HEADLINES

Japan is a dream destination and a favorite tourist spot worldwide, preferred for its seamless blend of tradition, innovation, and artistry. Now, SM Mall of Asia brings the best of Japan closer to home with a carefully curated lineup of iconic brands. Whether you’re looking for unique dining experiences, stylish lifestyle products, or the latest in fashion and beauty, there’s something for everyone. Many of these Japanese favorites are making their Philippine debut, offering an exclusive chance to enjoy Japan’s finest right here in the heart of the mall.

Japanese Dining Delights

No Japanese experience is complete without indulging in its renowned cuisine. SM Mall of Asia is home to some of the most exciting culinary concepts from Japan that you must try.

Savor Japan’s culinary excellence with Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu

Exclusive to SM Mall of Asia, experience the best of gyukatsu directly from Japan at SM Mall of Asia with Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu. The restaurant elevates the gyukatsu experience with premium beef and traditional preparation methods. Known for its crispy on the outside, tender on the inside beef cutlets, this dish is served on a sizzling stone, diners can customize their cutlets to their preferred doneness, making every bite uniquely satisfying, perfect meal to indulge in with friends or family.

Savor the Joy of Grilling at Yakiniku Like

Yakiniku Like, a first in the Philippines, offers an exciting solo-dining experience where you can grill your choice of premium meats right at your table. With a variety of dipping sauces and a focus on quality ingredients, it’s the ultimate Japanese BBQ experience. 

Lifestyle and Home Essentials

Step into the world of Japanese lifestyle and home essentials, where sleek designs and functional elegance come together. SM Mall of Asia offers a variety of brands that will transform your home and wardrobe with a touch of Japan.

Transform your home with Nitori

Nitori, Japan’s leading home furnishings brand, is now open at SM Mall of Asia. Known for its stylish and affordable pieces, Nitori helps you create beautiful, functional living spaces with everything from the softest beddings to fine dinnerware. Whether you’re looking to redecorate a room or add a practical upgrade, Nitori offers the perfect balance of quality and design.

Embrace minimalism with Muji

For lovers of minimalism, Muji offers the ideal shopping destination. From their iconic gel pens and cozy pants to versatile storage solutions, Muji has become synonymous with simplicity and functionality. Every item—from home décor to everyday essentials—is designed to elevate your lifestyle in the most subtle yet impactful way.

Don’t forget to visit the MUJI Coffee Counter, where you can enjoy their signature Soft Serve made from raw Holstein milk from Hokkaido, Japan. Choose from a range of flavors, including the milky Plain, earthy Matcha, rich Chocolate, and Espresso, which is infused with Benguet coffee for a local twist.

Live the Japanese lifestyle at Niko and…

Opening on December 12, immerse yourself in the full Japanese lifestyle experience with Niko and… offering a variety of items from fashion to home décor and quirky finds. Their stylish apparel, functional accessories, and unique home goods reflect the best of Japanese design. Perfect for anyone looking to add a little touch of Japan to their everyday life, Niko and… blends modern fashion with timeless style.

Fashion and Beauty

Japan’s dedication to quality and style extends into its fashion and beauty offerings, and SM Mall of Asia has brought the best of both to you.

Indulge in luxury with Clé de Peau Beauté

For those seeking the ultimate in luxury skincare and cosmetics, Clé de Peau Beauté, Shiseido’s premium beauty brand, delivers exceptional quality and sophistication. Combining cutting-edge Japanese innovation with French elegance, this luxe brand is known for its scientifically advanced skincare and makeup, Clé de Peau offers products like the transformative Le Sérum, all crafted for Asian skin. It’s a brand that doesn’t just enhance your beauty—it unlocks your skin’s true potential.

Fresh Perspectives with JINS

Start the year fresh with a fresh perspective and see clearly with JINS eyewear. Known for it’s innovative designs, JINS offers stylish, high-quality frames that blend fashion and function. Whether you’re looking for a chic upgrade or eye protection against blue light, JINS has the perfect pair for your. This year, embrace trending styles like oversized frames, bold geometric shapes, and sleek minimalism, ensuring you’re both on trend and seeing clearly.

Functional fashion at Uniqlo

Uniqlo brings the joy of the season to shoppers with its “Gifted with Joy” holiday collection, offering stylish and practical LifeWear pieces perfect for the holidays. From cozy winter essentials to versatile AIRism and Sport Utility Wear, the collection combines functionality with timeless Japanese aesthetics, making it ideal for gifting and celebrating special moments. For kids, discover playful yet practical options designed for every adventure, whether at home, school, or playtime.

These holiday offerings highlight Uniqlo’s commitment to providing pieces that fit seamlessly into every lifestyle, ensuring comfort, style, and joy this festive season.

Step Up with SPINGLE Shoes

Handcrafted in Japan with meticulous craftsmanship, SPINGLE shoes are the perfect combination of style, comfort, and quality—making them an excellent gift this Christmas. Known for their versatile designs and durable materials, these shoes are a statement of Japanese artistry and functionality, ensuring comfort for daily wear while elevating any outfit.

