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SM Supermalls now has the largest mall-based facilities for sports and active lifestyle , with 108 pickleball courts, 176 bowling lanes, three ice skating rinks, expanding jogging paths, and more developments underway.

SM Supermalls is reinforcing its commitment to making active lifestyles more accessible to Filipinos by investing P 1-Billion to build multi-sport facilities and active social hubs all over the country. These establishments will serve as additional spaces where communities can play, compete, connect, and embrace more active lifestyles.

‘More and more Filipinos are shifting to an active lifestyle. The SM Supermalls will be at the forefront and will lead this movement. We will make fitness and wellness be accessible and inclusive to all, whether you are just starting out or an advanced athlete. We will build the largest community in our malls where everyone can make active living part of everyday life, said Steven T. Tan, SM Supermalls President.

SM Supermalls’ new active hubs will feature tournament-grade sports facilities that meet international standards. These are designed to accommodate both recreational play and high-level tournaments. Enthusiasts and experienced players can enjoy a variety of sports programs and share their passion for play, health, and wellness.

The new facilities, spread across the country, will bring Filipinos closer to quality sports infrastructure, where they can create new memories with a thriving, active community.

SM Supermalls’ sports leadership

The P1-Billion investment is the mall operator’s latest sports and recreation initiative. Since the 1990s, SM Supermalls has built venues and hosted events to encourage active lifestyles. It has organized workshops and tournaments for all ages and skill levels, in its quest to make fitness inclusive for all.

This latest project fortifies SM Supermalls’ position as the country’s largest mall-based sports and active lifestyle network. It currently has 108 pickleball courts, 176 bowling lanes nationwide, and three Olympic-sized ice skating rinks, where professional athletes perfect their craft and where enthusiasts pursue their sports hobbies.

‘Active and wellness is not new to SM Supermalls. For over 30 years, we have continuously organized events and created spaces for Filipinos to stay connected through sports. We will continue this pledge by expanding our footprint to more communities,’ Tan said.

Every year, thousands of athletes, families, and barkadas head to SM Supermalls’ active facilities where they hone their skills and passions. These communities create meaningful active experiences in welcoming, inclusive spaces. Through regular training and mall-led events, they build skills, forge new connections, and become part of a community that stays active together.

As it moves forward, SM Supermalls will continue to partner with the Filipino active community in championing active lifestyles. Through this investment, it will empower more communities to engage in new experiences and reach their wellness goals.

Jhonnel Ababa birdied the final two holes to submit a 63 and edge out Jeffren Lumbo by one for the crown in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Iloilo Golf Challenge on Friday.

The former Order of Merit champion pulled level with Lumbo on the 17th before sinking another clutch birdie on the 72nd hole.

Ababa’s closing surge capped a remarkable stretch-run battle after Lumbo, who finished with a 67, had appeared firmly in control entering the final round. The 30-year-old had opened a three-shot cushion over Ababa and Francis Morilla following a near-flawless third-round showing Thursday.

But Ababa chipped away at Lumbo’s advantage while a host of contenders, including Morilla, Reymon Jaraula, Clyde Mondilla, Ira Alido and Rupert Zaragosa, also tried to stay within striking distance.

A stirring birdie-birdie-eagle surge from No. 12 brought him level with Lumbo at 13-under with four holes remaining, setting up a tense, nerve-wracking duel between two determined contenders.

Lumbo answered with a clutch birdie on No. 15 to regain the outright lead and appeared to have stemmed Ababa’s charge. But the veteran refused to blink.

Ababa stayed composed down the stretch, then delivered the decisive blow on No. 17, sinking another birdie to draw level once more and set up a winner-take-all finish on the 18th.

With the title hanging in the balance, Ababa delivered one final clutch shot, setting himself up with a four-foot birdie putt after Lumbo’s approach finished some three pins away. When Lumbo agonizingly missed his birdie attempt, the door was wide open for Ababa.

