Held on June 4 and 5, the two-day initiative mobilized employee-volunteers from the three SM malls to assist selected public schools in both cities, aligning with the DepEd’s theme, “Bayanihan sa Paaralan: Nagkakaisa para sa Kaayusan at Kaalaman,” which underscores shared responsibility in preparing learning environments for the new academic year.

More than a routine clean-up activity, the effort highlighted a continuing public-private partnership aimed at improving school readiness and ensuring that classrooms remain safe, functional, and conducive to learning.

In Caloocan City, volunteers from SM City Grand Central were deployed to Bagong Barrio Elementary School, where they repainted walls, cleaned school grounds, and helped restore common areas that had weathered months of daily use. The mall also turned over hygiene kits, school supplies, cleaning materials, and gardening tools to support the school’s sanitation and greening programs.

At Libis Talisay Elementary School, employee-volunteers from SM Center Sangandaan conducted repainting activities, performed minor facility repairs, and reinforced sanitation efforts. The team likewise provided maintenance supplies such as paint, brushes, disinfectants, and learning materials to help sustain school upkeep beyond the Brigada Eskwela period.

SM City Valenzuela led parallel efforts at Caruhatan East Elementary School where volunteers repainted classroom interiors, cleaned and sanitized comfort rooms, repaired jalousie windows, and restored desks and chairs, helping transform learning spaces to more functional and welcoming conditions.

Despite intermittent rains, volunteer teams pressed on with scheduled activities, underscoring strong participation and commitment to completing school readiness work on time.

The simultaneous initiatives across the three malls were spearheaded by SM Supermalls’ Human Resources Department in partnership with SM Cares, reinforcing the company’s long-standing advocacy for education and community development.

As students prepare to return to school, the refreshed classrooms and improved facilities serve as a reminder that quality education is a shared responsibility, strengthened through collective action.

The post SM Malls In Grand Central, Sangandaan, and Valenzuela Help Prep Public Schools For SY 2026–2027 appeared first on Purple Pieces.

MANILA, Philippines, 22nd May 2026 — Calling all kids and parents! SM Supermalls’ search for the brightest young talents is back.

SM Supermalls invites kids aged 4 to 7 to join SM Little Stars 2026, where they can sing, dance, perform, and confidently take the stage. Now in its 17th year, the program has helped launch the journeys of some of the country’s promising young performers.

“Every child deserves a chance to discover what makes them shine. Through SM Little Stars, we want to give kids a fun, encouraging space where they can express themselves, build confidence, and create unforgettable memories,” said Hanna Carinna T. Sy, SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Leasing.

“SM Little Stars has always been about more than talent, it’s about helping children believe in themselves, step out with confidence, and enjoy being on stage,” Sy said.

SM Little Stars 2026 will crown two Grand Winners: the Grand Shining Star, for outstanding talent that lights up the stage and wins hearts, and the Grand Dazzling Star, for charm, confidence, and stage presence that captivates audiences.

“This year, we are making SM Little Stars more inclusive by celebrating how children shine, through their talent, personality, and presence, because every child’s light is unique and worth celebrating,” Sy added.

Beyond the competition, SM Little Stars is a journey of discovery where kids can explore their talents, build confidence, and share meaningful experiences with fellow young performers.
The SM Little Stars 2026 preliminaries will run on weekends from May 30 to July 5, followed by regional rounds on July 11, 12, 18, and 19. The Grand Finals will be on August 8, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

As part of the Gala To The Max campaign, the program will be staged across 68 SM Supermalls nationwide, with SM City La Union and SM City Zamboanga joining as new participating malls.
This year’s Grand Finals judges include singer and host Karylle, filmmaker Antoinette Jadaone, OPM hitmaker Jonathan Manalo, choreographer Angel Datanagan, and Marcus Cabais, SM Little Stars 2016 Grand Winner.

Last year, Xian Echo Zamora of SM City Cabanatuan impressed audiences with his drumming and singing performance, continuing the legacy of standout young performers discovered through SM Little Stars.

Over the years, the program has helped nurture talents such as Star Magic artist Esang de Torres, boy group member Marcus Cabais, UNIS member Elisia Parmisano, and musical theater performer Sheena Bentoy.

“At your most-loved SM Supermalls, we believe every child deserves a stage where they can express themselves freely, have fun, and be celebrated for who they are,” Sy said.

From first-time performers to future stars, SM Little Stars 2026 invites kids nationwide to join a maxed-out experience filled with fun, friendship, discovery, and unforgettable moments.
Parents can register via the SM Malls Online App, www.smsupermalls.com/smlittlestars/, or at the Mall Administration Office.

