SIPS OF SUMMER: YOUR ULTIMATE COOL-DOWN GUIDE AT NORTH METRO SM MALLS

The North Metro has a special kind of magic. Whether you’re browsing the vibrant aisles of SM Center Sangandaan, catching the latest trends at SM City Grand Central, or spending a family weekend at SM City Valenzuela, these malls are more than just shopping destinations—they’re where we celebrate life’s everyday moments. 

With summer on the way and temperatures rising, staying hydrated is not just smart—it’s essential. The best part? You don’t have to let the heat cramp your style. We’ve rounded up the ultimate thirst quenchers across your favorite North Metro SM malls to keep you refreshed, revitalized, and ready to shop till your bags are full.

1. The Tropical Classics: Fruitas and Coco Fresh Tea

When the weather turns "extra toasty", nothing beats nature’s best.

- Fruitas – Available at SM Center Sangandaan, SM City Valenzuela, and SM City Grand Central. Their juices and shakes are made with real fruit—like a healthy liquid cooler for your insides. 

- Coco Fresh Tea and Juice – Stop by at SM Center Sangandaan or SM City Grand Central for fruit-infused teas that set the standard for summer sips. This season, don’t miss the mango series—bright, refreshing, and perfectly suited to summer’s sweet vibe.

2. The Tea Trendsetters: Gong Cha and Tiger Sugar

Hydration can be high fashion too.

- Gong Cha – At SM City Grand Central, they’ve perfected the art of rejuvenating pairs. Try the Lychee Passion Fruit Green Tea—bright, zingy, and exactly what your palate needs when humidity peaks. 

- Tiger Sugar – Famous for their iconic brown sugar stripes, they’re elevating refreshment with Strawberry Jasmine Tea. Floral, fruity, and surprisingly light, it’s ideal for long strolls between boutiques at SM City Grand Central.

3. The Sophisticated Chill: The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf 

For those who want a caffeine boost with their cool-down, head to CBTL at SM City Grand Central. While they’re home to the Original Ice Blended®, this season’s standouts are the Ice Matcha Sea Salt Latte and Iced Sea Salt Latte. The hint of salt doesn’t just enhance flavor—it also replenishes electrolytes your body needs in the summer heat.

4. The Creamy Fix: YoWell All You Can 

If you love creamy, tangy treats, visit SM Center Sangandaan or SM City Valenzuela for YoWell’s yogurt drinks. Packed with probiotics, they’re a delicious way to cool down while supporting gut health. 

Whether you’re celebrating a small win or just enjoying a casual day out, your favorite SM malls have the perfect shake, brew, or blend to keep you feeling cool all summer long. Visit SM Center Sangandaan, SM City Grand Central, and SM City Valenzuela today!

The Smart Saver’s Guide to Navigating Rising Prices

At this point, checking prices before making any purchase is essential. One minute you’re grabbing your usual coffee; the next, you’re calculating: “Wait—has this always been this expensive?” With gas, groceries, and nearly everything else costing more, it’s impossible to ignore how much budgets have changed.

Now more than ever, intentional money management matters—even small adjustments can add up significantly over time.

Know Your "Default Gastos"

Everyone has baseline expenses: regular transport, food, and subscriptions. The challenge is that these costs often creep upward without notice. By reviewing your weekly spending closely, you can identify exactly where your money goes and where small changes can make a meaningful difference.

The goal isn’t just to cut back—it’s to spend smarter. Tools that offer rewards like cashback or fuel discounts help offset rising costs without forcing major sacrifices.

- For fuel expenses, the Maya Debit Card gives 5% cashback with a minimum spend of ₱500, capped at ₱300—a practical way to ease gas price hikes.

- The Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card earns 1% cashback at Landers Caltex branches, plus up to 5% at Landers Superstore, 2% on dining, and 1% on other transactions.

- With the Maya Black Credit Card, accumulated Maya Miles can be redeemed for up to ₱1,500 in Pricelocq fuel vouchers via the app’s Rewards catalogue, turning routine spending into valuable savings.

Don’t Let Idle Money Lose Value

Rising prices erode the purchasing power of money left untouched. That’s why many are moving their savings to accounts that earn returns automatically—so their money works even when they’re not actively adding to it. As the Philippines’ #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform, Maya offers up to 15% interest per annum on savings when you use Maya for everyday purchases.

Build a Small "Just-in-Case" Fund

Unexpected expenses hit harder when prices are high. A slightly larger grocery bill or sudden fuel price increase can disrupt your budget, so setting aside a small buffer provides crucial breathing room.

