SM SUPERMALLS ANNOUNCES NEW NATIONWIDE MALL HOURS STARTING MARCH 30

SM Supermalls, the country’s leading integrated property developer and retailer, officially announced today a nationwide adjustment to its standard operating hours. In response to the National Energy Emergency, all SM Supermalls across the Philippines will shorten mall operating hours effective Monday, March 30.

This strategic shift is a direct response to the urgent need for nationwide power conservation. By adjusting daily opening times, SM Supermalls aims to significantly reduce demand on the national grid. This measure ensures that the company effectively manages resources during this time.

"SM is proactively adapting to the current situation by adjusting our operating hours. We remain committed to delivering elevated retail experiences for all Filipinos, supported by our increased use of renewable energy to power our malls," said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls.

For more information on your preferred SM branch refer to real-time updates on official social media pages and our website.

A Festive Graduation Feast Made Affordable with SM Hypermarket Baliwag

Graduation is a time for celebration, and for many Filipino families, this means gathering together for a hearty meal. This season, SM Hypermarket Baliwag makes it easy to plan a memorable graduation feast without exceeding your budget. 

The spread can be highlighted by a flavorful roasted chicken, paired with beef caldereta—a rich, comforting favorite perfect for any special occasion. No Filipino celebration feels complete without crowd-pleasing classics like juicy pork barbecue, crispy lumpiang Shanghai, and Pinoy-style spaghetti. These dishes evoke cherished memories and add a special touch to the gathering. 

To finish the meal on a sweet note, smooth and creamy leche flan is the ideal dessert. Complement everything with delightful sparkling juice for a festive feel that all ages can enjoy.

Whether hosting a small intimate group or a large gathering, throwing a graduation feast doesn’t have to be costly. With smart selections from SM Hypermarket Baliwag, families can celebrate this important milestone with a delicious spread and create lasting memories.

GH Mall and Estancia Bring BTS Comeback and Huntrix Energy for Earth Hour

The most anticipated K-Pop experience of 2026 is almost here—no plane ticket to Korea needed. 

GH Mall is bringing fans together with ARMYVERSE Earth Hour, a unique gathering where BTS ARMYs unite to share their love for music and support a meaningful cause. With a single or accumulated receipt worth ₱1,000, shoppers can enjoy DJ sets, BTS-inspired activities, and exclusive freebies. When the lights go down for Earth Hour, the energy will rise as everyone raises light sticks, sings along, and takes part in a symbolic switch-off for the planet.

 

At Estancia, the celebration continues with Huntrix Earth Hour, inspired by the hit movie K-Pop Demon Hunters. Fans can dress as their favorite characters for a chance to win prizes. The same ₱1,000 single or accumulated receipt requirement applies for access to this immersive experience.

Across both malls, this is more than a fan event—it’s a celebration of music, community, and purpose. 

For more information, follow GH Mall and Estancia Mall on Facebook and Instagram.

Women Who Lead with Purpose: Stories of Growth, Grit, and Impact at the Jollibee Group

At the Jollibee Group, leadership is not defined by titles alone—it is shaped by journeys of growth, resilience, and the ability to create meaningful impact for both people and business.

Across marketing, operations, and global shared services, women leaders are building the organization’s future. They bring to life the company’s Choose Joy! Employer Value Proposition (EVP) through their approach to leading teams, driving performance, and delivering results. While their career paths differ, they are united by a common purpose: to create environments where people can thrive, contribute, and find meaning in their work. 

From the Frontlines to the Boardroom

For Ana Lourdes Limbaga Aluyen, President of Chowking Philippines, leadership was forged over three decades—starting on the restaurant floor. She began her journey in 1995 as an Assistant Store Manager in Zamboanga City, and over the years took on roles across operations, leading teams in different regions, navigating crises, and driving business growth. Today, she heads one of the Group’s major brands.

Her story exemplifies how long-term growth unfolds when opportunities, mentorship, and trust converge. “I was valued as an individual… leaders challenged me and supported my growth,” she shared.

Now, her leadership philosophy is rooted in accountability and empowerment, shaped by years of on-the-ground experience. “If we fail, I take the blame. If we win, we celebrate the team.” This mindset aligns with the organization’s culture, where leaders are expected not only to deliver results but also to uplift the people who achieve them.

Leading a Brand That Shapes Everyday Moments 

For Dorothy Ching, Vice President for Marketing of Jollibee Philippines, leadership starts with understanding the responsibility of stewarding one of the country’s most beloved brands. Since joining in 2022, she has led initiatives to keep Jollibee relevant to a new generation of Filipinos—while honoring the qualities that have made it iconic.