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About SM Supermalls
SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.
As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.

The post Let Your Child Step Into The Spotlight at SM Little Stars 2026 appeared first on Purple Pieces.

Whether you’re an ube purist or a trend-chasing dessert lover, SM’s “Ube Nation” offers a vibrant mix of comforting classics and inventive new treats that prove one thing: ube truly hits different. Proudly Pinoy and undeniably crave-worthy, these purple delights are turning every mall visit into a flavor adventure.

SM City Grand Central: A Full Spectrum of Purple Indulgence

At SM City Grand Central, the ube craze is in full swing with an impressive spread of desserts, beverages, and merienda staples. Cake lovers can indulge in the rich and velvety Ube Crème Brulee Cake from Max’s Restaurant, the crowd-favorite Restaurant Ube Custard Cake from Conti’s Bakeshop & Restaurant, and the decadent Classic Ube Cake from Caramia.

For those craving something cold and refreshing, the Presidential Halo-Halo from Bebang Halo-Halo and the Extra Creamy Halo-Halo from Mang Inasal are perfect ways to beat the heat.

Meanwhile, café-goers can sip on purple perfection through the Iced Ube Milk from PICKUP Coffee or the trendy Ube Matcha Latte from CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice. There’s also the nostalgic charm of Ube Ensaymada from Muhlach Ensaymada and the comforting richness of Ube Champorado from Mom’s Ube & Triple Chocolate Champorado, proving that ube can be both innovative and deeply familiar at the same time.

For dessert lovers, Famous Belgian Waffles elevates snacking with its Ube Waffle. Dairy Queen joins the celebration with Ube Cheesecake Ice Cream, a creamy fusion that melts nostalgia and indulgence in every scoop.

SM City Valenzuela: Comfort Classics with a Purple Twist

Over at SM City Valenzuela, the purple craze continues with a curated lineup of refreshing and indulgent treats. Halo-halo lovers can choose between the Super Sangkap Halo-Halo from Chowking, the Cheesy Ube Espesyal Halo-Halo from Kuya J Restaurant, and Bebang Halo-Halo’s signature Presidential Halo-Halo. Dessert fans can revisit the well-loved Ube Dream Cake from Goldilocks, while coffee enthusiasts can explore modern ube pairings with the Ube Latte and Ube Cake offerings from ZUS Coffee.

SM Center Sangandaan: A Cozy Hub of Ube Comforts

At SM Center Sangandaan, ube takes on a more comforting and traditional flair. The Ube Halaya Cake from Red Ribbon delivers familiar Filipino sweetness, while Althea’s Bakeshop & Goodies offers its indulgent Royal Ube Supreme for those who love their desserts extra rich and creamy. For merienda seekers, the Ube Keso Latte paired with Ube Keso Bibingka from Bibingkinitan blends cheesy and earthy flavors into one satisfying treat.

From baked classics to icy refreshers and café innovations, ube proves once again why it remains a Filipino favorite with endless possibilities. Whether you are exploring SM City Grand Central, SM City Valenzuela, or SM Center Sangandaan, there is always a purple-hued treat waiting to be discovered.

So, if you’re looking for your next dessert obsession or simply craving a taste of home with a modern twist, now’s the perfect time to join the Ube Nation. From creamy cakes and halo-halo overloads to iced lattes and cheesy pastries, your next ube fix is waiting at your most loved SM malls this summer.

The post Discover The Purple Craze With Ube Nation At SM appeared first on Purple Pieces.

Fortunately, fur parents can easily find practical summer essentials at SM Supermalls branches such as SM City Grand Central, SM City Valenzuela, and SM Center Sangandaan, where Pet Express and ACE Hardware offer a variety of pet-friendly products designed to keep animals cool, safe, and comfortable.

One of the simplest ways to help pets beat the heat is by keeping them hydrated and ensuring they always have access to shaded, well-ventilated spaces. A quick cooling bath after outdoor walks can also help lower body temperature and refresh pets during especially hot days. Grooming essentials available at ACE Hardware can make bath time more soothing and convenient for both pets and owners.

Hydration is equally important during walks and outdoor activities, as pets can become dehydrated quickly under the sun. Portable travel bowls from Pet Express allow owners to keep fresh water within reach wherever their adventures take them.

Creating a cooler indoor environment also helps pets stay comfortable throughout the day. Portable Electric fans and cooling appliances from ACE Hardware can improve air circulation and provide relief from extreme heat, especially during peak afternoon temperatures.

