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What I learned from Tatang: Employees and colleagues share stories about SM’s Henry Sy, Sr.

When the Mall of Asia opened in 2006, Henry Sy, Sr. was walking around the SM Store alongside Ma. Cecilia Abreu, who was then Assistant Vice President for Store Operations.

As is usually the case with Mr. Sy, he dropped by the Shoe section, checked the shoes and sandals, and then asked a few questions to the sales clerks. “Marami pa ba nito? Are these fast-moving?”

The questions did not stop there. Holding one sandal, he asked Abreu a question that stayed with her: “Can our customers still afford to buy our sandals at this price?”

“Ang iniisip niya talaga is kaya pa ba ‘to ng customer. Very consistent si Mr. Sy when understanding his customers, what they want, and what they need,” Abreu shared.

That consistency in understanding its market has stayed with SM through the years. Providing customers with affordable and quality items goes way back to Tatang - the name Mr. Sy, Sr. was fondly called by those whose lives he touched.

Once an Assistant Branch Manager of SM Makati, Abreu has a lot of stories about Tatang.

“Meron rin kaming isang customer. Nagdadala siya ng maraming bag. Hindi naman siya bumibili. Then she would always look for Mr. Sy. Uupo siya dun sa daanan ng lobby namin. Sasabihan namin si Tatang, Sir andyan na naman ho yung lady na palaging naghahanap sa inyo. Tatang would tell us with a smile on his face, ‘let her sit there.’

Honoring commitments, respecting hard work

Continuing the story of the SM Makati customer, Chelo Monasterio, once an SM Makati Branch Manager, said, “Tatang feels that SM is for everyone. That’s why di ba kahit pag typhoon, we will open. It was because, for Mr. Sy, we are a shelter for people.”

Monasterio joined SM 41 years ago, back when there were only three stores: Quiapo, Cubao, and Ermita. Climbing the ladder from HR manager, SM Makati Branch Manager to becoming SM Store President, and now a Consultant for SM Retail, Monasterio shared with pride, “We were trained by Tatang. So what we think, what we impart came from him. He molded us to be what we are. He managed us but he did not make us scared of him. We could tell him how we felt and he would never take it against us. He listened to what people had to say.”

According to Monasterio, Tatang was not flowery with his words. He was very direct to the point. These words, simple as they may seem, but for her, “these are the words that I carry with me.” In one instance, Tatang told her. “Chelo, there are two traits that you should have that will make you successful. One, you have to have common sense. And the other one is you have to have industry.”

With a smile, remembering those days at SM Makati as Branch Manager, Monasterio shared, “Mr. Sy mentored me on selling operations. He would help me in the morning and talk to me about merchandising, about shoes. He would talk about how to handle people including suppliers - that you have to be kind and that you have to honor your commitments to them because that will dictate your reputation.”

Tatang liked to spend time and talk and share his dreams and aspirations.

“When he shares it with you, you feel a certain affinity - that you belong and that you’re gonna help him with his vision,” Monasterio said.

Believing in your vision and your people

On Mr. Sy’s last visit touring SM Store’s Distribution Center in Paranaque, Rose Siaco still remembers what he told her, “This is a bonus, Rose, and it’s not part of my vision.”

The Distribution Center (DC) is where SM Store’s suppliers drop their products for transfer to SM Store branches and Retail affiliates across the Philippines.

In 1978, Siaco was a practicing Medical Technologist who dared to try something outside of her comfort zone. She started her journey as Shoemart Inc.’s Supplies Officer that year. This is where her organizational skills and attention to detail would come in handy.

Seeing that Siaco thrives on challenges, she was given the task by Mr. Sy of becoming an acting warehouse manager. “I told him that it’s a man’s world, but he told me to train as a warehouse manager. He said to me, ‘I need your talent. I don’t need your physical strength. That would be too taxing for you,’” Siaco shared.

This encouraged her and inspired her to enroll in management courses. “Talagang nag train ako. I attended seminars. Those were the days na pag nag attend ako ng seminar, I was the only female participant,” Siaco further added.

For her, Tatang is really a disciplinarian, like a strict teacher. “If you make a mistake, i-cocorrect ka na niya - on the spot. Ganun siya mag train.” She also said that he also informed the affected staff of the consequences of the mistake.

Other than thriving on new challenges, Siaco shared the reason why she stayed with SM for 45 years: “Kaya rin ako nagtagal, I don’t feel that they are other people. They treat their employees like family.”