He took his time, carefully reading the break and judging the distance, while keeping his composure and resolve firmly intact. Then, with confidence, Ababa stroked the putt. The ball rolled true and disappeared into the hole, completing a stunning comeback and securing victory a closing seven-under card and a 14-under 266 total worth P440,000.

Lumbo closed with a three-under card to settle for his third runner-up finish of the year at 267 and pocketed P287,500, while Jaraula fired a 66 to snatch third place at 270 after one of the fiercest four-day duels in Philippine Golf Tour history.

It was Ababa’s 14th PGT victory.

With a playoff as his immediate goal, Ababa stayed patient and waited for an opening. That chance came when Lumbo missed his putt and Ababa calmly sank his own to force a tie at 13-under overall.

‘I was just hoping to force a playoff, maybe I’ll get a chance there. But that one-putt was crucial as he missed his putt,’ he said.

Ababa’s solid drive on the 18th left him just 50 yards from the pin. He pulled out his trusted 60-degree wedge and stuffed it to within four feet, setting himself up for the winning putt.

Mondilla carded a 67 to tie Morilla, who shot a 69, for fourth at 272, while Zaragosa posted a second straight 68 to finish sixth at 273.

Negros Occidental leg winner Art Arbole rallied with a 68 to tie Alido, who matched par with a 70, and Japan’s Miki Ryoma, who slipped with a 71, for seventh at 275.

Double the finds, double the savings with these Buy 1 Get 1 deals!

October has officially arrived, bringing along the ultimate shopper’s haven: the massive Super Buy 1 Get 1 Deals on the SM Malls Online app! This month, budget-conscious treat-seekers can unlock access to over 100 exclusive Buy 1 Get 1 coupons across dining, fashion, beauty, wellness, and entertainment brands.

So if you’re planning a feast with friends, stocking up on casual staples, or looking to indulge in much-needed self-care, this SM Malls Online O app-exclusive deal gives you twice the value (without doubling your expense). All it takes is one swipe to collect your coupons and claim your double-treats in-store all month long.

Here are the top Buy 1, Get 1 deals you need to grab on your next mall run!

Pizza Hut: Cheesy slices for the whole crew

One pizza is good, but two? That is undeniably better when you are gathering the squad or treating your craving family. Buy 1 Regular Hawaiian Pan Pizza and get 1 free at Pizza Hut when you use a swipe coupon this October.

Macao Imperial Tea: Creamy Indulgence + Tangy Refreshment

Milk tea runs are practically a weekly ritual, but Macao Imperial Tea is giving us legitimate reason to order a double round this month. Order 1 Cheesecake and Pearl Milk Tea, and you automatically get 1 Yakult Green Tea for free. Claim it with a swipe coupon today.

Cinnabon: Melt-in-your-mouth Cinnamon Treats

If your sweet tooth starts kicking in while you are walking through the mall, head over to Cinnabon and grab the exclusive Buy 1, Get 1 at 50% off deal on any Minibon and Mini Chocobon this October. It makes for a perfect little perk-me-up for any time of the day.

GAP: Wardrobe Upgrade for less

Upgrading your daily street style doesn’t require a massive splurge during Logo Weekends at GAP. Buy 1, Get 1 on logo pieces, including their hoodies or tees to mix and match classic colors for different moods. Head to SM Mall of Asia or SM Megamall and present your swipe coupon to add more of their signature styles to your wardrobe.

Karimadon: Affordable Signature Scents

Finding a new signature scent is twice as exciting thanks to Karimadon’s October offer: Buy 1 perfume and get 1 for free. Switch between different scents depending on your mood or keep an extra bottle stashed in your bag for special occasions. Swipe coupon to score this awesome deal.

Posture Perfect Chiropractic: Stress-Melting Alignment Care

Giving your body some well-deserved attention should never feel out of reach, especially when physical strain starts piling up. At Posture Perfect Chiropractic, you can avail 1 Chiropractic Session and get 1 free with a swipe coupon. It’s the perfect opportunity to finally relieve built-up muscle tension, realign your spine, and restore your overall mobility.