Yet beyond campaigns and business growth, she was most struck by the brand’s far-reaching impact. “I saw how powerful the brand can be—not just as a business, but as a force for good that touches people’s lives.”

This sense of purpose defines her approach to leading her team. “I would describe my leadership style as high standards with empathy… people do their best work when they feel trusted and supported.” This balance of performance and care embodies how the Jollibee Group brings its EVP to life: a culture where excellence and joy go hand in hand.

Building Systems That Power Global Growth 

While some leaders shape the brand from the frontlines, others build the infrastructure that enables scalable growth. Maria Fe Monina Jayma-Cacayan, Vice President and Head of Finance & Accounting and HR Shared Services at Jollibee Worldwide Pty Ltd, focuses on strengthening the organization’s behind-the-scenes operations. Her work ensures that systems, technology, processes, and people align to support growth.

She joined the Jollibee Group in 2020—at the onset of the pandemic—and quickly led complex integrations of select functions across markets and brands into shared services. For Cacayan, fulfillment comes from empowering others to succeed. “I find joy in the workplace knowing that I can make a difference. I am grateful because I am enabled and empowered.”

Her perspective reflects an inclusive and evolving workplace. “What people bring to the workplace is not about labels—gender, ethnicity, and the like. Instead, it is about the individual and how they choose joy in the work that they do.” For her, what matters most is each person’s strengths, thinking, and values—and whether the environment allows these qualities to flourish. This belief is evident in how she leads: by creating space for people to grow, not just structure to manage them.

A Culture Where People Can Grow and Thrive

Across these diverse journeys—from rising through the ranks to leading national brands and transforming global operations—a common thread ties them together: the Jollibee Group’s commitment to creating an environment where people can grow, lead, and find purpose.

Women now represent 53% of the company’s workforce and 48% of senior leadership roles, reflecting a workplace where opportunities are accessible and leadership is based on capability rather than gender. More importantly, these stories highlight how the organization’s culture—grounded in care, collaboration, and trust—enables individuals to thrive.

Guided by its Choose Joy! EVP, the Jollibee Group continues to invest in its people by providing stretch opportunities, fostering mentorship, and creating spaces where leaders can develop both professionally and personally. As the company expands globally, leaders like Ching, Aluyen, and Cacayan demonstrate what it means to lead with purpose—shaping not only the future of the Jollibee Group but also the experiences of everyone who contributes to its success.

MAXED OUT! BTS and ARMY Celebrate Big at SM Malls

Excitement was off the charts as ARMYs gathered in full force across SM malls to celebrate one of the year’s most anticipated K-pop comebacks.

At SM City Valenzuela, a lively listening party filled the air with energy as fans came together to enjoy BTS’ music. With synchronized chants and spontaneous sing-alongs, every track became a shared experience – proving that BTS celebrations are best enjoyed with fellow ARMYs.

Over at SM City Grand Central, the fun continued with a vibrant fan meet. ARMYs bonded over their love for the group through activities, games, and unforgettable moments. It was more than just an event; it was a heartfelt gathering of a community that spans the globe.

This buzz builds toward the BTS WORLD TOUR Arirang, which fans can watch on the big screen at SM Cinema locations in SM City Grand Central and SM City Valenzuela on April 11, 12, and 18.

Look out for more events at your favorite SM malls – Grand Central, Valenzuela, and Sangandaan – the home of everyday celebrations. Visit and gala to the max!

Converge Completes National Digital Infrastructure, Positioning Philippines as Key Hub in Global Digital Economy

From left : Converge President and Co-Founder Grace Uy, Pampanga Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, First Lady of the Republic of the Philippines Louise Araneta - Marcos , Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy, DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda, and Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II

Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has completed its National Digital Infrastructure—a fully integrated, future-ready architecture designed to deliver cutting-edge technologies across all sectors. The milestone cements the Philippines’ standing as a vital node in the global digital ecosystem.

The announcement was made Friday during the inauguration of the Converge Angeles Data Center, a scalable, AI-ready facility built to meet surging demand for content and cloud services. The center will house Converge Cloud, the company’s sovereign cloud infrastructure.

“Amid the ongoing digital revolution, our capabilities must keep pace with emerging technologies,” said Uy. “We have focused on building world-class, future-ready facilities to become the country’s leading provider of digital services. With this advanced infrastructure, Converge is now prepared to power the digital journeys of every Filipino and leverage the latest innovations to drive the nation forward.”

