Attendees pose with the partner employers and executives led by SMHCC SVP for Operations Walid Wafik and SMHCC VP for HR & OD Charmagne Adonis

SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) proudly took part in hosting Career Connect, a dynamic and integrated career fair held at the SMX Convention Center Manila, reaffirming SMHCC’s commitment to attracting, developing, and empowering topnotch talents in the hospitality industry.

Partner employers receive their certificate of participation

Career Connect is a flagship talent initiative that brings together the diverse business units of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., the Property Management arm of the SM Group under one shared mission: to open doors to meaningful careers and nurture future industry leaders. The event showcased a wide range of opportunities across SM’s expansive portfolio, giving aspiring and experienced professionals alike a unique chance to explore multiple career paths in one venue.

SMHCC HR & OD team from left to right: Senior Learning & Development Manager Laurice Maggay, Senior HR Manager Dhang Bonoan, Vice President Charmagne Adonis, HR Assistant Dianne Asprec, and Asst. HR Manager Lezlie Medenilla

The event welcomed 863 applicants, who had the opportunity to directly engage with top employers led by SM Prime Holdings, Inc.; SM Supermalls; SM Engineering Design and Development Corp. (SMEDD); SM Development Corp. (SMDC); and SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation (SMHCC). Representing SMHCC were its owned, managed, and franchised properties, including Taal Vista Hotel, Conrad Manila, Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA, and SMX Convention Center, each offering diverse roles across hotel operations, conventions, and guest services.

The event opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony led by SMHCC VP for HR & OD Charmagne Adonis

Career Connect was further strengthened by the support of partner organizations from various sectors. These included BDO for financial assistance and promotions; SM Foundation and LifeSkills PH for training and scholarship opportunities; and manpower agencies such as Kares International Commodities & Manpower Services Corp., Green Pasture People Management, Inc., and All Around Services and Merchandising Corp. Their participation underscored the collaborative ecosystem that supports career readiness and long-term employability.

Key government agencies including PhilHealth, SSS, Pag-IBIG, DOLE, and PESO Pasay were also present throughout the day, providing on-site assistance and addressing employment-related inquiries, ensuring that applicants received holistic support as they prepared to enter or advance in the workforce.

The venue was filled with numerous job seekers eagerly looking forward to fill-in various hospitality functions

One of the highlights of the event was the panel discussion, Inside SM: Empowering People, Enabling Possibilities,” featuring HR leaders from SM Prime, SM Supermalls, SMDC, and SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation. The panelists shared insights into SM’s people-first culture,

offered practical career advice, and discussed how employees can grow, thrive, and build long-term careers within the SM organization.

Attendees intently listen to the panel discussion by the HR business units of SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

“Career Connect reflects what SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation stands for: creating opportunities, investing in people, and building a future-ready hospitality workforce,” said SMHCC Executive Vice President Peggy E. Angeles. “We are proud to open our doors to talents who share our passion for service excellence and innovation,” she added.

Career Connect 2025 was a productive and inspiring day filled with nurturing connections that link individuals, organizations, and institutions in a shared pursuit for growth, purpose, and professional success within one of the country’s leading hospitality and lifestyle groups.

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About SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC)

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) is the hospitality arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc.
Currently, the SMHCC portfolio is comprised of ten (10) hotel properties with a combined inventory of more than 2,600 rooms and over 42,000 sqm. of leasable convention space. The list of properties under SMHCC includes Taal Vista Hotel, Pico Sands Hotel, Conrad Manila, Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Radisson Blu Cebu, Park Inn by Radisson Clark, Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, and the SMX Convention Centers (SMX Manila, SMX Aura, SMX Bacolod, SMX Davao, Olongapo City Convention Center, SMX Clark) and trade halls (Megatrade Hall and Sky Hall Seaside Cebu).

For more information, please visit https://smhotels.com.ph/