Running community shows up rain or shine at Vermosa Green Run 2025

The over 2,500 runners and 350 dogs who participated in the fourth edition of the Green Run at Vermosa Estates in Imus, Cavite, on Sunday, June 29, were unaffected by rain and a brief lightning storm.

The multi-level run, which began in 2022 on the 750-hectare Ayala Land property south of the metro, has continued to attract families, casual runners, and elite athletes to its different race categories: the 21K half-marathon, 10K, 5K, and 3K intermediate distances.  The popular 1K Dog Run allows pet parents to bond and run free with their pets in the beautiful yet well-paved surroundings of Vermosa Estates.

In 2022, the first Vermosa Green Run asked people to “go out, lace up, mask up and run for a greener tomorrow,” urging them to get active and rediscover the great outdoors after a three-year pandemic lockdown It championed the return to open space, face-to-face interactions with the environment, and a sustainability-themed Run.  True to its mission, Vermosa Estates actively encourages physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.

The first Green Run, organized by sports and fitness event organizer Pinoy Fitness, pushed for a greener tomorrow while also supporting Haribon Foundation's Adopt-A-Seedling Program.  Green Run 2025 continues to support the Haribon Foundation and has expanded to include animal protection organization Pawssion Project and Takbo Kabitenyo, a running group that trains young athletes for local and international competitions, as beneficiaries.  During the registration process, participants and guests were asked to bring their used plastics, which could be recycled and converted into building materials for sustainable walkways and benches.

Considered by running regulars as “the most scenic run”, Angel Montevirgen from Cavite and a member of Takbo Kabitenyo said the running community looks forward to this run yearly. 

“It’s a lifestyle that you immerse yourself in and becomes a part of you. You look forward to it and get the right motivation for it – whether that be new clothes, new gear, new shoes or seeing friends and getting fit. It’s an opportunity to enjoy not only the benefits of running, but also the group camaraderie and being part of the whole running community.” ~Angel Montevirgen, From Cavite and a Member of Takbo Kabitenyo

Pinoy Fitness Inc. Founder and President Jeff Lo was very pleasantly surprised by the huge turnout of runners and pet dogs despite the threat of rain. 

“Runners actually enjoy running in the rain. It’s cooler, mas masaya. And I’m confident about Vermosa (as a running venue) because even if it rains, the roads are well-paved, safe and walang lubak. It’s a very green, very clean, very scenic venue – quite different from other runs. It’s fun and refreshing to see a venue where runners can actually go all out and enjoy themselves while finishing their runs. I think the vision of Vermosa is to be the greener place to run. You don’t just run races here, by the way. Runners and fitness enthusiasts can come and run here anytime, day or night – for free. They can run, train or just enjoy the outdoors. The Green Run itself is like a culmination of all the running activities you do here – an event that you look forward to that lets you experience closed roads and competing with others, for fun or for competition.” ~Jeff Lo, Pinoy Fitness Inc. Founder and President

"Each step you take at the Vermosa Green Run supports a bigger cause. The Run advocates fitness and overall wellness, sustainability, and community support into one meaningful event." ~Chrissy Roa, Ayala Land Estates’ Marketing and Communications Group Head

Now an established benchmark for purpose-driven lifestyle events, the Vermosa Green Run reinforces Ayala Land’s long-term vision for sustainability, using fitness as a powerful catalyst for environmental and social impact.

AirAsia will disrupt global travel as the world's first low-cost narrow-body network carrier, with a groundbreaking agreement for 70 A321XLRs

Photo Caption: Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes and Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft, Airbus, in Paris today, alongside several Malaysian Cabinet Ministers.

AirAsia Berhad, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capital A Berhad, has inked a landmark agreement with Airbus worth USD12.25 billion for 50 A321XLRs, with an option for 20 more.  With this arrangement, the airline takes a significant step toward becoming the world's first low-cost narrow-body network carrier, built on its multi-hub strategy.  The aircraft are slated for delivery from 2028 to 2032.