Tom’s World: Arcade Thrills and Extra Prize Rewards

For the kids and kids-at-heart, drop by Tom’s World for some classic arcade fun. For the entire month of October, buying ?200 worth of tokens, instantly rewards you with 200 Ticket Points loaded up to jumpstart your prize stash.

Redeeming these deals is fast and completely hassle-free. All you have to do is open your SM Malls Online App, browse through the coupons, and stroll right into the store to redeem.

Don’t let October slip away and claim your Buy 1 Get 1 treats today!

THE Philippines’s expected economic growth recovery in 2027 could face another hurdle if El Niño intensifies as projected, according to the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).

In its 2027 Fiscal Risks Statement, the DBCC identified intensified El Niño events among the downside risks to growth, noting that the weather phenomenon could be the strongest in 140 years and significantly affect agricultural productivity next year.

The DBCC earlier trimmed its growth target for 2026 to a range of 3.5 percent to 4.5 percent, from the previous 5 percent to 6 percent.

For 2027 to 2030, the government expects growth to recover to 5 percent to 6 percent, although this is lower than its earlier targets of 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent for 2027 and 6 percent to 7 percent for 2028.

‘Growth may further weaken’ if disruptions arising from strong El Niño events persist, alongside uncertainties over the fragile peace agreement between the US and Iran, and the lingering effects of recent corruption issues, the DBCC said.

The interagency body also noted that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) put the probability of the El Niño condition intensifying in the latter months of 2026 at more than 60 percent, with the phenomenon potentially continuing until early 2027.

The warming is expected to peak in the first quarter of 2027, according to the report.

The DBCC said the weather phenomenon could bring below-normal rainfall, prolonged dry conditions and above-normal temperatures, potentially affecting agriculture, water, energy and health.

It said the conditions could also contribute to heat-related illnesses, water shortages, lower agricultural productivity, and power supply constraints, requiring timely government intervention and additional resources.

Beyond its impact on growth and food supply, the DBCC said a severe El Niño could create broader fiscal pressures.

‘It will inevitably result in contraction in agricultural productivity, shrinking the tax base through direct production losses and indirect economic disruption,’ the DBCC explained.

The resulting increase in food inflation could also prompt the National Government to raise spending on emergency subsidies and social protection programs to stabilize prices and support rural workers, potentially reducing the fiscal space available to respond to other shocks, it added.

Beyond El Niño, the DBCC also flagged volatile global trade policies and geopolitical tensions as risks that could disrupt supply chains.

Higher-than-expected wage hikes, transport fare increases, and utility rate adjustments could also raise business costs, it said.

To limit the economic damage, the government plans to strengthen water and irrigation management and ensure a functioning flood-control system as part of its response to El Niño.

The Marcos administration should also strengthen disease surveillance and heat-health measures, preposition medical supplies, and intensify public information campaigns to address potential health and safety risks, the DBCC said.

According to DBCC, the National Government will continue monitoring developments related to El Niño and coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure that sectoral interventions are aligned and that the government is prepared to respond.

For SM, rain is a valuable resource especially for critical cities in the Philippines facing severe water scarcity.

From its very first Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) implemented in the 1990s, SM Supermalls’ innovative practices conserve and maximize the precious resource of water.

Through its rainwater treatment facility in the historically rainfall rich yet water challenged province of Benguet, the mall is advancing water stewardship by capturing, treating, and reusing rainwater to supplement its operational needs. The SM Baguio Rainwater Treatment Facility (RTF), launched in 2023, is the first-of-its-kind in the country and showcases the mall operator’s seamless integration of sustainable water management into its daily operations.

This approach reflects the principles of a circular water system, where water is managed responsibly through reuse and resource efficiency, by keeping water in circulation.

‘At SM, every drop of water counts,’ said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance. ‘As such, rainwater is seen as more than simple runoff. Through the technology we’ve invested in the SM Baguio Rainwater Treatment Facility, the rainwater we collect is transformed into a viable resource.’

