Panagbenga Feels at SM: Blooms and Cultural Spectacles Take Centerstage at SM City Baguio

by Info @Brand Zone | February 27, 2024

SM City Baguio Sky Terrace transforms at night with colorful light installations in the month-long celebration of Panagbenga.

This year's Panagbenga celebration has been truly remarkable, offering a diverse range of experiences and activities, reflecting a continued commitment to supporting culture and the arts in the city.

The local MSMEs join the month-long Cordillera Food and Crafts Fair that showcases local products from souvenirs to artisanal coffee, and more.

Offering of culinary delights from the Food Truck Fest at The Drive satisfied the Panagbenga gastronomic cravings of both tourists and locals.

ANYA NGAY AMIANAN showcased an art exhibit that holds deep meaning stemming from Cordilleran culture. It displayed artworks by prominent Pasakalye artists, spearheaded by Roland Bay-an with over 20 Panagbenga-themed pieces.

The Bucket Hat Creative Design Competition tells a story, capturing the essence of Panagbenga in its own unique way. The Bucket Hat Design Competition not only adds a new dimension to the Panagbenga celebration but also provided a platform for local artists and designers to showcase their talents on a larger stage. It served as a reminder that creativity knows no bounds and that the Panagbenga festival is a time for the community to come together and celebrate the beauty of art and culture.

Among its highlights was the BANG-ED ID AGIW (Garden in Baguio) Flower Design Competition, a captivating showcase demonstrating their expertise in floral arrangement, emphasizing sustainability, urban gardening and community involvement.

With a dedication to supporting the creative community, the events sought to elevate and celebrate Filipino artistry.

The buzz of Panagbenga carried on as MANG WHAWHATTO OF THE CORDILLERA prominently featured indigenous art. Visitors had the chance to engage in a traditional tattooing led by Ammin Acha-ur from the Butbut tribe of Kalinga. It focused on preserving timeless designs and educating attendees about the cultural significance of tattoos, fostering a deeper appreciation for heritage.

Throughout the month, visitors enjoyed the spirit of Panagbenga at the mall which was bustling with festivities, including music highlighting performances by the Dagem of Benguet State University, Baguio City National High School, Saeng ya Kasay Cultural Ensemble from the University of the Cordilleras and University of Baguio Bibak Ubbun Kaafuan (UBBUK).

Paving the way for rising OPM acts with special Live performances from The Edralins, David La Sol, Pastel Sky and Goodluck Mito in the Wish 107.5 Bus.

Adding to the Panagbenga celebrations were lively fireworks, floral displays and light installations throughout the mall. Atop the Sky Terrace is a distinctive attraction, the inflatable coffee guy. This playful addition mirrored the festival's relaxed yet culturally vibrant atmosphere, offering mall-goers a memorable keepsake of their Panagbenga experience at SM City Baguio.

Fur-tastic fun unleashed at SM City Baguio Paw Park as Super Pets club steals the spotlight. Fur-parents and their beloved companions showcased their super style in a thrilling costume contest. A paw-some day of bonding and laughter marked the start of unforgettable memories for both pets and their loving owners!

Residents and visitors eagerly gathered to witness the highly anticipated Grand Float Parade on February 25, where 34 stunningly decorated floats delighted the crowds. SM City Baguio, a hall-of-famer, showcased a non-competing entry, capturing this year’s festival theme of "Celebrating Traditions, Embracing Innovation" with an amusement park-inspired design. -30-

SM Skating’s ‘Ice Castles’ and ‘Cool Runnings’ dreams

by Info @Brand Zone | January 18, 2024

As films like “Ice Castles” and “Cool Runnings” have shown us, no individual aspiration, no team goal, is too far-fetched or ridiculous to dream for. SM Skating knows this all too well, as it has never let our being a tropical country become a hindrance to harboring big dreams of participating and excelling in sports events associated with the Winter Olympics.

Two-time Winter Olympian Michael Martinez commands the rink in a captivating display of precision.

Whether it’s Figure Skating, Speed Skating, or Ice Hockey; SM Skating has put forward the value proposition that the ice rinks that exist in particular SM malls can be more than just recreational or leisure pursuits. A young girl’s “Ice Castles” dreams, the hopes of a band of brothers to form an ice hockey team and compete globally, they all can see the SM ice rinks as the venue and first major step to making those pipe dreams come true.

A young girl learns to skate with the assistance of a polar bear skating aid at SM Skating Megamall.

Young Filipinos enjoy icy fun together at SM Skating.