The agreement, witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was signed today in Paris by Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, and Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

“We pioneered low-cost travel in Asia – now, we are taking it to the next level. AirAsia is on a transformative journey to become the world’s first low-cost network carrier. This is about exponential growth, connecting geographies beyond Asean, and making flying even more democratic. We gave people in Asean the opportunity to explore Asia – now we want the world to see Asean, and Asean to see the world. The A321XLR and A321LR are the game-changers enabling this vision, and we are proud to lead the charge in making our world smaller. We can’t wait to paint the skies even wider in red.” ~Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and Advisor & Steward of AirAsia Group

The next-generation A321XLRs will join AirAsia's all-Airbus fleet of A320 Family and A330 aircraft, bolstering the airline's long-term strategy of providing unrivaled connectivity across Asia and beyond while maintaining a low-cost model through improved route economics, increased aircraft utilisation, and fleet efficiency.  AirAsia Group wants to carry 150 million passengers per year by 2030, for a total of 1.5 billion passengers since its founding.

“We are pleased to confirm this agreement, as AirAsia Group begins its next development chapter. Having resumed its growth trajectory, which we salute and support, the airline is creating solid fleet efficiencies, allowing global network expansion. The A321XLR unlocks new opportunities for AirAsia to launch non-stop flights linking primary and secondary cities all around the globe.” ~Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus

This change relies heavily on the new fleet.  AirAsia's multi-aircraft approach allows the airline to match capacity with demand, cut fuel usage, and support a long-term, cost-effective growth model in a highly competitive global market.  The A321XLR also uses up to 20% less fuel per seat than the Airbus A321neo, greatly boosting emissions performance and operating efficiency.

About AirAsia Philippines

AirAsia is a leading low-cost carrier with licenses to operate in five Asean countries—Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Founded in 2001, AirAsia has stayed true to its purpose and tagline "Now Everyone Can Fly". The airline has made flying affordable and accessible to over 800 million guests, connecting people and communities across more than 130 destinations. Today, as one of the largest airlines in the region, AirAsia is expanding to become the world's first global low cost network carrier. It operates more than 200 aircraft and holds a significant orderbook for the next decade. AirAsia leads in sustainable aviation with green initiatives and a net zero target by 2050. In 2023, it avoided 130,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from its narrowbody regional network through 20+ efficiency measures, saving US$40 million in fuel and over US$388,000 in shadow carbon costs.

SM Supermalls empowers MSMEs’ future through inclusive resilience

For SM Supermalls, resilience remains an essential pillar in its pursuit of sustainability. Without safe, secure, and prepared communities, the vision of sustainable development becomes difficult to achieve. This is why the company believes that promoting resilience is not only a matter of operational readiness but a responsibility to the  communities and businesses that form the backbone of the economy.

At the heart of this commitment are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These businesses are often the most vulnerable to disruptions brought about by natural and man-made hazards. Yet, they represent a critical force in the national economy---generating jobs, driving local commerce, and sustaining livelihoods. Recognizing their importance, SM Supermalls has made it a priority to help cultivate an MSME sector that is resilient.

Across its network, close to 70 percent of SM Supermalls’ tenants are currently MSMEs. These businesses operate under unique lessee contracts that acknowledge their specific needs and challenges. To support them, SM not only provides space but also promotes an environment that values preparedness and long-term continuity.

SM Supermalls’ most notable resilience initiative for its MSME tenants is a dedicated Business Continuity Planning (BCP) program launched in 2024. This capacity-building initiative enables businesses to develop tailored Business Continuity Plans and implement adaptive measures to reduce the impact of disruptions.

SM’s tenants are each provided with free access to 5GB of remote digital storage where they can securely store critical business documents such as their BCPs, permits, registrations, and insurance policies, among others. In the event of a disaster, access to these documents becomes seamless, allowing faster processing of insurance claims and a quicker return to operations.

To further scale its impact, SM Supermalls established a public-private partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement in 2024. Together with ARISE Philippines, a United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)-affiliated private sector alliance for disaster resilience, the partnership aims to ensure that 6,000 MSMEs have robust BCPs by the end of 2027.

This collaboration is led by DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona and Bureau of Small Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED) Director Emma Asusano, alongside SM Supermalls’ Corporate Resilience Department. The shared goal is clear: to safeguard MSMEs nationwide through proactive preparedness.

One key feature of the initiative is the SM-DTI Calamity Recovery (CARE) Booth, activated during times of calamity. Located in malls with communities impacted by disasters, the booth serves as an accessible touchpoint for MSMEs needing post-disaster support---providing a practical and timely response mechanism that bridges the gap between public resources and private needs.

Additionally, SM Supermalls regularly hosts scheduled BCP workshops for MSMEs in collaboration with DTI. These workshops are conducted in centralized SM locations across various regions and are open to both SM tenants and DTI-assisted MSMEs. During these sessions, business owners are introduced to the various risks posed by different types of disasters and are guided step-by-step in developing their own BCPs. These plans are tailored to the unique nature and geographical location of their operations, and the sessions extend to the BCP testing and validation phase to ensure practical application and effectiveness.