In partnership with local ozone technology expert, Pure O3, SM’s RTF utilizes an exceptional multi-stage water treatment process integrating resource disinfection, filtration, and reverse osmosis. Harvested rainwater is transformed into a reliable source of potable water that businesses within the mall can rely on for their operational needs. Stringent, continuous monitoring, and testing ensure that the water meets the required standards.

The SM Baguio RTF can provide an estimated 51,000 cubic meters of water per year or one third of the mall’s annual water consumption. Building on its success, SM’s northern rainwater treatment facility model will soon be replicated in Central Luzon.

The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) is closing its 2026 regional franchise roadshow in Iloilo City and it couldn’t have picked a more fitting place to finish than a city long known for its enterprising, business-minded people. Franchise Negosyo Visayas (Iloilo) opens for two days on October 9 to 10, 2026 (Friday and Saturday), from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at SM City Iloilo, giving Ilonggo entrepreneurs a front-row seat to the country’s booming franchise scene.

This stop stands out on two fronts: it is Franchise Negosyo’s first-ever staging at SM City Iloilo, and the grand finale of PFA’s 2026 Franchise Negosyo Show. After a year on the road, the show saves one of its final stages for Western Visayas – reaffirming PFA’s commitment to opening more doors for entrepreneurs beyond the capital.

Under one roof, visitors can meet over 30 exhibitors and browse 200+ proven franchise brands across a wide range of industries, alongside allied suppliers ready to help set up a business from the ground up. Whether you are eyeing your first venture or growing an existing portfolio, it is a chance to explore legitimate opportunities, learn how franchising works, and talk directly with the franchisors behind the brands.

Beyond the show floor, a line-up of seminars breaks down the business of franchising:

How to Invest in the Right Franchise (HTI): a free seminar featuring Ms. Vida Cabanlit, Operations Consultant of Francorp, paired with presentations of franchise investment packages to help would-be franchisees make informed decisions. Held at SM City Iloilo on both event days – October 9, 2:00PM and October 10, 1:00PM.

How to Franchise Your Business (FYBS): a paid seminar for thriving homegrown businesses ready to expand their brand through franchising, to be held at Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo on October 10, 2026 at 2:00PM. Register here to reserve your slot:

https://www.francorp.com.ph/franchise-your-business-iloilo

‘We are capping our 2026 Franchise Negosyo Series where the entrepreneurial spirit runs strong – in Iloilo. Franchising is one of the most accessible paths to business ownership, and we can think of no better place to close the year than with the Ilonggo community.’ said Mr. Johnny Que, PFA Regional Director for Western Visayas.

This event is not possible without the help and support of the following partners: Supporting Organizations: DTI Region 6, OWWA Region 6, Department of Migrant Workers Region 6, PCCI – Iloilo Chapter, Inc., Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Iloilo, Inc. (FCCCII), Province of Iloilo, Office of the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Officer, Iloilo City Government, Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions (LEDIP) Office

Event Partners: 7-Eleven, Bread and Butter, Carrier, Eastern Communications, Grainsmart, GCash, Francorp, Kuya J Restaurant, Mcdo, Powerhouse, Phoenix Super LPG, PLDT Enterprise, Popeyes, SM City Iloilo, SM Supermalls, Timora HR and Payroll System, UFranchise, UnionBank, Uncle John’s; Hotel Partner: Injap Tower Hotel

Media Partners: NET 25 Eagle Broadcasting Corp., Philstar Media Group, BusinessWorld, BusinessMirror / Philippine Graphics, Asian Journal / Balikbayan Magazine, Philippine Daily Inquirer and INQUIRER.NET, Manila Standard

Jeffren Lumbo fired an eight-under 62 to seize a three-stroke lead after the third round of the

International Container Terminal Services Inc. Iloilo Golf Challenge on Saturday.