For short-term cash flow needs, Maya Easy Credit² offers a revolving credit line of up to ₱50,000, payable in up to 30 days. It helps bridge gaps without dipping into savings, with clear repayment terms.

Use Extra Funds Strategically

Even small amounts of extra money should have a clear purpose, rather than being absorbed into daily spending or left idle. Options include:

- Maya Personal Goals: Create up to five targeted savings accounts for emergencies, travel, or future plans. Each earns 4% interest per annum, with rates increasing up to 8% p.a. as your balance grows.

- Time Deposit Plus: Lock in funds for 3, 6, or 12 months to earn up to 6% p.a., helping you stay disciplined while growing your savings steadily.

Most of the time, it’s small tweaks—like staying aware of spending, letting savings earn returns, and making smarter choices with everyday expenses—that make rising prices feel more manageable. 

When everything seems to cost more, being a smart saver isn’t about doing less—it’s about being more mindful of your finances. With the right tools working behind the scenes, staying on track becomes far easier without overhauling your life. 

To learn more, visit maya.ph/MayaFuelCashback2026, maya.ph, or mayabank.ph. Follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for updates.

Approval and offers are subject to credit evaluation. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor. For 24/7 assistance, access the Help Center in the Maya app or call +632 8845-7788 daily from 8 AM to 7 PM.

* Promo runs until April 30, 2026. For full details, visit maya.ph/MayaFuelCashback2026. Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation.

From Hustle to High-Tech: Filipino Mompreneurs Turn to Gemini to Grow Their Businesses

Princess Alvarez, owner of ISLA Everything Accessories (left), and Jenielyn Sicabalo-Nieva, owner of MP Nieva's Flower Company, share how they utilized Gemini for their businesses during the second year of the Gemini Academy for Mompreneurs.

Filipino mompreneurs are transforming homegrown businesses by embracing artificial intelligence (AI). Once complex and out of reach, AI now helps women entrepreneurs streamline operations, spark creativity, make smarter decisions, automate routine tasks, and focus on building purposeful, sustainable ventures.

More than just a tool, AI is becoming an essential support system – empowering mompreneurs to manage finances, spot trends, and generate new ideas with greater speed and confidence.

This shift is brought to life through the stories of Filipina entrepreneurs at the Gemini Academy, a collaboration between Google Philippines, PLDT Home, and Madiskarte Moms PH. Here, women learn how to harness AI to elevate their businesses and expand their impact.

Princess Alvarez (center) breaks down the features of her automated pricing calculator. This Gemini-powered spreadsheet serves as the financial backbone for ISLA Everything Accessories, providing real-time visibility into her profits.

Princess Alvarez of ISLA Everything Accessories is a prime example. Without technical training, she used Gemini to bridge creative storytelling and data management. By generating complex Google Sheets formulas through simple AI prompts, she built a custom pricing calculator and business tracker from scratch – automating profit calculations and giving her clear, real-time insights into her business health while she focuses on design.

The successful formulas and worksheets Gemini created for her are now shared free of charge with her community, as she is committed to lifting up fellow mompreneurs.

"Most of the questions I get from my fellow handmade goods makers is: how do I price my items? So I asked Gemini for help on how to do it," Alvarez said. "If I am going to help my fellow entrepreneurs with this, I want to go the full length of helping out." 

Jenielyn Sicabalo-Nieva discusses her mompreneur journey, explaining how she went from no prior AI knowledge to using Gemini as an extra creative hand to track global floral trends and expand her shop's offerings.

Similarly, Jenielyn Sicabalo-Nieva of MP Nieva's Flower Company uses Gemini as a strategic brainstorming partner, leveraging AI to research global bouquet trends and innovative add-on gift ideas. Her husband serves as the main florist, while she manages the business side of operations.

Sicabalo-Nieva attended the first Gemini Academy session last year with no AI experience. One of her biggest wins came when her company was tapped to provide flowers for a local movie premiere. Unsure of the cast's preferences, she asked Gemini to research each star's favorite colors and flowers. Using the results, her team created personalized bouquets – delighting the actors with thoughtful, personality-driven arrangements.

"I'm really not creative – my team are the creative ones," Sicabalo-Nieva said. "But Gemini feels like an extra creative hand that helps me think. You can get concepts and ideas from it, and you can improve from there."

AI skills are also empowering mompreneurs of all ages, including those who did not grow up with technology. 

Mercedita Madrona (third from the left), 64-year-old owner of Kusinanay's Food Products, exemplifies the spirit of the Gemini Academy. A Gawad Madiskarte finalist, she proved tech adoption has no age limit by using AI in her messaging apps to close a major property sale. Her journey from tech-curious to tech-empowered inspires the entire Madiskarte Moms PH community.