“Resilience is not built overnight, and requires education, commitment, and collaboration across different sectors. Knowing this, SM Supermalls continues to invest in long-term resilience not just for its business, but for the broader ecosystem of MSMEs it supports. In doing so, we are reinforcing the fundamental truth that sustainable progress is only possible when communities and businesses are prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow.” ~Steven Tan, said SM Supermalls President 

The participants are given one month to finalize their BCPs, which must be approved by their business management and submitted to DTI. Since the program’s launch in September 2024, over 1,500 MSMEs have already undergone training, with more scheduled in the months ahead.

Strengthening disaster preparedness: SM makes the Incident Command System possible

In a country like the Philippines, where typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural calamities are part of the norm, resilience is not just a necessity but a way of life. Ranked consistently high in the World Risk Index due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and the typhoon belt, the nation faces challenges that demand coordinated, forward-thinking approaches to disaster preparedness and response.

Among those leading the way is SM Supermalls, whose commitment to resilience continues to evolve through investments in systems that safeguard not only business continuity but, more importantly, the communities they serve.

Disaster resilience in the private sector has become increasingly crucial. Corporations have the capacity to create ripple effects both in terms of operational continuity and their influence on surrounding communities. For SM, a sustained and risk-informed approach to resilience ensures that when emergencies strike, response is swift, coordinated, and grounded in tested protocols.

A key initiative in this approach is the company’s very own rollout of the Incident Command System (ICS). Designed to provide a standardized structure for managing emergency response, the ICS originated in the United States and is widely recognized as an on-scene, all-hazard incident management concept. Through its unified hierarchy and clearly defined roles, the ICS ensures that different responders---from government agencies to private security teams---can act in sync. This leads to more efficient resource management, better communication, and a higher degree of accountability during high-pressure situations.

As part of the initiative, SM regularly implements emergency preparedness drills across its network of malls and consistently participates in nationwide efforts for disaster preparedness, such as the annual fire and earthquake drills led by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). These efforts are complemented by support for the quarterly Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drills led by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management Council (NDRRMC). These exercises include both employees and tenants, creating a culture of readiness that extends beyond corporate boundaries.

In addition, 79 SM Supermalls have been certified under the Business Continuity Management Systems---a reflection of the company’s structured and systematized approach to disaster risk reduction and recovery. This level of certification not only reflects internal diligence but also sets a benchmark for the broader business sector.

SM also has a dedicated resilience center, which operates as a centralized communications hub during large-scale disruptions. This facility coordinates with all SM malls to ensure rapid information flow and streamlined decision-making in the event of a national emergency.

SM’s collaborative approach to disaster resilience was also demonstrated during the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Manila. On the last day of the conference, SM City Clark became the focal point of an ICS demonstration attended by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Resilience and foreign delegates.

The event showcased a unified response involving mall management, the Clark and Angeles municipalities, the BFP, OCD Region 3, and NDRRMC. Together, they enacted coordinated procedures designed to enhance public safety, offering an up-close look at how integrated disaster response works in a real-world environment.

In preparation for the site visit, SM Supermalls partnered with ARISE Philippines, the Private Sector Alliance for Resilient Societies, to conduct an ICS workshop alongside the OCD. This training brought together heads of operations, human resources, security, and Information Technology from SM City Clark and nearby locators such as Park Inn Hotel. Facilitated by experts from the BFP and the Philippine Army, the workshop provided hands-on training in ICS protocol, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to capacity-building at the local level.

SM’s vision for resilience is expansive and continuous. Following the success of the Clark initiative, the company is now preparing to roll out the next phase of ICS workshops, beginning with SM Mall of Asia and expanding to regional malls across the country. This nationwide implementation reflects a long-term strategy that prioritizes safety, community cohesion, and operational readiness.

“By investing in frameworks like the ICS, SM Supermalls demonstrates that resilience is not a reactive measure but an ongoing commitment. In a landscape defined by environmental vulnerability, this commitment provides not only peace of mind but a tangible sense of preparedness for employees, tenants, and the public at large.” ~Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President

Through proactive strategies and sustained partnerships with government and civil society, SM is building more than safe spaces. It is also cultivating a culture of resilience that empowers people and protects communities in the face of any uncertainty, reiterating its commitment to promoting a more disaster-ready Philippines.