Spin the Magic at Gashapon Bandai

For toy collectors and enthusiasts, Gashapon Bandai is a must-visit destination. Known as a capsule toy specialty store, Gashapon offers limited-edition collectibles that make every spin of the machine a thrilling surprise. SM Mall of Asia takes this experience to the next level with the largest Gashapon store in the Philippines, featuring a staggering 610 Gashapon machines. Whether you’re hunting for rare finds or simply enjoying the excitement, it’s an experience the whole family will love.

Discover Japan at SM Mall of Asia

Whether you’re here to shop, dine, or explore new experiences, SM Mall of Asia brings the best of Japan to your fingertips. From fashion and home décor to dining and unique collectibles, these iconic brands—many of which are making their debut in the Philippines—offer a complete Japanese experience. And there’s more for you at SM—each visit reveals new offerings and exciting experiences waiting to be explored. Bring your friends and family, and dive into a world of innovation, style, and tradition, all under one roof.

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There’s #MoreForYouatSM 

More than just a promise of having it all, we’re committed to bringing you more. More diverse and first-in-market brands, more unique and world-class experiences, more flavors to savor, and more spaces to thrive. As we evolve together, we’re strengthening our commitment to sustainability, community involvement, and innovation, making every visit more meaningful. There’s more for you at SM.

SM’s Hans Sy highlights localization and urban and rural resilience at the APMCDRR.

The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024 brought together government officials, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss strategies for building resilient communities in the region. SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime), a leading property developer, actively participated in the conference, underscoring the importance of the private sector’s role in disaster risk reduction.

Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings, delivered a thought-provoking speech at the APMCDRR 2024 Plenary Session on Localization and Urban and Rural Resilience. In his address, Mr. Sy emphasized the private sector’s vital role in supporting resilient communities, especially in the face of rapid urbanization and the escalating impacts of climate change.

SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy advocates for a resilient future at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024 Plenary Session on Localization and Urban and Rural Resilience.

“The intersection of sustainable development and resilience is of great interest for me as a property developer,” Mr. Sy stated, reflecting SM’s steadfast commitment to building sustainable cities and communities.

Mr. Sy highlighted the significance of localization and data-driven decision-making. Empowering local communities and leveraging data-driven strategies enable more effective responses to the challenges posed by disasters and climate change. The “Adopt-a-City” project, in partnership with the National Resilience Council (NRC) and the local government, showcases how public-private partnerships can transform disaster preparedness and resilience efforts. This approach ensures that local knowledge and leadership are at the forefront of decision-making, leading to more sustainable and resilient communities.

SM’s participation in APMCDRR 2024 reaffirms its dedication to sustainable development and social responsibility. By sharing knowledge, resources, and innovative solutions, SM is paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future while encouraging other businesses to join this crucial effort.

Nagkaroon ng pagpupulong ang mga opisyal ng Commission on Audit (COA) at Asian Development Bank (ADB) para talakayin ang mas maigting na pag-audit sa mga foreign-assisted projects, public debt audit at reporma sa Public Financial Management (PFM).

Kasama sa agenda ng idinaos na pulong ang PFM Inter-Agency Initiative for Green Lane Fiduciary Arrangements na parte ng international commitments ng COA.

Nabatid na sa pangunguna ni COA Chairperson Gamaliel A. Cordoba, nagbigay ang COA ng pagsusuri sa mga proyektong pinopondohan ng ADB.

Pinuri naman ng ADB ang papel ng COA para matiyak na epektibo at maayos ang financial management systems.

Ayon sa COA, tinalakay ng ADB ang project portfolio nito sa Pilipinas.

Sabi naman ng ADB, patuloy ang pagtaas ng financial portfolio nito sa Pilipinas at inaasahang tataas pa ng mahigit 100 percent sa susunod na tatlong taon.

Kasama sa pulong ang
pagtalakay sa Project Level Financial Management Issues sa ilalim ng Expanded Social Assistance Project (ESAP), Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project (AWTIP), at Health System Enhancement to Address and Limit COVID-19 o HEAL.

Bukod kay Cordoba, bahagi ng delegasyon ng Pilipinas sa nasabing pulong sina Assistant Commissioners Martha Roxana C. Sese, Adela L. Dondonilla at Alexander B. Juliano, Directors Corazon S. Rocas, Marilyn C. Briones, Haide T. Espuelas at Olympia P. Balugay, at OIC Assistant Directors Ameer S. Gamama at Eumaida P. Tiongson.

Sinasabing dumalo rin ang mga Supervising Auditors mula sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Local Water Utilities Administration, at Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System.

Samantala, dumalo rin si ADB Philippines Country Director Mr. Pavit Ramachandran kasama si Ruth S. Farrant (Director, Public Financial Management [PFFM] 2) at iba pang mga opisyal.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Aileen Mendiola-Rau as the new Philippine ambassador to Israel, replacing Pedro Laylo Jr., the country’s current ambassador to the said nation.

Alongside this, Emmanuel Fernandez was named the new ambassador to Pakistan, with jurisdiction over Afghanistan, while Ezzedin Tago was designated as the Special Envoy of the President to Saudi Arabia to address migrant workers’ concerns.

