Cinemas and SM Cares. They are doing this hand in hand with AKAP Pinoy, Philippine Blind Union, NCDA, Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled and the MTRCB.

It was impossible to do this before but with the help of technology and proper dubbing, there are now digital movies that can be interpreted for the blind and put in closed captioning for the deaf. I thought it was not going to be possible because they wouldn't be able to see or understand it, it all became clear to me once they started the movie.

They invited them from special education classes all around the metro and got the movie HUGO on screen for them. Each scene was described meticulously for those who could not see, from going through pipes, smoke, the construction of the fonts and the credits, everything was described for them. The closed captioning was also there so the deaf can actually read the dialogue of the characters. They also described them during the times the characters were only looking at them so you know our blind friends would be able to understand the scenes as they go along.

They signed the memorandum of agreement in order to make more movies like these. Atty. Eugenio "Toto"  Villareal of the MTRCB, executives from SM Cares, SM Cinemas, SM Prime Holdings and other NGO's was there to witness it. They will work on making more movies like these, the Filipino films included and perhaps give more incentives to private corporations, producers who would make their films available to the differently abled brethren. That right there is history, if we could only do this to every film... it would be something that we'll be so happy to share with the blind and deaf individuals so they could be able to live more independently even when watching in the cinemas.

Thank you so much to SM Cares, you truly are working to make every Filipino's life better. Thank you for your heartfelt gesture in making this accessible to the blind and deaf, you deserve every applause you got from them. Including me. *Waves hands in sign language*

For more information about their foundation:

Official SM Cares

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.smsupermalls.com