The launch was supported by key government leaders, including First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda, Congresswoman Florabel Yatco, Pampanga Governor Lilia G. Pineda, Vice Governor Dennis Pineda, and Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin II.

A Full-Stack National Digital Infrastructure

Together with its affiliates, Converge’s National Digital Infrastructure encompasses the group’s complete digital architecture, including:

- A nationwide pure fiber footprint of nearly 900,000 kilometers, complemented by a growing low-earth orbit satellite network

- International subsea cable systems: Bifrost Cable System, Southeast Asia-Hainan-Hong Kong Express Cable System (SEA-H2X), and the existing C2C-EAC cable system

- New Davao International Cable Landing Station and Converge La Union Cable Landing Station

- Data center facilities: Caloocan Data Center, Angeles Data Center, plus existing Reliance Data Center and Clark Data Center

With these enhanced capabilities, Converge is positioned to scale its services and meet the rapidly growing digital needs of residential, enterprise, and public sector customers. The group expects significant growth in its large enterprise and public sector units through the introduction of expanded cloud solutions and managed services.

This growth trajectory will be strengthened by the upcoming integration of the transpacific Bifrost and intra-Asia SEA-H2X cable systems. The 20,000-kilometer Bifrost has landing stations in Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Guam, and the United States, with an upgraded capacity of more than 260 Tbps. The SEA-H2X system lands in Hong Kong SAR (China), Hainan (China), the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore, with an initial design capacity of 160 Tbps. Both submarine networks—with landing stations in Davao and La Union owned and operated by Converge—are ready for service, providing massive capacity and direct access to key international markets to attract hyperscalers and global over-the-top (OTT) players.

Underpinning all these services is Converge’s extensive, fully redundant nationwide fiber backbone—one of the youngest and most advanced in the country—which connects all assets and enables seamless, reliable operations.

“You cannot move into AI, cloud, or advanced tech solutions without a strong digital backbone in place,” Uy said. “This is the complete stack digital infrastructure we have built—designed for full coverage, reliability, and scale.”

Collectively, this architecture empowers Converge to lead the transition to a tech-enabled future, propelling the Philippines as a significant hub in the global digital economy. 

From left : Converge President and Co-Founder Grace Uy, Pampanga Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, First Lady of the Republic of the Philippines Louise Araneta - Marcos , Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy, DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda, and Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II

A Network of State-of-the-Art Data Centers

To support its expanding operations, Converge has grown its data center footprint with two new facilities: the Caloocan Data Center and the newly inaugurated Angeles Data Center.

The Angeles Data Center has completed construction and is now ready to host critical infrastructure for Converge and enterprise clients. The world-class facility features built-in redundancy for resilient operations, is configured to meet the country’s data residency requirements, and can handle high-performance computing workloads—particularly for AI and machine learning.

With an initial capacity of 12MW that is easily scalable, the Pampanga-based data center will soon be powered by renewable energy, matching Converge’s existing facilities in Clark and Pasig.

The Converge Cloud

Sovereign cloud platforms are a hallmark of advanced digital economies, prioritizing in-country storage and control of critical data for both government and private sectors. In the Philippines—supported by the DICT’s 2020 “Cloud First” policy and amid rising costs of maintaining on-premise equipment—Converge Cloud offers a strong solution, especially for government agencies managing sensitive citizen data.

The platform gives organizations, particularly the government, full ownership and authority over their data through a secure alternative that combines global technology with local safeguards. As a secure, locally hosted service, it eliminates the need for clients to make costly hardware investments or manage the significant power requirements for operating and cooling such infrastructure. Beyond government, the technology is expected to deliver substantial benefits to industries including finance and healthcare.

Lenten Made Easy and Delicious: Fresh, Meatless Finds at SM Hypermarket Baliwag

As Lent draws near, countless Filipino families embrace modest, meatless dining traditions centered on vegetables, fish, and plant-based dishes the whole household can enjoy. At SM Hypermarket Baliwag, fresh, wholesome options make it easy to honor these customs without feeling deprived.

The produce section is well-stocked with everything from leafy greens like kangkong and pechay to kitchen staples such as eggplant and squash—perfect for whipping up beloved classic Lenten recipes. Meanwhile, the seafood aisle offers abundant choices: fish, shrimp, and shellfish ideal for grilling, steaming, stewing, or any preparation the family prefers. 

Looking to try something new? The store now carries an expanded selection of plant-based products. Tofu and meat alternatives like vegetable dumplings are readily available, turning meatless meals from a sacrifice into a delightful experience. 

All in all, SM Hypermarket Baliwag helps families create Lenten meals that are meaningful, nourishing, and budget-friendly.