Stories shared, vision realized

Abreu shared another anecdote. “Supermarket. After his usual ‘rounds,’ Tatang bade farewell to everyone. He got into his car but before the car even left, Mr. Sy got out of the car. Everyone was still outside, waving and thanking him for the visit. Mr. Sy said in a clear voice ‘I want to thank each and every one of you for your hard work.’”

Sharing his vision, telling stories, and words of gratitude are the ways in which Henry Sy, Sr. showed he cared. Now, his employees and colleagues from the small stores of Quiapo and Makati continue to tell his stories and help the company realize his vision.

NGCP ADVISORY

Restored power transmission service in parts of Nueva Ecija today, 09 October 2023, at 8:13AM.

Affected: NEECO II Area 1 (Aliaga, Quezon, Guimba, Munoz and Lupao Substations) and SAJELCO

Reason: tripping along Cabanatuan-Fatima 69kV Line at 7:29am. Root cause to be determined.

Elevate your Sleep Experience with SM City Cabanatuan

Discover a better sleep experience from the premium line of mattresses from the most-trusted makers in the Philippines and across the globe at Our Home and SM Home inside The SM Store here at SM City Cabanatuan. The best mattress is definitely the one that fulfill everyone’s dream of restful and good nights’ sleep.

Choose now the right mattress that suits you – whether you have a posture or movement disturbance concerns or simply wants to have a relaxes luxurious sleep. Not only can a comfortable mattress provide a more restful sleep, but it can also relieve pressure points, align the spine and help you wake up feeling refreshed rather that achy.

Improving sleep is vital for everyone so it’s time to make a serious investment in our sleep, from the way we relax to the quality of mattress and achieving the luxury we deserve. Visit now at Our Home and SM Home inside The SM Store as it houses all the trusted bed brands in the Philippines:

• URATEX. The country’s pioneering brand in innovative sleeping solutions and products for more than a half century.

• SALEM. Takes pride with more than 50 years of experience in manufacturing the best spring mattresses in the country. It promises to help you get better mattresses to help you get better sleep and relaxation through its products.

• SLUMBERLAND. Renowned for its quality range of products. It has evolved as the leader in sleeping comfort since 1919.

• DUNLOPILLO. With more than 90 years of latex innovation, it delivers ultimate comfort, great quality and unbeatable customer service.

• AMBASSADOR BED’S. An orthopedic mattress which was chosen and trusted by most five-star hotels and Filipino households since 1927.

• KING KOIL. It started selling traditional innerspring mattresses in 1898. Today their mattresses line-up includes foam, latex, hybrid and even smart mattresses.

Many of these premium mattresses are treated with Sanitized, keeping these clean and hypoallergenic, and effectively protect against growth of bacteria, odor, mildew, and dust mites.

NGCP ADVISORY

Scheduled power interruption in parts of Nueva Ecija on Thursday, 28 September 2023.

Time: 8:00AM-8:30AM and 4:30PM-5:00PM

Affected: NEECO II Area 1 (Aliaga, Quezon, Guimba, Munoz, and Lupao Substations) and SAJELCO (San Jose and Sto. Tomas Substations)

Reasons: Technical and maintenance activities along Cabanatuan-Fatima 69kV Line.

Specific areas are determined by the electric cooperatives. NGCP will exert all efforts to restore power earlier or as scheduled.

Build Your Workwear Collection at SM

Make a lasting impression at the office Part of slaying in the workplace is always looking your best. It’s backed by research, too: 86% of workers and 80% of managers believe that clothing choices affect a person’s chances of getting promoted.

At SM City Cabanatuan and SM Megacenter awesome range of clothing, footwear fashion and accessories perfectly fit for you! For seasoned professionals or even for those starting their careers, these collections are designed to help exude confidence, sophistication, and style.

Here are some tips and picks for you!

Take your time finding the right pieces.

If you're entering the workforce for the first time, it may be tempting to buy your entire wardrobe in one shopping spree. Don’t! It's okay to take your time and spread out your budget. You may find better pieces as well as better deals.

Make sure you understand the office dress code, too. Is it full-on corporate, creative casual, or somewhere in the middle? You don’t want to splurge on tailored suits only to realize you can go semi-casual on most days!

Build a capsule wardrobe.

A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothes that’s made up of essential pieces that you can easily mix and match throughout the workweek. This may include a little black dress or LBD, a blazer, a white blouse, trousers, a skirt, and leather shoes, a.k.a. classic workwear staples!

Stay true to your style.

Looking professional doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your personal style. You can still stay true to your “aesthetic”—while following office policies, of course. For starters, it’s more cost-efficient: You can just scour your closet for work-friendly items and just pair them with more profesh pieces. Plus, when you follow your inner fashion compass when shopping for new clothes, then you can even wear your office wardrobe during your days off.