Lumbo reached 10-under 200 at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club, breaking away from a crowded

leaderboard with five birdies in his last six holes and taking a three-shot advantage over Jhonnel Ababa

and Francis Morilla.

Morilla fired a 66, while Ababa had a 68.

‘My irons just really clicked. It was solid,’ the 30-year-old Lumbo said. ‘I struggled during the first two

days, but everything worked for me today.’

Lumbo birdied No. 11 from six feet, added three straight birdies from No. 13, and closed with back-to-

back birdies on Nos. 17 and 18.

‘The course condition is great today, but my irons were even better,’ said Lumbo, winner last year at

South Pacific and runner-up to Art Arbole last week in Negros Occidental. ‘My driving was steady, which

is crucial to scoring on this course.’

Ababa recovering from a mid-round slide with late birdies to stay within striking distance.

Morilla moved into title contention on the Philippine Golf Tour for the first time in 12 years. He birdied

three of his first seven holes and offset two bogeys with three late birdies.

‘My recovery shots were good,’ said Morilla, who converted six birdies from inside eight feet.

‘With how I’m driving and putting right now, I think I have a real chance. I just hope the putting stays

hot,’ added the 32-year-old Morilla.

Reymon Jaraula shot his third straight 68 to join Miki Ryoma at 204. Jaraula, who shared the lead early,

stayed in contention with a steady round, while Ryoma fought back from several setbacks before

settling for a 70.

Rupert Zaragosa also shot 68 to reach 204, while Clyde Mondilla and Ira Alido matched 69s for 205, four

shots off the lead.

Lumbo’s 62 did not count as a course record because the round was played under preferred lies.

NAGOYA-There won’t be a celebration for a medal of any color as the country’s bets at the Kasugai Country Club continued to falter in the penultimate round Friday in the Aichi-Nagoya 30th Asian Games.

Rianne Malixi flashed some semblance of a fight with a two-under 33 on the front nine of the tough par-70 East course but the Duke University standout couldn’t keep up and with a double-bogey on the 18th finished with a one-over 71.

Malixi dropped into a share of sixth place at nine-under 207 alongside Hong Kong’s Wai Chung Ding (70) and defending champion Arphichaya Yubol of Thailand (66).

They trailed third-running Ruoning Yin of China (66-199) by eight heavy strokes with only 18 holes remaining as India’s Sharath Pranavi surged ahead with a 66 to reach 195, taking a three-shot lead over two-time leader Shannon Tan of Singapore, who stumbled to a 71 for a 198 total.

Hong Kong’s Sophie Han (67-204) and Korea’s Yunseo Yang (74-205) occupy fourth and fifth spots, respectively.

There wasn’t any relief, too, in the team classification with Bianca Pagdanganan, whose campaign is supported by ICTSI, struggling to a second 71 to sit tied for 15th at 212, and Pauline del Rosario failing to make the cut, the Philippines assembled a third-round 142.

Their 54-hole total of 418 dropped them to seventh in the nine-team field-seven strokes behind third-place Hong Kong (411) and a distant 13 off leader China (405).

Justin delos Santos posted a 71 in tough scoring conditions, slipping to a tie for 12th in the individual standings at 206 in men’s play.

Delos Santos sits seven shots off joint second-place holders Kasuki Higa of Japan and Wang Wei Hsuan of Chinese Taipei (199), who both stay within striking distance of frontrunner Tom Kim of Korea.

Miguel Tabuena struggled to gain any momentum, turning in a one-over card to share 23rd place at 211. Carl Corpus skied to a 77, tumbling to joint 34th at 218 in the 38-player field.

In the men’s team division, the Philippines slipped to eighth overall after posting a 142 for a 416 total, 14 shots adrift of third place. Chinese Taipei charged into contention with a 133 to tie China (137) at 402, setting up a four-way battle for gold alongside leader Korea (400) and host Japan (401).

The Philippines last won gold in men’s golf behind Ramon Brobio 40 years ago in the Seoul 1986 edition, while the country has yet to come close to duplicating the feat in Jakarta 2018 when Yuka Saso won the individual gold and with Pagdanganan and Lois Go captured the team title.