For fur parents who enjoy bringing their pets outdoors, timing is key. Pavements and asphalt surfaces can become dangerously hot and may burn sensitive paws. Early morning or evening walks are the safest options. To make travel easier and less stressful, Pet Express at SM City Grand Central also offers pet carriers, strollers, and wagons designed for comfortable summer outings.

Cooling accessories are also becoming increasingly popular among fur parents. The Daimaru Pet Cooling Mat Square, available at ACE Hardware, provides pets with a cool resting space during warm afternoons. Meanwhile, Pet Express offers playful cooling products like the Pooch and Co Inflatable Cooling Water Mat Boat, an aquatic-inspired mat that doubles as a sensory play area and cooling bed for cats and dogs alike. Easy to set up indoors or outdoors, the mat creates a fun way for pets to stay refreshed while enjoying the summer season.

For more active pets, supervised water play can be another great way to cool down safely. The Pet Pals Collapsible Pool from Pet Express offers a convenient setup for backyard water fun while allowing owners to keep a close eye on their furry companions.

Cat owners are likewise encouraged to pay attention to litter care during warmer months. Heat and humidity can quickly affect litter box cleanliness and comfort. Products such as Our Cat Cat Litter, Our Cat Citrus Lemon Scent Cat Litter, and Our Cat Charcoal Cat Litter, available at ACE Hardware, help maintain freshness while keeping litter areas more hygienic throughout the season.

Veterinarians continue to remind owners never to leave pets inside parked vehicles, even briefly, as temperatures inside cars can rise to life-threatening levels within minutes. Pet owners are also advised to stay alert for signs of heatstroke, including excessive panting, vomiting, lethargy, and weakness.

As pets continue to become cherished members of Filipino families, keeping them safe and comfortable during the summer months has become an important part of everyday care. With convenient access to pet essentials from Pet Express and ACE Hardware at your most loved SM malls, fur parents can easily find everything they need to help their beloved companions stay cool, happy, and protected all season long.

The post Easy Summer Safety Tips For Your Fur Babies At SM appeared first on Purple Pieces.

Located at the upperground floor of SM Annex, the restaurant has a modern, out-of-this-world vibe – literally.

Pizza Planet SM North EDSA Annex

Aside from its space-themed interiors, high-tech rin sila when you need to call for their service. We didn’t need to shout or wave our hands because they have this electronic device that you can just press if you’re ready to order or if you want to refill your water.

We ordered one of their pizzas – the Quarter Super Premium. 4 premium pizza flavors in one na siya – Honey Pepperoni, Truffle Mushroom, Ikayaki, and Spinach Pesto with Cream Cheese. Their Ikayaki (squid calamari, nori dust, bonito flakes, and drizzled with special sauce + Japanese mayo) tasted similar to Takoyaki (well, obviously), but my favorites were Truffle Mushroom and Honey Pepperoni. I didn’t get the chance to try their Spinach Pesto with Cream, but my kids said it was also yummy.

My bunso ordered Salted Caramel Milkshake. It has been a habit of ours that we don’t order drinks when we dine at restaurants – to save money, or that we will order drinks from milk tea shops instead. We’re trying to cut down his sugar intake na rin because he’s overweight, pero pinagbigyan namin siya. After all, it was his birthday.

This one’s creamy and milky, and since it’s salted, the flavors are balanced. May pretzel toppings pa!

We each ordered the SET A Combo meal (PhP 220). Actually, this is already a complete meal, so even if you don’t order a separate pizza or another dish, you’ll feel full already. Serving size is good.

I love their Chicken Alfredo Pasta. Right amount of sauce, with generous chicken pieces. I also enjoyed their Pepperoni Pizza Bread. 

Now their Sour Cream Chicken. I’m a bit disappointed because the flavoring (or sour cream powder) outside is okay, but the chicken crust was hard.. tough to eat. The meat inside was also dry and lacking flavor. My husband and my kids had the same verdict. Please do something about your chicken, please? 

Anyway, I will go back again to try their chicken wings, maybe those are better.

We spent less than PHP 2,000, and I think worth it naman. I want to go back and try their chicken wings, Prosciutto Crudo Pizza (with savory Italian dry-cured ham), Sisig Pizza, and Black Shrimp [Ravioli] Pasta.

They have UNLI pizza, pasta, and wings too [for less than PhP 1,000 per diner] — so maybe next time? 

The post Pizza Planet – SM North EDSA Annex Review appeared first on Purple Pieces.