SM: Your Go-To for Stress-Free Back-to-School Prep

Back-to-school season is here, bringing with it the familiar rush of early mornings, packed lunches, uniform checks and supply shopping. As families gear up for another school year, having everything you need in one convenient place makes all the difference.

At SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan and SM City Valenzuela, shopping for school essentials becomes easy, enjoyable and hassle-free. From basic supplies to tech upgrades and everyday style, SM brings together trusted brands, practical picks and great value all under one roof.

Must-Have School Supplies

No checklist is complete without notebooks, pens, art materials and classroom basics. Visit National Bookstore and The SM Store’s SM Stationery for a wide range of affordable options that work for every budget. For extra convenience, grab the SM Stationery All-in-One School Pack — a handy bundle of everyday essentials that helps families save time and stay organized all year long.

Practical Style for School Days

Getting ready means choosing items that are both functional and presentable. At The SM Store, find durable uniforms, comfortable black shoes and sturdy backpacks designed to match every student’s personality and routine. Whether you prefer classic designs or modern styles, there is something for everyone to feel prepared and confident when classes start.

Tech to Support Learning

 

Today’s education goes beyond textbooks, and digital tools play a key role in studying. Head to SM Cyberzone for all your tech needs — from laptops and tablets to headphones and learning accessories. Equip your child with the right devices to support both in-class and at-home learning, making every study session more effective.

For many families, back-to-school shopping at SM has become a beloved tradition. It is more than just ticking items off a list — it is a chance to spend quality time together before the busy school year begins. Take a break from errands to enjoy a meal, take photos at fun displays or catch a movie, turning preparation into a fun shared experience.

Before the first bell rings, visit SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan or SM City Valenzuela. With everything you need in one place, SM makes back-to-school shopping simple, convenient and stress-free for the whole family.

Araneta City Boosts Digital Operations Through Strategic Partnership With PLDT Enterprise Ecosystem Solutions

Upgrading Connectivity and Technology to Deliver Enhanced Experiences Across a Leading Urban District 

Photo shows (L-R): PLDT Enterprise Senior Relationship Manager Rexie Padilla; PLDT Enterprise AVP and Customer Relationship Management Head, Jackielyn J. Ang; PLDT Enterprise VP and Head - Key Industries Group, Jecyn M. Chua-Teng; Araneta City Inc. (ACI) Sr Management Consultant, Rowell L. Recinto; ePLDT and VITRO Inc. President and CEO, and Head of PLDT Enterprise Key Industries Group Victor S. Genuino;  ACI CEO, Chairman, and President Jorge L. Araneta; ACI SVP for Business Development John Peter Chick B. Caste, and ePLDT Chief Commercial Officer Amil A. Azurin at the contract signing formalizing the partnership to strengthen ACI's digital transformation.

PLDT Enterprise and Araneta City Inc. (ACI) have formalized a strategic partnership to strengthen Araneta City’s digital backbone. This agreement builds on their long-standing collaboration, evolving to meet the growing technology needs of one of Metro Manila’s most prominent urban districts.

Under the partnership, PLDT Enterprise brings together a comprehensive range of solutions: fixed connectivity services, wireless enterprise offerings powered by Smart Communications, Inc.’s mobile network, and the multi-cloud and digital infrastructure expertise of PLDT’s ICT subsidiary ePLDT Inc. and data center division VITRO Inc. Through this managed, integrated ecosystem, ACI is enhancing its cloud-based digital infrastructure across all key business units — including real estate, hospitality, retail, entertainment, and food service. These upgrades support the development of more secure, scalable platforms that drive cost optimization, improve operational efficiency, and elevate customer experiences.

“At the core of this partnership is a shared commitment to ensuring Araneta City remains a resilient, innovative, and customer-focused organization,” said Victor S. Genuino, President and CEO of ePLDT and VITRO Inc., and Head of PLDT Enterprise Key Industries Group. “Our goal is clear: to advance our customers’ objectives and deliver seamless, reliable support, backed by the full scope of PLDT Enterprise’s end-to-end solutions.”

PLDT’s relationship with ACI has expanded significantly over time, aligned with the company’s increasingly complex and evolving digital requirements. “PLDT has been a consistent partner throughout our technological journey — from basic legacy needs to the sophisticated digital demands we face today,” explained Rowell L. Recinto, Senior Management Consultant at ACI. “What we value most is not just access to cutting-edge technology, but solutions that are proven reliable and responsive to both our business goals and the needs of our tenants.” 