What’s New at SM Supermalls? Must-See Firsts in Metro Manila

Allow your desire to attempt new things lead you this month of June.

With these new and upcoming jewels, you may have fun, be free, and allow serendipity to take over.  From immersive experiences to robust cuisines from around the world to distinctive fashion pieces, you have the potential to transform the commonplace into the spectacular when you choose to view each day as a blank canvas.

Wander to marvel and embrace the charm of curiosity and adventure at SM Supermalls, located right here in Metro ManilaVariety & Great Options at SM Mall of Asia

With more options, you can explore more paths, leading to new experiences and exciting discoveries—whether it's trying out several meals at once or spicing up your daily style!

Enjoy the varied flavors of Japan at Kiwami: Japanese Master Kitchens, which will shortly open its first SM flagship store—the largest yet!  Enjoy a comprehensive dining experience and relish the best of Yabu (katsu), Ippudo (ramen), Hachibei (yakitori), and Hannosuke (tempura), all of which give their own distinct and authentic taste of Japan.

Meanwhile, our stylish go-getters can look forward to more soon-to-open stores, serving up options after options in everyday fashion and sportswear:

• JD Sports—elevate your active lifestyle with impactful design and exclusive picks from top-performing brands. Britain’s leading retailer in street and activewear is bringing its first-ever store to the Philippines within the next few months.
• 8 Seconds—an iconic Korean clothing brand is opening its first-in-PH store this July. Prepare to K-style your everyday look with trendy apparel ready to captivate you in under 8 seconds. 

Magical Moments at SM North EDSA

Having the desire to explore rewards you with unexpected moments of magic.  Give yourself the opportunity to experience such pleasant surprises by visiting these freshly opened go-to destinations:

Space & Time Cube, the Philippines' first immersive digital museum that combines art and technology across numerous themed attractions, launched on May 16, bringing its trademark multi-sensory experience to our adventure seekers in Quezon City.  Their most recent highlight, Fantasy Cinema, is an amazing 9D film that combines virtual reality, motion simulation, and rich sensory effects to bring guests into an awe-inspiring cinematic universe.

Meanwhile, Moon Hey, an engaging hot pot and grill restaurant, will open their first-in-SM location in June, providing guests with their own gratifying dining experience with personalized cooking stations and a customized collection of ingredients that circulates around the room.

Positive-impact Fashion at SM Megamall

Wander responsibly.  Make an effort to be environmentally conscious wherever you go.  Make a fashion statement with sustainable designs from VIVAIA, a leading global footwear brand that recently established its first in-mall store in the Philippines.  VIVAIA offers a comprehensive assortment of on-trend shoes produced primarily from recycled PET materials, demonstrating a dedication to eco-friendly footwear designed for comfort, style, and responsible consumption.

German Flavors at SM Podium

Wandering is incomplete without some time for leisure, because the finest part of embarking on a wonderful journey is having fun!

Enjoy the essence of good cheer with the best of German food.  Brotzeit, a world-renowned German bier bar and restaurant founded in Singapore, just opened its first SM location.  It delivers Bavarian cuisine and rich German beers in a superbly welcome setting—ideal for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.  Enjoy a variety of sausage platters, schnitzel, and pig knuckles, all ideally paired with—of course—beers!

Having a heart for adventure leads to surprising moments of awe. Discover exciting and noteworthy delights here in Metro Manila, and enrich your stories of wander and wonder—only at SM Supermalls, bringing you a #NewEraOfFirsts.

Don’t forget to like and follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events!

SM Supermalls #NewEraOfFirsts

At SM Supermalls, we’re proud to lead a New Era of Firsts—bringing you first-to-market brands, groundbreaking experiences, and culinary destinations you won’t find anywhere else. From world-class dining and retail exclusives to innovative spaces that connect and inspire communities, we’re redefining what it means to have it all.

As we continue to grow, we remain committed to sustainability, community empowerment, and creating memorable moments that make every visit more meaningful. There’s always something new and exciting waiting for you at SM.

SM Supermalls supports first-ever TESDA jobs and skills matching fair

SM Job Fairs open real employment opportunities, with jobseekers like this landing roles on the spot.

On June 19, 2025, SM Center Muntinlupa will host a pilot run of the Jobs and Skills Matching Fair in collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), the Muntinlupa Local Government Unit (LGU), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).  This one-day event provides jobseekers, particularly those interested in the IT-Business Process Management (BPM) business, with a streamlined path from job screening to skill training and re-employment.