WHAT if we stopped measuring a conference by the number of people who attended and started asking what changed because they did?

This question stayed with me after my recent conversation with Megan Crum, general manager of the Professional Conference Organizers Association (PCOA), through the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE) ‘Association Matters’ podcast. After being involved in more than a thousand events throughout her career, Megan has seen virtually every kind of conference.

Her message was both simple and profound: the conference itself is not the product: member value is.

This distinction could fundamentally change how associations think about their events. Megan observed that the fundamentals of a successful event remain the same: trust, collaboration and a shared commitment between an association and its event partners to deliver value. But being on the association side of the table has sharpened her appreciation of one thing: the event must ultimately be viewed through a member-value lens.

For today’s associations, this is increasingly important. Technology has transformed access to information. Learning is no longer confined to the annual conference, while members have become increasingly protective of their most valuable resource: time.

As Megan put it: ‘Information’s abundant. Time is scarce.’

Consequently, members expect conferences to deliver something they cannot easily obtain online: meaningful human connection. Relevant content still matters, but the real gold is in the conversations, relationships, challenges to conventional thinking, problem solving, and inspiration that happen when people are physically together.

‘The conferences people remember aren’t the ones usually with the most slides,’ Megan said. ‘It’s the ones where someone has met someone, they’re feeling challenged, they’ve had an assumption challenged, they’ve solved a problem, or they’ve left feeling inspired.’

This is a powerful lesson for association leaders. A great conference should not merely fill seats; it should strengthen the association’s community.

And then there is sustainability.

Megan believes environmental practices such as reducing waste, going paperless, and making sensible resource decisions have become a baseline expectation. The bigger conversation now is about legacy.

What happened after the conference? Did it create lasting professional relationships? Did it inspire people? Did it contribute to the host destination or industry? Did younger professionals find a pathway into the community? Did participants return to their organizations with renewed purpose or ideas they could actually implement?

The PCOA even builds such questions into its post-conference evaluation, looking beyond attendance and financial results to assess longer-term impact.

I particularly liked Megan’s example of universities bringing students into conferences. The students gain industry connections while the profession gains the perspectives and energy of a new generation. This is not simply event participation; it is community building and legacy creation.

Perhaps this is where association conferences are heading: from events to experiences, from transactions to relationships, and from short-term outcomes to long-term impact.

The challenge for association leaders, therefore, is not simply to organize better conferences. It is to ask a more important question: when the delegates have gone home, what will remain?

Ultimately, the best association event is not the one that ends successfully. It is the one whose value continues long after the closing ceremony.

THE Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) is ready to defend the government’s position on Republic Act No. 12326, which postponed the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to 2028 and is now being challenged before the Supreme Court (SC), Malacañang said.

Veteran election lawyer Romulo B. Macalintal has asked the High Court to issue a temporary restraining order or status quo ante order against the implementation of RA 12326, arguing that the law is unconstitutional because it violates the electorate’s right to vote.

The SC gave the respondents in Macalintal’s petition, including the Office of the President (OP), five calendar days to submit their comments.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the OSG will represent the OP in the case and is awaiting a copy of the petition.

‘We spoke directly with the Office of the Solicitor General; they are just waiting for the copy of the petition,’ Castro said in Filipino at a press briefing last Thursday.

‘They are prepared to respond immediately once they receive a copy of the petition, and they will comply with the Supreme Court’s order should a response be required,’ she added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed RA 12326 last week, extending the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials to five years and moving the next BSKE from November 2, 2026 to the second Monday of November 2028.

Marcos said he supported the measure because the longer terms would give barangay and SK officials more time to improve service delivery and complete their programs.

The law effectively allows barangay and SK officials elected in October 2023 to remain in office until their successors are elected and qualified following the 2028 polls.

Before RA 12326 was enacted, the Commission on Elections had already spent P8 billion on preparations for the November 2026 BSKE.