Be on the lookout for awesome deals.

Who doesn't love a good deal? Keeping an eye out for fashion sales is a surefire way to stick to your budget. For starters, be sure to always check SM Deals and SM City Cabanatuan and SM Megacenter social media pages for shopping offers and promos! Make sure to follow Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok, too—there just might be surprise sales you don’t want to miss out on!

Raise a professional image with SM City Cabanatuan and SM Megacenter wide array of fashion stores. Aiming for that big promotion, networking at a conference, or simply making a statement at the office, SM malls have the attire to help everyone succeed. Shop with at SM today to discover the latest trends in workwear fashion.

NGCP Advisory re: Taal Volcano Activity

NGCP is on heightened alert as it continues monitoring the effects of the volcanic activity of Taal Volcano to transmission facilities. Contingency measures are in place, ready for activation.

Transmission services in affected areas remain normal as there are no reported related line outages. As soon as the situation is deemed safe, line crews will be mobilized to inspect and conduct cleaning of critical line equipment as necessary.

Updates will be provided for significant transmission-related developments.

SM CITY CABANATUAN ALL SET FOR BTS ARMY MEETUP

Calling all K-Pop enthusiasts and ARMY members. Get ready to groove and swoon because we have an electrifying event coming your way. We are thrilled to announce a BTS Army Meetup, happening at SM City Cabanatuan on September 30, 2023, 6PM at the ground level.

This event is open to all ages, so bring your friends, family, and fellow K-Pop enthusiasts along. Dress up in your best BTS-inspired outfits, wave your light sticks, and immerse yourself in a day filled with music, dance, and pure BTS joy.

Mark your calendars, set those alarms, and get ready to feel the BTS magic at SM City Cabanatuan BTS Army Meetup. Admission to the BTS Assembly is absolutely FREE, but be sure to arrive early to secure your spot in this unforgettable experience.

For more information and updates, follow the official FB Page of SM City Cabanatuan. See you there, ARMY!

NGCP ADVISORY

Scheduled power interruption in parts of Nueva Ecija on Friday, 22 September 2023.

Time: 8:00AM-8:30AM and 2:30PM-3:00PM

Affected: NEECO II Area 1 (Aliaga, Quezon, Guimba, Munoz and Lupao Substations) and SAJELCO (San Jose and Sto. Tomas Substations)

Reasons: Technical and maintenance activities along Cabanatuan-San Luis and Cabanatuan-Fatima 69kV Lines.

Specific areas are determined by the electric cooperatives. NGCP will exert all efforts to restore power earlier or as scheduled.

🌧 Rain or shine, is back this Sept. 15 to 17 with best discounted finds up to 70% OFF! 🛍🛒Kaya get your shopping list, bags, and energy ready for a super sulit ! 🥰

Get a chance to win a Suzuki Avenis Motorcycle when you shop at SM Megacenter Cabanatuan’s 3 Day Sale! 🛵🤩

SAFETY FIRST! CONSTRUCTION OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH TRAINING

Hindi kasi ako nataya sa lotto:
38,115- sure win
87-81 - olats.
Sa mga nagtatanong kung ano po yan, yung 38,115 ay highest attendance sa FIBA worldcup nakuha ng Pilipinas tapos yung 87-81 score ng Dominican Republic vs Gilas Pilipinas. Better luck next time sa Gilas Pilipinas.

Office of the President: Message of PBBM on the celebration of Ninoy Aquino Day

1+1=0?

THE MEGS ARE BACK AT SM CINEMA!

Dive down to the deepest, uncharted waters and face your fear of the unknown as SM Cinema brings you Meg2 : The Trench starring Jason Statham and global action icon Wu Jing. Join them as they embark on an exploratory journey into the deepest part of the ocean. Get yourself ready for the thrill as our heroes try to outswim and outsmart the largest Apex Predator anyone has ever seen. Bite the chance to see a whole new school of Megalodons and have the best cinematic experience at SM Cinemas near you!
Brace the excitement with freshly popped popcorn and snacks at Snack Time and make yourself comfortable with the plush seats at SM Cinema. Let the crystal clear display on huge screens paired with the best cinema audio in the country take you to every scene to make your Meg 2 experience even more spectacular!

Meg2 : The Trench is now showing at SM City Cabanatuan Cinema so BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

FASHION AND ADVOCACY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

There is a noble way of buying clothes for OOTDs and also in supporting environmental sustainability in the collaboration with clothing brand, Unica Hija, which takes the clothing industry a notch higher by promoting sustainable and responsible fashion through the Down to Earth collection.