Mercedita Madrona – owner of Kusinanay's Food Products and a Gawad Madiskarte finalist – may be 64, but her enthusiasm for AI is infectious.

"Everyone knows how important social media and AI are for business – I already use it in my messenger apps," Madrona said. "I've made a huge property sale thanks to AI, and even though I'm not a techie, I try to learn these things because they really help."

"Even though you don't know something, there's always a way to learn," she added.

Helping Mompreneurs Through the Gemini Academy 

From tech-curious to tech-empowered: Madiskarte Moms PH has evolved into a digitally savvy community. The Gemini Academy event successfully transitioned the conversation from "what AI is" to how it can practically supercharge home-based enterprises.

These mompreneurs shared their experiences at this year's Gemini Academy event, held in partnership with PLDT Home and Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH). Building on last year's inaugural session, the second annual event shifted the conversation from "what AI is" to "how AI can supercharge your business."

"AI is a tool that enhances – never replaces – maternal intuition and the 'madiskarte' spirit," said Prep Palacios, Country Manager for Google Philippines. "We are celebrating a synergy where technology handles the heavy lifting, while the mompreneur remains the visionary heart and creative soul of her business."

The event concluded Women's Month with hands-on exercises for the MMPH community. To further encourage AI adoption, Google Philippines and PLDT Home announced the Gemini Special Award for the 2027 Gawad Madiskarte, recognizing entrepreneurs who effectively use AI to scale their businesses.

Google Philippines and PLDT Home partner through Gemini Academy to empower Filipino mompreneurs with AI. From left: Daphne Gripal Abello, PLDT Home Public Relations Manager and Lead for Madiskarte Moms PH; Cheryl Maxine Loyola, PLDT Home AVP and Head of Public Relations and Brand Advocacies; Prep Palacios, Country Manager of Google Philippines; Princess Alvarez of ISLA Everything Accessories; and Jenielyn Sicabalo-Nieva of MP Nieva's Flower Company.

"At PLDT Home, we are committed to enabling families and entrepreneurs through strong, reliable fiber connectivity," said Cheryl Maxine Loyola, PLDT Home AVP and Head of Public Relations and Brand Advocacies. "Through Gemini Academy, we are equipping mompreneurs with the digital tools they need to grow, compete, and succeed." 

She added, "Seeing these women evolve from tech-curious to tech-empowered shows that with the right tools and support, there are no limits to what home-based businesses can achieve."

Making AI Work for Everyday Entrepreneurs

Behind these success stories is a growing ecosystem of AI tools designed to simplify complex work and make innovation accessible.

NotebookLM functions as a personalized research assistant, helping users quickly process information and turn business notes into actionable insights. Meanwhile, Gemini's built-in creative tools – including Lyria, Nano Banana, and Canvas – enable entrepreneurs to generate music, images, and written content to express their brand more effectively.

On the operational side, tools like Pomelli AI streamline back-end processes and optimize workflows, allowing mompreneurs to reclaim valuable time for both business and family. 

As these technologies become more accessible, AI is no longer reserved for large corporations – it is empowering everyday entrepreneurs to work smarter, move faster, and grow with intention.

For more information on joining the community and accessing AI learning resources, visit the official Madiskarte Moms PH Facebook group.

Egg Hunts, Parades, and More: Easter Comes Alive at SM Supermalls

This Easter, SM Supermalls in Baliwag, Marilao, and Pulilan are turning into vibrant hubs of fun, featuring egg hunts, parades, and colorful photo spots until April 5. Whether you’re bringing the little ones or planning a day out with friends, there’s plenty to enjoy for all ages. 

From interactive games and creative workshops to lively performances, the full lineup of activities promises a memorable Easter experience for families and friends alike.

Strike Your Best Pose at the Bunny Photo Corner

Make magical memories at the charming Bunny Photo Corner in SM City Baliwag. For equally delightful photo opportunities, visit the festive Easter setups at SM City Marilao and SM Center Pulilan too. Adorned with pastel hues, bunny-themed props, and playful backdrops, these spaces are perfect for capturing fun family moments and colorful Easter keepsakes.

Walk with Pride at the Easter Runway Costume Contest 

Dress the kids in their cutest Easter ensembles and let them take the spotlight at the Easter Runway Costume Contest across SM Supermalls in Bulacan. Families are also welcome to join in—put together your most creative outfits (bunny ears encouraged!) and strut your stuff on the runway for a chance to win exciting prizes.