In the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), veteran journalist and former DWIZ news director Alex Calda, and Nicole Poyaoan were introduced as the new directors.

In the energy sector, Adrian Ferdinand Sugay was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine National Oil Company Exploration Corporation (PNOCEC).

Meanwhile, Ma. Arlene Borja was assigned as the Executive Director of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.

It was also revealed that President Marcos has appointed new officials in other government agencies.

These appointees are expected to bring renewed energy and excellence to their respective fields of public service.

Mahigpit na ibinabala ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) na ang foreign invasions ay maaaring maging sanhi ng cyber attacks sa digital age.

Ito’y sa gitna ng mga diskusyon sa pagpasa ng isang batas na magluluwag sa telco regulations at restrictions.

Ang pahayag ay ginawa ni AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner sa ADR Stratbase Pilipinas Conference 2024 kung saan ipinunto niya na ang pagharap sa cyber threats ay mapaghamon dahil mahirap matuklasan ang mga ito at maaaring sirain ang tiwala ng publiko habang ang ahensiya ay lumilipat sa labas ng traditional battlefields upang protektahan ang bansa mula sa kapinsalaan.

“Today’s security landscape is very different from what it was just a few decades ago. While traditional territorial defense remains vital, we are now dealing with adversaries that operate in domains far removed from physical confrontation,” ani Brawner.

Sinasabing ang isang aspeto na itinuturo ng mga cyber security expert at iba pang stakeholders pagdating sa mga banta sa Philippine cyberspace ay ang pagpasa ng Senate Bill 2699, o ang Konektadong Pinoy Act.

Giit naman ng consumer advocacy network CitizenWatch Philippines, ang SB2699, kapag naipasa, ay mag-aalis sa pangangailangan para sa congressional franchise ng telecommunication companies, na nagpapaliit sa regulatory powers ng National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) sa isang oversight na lamang.

Aalisan din ng bill ang NTC ng oversight functions nito at gagawin na lamang isang registrar, na makasasama sa mga consumer at sa telco space ng bansa sa kabuuan, ayob pa sa CitizenWatch.

“A worse, more alarming scenario could also emerge. These may open opportunities for cybercrime syndicates to infiltrate and cause harm to our individual and enterprise consumers in both the government and private sectors,” giit ni CitizenWatch Lead Convenor Orlando Oxales.

Pagsisiwalat naman ng cyber intelligence company CYFIRMA, ang Pilipinas ay pangunahing target para sa cyber espionage activities dahil sa kakulangan ng cybersecurity awareness at underdeveloped cybersecurity infrastructure, lalo na sa umiigting na tensiyon sa rehiyon.

Nabatid na ang intelligent global network Cloudflare ay nagtala ng average na limang bilyong cyberattacks kada araw sa Pilipinas sa first quarter ng 2024, mas mataas ng 28% kumpara sa naunang quarter.

Kasalukuyang nakahain ang Konektadong Pinoy Act sa Senado at naghihintay ng mga karagdagang deliberasyon at aksiyon.

The recent three-day Regional Conference on Educational Planning in Asia-Pacific, held from November 5 to 7, 2024, concluded with a powerful call for enhanced regional cooperation to address the dynamic educational needs of the Asia-Pacific region.

Organized by the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) in collaboration with SEAMEO INNOTECH, the Department of Education (DepEd), and the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, the conference convened major educational stakeholders to discuss strategies for future educational planning and management.

Participants from across Asia-Pacific engaged in rich exchanges on best practices, insights, and strategies, focusing on vital issues such as improving access to quality education, embracing digital transformation, and establishing effective monitoring systems to measure the impact of educational policies. Discussions also covered frameworks for evaluating student learning outcomes, with a view to enhancing both quality and sustainability in the region’s education systems.

Key strategies that emerged from the conference emphasized the importance of collaboration, data-driven planning, and policy refinement to meet the diverse needs of learners. The event highlighted the importance of capacity building through professional development programs tailored for educational planners and leaders, as well as the creation and sharing of Open Educational Resources (OER) to expand educational access. A notable outcome was the proposal to establish a Community of Practice (CoP) to sustain collaborative knowledge exchange and promote evidence-based approaches to educational reform and digital transformation.

Reflecting on the event, IIEP-UNESCO Director Martin Benavides underscored the need for integrated efforts across training, research, and community practice to achieve a unified objective in educational planning. He stressed the balance between data and evidence in shaping effective policies that address the unique challenges of the region.

The closing remarks by SEAMEO INNOTECH Deputy Director Kochakorn Khattapan-Acidre reinforced the need to sustain the conference’s momentum. “As we move forward, let us carry the spirit of this workshop with us, continuing to research, innovate, and collaborate for inclusive, quality education for all. Let us ensure every child, regardless of background, can reach their full potential,” Khattapan-Acidre urged.

With SEAMEO INNOTECH’s Center Director Leonor Magtolis Briones at the helm, the organization reaffirmed its dedication to fostering educational innovation and collaboration across the region. Its ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships aims to support adaptable and inclusive education systems capable of meeting the evolving needs of Southeast Asia and beyond.