An acknowledgement to the Philippine biodiversity and a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation, especially at a time when the fast fashion industry sparks a lot of environmental and ethical issues.

The clothing and fashion industry plays a key role in conserving the planet through sustainable practices through their designs expression, to take actionable steps in caring for our one shared home. Unica Hija highlight crops that are central to the country's agriculture industry like maize, sugarcane, and coconut, which are all part of the Philippines' agricultural identity.

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), an independent conservation organization active in nearly 100 countries, we are working to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and wildlife. They are working with many others – from individuals and communities to business and government to protect and restore natural habitats, stop the mass extinction of wildlife, and make the way we produce and consume sustainable.

Through this partnership, they highlight the benefits of fostering environmental change through fashion that clings to eco-friendly and ethical practices of production.

SM City Cabanatuan fully supporting this clothing brand created with a commitment to care for nature bringing chic tropical and environmental inspired pieces rendered in playful prints and elegant patterns can be found at the 2nd level of the mall. Visit Unica Hija and wear a nature inspired collection with a purpose.

Feel the Cyber Thrill this August!
SM Supermalls hosts the biggest gaming activation in 60 malls nationwide.

Looking for the best deals on everything tech? Ready to play at the largest nationwide sports area? Now is the best time to visit SM Supermalls and unleash the gamer within as it celebrates the latest tech innovations and gadget trends, with exclusive deals and promos this Cyber Month!

From August 1 to 31, a celebration of e-sports and all things tech that make our lives easier and more convenient will take place at SM Supermalls. Essential gadgets, thrilling activities, and new discoveries are waiting to be made will welcome every individual with various needs.

Get ready as SM transforms its malls into a larger-than-life e-sports arena. Gamers and e-sports fans are in for a treat at the CyberMonth celebration, at over 60 malls nationwide, as community tournaments and an immersive gaming environment take center stage. Tag along with your friends and watch some intense and epic battles as players try to outplay each other at the community matches.

Gaming that never goes out of style. If you are a gamer who loves your classic video games, the Retroverse is for you. Select malls every Saturday will be setting up Retro Gaming Stations featuring classic consoles and games from the past. Relive the magic of iconic titles like Super Mario Bros., Pac-Man, Tetris, and Sonic the Hedgehog.

Venture into different worlds with AweSM Kids. Kids and kids at heart can have some fun at the Kids Zone–-an interactive area featuring popular games like SM Kids Roblox and Minecraft every weekend for the whole month of August.

The GeekCon is on! SM celebrates all things geek this Cyber Month including a Cosplay Competition. Every Sunday, bring your favorite anime, manga, games, TV, series, and comic book characters to life through elaborate costumes and performances that will wow the crowd. The GeekCon will also feature activities that geeks will love such as collectible toy displays, visual arts masterclasses, meet-and-greets with popular streamers, and Collectible Card Game Tournament.

Techtopia for all your tech needs. SM malls nationwide will have multiple activity areas bringing together a wide range of gadgets, interactive installations, and displays at Techtopia. Get your hands on the newest and trendiest gadgets, devices, and even smart home appliances at SM. Plus, at the Techtopia zone, you can check, test, and ensure the product’s quality before making that big purchase.

Discover the hottest tech deals. Gear up and get your baskets ready for SM Supermalls’ month-long nationwide tech and gadget sale. Whether you shop at your favorite SM mall or scroll through your go-to SM Online and SM Deals apps, there are a lot of great gadget deals all for you. Avail of these special promos, special offerings, and bundles on select items with up to 50% off in participating stores this August.

Mark your calendars! August is geek-out month with these fun-filled activities and deals in store for you this Cyber Month at an SM mall near you. Game on and shop gadgets and get exciting deals when you .

For more information, visit SM City Cabanatuan and SM Megacenter on social media.

Libreng Dialysis

Less fortunate Filipinos who are undergoing dialysis will no longer have to worry about the fees for the medical procedure as it is now given for free by the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Read: https://pco.gov.ph/HKl97u

SM Prime taps Citicore Renewables for the supply of Clean Energy

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) and Citicore Renewable Energy Company (CREC) signed a Memorandum of Agreement on 11 July 2023 as a joint commitment to champion renewable energy.

Through this partnership, SM Prime will source its energy requirements of up to 90-Megawatts (MWac) from CREC’s upcoming Lumbangan Solar Power Plant in Tuy, Batangas. The long-term agreement will commence in the first half of 2024. This is in line with the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) policies of the Department of Energy.

This development further strengthens both CREC and SM Prime's commitment to the Department of Energy's program of moving up the renewable energy supply component of the Philippines to 35% by the year 2030.