A job seeker reviews a list of job vacancies while a uniformed professional helps them with information at the SM Job Fair.

The fair begins with an on-site job matching session, during which walk-in and registered applicants can interview with participating employers.  Qualified candidates may be employed on the spot, while "near-hires" will be directed to the Skills Hub for individualized consultations provided by DTI-PTTC.

Applicants can meet future employers at the first-ever Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Jobs and Skills Matching Fair in SM Center Muntinlupa on June 19.

Jobseekers will be evaluated individually using the Philippine Skills Framework (PSF) at the Skills Job seekers will receive one-on-one evaluations at the Skills Hub based on the Philippine Skills Framework (PSF).  This identifies any skill gaps and suggests personalized training programs and career paths.  TESDA will subsequently connect these potential hires with recognized training institutes and possible scholarship opportunities.

After finishing their upskilling journey, participants will be reconnected with partner employers, enabling a full-circle career funnel from application to job readiness.

While this is a low-key trial, it represents a significant step toward developing more responsive, skills-based employment solutions. 

The Jobs and Skills Matching Fair represents a new generation of job fairs, focusing on real-time skill development and industry needs rather than resumes and job openings.

Join the movement. Start something life-changing.

This is more than just another employment fair; it's a one-stop opportunity center.  Aside from hundreds of job openings and on-the-spot hiring, attendees can get skills training, career advice, and essential government services from the Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)—all in one convenient, accessible, and air-conditioned SM mall.

From interview to hired—SM Supermalls empowers jobseekers to land their dream roles.

So, update that resume, bring extra copies, dress to impress, and show up as your most professional self. Your next big opportunity starts here.

For full schedules and updates, follow SM Supermalls on Facebook or visit www.smsupermalls.com.

About SM Job Fairs

SM Supermalls, in partnership with key government agencies and the private sector, regularly holds nationwide job fair events to support employment, empower communities, and contribute to nation-building. These fairs provide inclusive, accessible platforms connecting Filipino jobseekers to thousands of career opportunities and essential services.

SM Prime’s Hans Sy champions private sector leadership in disaster resilience at UNDRR Global Platform 2025

Hans Sy speaking in the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025), organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and co-chaired by the Government of Switzerland.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy emphasized the private sector's critical role in disaster risk reduction (DRR) at the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction's (UNDRR) 2025 Global Platform in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Sy, representing the Philippine private sector at the Ministerial Roundtable on “Accelerating Financing and Resilience,” emphasized how businesses may contribute to the development of scalable, science-based resilience solutions.

Private sector as a force multiplier in DRR

“Resilience strengthens businesses while safeguarding lives and communities. We know the government cannot do it alone. The private sector is ready to do more. Disasters may be unpredictable, but their impacts don’t have to be. We can—and must—prepare, mitigate, and adapt. From the standpoint of the private sector, financial, non-financial and regulatory incentives are among the most effective ways to accelerate investment in resilience. Together, we can embed resilience to build a sustainable and secure future for all.” ~Hans Sy, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) Executive Committee Chairman

Sy underscores the need for policies, incentives, and institutional support to scale up disaster risk reduction investments at the UNDRR Global Platform 2025.

He emphasized SM Prime's comprehensive approach to disaster risk reduction, which involves committing a major amount of project costs to disaster-resilient infrastructure and using science-based planning frameworks.

Sy also cited cross-sector efforts like the Adopt-a-City Program with the National Resilience Council and joint capacity-building programs with ARISE Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry as examples of successful public-private collaborations.

Embedding resilience into core business strategy

In a High-Level Dialogue on Scaling DRR Financing, Sy described SM Prime's approach to integrating resilience into its developments.  He emphasized characteristics such as raised mall buildings, built-in rainwater collecting systems, and earthquake-resistant designs—solutions that have reduced disturbance and allowed for speedy recovery in the aftermath of disaster.

The SM Mall of Asia Complex features a higher seawall and elevated design to guard against rising sea levels. (Inset) Deep, wide drainage channels—large enough to fit two buses side by side—further protect the area from storm surge flooding.

Call to scale resilience investment

To expand DRR financing, Sy called for enabling mechanisms that combine policy support, institutional cooperation, and targeted incentives. 

His remarks underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and long-term thinking in building resilient communities. SM Prime’s leadership in DRR continues to set a benchmark for

sustainable development in disaster-prone regions.