On the Spotlight!

  MANILA , Philippines, September 1, 2026 — SM Supermalls delivered record revenues in the first half the year, expanding 8% to P41.8 billion from P38.6 billion. Its exceptional performance was driven by higher leasable space and tenant sign-ups, along with steady foot traffic.  Total gross leasable area grew 3 percent to 5.1 million square meters from 5.0 million square meters, while the number of tenants rose 4 percent to 23,174 from 22,192. Average daily foot traffic was steady at 3.7 million.   “Our growth reflects the enduring trust of our tenants and shoppers. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, they continue to find value in the variety of our offerings and the strong sense of community in our malls,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “This gives us confidence to keep investing in spaces and experiences that respond to their changing needs.” SM’s Transformation Journey Noting market demand for diverse and unique experiences beyond retail, SM enhanced its ...

From Gen Z innovation to zero-waste businesses, Filipino coco-preneurs are taking coconut somewhere new. A coconut may be familiar, but what Filipino entrepreneurs are doing with it is anything but. A college feasibility study has become a Gen Z-run coconut milk business . Surplus coconut shells are being transformed into handcrafted bags while helping provide livelihood to more than 100 workers . And one entrepreneur has developed around 40 products by finding new uses for virtually every part of the coconut. Around 300 Filipino coco-preneurs are transforming the country’s “tree of life” into fresh ideas, innovative products, and businesses ready to grow. These are among the ideas and founder stories waiting to be discovered at the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair 2026 , now underway at SMX Convention Center Manila until August 30 . “Over the next five days, we bring our coco-preneurs, our buyers, shoppers and partners together under one roof here in SMX as we cele...