Embark on an adventure of ice bumper cars with family and friends at SM Skating Megamall.

SM Megamall opened in 1992 with the country's first-ever ice rink. What began as a novelty has transformed into Olympic-size rinks at SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, and SM Seaside City Cebu. These rinks now serve as official training grounds for those pursuing proficiency in Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, and Speed Skating.

SM Megamall, inaugurated in 1992, introduced the country's first-ever ice rink.

A speed skater accelerates, leaving a streak of determination on the ice at the SM Skating Mall of Asia.

As the home to our national teams in Figure Skating and Ice Hockey, SM Skating and its ice rinks have played a crucial role in nurturing several multi-awarded athletes in these winter sports over the years. Notable figures include two-time Winter Olympian Michael Martinez, Isabella Gamez, and Alexander Korovin – the first Southeast Asian and Philippine pair to compete in the World Championships of Figure Skating. Additionally, we take pride in 2022 National Champion and Junior Worlds figure skater Sofia Frank, 2022 National Medalist and GMA Sparkle Artist Charmaine Skye Chua (featured in the teleserye “Hearts on Fire”), and back-to-back National Junior Medalist Cathryn Limketkai.

Isabella Gamez (right) and Alexander Korovin - the first Southeast Asian and Philippine pair to compete in the World Championships of Figure Skating.

The 2022 National Champion and Junior Worlds figure skater Sofia Frank

Our Philippines Men’s National Ice Hockey team recently garnered Gold in Division IV of the 2023 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Ice Hockey Championship. That’s quite a feat for a tropical nation in a team sport competition.

The Philippines Men’s National Ice Hockey team poses with their Gold in Division IV of the 2023 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Ice Hockey Championship.

While others may have downplayed harboring dreams of the Philippine flag being unfurled during a Winter Olympics medal ceremony, SM Skating has asked ‘Why not?’ and has laid the groundwork for raising that possibility.

Experience next-level fun at SM Game Park MOA

by Info @Brand Zone | December 7, 2023

Get ready to elevate your fun and dive into an action-packed experience at the newest sports destination in SM Mall of Asia (MOA)—SM Game Park!

Prepare for an exciting recreational and active lifestyle facility, launching you into a sporty era with an electrifying lineup of games and activities. SM Game Park MOA is the brand’s flagship branch, designed by the award-winning Hong Kong-based company, Alexander Wong Architects. It marks the fourth branch in the country, following SM Southmall, SM City Fairview, and SM Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Downtown.

Situated on the 3rd Level of the South Entertainment Mall of SM Mall of Asia, SM Game Park MOA spans 1,947 sqm of everything fun, offering top-notch amusements and the best amenities for everyone of all ages.

At SM Game Park MOA, let the good times roll at its massive 16-lane regular bowling area. Plus, have an unforgettable and exclusive experience with your social circles at the new four-lane private bowling, equipped with state-of-the-art Augmented Reality (AR) technology—a first in the country.

Gather the hoop crew and shoot your shots at the mini indoor basketball court, accommodating a team of 3x3 players. For those exploring other sports, test your skill with a bow and arrow at the archery zone by PANA.

SM Lifestyle Sports & Leisure Centers Assistant Vice President for Operations Joseph Silva (center) performs the ceremonial first basketball jump ball with Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) stars Marc Pingris (left) and Jayjay Helterbrand (right) at the mini indoor basketball court.

The ceremonial first arrow release is executed by top archers Emanuel Caducoy (left) and Adrianna Jessie Magbojos (right).

Master the art of billiards at any of the six billiard tables available. Serve up intense rallies at the table tennis area, or challenge a friend to a game of basketball hoops or E-darts at the arcade games corner.

The ceremonial first billiards break shot is performed by SM Lifestyle Inc. Sports & Leisure Centers Assistant Vice President for Operations Joseph Silva (left) and SM Mall of Asia Mall Manager Rosaly Anne Salazar.

There's no shortage of heart-pumping thrills at SM Game Park MOA. Sing, dance, and play your hearts out to your favorite songs and games inside the Game Room. You can now enjoy karaoke, and soon there will be additions like board games, dance consoles, and various other recreations, offering a multitude of options for passing the time. If you need to wind down or simply chill with the squad after a fun day, grab some delicious grub and refreshing drinks from the Sports Bar by Taters.

Enjoy karaoke and upcoming additions like board games, dance consoles, and various entertainment options in the Game Room.

Indulge in savory bites and cool beverages at the Sports Bar courtesy of Taters.

Exciting promos await customers, so make sure to check out the official social media accounts of SM Game Park on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more information.