Hop into the Easter Eggventure Game

Put a modern twist on a classic tradition with the digital Easter Eggventure Game! At select SM Supermalls, hunt for hidden QR-coded eggs scattered around the premises. Scan them via the Play at SM website to unlock points and amazing rewards. Be sure to explore every corner to make the most of this high-tech adventure.

Honor Tradition with a Meaningful Easter Blessing

For families wishing to celebrate the spiritual significance of Easter, selected malls will host Easter Sunday Mass on April 5. It’s a peaceful opportunity to pause, reflect, and give thanks amid the festive excitement.

Whether you’re on the hunt for eggs or ready to enjoy a full day of activities, SM Supermalls in Baliwag, Marilao, and Pulilan are the places to be this Easter. Don’t miss out—plan your visit and make this a holiday to remember!

UP and Converge Enhance Data Center Competency for University IT Leaders

 

A three-day immersion at the Tier III-certified Converge Angeles Data Center advances collaboration under the UP-Converge memorandum of understanding (MOU), structured around the Data Center Staff Competency Framework developed by the UP Office of the Vice President for Digital Transformation (UP OVPDx).

The University of the Philippines (UP)—the country’s premier university—has partnered with leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. to train IT leads from campuses nationwide. The program, held at the newly inaugurated Converge Angeles Data Center in Pampanga, brings to life the collaboration established under the MOU signed on September 29, 2025.

The training covers data center operations, server infrastructure, cloud and artificial intelligence technologies, cybersecurity, and sustainable technology practices. It aligns with the UP Data Center Staff Competency Framework—a nine-domain professional development tool released by UP OVPDx in November 2025 to standardize and professionalize IT operations across the UP System. 

"The training directly addresses at least six of the framework's nine domains, from governance and compliance to emergency response and business continuity," said Prof. Peter Sy, UP System Vice President for Digital Transformation. 

Inaugurated on March 20, the Converge Angeles Data Center is the company’s largest facility. As a Tier III-certified complex designed for continuous uptime even during infrastructure stress, it adheres to international standards including ASHRAE, ANSI/TIA-942, and Uptime Institute guidelines. Participants toured key areas such as the Security Operations Center, Data Command Center, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and Battery Room, Power House, and Satellite Earth Station.

"The program offers something rarer than a signed agreement: a working model," Sy noted. "Institutional IT partnerships typically stall between intent and execution—between the MOU and measurable outcomes. Here, UP personnel are not in a seminar room reviewing slides about data centers; they are standing inside one. That distinction separates digital transformation policy from operational readiness."

"This training is proof that the UP-Converge partnership is not a ceremonial exercise," Sy added. "Our people are inside a working data center, learning from the engineers, executives, and professionals who operate it daily. That is how we build real institutional capability—not through frameworks on paper, but through practice."

Organized by Converge University with support from the Converge Corporate Communications and Public Relations (CCPR) team, the sessions were led by senior Converge executives and outside experts, with backing from global technology partners H3C and Dell Philippines.

"Converge is committed to building digital capability not just within our company, but across institutions that shape the country's future," said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy. "Working with UP—the national university—allows us to contribute directly to the next generation of Filipino technology leaders."

The immersion strengthens the UP-Converge MOU collaboration while advancing two priorities under UP President Angelo A. Jimenez’s Strategic Plan 2023–2029: Flagship Program No. 6 (Active and Collaborative Partnerships) and No. 10 (Digital Transformation). It supports UP OVPDx’s mandate of system-wide upskilling, with the framework serving as an IT governance instrument aligned with ISO/IEC 38500 principles. This positions industry partnerships as critical to building institutional capacity in an increasingly digital higher education landscape.

Anchored in the framework, the program delivered concrete, measurable outcomes: completed role-based certifications, established refresher training cycles, initiated paired skill audits and compliance reviews, and implemented a regularly updated documentation system.

For Converge, the collaboration signals an expanded institutional role—from telecommunications provider to active contributor to national digital human capital development—as the company grows its data center operations across the Philippines.

Women-Led Brands New Moon PH and Hiraya Pilipina Strengthen Commitment to Women's Empowerment and Wellness

In celebration of Women's Month, New Moon PH and Hiraya Pilipina hosted the Open House Experience for Wellness, Womanhood, and Filipina Stories – an empowering, community-driven event that brought together over 400 Filipinas in a space dedicated to healing, empowerment, and authentic storytelling. At the heart of the celebration was New Moon's signature Power Duo+, which includes Hormo Balance and Soft Glow+.

Rooted in New Moon ambassador Ahtisa Manalo's "Tell Her Story" campaign, the event invited women to reclaim their narratives, honor their journeys, and reconnect with their evolving selves. Inspired by Ahtisa's "Pambansang Manika" identity, the "Magazine Barbie" theme transformed every attendee into both storyteller and cover star, challenging traditional beauty standards and redefining what it means to be truly seen.