Known as the “City of Firsts,” Araneta City continues to expand as a major commercial and lifestyle hub in Metro Manila, welcoming millions of visitors annually to its entertainment venues, shopping centers, hotels, and office spaces. Strengthened digital infrastructure enables smoother operations and more satisfying experiences for everyone who uses the district’s facilities.

The partnership delivers high-capacity connectivity and secure cloud infrastructure that will enable ACI to pursue further innovations in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and emerging artificial intelligence platforms. “As urban developments become increasingly connected and data-driven, integrated technology ecosystems are essential for creating environments that are resilient and prepared for the future,” Genuino added. “We are excited to work alongside ACI as they embrace innovation to accelerate their digital transformation, maintain their leadership in urban development, and support long-term growth for the entire district.”

To learn more about how PLDT Enterprise provides comprehensive digital solutions for businesses, visit: https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-araneta-city-partnership-2026-pr

New Store Alert: UNIQLO Opens at SM City Marilao – Quality Fashion, Now Nearer to Home

UNIQLO Philippines officially opens its newest store at SM City Marilao on May 15, 2026. This launch marks another milestone in the brand’s continued expansion nationwide, reinforcing its mission to make high‑quality LifeWear essentials more accessible to Filipino communities.

The new store brings thoughtfully designed, durable everyday wear closer to home for residents of Bulacan and nearby areas. Shoppers will find a wide selection of versatile pieces for men, women, and children — all crafted for comfort, functionality, and style suited for daily life.

Beyond retail, UNIQLO aims to deepen its ties with the local community through meaningful partnerships. 

To celebrate the opening:

From May 15 to 17, 2026, the first 100 customers daily will receive a handcrafted Puni basket made by PUNIQUE — a social enterprise that empowers women by preserving and promoting the traditional art of puni weaving as a sustainable livelihood. Each basket also includes signature toasted pastillas from Rosalie’s Pasalubong, a beloved local brand famous for classic Bulacan delicacies.

PUNIQUE will also host puni weaving workshops for students, helping pass on this rich cultural heritage to the next generation. 

In addition, UNIQLO has partnered with the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation to donate a motorized boat, school supplies, and pre‑loved clothing to Pamarawan Elementary School. This initiative supports better access to education and reflects the brand’s commitment to uplifting the communities it serves. 

Opening Special Offers | May 15 – 21, 2026

Men’s Collection

- Slim Straight Jeans – ₱1,490 (from ₱1,990)

- Geared Shorts – ₱990 (from ₱1,290)

- Cotton Linen Shirt – ₱990 (from ₱1,290)

- U Crew Neck T‑Shirt – ₱390 (from ₱590)

- AIRism Cotton Pique Polo Shirt – ₱790 (from ₱990)

- AIRism Cotton Crew Neck T‑Shirt – ₱390 (from ₱590)

- AIRism V‑Neck T‑Shirt – ₱390 (from ₱590)

- Jersey Easy Cargo Pants – ₱990 (from ₱1,290)

- Stretch Easy Shorts – ₱590 (from ₱790)

Women’s Collection

- Linen Cotton Shorts – ₱990 (from ₱1,290)

- Jersey Barrel Leg Pants – ₱1,490 (from ₱1,990)

- Linen Blend Open Collar Shirt – ₱990 (from ₱1,290)

- U Crew Neck T‑Shirt – ₱390 (from ₱590)

- Waffle Full‑Open Mini T‑Shirt – ₱390 (from ₱590)

- AIRism Relaxed Crew Neck T‑Shirt – ₱590 (from ₱790)

- Ribbed Cropped Bra Top – ₱790 (from ₱990)

- AIRism Bra Sleeveless Top – ₱790 (from ₱990)

- AIRism Bra Camisole – ₱790 (from ₱990)

- Linen Blend Easy Pants – ₱790 (from ₱990)

- Linen Blend Easy Shorts – ₱590 (from ₱790)

- Linen Blend Tiered Dress – ₱1,490 (from ₱1,990)

Kids’ Collection

- AIRism Cotton Striped Crew Neck T‑Shirt – ₱390 (from ₱490)

- AIRism Cotton Graphic T‑Shirt – ₱390 (from ₱490)

- Geared Amphibious Shorts – ₱490 (from ₱690)

The opening of UNIQLO SM City Marilao underscores the brand’s vision: to grow its presence in key locations across the country while bringing comfortable, high‑quality everyday clothing within easy reach of more Filipino families.

UNIQLO SM City Marilao officially opens its doors on May 15, 2026, warmly welcoming shoppers from Bulacan and neighboring towns to experience LifeWear made for every moment.