“This partnership marks our strong commitment to providing sustainable operations in our developments nationwide. It is aligned with SM Prime's target of achieving net zero by the year 2040. SM Prime ensures that its risk-informed investments catalyze sustainable development and positive change in the communities where it operates,” said Mr. John Ong, SM Prime Chief Finance Officer.

The agreement with SM Prime adds to CREC’s long list of blue-chip company partners, attesting to the company’s solid performance and service excellence.

“We are happy to partner with SM Prime in providing clean and safe renewable energy for their power requirements,” said Mr. Oliver Tan, CREC President. “We believe that their support and trust in us through this partnership reflects our commitment as a renewable energy provider, and we are glad that SM Prime shares in our vision of a sustainable future,” Mr. Tan added.

ABOUT SM PRIME:

SM Prime is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia that offers innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities with the development of malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers.

ABOUT CITICORE:

Citicore Renewable aims to lead the renewable energy revolution by empowering Filipino communities through positive energy. With a projected 5 Gigawatts of green capacity addition in the next five years, Citocore Renewable is committed to powering a First-World Philippines with Pure Renewable Energy.
(From left to right) SM Prime Energy Consultant Jaime Patinio, SM Prime Chief Finance Officer John Nai Peng Ong, SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim, CREC Chairman Edgar Saavedra, CREC President & CEO Oliver Tan, CREC Sr. Manager Sales & Energy Trading Jerard Garcia

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NGCP highlights RE integration in long term plans, seeks gov't and regulator support



Power transmission service provider NGCP supports the energy sector’s move towards green energy or alternative renewable sources of power.



NGCP’s Transmission Development Plan (TDP) already considers variable renewable energy and committed RE plants which will connect to the grid in the next few years.



“The annual TDP prepared by NGCP and presented to stakeholders in public consultations is aligned with the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Program 2020-2040. This targets 50% integration of renewables in the grid’s installed capacity by 2040”, said the company.



The State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), NGCP’s technical partner, owns world-leading grid technologies as it runs a green and sustainable power grid. The company integrated the largest amount of renewables in the world with the installed capacity of renewables at 540 GigaWatts (GW) and utilization rate at 97.4% in 2021.



This technological partnership with SGCC gives NGCP an edge in ensuring that the Philippine grid is ready and capable of integrating high levels of variable renewable energy. “With its access to SGCC’s technology, NGCP is more than capable to accommodate the increasing integration of renewable energy into the grid for a more sustainable energy mix," the company added.



However, integrating more RE into the grid will require more from the energy sector including significant transmission backbone expansion. This will also require reinforcement in both policy and support infrastructure. Capital expenditure heavy projects will require regulatory approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission. The entry of more conventional, non-variable generation and energy storage systems to support VRE installations must be planned simultaneously. Support policies including but not limited to the Philippine Grid Code must be revisited, and prioritization of the development of Competitive Renewable Energy Zones to synchronize generation and transmission projects must be well coordinated, among others. Support from other sectors outside the energy industry must also be in full force to accommodate this integration. Roads and ports must be ready to accommodate the expected influx of materials that will be needed to build the needed transmission facilities.



“The ERC, among all agencies, will be centrally crucial to the success of all this. The DOE itself has recognized, through Undersecretaries Rowena Cristina Guevarra and Sharon Garin, that transmission projects to support their recent off-shore wind projects have not been included in NGCP’s 5th regulatory period application with the ERC,” the company stated. “Access to funding was never a problem for NGCP. External limitations, including regulatory caps on capital expenditures, protracted permitting processes by the local government units, and difficult rights-of-way procurement, have proven to be the primary roadblocks to project completion,” NGCP stressed. “If the ERC will allow us to spend the capital expenditures needed to support this laudable push towards green energy, we are very confident that NGCP will be able to deliver,” the company said.



“The move to RE may take time but efforts must begin now. Even first world countries take around 10 years to build transmission backbone projects. NGCP was able to complete the Hermosa-San Jose 500kV Line, including a new substation and 176.73 circuit kilometers of high voltage lines, in seven years. This includes the delay brought about the 3-year COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, and the fact that we were only allowed to recover less than 1% of the project cost. With all things considered, NGCP is sure it can deliver its committed projects to improve the grid, as long as the political will and support are there and we are given a sustainable recovery framework,” the company said.



“We hope for the government and regulator’s support in crafting policies and allowing NGCP to have enough CAPEX to fund the required projects to support RE. This move towards a greener and more sustainable grid requires a holistic approach and we hope for the synergy among all the energy players to ensure the fruition of these efforts," added NGCP.