(December 22, 2013) CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — At least for a little more than two months starting this latter part of December to January 2014, businessmen and Fernandinos wishing to renew or get new business permits, licenses or pay taxes will be relieved from parking woes.

(December 22, 2013) BOGO CITY, Cebu, Philippines – The SM Group, through SM Cares, yesterday broke ground for its housing project in Barangay Pulambato here. The project aims to lessen the burden of residents in the area badly hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda last Nov. 8.

Free storm-proof shelters for typhoon Yolanda survivors

SM City Cebu turns 20

SM City Cebu turns 20

With over 5,500 square meters, 300 brands and 25,000 pairs at any given time, the newly launched Shoe Department on the fourth level of SM Store Makati may be said to have the largest shoe selection in Metro Manila.

SM Supermalls, together with select members of the entertainment industry, assembled an Operation Tulong Express booth at the SM Megamall Atrium last Nov. 18 to accept donations and encourage people to donate to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

CLARK FREEPORT—SM City Clark raised P800,000 in its Tree of Life, Tree of Light fund-raising program for the victims of Supertyphoon Yolanda (international code name Haiyan) in Monday’s ceremony at the mall’s north-east wing acacia promenade here.

December 13, 2013– When in Manila, who doesn’t know Kris Aquino? Not only is she a famous TV personality, but she is also the daughter of two icons. To date, she is known to be one of the top celebrity endorsers with good taste and sophistication. However, she makes it a point to still focus on practicality and simplicity at the same time.

Dec. 14, 2013 — Since it opened last May, SM Aura Premier has redefined the retail and lifestyle scene in the country with its groundbreaking architecture, global brands, and innovative promotions.

The recent opening of the Sky Park, the mall’s multi-level roof garden, provides a much- needed green space in the dense urban environment of Metro Manila.

More than that, it highlights SM Prime Holding’s commitment to sustainable design and energy efficiency, actively taking bold steps toward the reduction of our carbon footprint and preparing for a cleaner and better environment for the future.

Located on the mall’s fifth level, the Sky Park is bathed in glorious sunlight the whole day. Landscaped gardens and delightful water features – and a wonderful sculpture by Impy Pilapil – provide customers with the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and the benefits of the outdoors. As soon as the sun sets, the clear evening sky and the cool breeze will add a touch of romance and elegance that one cannot find anywhere else.

Given its sculptural form, many images can be read into the composition: the flow of water, the turbulence of air, or the strata of the earth. Inspiration is thus drawn from the elements of nature itself.

Or alternatively, the various green terraces can be literally described as

Floating or Hanging Gardens; creating a cultural and historical reference for the contemporary shopper.

Whichever way it is interpreted, the design is a functional solution to the site and the project’s programmatic content. But it also responds to the need for a distinct identity and a meaningful setting for the communal activities happening within the development.

The Sky Park itself has al fresco coffee shops, bars and restaurants; open air performance places and sculpture courts; with the lawns and gardens providing a cool green setting.

The dining mix itself is wonderfully global and contemporary. There are more exciting restos soon to open. Operable glass doors will allow customers to enjoy their dining experience whatever the weather may be.

The Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod is located at the top of the ribbon. With an unorthodox yet highly aesthetic tubular design, the Chapel is an exercise in quiet elegance. The chapel’s modern simplicity is highlighted by sculptures of the Blessed Mother, San Pedro Calungsod, and the 14 Stations of the Cross by Eduardo Castrillo.

Finally, the Samsung Hall, a performance hall, which can be used for concerts, parties, and other events, tops the roof. This takes on the iconic shape of an egg to provide a highly visible symbol for the roof garden.