IKEA Philippines Marks Historic ‘Store of the Year’ Win; Launches Hall of Fame to Honor Co-Workers and Customers

Celebrating the 12 remarkable IKEA Pasay co-workers who contributed to the Store of the Year win. They will fly to the IKEA Headquarters in Älmhult for a learning journey

Outperforming hundreds of exceptional IKEA locations worldwide, IKEA Pasay City has been named IKEA Store of the Year 2025 — a prestigious honor bestowed upon only a handful of stores across the globe. This victory marks a historic first for the Philippines, and to celebrate this showcase of Filipino excellence on the international stage, IKEA Pasay City rolled out its signature blue carpet for a special tribute.

The recognition was awarded for the store’s outstanding retail performance, rooted in a profound understanding of Filipino homes and lifestyles. The team designed an immersive, welcoming in-store experience that truly resonates with local customers, turning routine shopping into something meaningful and enjoyable. 

“When we won Store of the Year, we were speechless — in the best possible way,” shared Daniel Rivero, Store Manager of IKEA Pasay City. “This is an incredible achievement for our entire team here in the Philippines. Their passion, dedication, and spirit of togetherness shine through in everything they do. This recognition is not just an award; it is deeply affirming and emotionally rewarding for every single one of us.” 

On May 14, 2026, IKEA Pasay City transformed its iconic Swedish Restaurant into a celebratory Hall of Fame, dedicated to honoring the hard work and achievements of its remarkable co-workers. A special “Champion’s Walk” runway featured a gallery celebrating outstanding Filipino achievers, while the event was elevated by the presence of distinguished guests: Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, and renowned chef Josh Boutwood.

World-class Filipinos Michelin-starred chef Josh Boutwood, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey, and Olympic gold medalist lifter Hidilyn Diaz shared their winning moments during IKEA’s Store of the Year celebration. 

With this win, IKEA Pasay City has secured a permanent place in the global Store of the Year Hall of Fame. As an additional tribute, IKEA Philippines will send 12 team members on a special learning journey to the IKEA Headquarters in Älmhult, Sweden. This trip will deepen their connection to the brand’s heritage, culture, and core values.

The IKEA Philippines Mindset: Performance with Heart

For Ricardo Pinheiro, Country Retail Manager of IKEA Philippines, the store’s commercial success tells only half the story. “I warmly congratulate IKEA Pasay City for standing out by showing the world what it means to combine strong performance with genuine heart,” he said. “What impresses me most isn’t just the results — it is our mindset: an unwavering commitment to people, our values, and excellence in every part of our daily work.”

IKEA Pasay City bridges Swedish heritage and Filipino culture perfectly. The brand understands exactly how Filipinos live, design their homes, and spend time with family — and has tailored every part of the store experience to match. It pays close attention to how customers prefer to shop, prioritizes the well-being and growth of its co-workers, and turns consistent, caring service into a mark of distinction. The store has also made food a central part of the IKEA experience, focusing on great taste, affordability, and efficiency that fits the Filipino lifestyle. 

“Our team believes that retail excellence is simply about doing ordinary things extraordinarily well, every single day,” Pinheiro added. “We prioritize people first, understand how our customers truly live and shop, and treat food, care, and consistency as essential parts of what we offer. These are the principles we practice — and continue to learn from — every day at IKEA Pasay City.”

The team also excels in the small details that make a big difference. Through a refined approach to guiding customers toward complementary products in both the showroom and Market Hall, the store raised its average number of items sold per transaction to nearly 17 — a remarkable industry benchmark. 

Building IKEA’s symbolic stone wall during IKEA Pasay’s Store of the Year celebration, symbolizing that anything can be made with something small. (L-R) Audrey Ella Habac, Senior Food Assistant; Chollin Vargas, Plan and Order Point Associate; Her Excellence Anna Ferry, Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines; Daniel Rivero, IKEA Philippines Store Manager; Ricardo Pinheiro, IKEA Philippine Country Retail Manager; Pasay City Mayor Imelda Gallardo Calixto-Rubiano; Heraclio Cruz, Interior Designer; Maria Patricia Lee, Sales Associate. 

By the close of 2025, IKEA Pasay City achieved yet another milestone: it sold more home furnishing products than any other IKEA store in the world. This achievement is the result of disciplined operations, smart routines, and a sharp insight into customer behavior — proving that the store can scale excellence at an impressive pace.

For a store built on the promise “to create a better everyday life for the many people,” the title of Store of the Year feels not just deserved, but deeply meaningful.