"At New Moon, we believe that every woman carries a story worth telling – not just the polished, perfect chapters, but even the messy, in-between moments," said Jonah Sison-Ramos, CEO and Founder of New Moon PH. "This event is about giving women permission to take up space and recognize that self-care is not selfish – it's about choosing yourself. That's why we created Power Duo+: supporting women from the inside out, because when balance comes first, glow always follows."

"Creating safe spaces for women has always been core to Hiraya Pilipina," shared Cleo Loque, CEO and Founder of Hiraya Pilipina. "I hope everyone here finds a friend – we're here for sisterhood. We brought together like-minded women and hope to inspire others long after this event." 

The founders also led an intimate talk titled "Becoming the Woman You Once Imagined," where they shared the personal and professional journeys that shaped their brands, highlighting resilience, purpose, and the power of women building for women. 

The event featured four interactive segments:

- Self Spotlight Issue: Be Your Own Cover – A Barbie-inspired photobooth that invited participants to celebrate their identity on their own terms.

- The Real Talk Issue: Feel What She Feels – A conversation breaking silence around menstrual health, encouraging partners to join in and frame women's health as a shared responsibility.

- The Body Issue: Aim for the Truth – An interactive session challenging myths about the female body through open, judgment-free dialogue.

- The Voice Issue: Stories Worth Hearing – An intimate storytelling space where women recorded messages to their younger selves, creating a collective archive of raw, diverse Filipina experiences.

Beyond the on-ground event, Shopee supported the collaboration with exclusive vouchers, helping attendees continue their wellness journey with New Moon products. On TikTok, audiences can access special bundles pairing New Moon's Power Duo+ with Hiraya Pilipina's signature nipple pasties, extending the conversation on women's health and body confidence into the digital space. 

As the event concluded, one message emerged clearly: this collaboration was more than a shared space – it reflected two women-led brands redefining empowerment from within. New Moon PH focused on hormonal balance and overall wellness through its products, while Hiraya Pilipina championed body confidence by encouraging women to embrace their bodies without shame. Grounded in women's lived experiences, both brands continue to push boundaries, proving that when women are supported in body and voice, they not only heal – they inspire others to do the same.

PLDT Enterprise Bolsters AI Adoption in the Workplace With Digital Assistant "Ellie"

PLDT Enterprise is strengthening artificial intelligence (AI) adoption within the PLDT Group with the launch of Ellie, an internal AI-powered digital assistant designed to boost productivity, collaboration, and operational efficiency—enabling faster and more responsive customer engagement.

Short for Enablement and Intelligence Engine, Ellie reflects PLDT Enterprise's commitment to embedding AI into daily workflows. Accessible via Microsoft Teams, the platform provides teams with quick access to product information, sales materials, and a centralized, searchable knowledge base—helping employees work more efficiently and focus on higher-value activities.

"Championing AI within our own workplace allows us to lead by example as we transform into a TechCo—demonstrating how AI can enhance productivity and deliver more responsive outcomes for our customers," said Blums Pineda, Senior Vice President and Head of Enterprise Business Group, and PLDT Group AI Business Lead.

Through Ellie, employees can easily access product bulletins across PLDT Enterprise's full portfolio of solutions—from fixed and wireless connectivity to information and communications technology (ICT). The platform also provides ready-to-use materials such as sales decks and client proposals, while serving as a centralized, searchable knowledge base that enables teams to quickly find information and stay aligned when engaging clients.

By consolidating key insights into a single interface, Ellie supports faster decision-making, smarter client engagement, and the development of a more future-ready, AI-enabled workplace.

"Ellie reflects how we are approaching AI as a practical tool for everyday work—not just a future concept, but something our teams can use now to work smarter and respond more effectively to client needs," said Nico Alcoseba, First Vice President and Head of Enterprise Product Management and Innovations at PLDT Enterprise. "As we continue to evolve the platform, our focus is on ensuring it delivers real value across the organization by supporting faster decision-making, better collaboration, and more impactful outcomes."

Driving Digital Transformation from Within

The introduction of Ellie reflects PLDT Enterprise's belief that organizations must embrace digital transformation internally to fully deliver its value to customers.

As the broader PLDT organization continues to advance AI initiatives, Ellie contributes to building a future-ready, AI-enabled workplace—one that leverages technology not only to support clients, but also to transform the way its own teams collaborate and innovate.

Learn more about PLDT Enterprise's solutions at: https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-ellie-ai-tool-pr