The celebration extends to customers, too. From May 14 to 31, 2026, IKEA Pasay City is running its special Winning Offer promotion, featuring discounts on selected furniture and home décor items.

For more details, visit IKEA.ph and follow IKEA Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Converge ICT Soulutions Inc. Hits ₱11.2 Billion 1Q 2026 Revenue, Surpasses 3 Million Subscribers

Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (PSE: CNVRG) reported sustained growth in the first quarter of 2026, with total revenues reaching ₱11.2 billion. The company also surpassed a major milestone, as its subscriber base rose 14% year-on-year (YoY) to 3.09 million, driven by a sharp increase in prepaid fiber internet users.

Strong Subscriber Growth Led by Prepaid Fiber

As of end-March 2026, Converge’s total subscriber base stood at 3.09 million, with prepaid fiber service Surf2Sawa (S2S) emerging as a key growth engine. The S2S subscriber base skyrocketed 86.7% YoY to 674,000 customers, reflecting strong demand for flexible, accessible connectivity options. 

“We are focused on expanding our fiber footprint, especially in the Visayas and Mindanao, to serve more Filipinos with world-class connectivity,” said Converge Co-Founder and CEO Dennis Anthony Uy. “Our enterprise customers will also benefit from the completion of our national digital infrastructure, which sets the stage for delivering cloud and data-heavy services.”

Enterprise Business and Infrastructure Expansion

Converge’s Enterprise segment maintained its strong momentum, with revenues growing 16% YoY to ₱2 billion in the first quarter. This growth is supported by the recent completion of the company’s future-ready national digital infrastructure—a comprehensive ecosystem that includes an extensive fiber backbone, satellite network, international subsea cable systems, cable landing stations, and scalable data centers. The infrastructure is designed to accelerate the delivery of cutting-edge technologies and solidify the Philippines’ position as a vital node in the global digital economy.

Solid Financial Performance

For the first quarter of 2026, Converge reported a net income of ₱3.02 billion. Its EBITDA rose 3.3% to ₱6.9 billion, with an EBITDA margin of 61.8%, while Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) reached 15.6% by the end of the period.

“Despite geopolitical turmoil affecting the local economy, we have been able to insulate much of our operations from these challenges,” said Converge President and Co-Founder Maria Grace Uy. “Our financial performance in the first quarter remains steady, and we assure our subscribers—now over 3 million strong—that we are actively improving our response to network issues.”

The company’s total cash capital expenditure (capex) for the first quarter amounted to ₱2.9 billion. Converge maintains its full-year capex guidance at ₱18 billion to ₱23 billion, as announced earlier this year.

“Our capex will primarily fund the continued expansion and reinforcement of our network to deliver reliable services and prepare for future demand,” explained Converge Chief Finance Officer Robert Yu. “As we anticipate growth in both consumer and enterprise segments, we are focused on building resilient infrastructure to support evolving customer needs and deliver more digital services.”

Continued Leadership in Broadband Performance

In April 2026, Converge once again secured the majority of Ookla’s broadband performance awards for the second half of 2025, including Fastest Fixed Network, Best Fixed Network, Best Video Experience, and Lowest Latency. This marks the third consecutive year that Converge has led the country’s broadband performance rankings.

“While challenges remain, we are seeing steady improvements in outage frequency and repair speeds,” noted Converge Chief Operations Officer Benjamin Azada. “The number of subscribers affected by network issues has declined, and our customer support response and handling times are also improving. We are investing in network upgrades and proactive maintenance to ensure these metrics continue to get better.”

Maximize the Final Weeks of Summer: Smart Picks & Exclusive GCash Deals

Summer may be drawing to a close, but there is still plenty of time to enjoy fun moments with your barkada. Whether you are finally booking that long-awaited group staycation, committing to your fitness goals, or planning a home potluck, the best way to make the most of the season is to spend wisely 

One simple way to do this is by using GCash to access special discounts and privileges. You can easily tick items off your summer bucket list while getting great value from every purchase! If you need a little push to turn your plans into action, here are some ideas to help you spend smarter and gather your friends for one last memorable summer stretch.

Host One Final Barkada Feast Before Everyone Gets Busy

What truly makes summer unforgettable is the company you keep — and sharing a meal is one of the best ways to enjoy time with your favorite people. Why not organize one last food trip, snack run, or gathering before the season ends?

- Jamba Juice: Enjoy a limited-time summer treat perfect for sharing. Buy two 12oz smoothies for only ₱245 when paying via GCash — that is a savings of up to ₱145 on selected flavors.

- Angel’s Pizza: Get a free serving of Saba Con Yelo with every single-receipt purchase of at least ₱800, valid for dine-in and takeout orders.

- Tien Ma’s: Receive a complimentary dessert when you spend a minimum of ₱500 — because no shared meal is complete without a sweet finish.

Stock Up on Summer Essentials While Sales Last

Before the season wraps up, it is the ideal time to buy any items you still need. Whether it is new sandals, travel organizers, or last-minute beauty products, take advantage of ongoing promotions. Here is what you can save on:

- Lazada: Get an instant ₱100 off when you check out using GCash during these sale periods: May 4–7 and June 5–8. A minimum spend of ₱2,500 is required.

- TikTok Shop: Enjoy an extra ₱50 discount on purchases worth ₱1,500 or more when you select GCash as your payment method, available from May 18–24.

Turn Fitness Goals Into Group Activities

Summer is the perfect season to stay active. If you have been trying to get your friends to join you for weekend runs or fitness classes, these offers will make your invitation even more appealing.

- Nike: Upgrade your workout gear and get 10% off when you spend at least ₱12,000 and pay via GCash in-store.

- Bench: Score ₱150 off everyday activewear and basics with a minimum purchase of ₱2,000.

- Power Mac Center: Spend ₱30,000 or more (with at least ₱10,000 paid through GCash) and receive a free, limited-edition PMC x Laut Wrist Strap with Puffer Pouch.

- The Loop: Purchase items worth ₱20,000 or more (with at least ₱10,000 paid via GCash) and get a free pair of Belkin earphones.

Plan a Quick City Getaway

You do not need to travel far for a great summer trip. Sometimes, a simple staycation within the city is all you need to feel refreshed and relaxed. 

- Klook: Enjoy 10% off hotel bookings when you spend a minimum of ₱8,000 and pay using GCash.

- Trip.com: New users can get up to ₱400 off eligible bookings with a minimum spend of ₱5,000 when paying via GCash.

These savings make group planning much easier, since everyone gets to enjoy the experience while spending less!

Make Summer Spending Easier With GCash

Summer always seems to fly by faster than we expect, but you still have time to create wonderful memories with your barkada. With these exclusive deals, every plan you make becomes even more worthwhile. Download the GCash app today, and make the most of every remaining day of the season!

First Ingredient: A Guide to Children’s Milk

Consumers who look beyond bright logos and bold claim marks to read the fine print on product labels are already ahead when it comes to nutritional literacy. This habit reflects awareness, understanding, and a deeply held belief: making an informed choice matters far more than simply making a purchase.

This principle is especially meaningful for mothers. A discerning parent can cut through marketing clutter to focus on what truly counts. The most important rule every Filipino mother should remember to identify quality is simple—always check the ingredient list.

The “First Ingredient” Rule: Your Ultimate Benchmark

The key to decoding milk labels lies in understanding the order of ingredients. Under regulations set by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all milk products must list ingredients in descending order by weight.

This means the very first item on the list is not just another ingredient—it forms the nutritional foundation of the entire formula. If the list begins with terms like milk solids, skimmed milk powder, or hydrolyzed protein, the product has typically gone through multiple stages of high-heat processing. While common in the industry, this method may result in the loss of certain nutrients during manufacturing.

In contrast, when Fresh Milk is listed as the primary ingredient, it means the product uses a single-step processing method. This approach minimizes nutrient breakdown, preserves the natural structure of proteins, and retains more active nutrients—nutrients that are often lost when cow’s milk is heated repeatedly, stored, and rehydrated later to create formula powder.

The Advantage of Fresh Milk Formula

FEIHE, the dairy company behind AceKid Activegro, prioritizes Fresh Milk as its core ingredient. The milk follows a streamlined “freshness pathway”: it goes directly from milking to powder form in just two hours. This rapid process locks in natural nutrients right at the source.

AceKid Activegro also contains no added sucrose or maltodextrin, delivering goodness that comes naturally from the milk itself.

When choosing milk powder for your child, keep these three steps in mind:

1. Look past the packaging and read the full label.

2. Check the ingredient list carefully.

3. Make sure Fresh Milk is listed as the very first ingredient. 

By focusing on what comes first on the ingredient list, Filipino mothers can move past marketing noise and choose a milk formula that is genuinely best suited for their children.

ASC Ref No. F0056N042126A

AceKid Activegro is intended for children aged 3 years and above. It should be consumed as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.