Here is the ultimate breakdown of what we’re stanning right now across food, fashion, and wellness.

For the Foodie Stans: Flavor Profiles That Trend

Food is the universal language of stanning. Whether you’re a fan of traditional comfort or a seeker of "first-in-province" culinary gems, these new spots are worth the pilgrimage.

• Pho Hoa (SM City Bacoor): If you’re a fan of Vietnamese classics, get ready. Opening soon at the Upper Ground Level, this is the first-in-Cavite branch of Pho Hoa. Expect soulful, steaming bowls of pho, crisp spring rolls, and those iconic vermicelli bowls that transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Saigon.

• Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings (SM City Marilao): Calling all wing stans! The first-in-Bulacan Frankie’s has officially landed at the West Wing. From the stinging heat of their Classic Buffalo to the crowd-favorite Garlic Parmesan and Honey Sriracha, it’s time to find out why this brand has a cult following.

• Manam (SM City Marilao): For those who stan Filipino heritage with a twist, Manam is now at the Ground Level. Known for elevating home-cooked classics, their legendary Watermelon Beef Sinigang is a must-try for anyone who appreciates culinary innovation.

For the Lifestyle & Fashion Stans: Aesthetics on Point

Trends aren't just about clothes; they are about community. Being part of a "look" or a "vibe" makes us feel like we belong. These stores are currently topping our "Must-Visit" lists.

• Aquaflask Designs (SM City Batangas): Hydration is the ultimate flex. Opening at the Ground Level, this is the first-in-Batangas Aquaflask Designs. It’s not just a water bottle; it’s a canvas for your personality. Customize your flask with endless color combos and accessories to match your gym fit or school bag.

• Sunnies Studios (SM City San Pablo): If you want to look like your style idol, Sunnies Studios at the Ground Level is the place. Known for that signature "cool-girl/cool-guy" aesthetic, their range of eyewear and lifestyle essentials offers that effortless, trendy vibe we all aspire to.

• The Loop (SM Center Tuguegarao Downtown): For the tech-savvy stans, The Loop at Level 3 is your new headquarters. From the latest gadgets to the sleekest accessories, this is where you gear up to empower your digital life, whether you’re a pro creator or a student on the rise.

• Decathlon (SM City Grand Central): Sport and adventure stans, rejoice! The new Decathlon at Level 3 features gear for over 70 sports. From yoga mats for your morning flow to hiking boots for your weekend peak, they make staying active both stylish and accessible.

For the Wellness Stans: The Ultimate Self-Care Era

There is nothing more worthy of stanning than your own well-being. Investing in yourself is the ultimate "main character" move.

• Iremia Headspa (SM City Clark): This is a true game-changer. Located at the 2nd Level, Iremia is a first for SM. It offers structured head and scalp treatments designed for deep relaxation and mental resets. If you’re ready to be your own #1 fan, start with a session here.

• Anytime Fitness (SM City Trece Martires): For the fitness stans building a stronger body, the 24/7 global gym experience has arrived at the Lower Ground Floor. With world-class equipment and a community-driven atmosphere, your fitness journey just got a whole lot more convenient.

The Verdict: We’re SM Stans!

From the most delicious dining concepts to the wellness havens that help us reset, it’s clear why SM Supermalls remains the ultimate icon. No matter what era you’re in—foodie, fashionista, or fitness buff—your most-loved mall has everything you need to keep that stan energy high.

Whatever you’re stanning in life, SM’s got it all for you!

A Cultural Tribute: The Spirit of the Vinta

The marketplace draws its name and aesthetic inspiration from the iconic vinta, the traditional Mindanaoan sailboat known for its kaleidoscopic sails. Much like the vessel that has navigated the seas for centuries, the Vinta Market represents movement, community, and the colorful diversity of Zamboanga’s culture.

For mallgoers, the market offers a lively, immersive shopping experience. It isn't just about retail; it is a space where the stories of the Zamboanga Peninsula are told through handcrafted goods, fashion pieces, and unique souvenirs that reflect the soul of Mindanao.

Transforming Small Businesses into Household Names

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, the Vinta Market is a powerful engine for economic growth and business expansion. For many participating entrepreneurs, the high foot traffic of an SM Supermall provides the visibility needed to scale from a small workshop to a mainstream brand.

Maria Donna, the entrepreneur behind Marya Soaps and Scents from Pagadian, shared her excitement about the platform. “We are very happy for the opportunity given to us by SM City Zamboanga. Because of this, I have a growing market and many suki (loyal customers) now at SM,” she noted. Her experience highlights how SM’s ecosystem helps local brands build a sustainable customer base.

Preserving Heritage through Modern Retail

For heritage-based businesses, the Vinta Market is a vital tool for cultural preservation. By providing a modern stage for traditional crafts, SM helps ensure that ancient techniques survive in a digital age.

Evelinda Otong, a fourth-generation Yakan weaver, emphasized the significance of this support. “Thank you for these opportunities where we can sell and find a wider market. You are our partners in promoting our traditional weaves,” she said. Through platforms like this, the intricate artistry of Mindanao’s weavers is introduced to a new generation of shoppers.

Scaling Operations: From Local to National

SM Supermalls’ commitment to MSMEs goes beyond providing floor space. Through the SM for MSMEs program, business owners receive access to capacity-building seminars and training sessions that help them professionalize their operations.

Shaun Alavar of the renowned Alavar Food Products—a brand synonymous with Zamboanga’s culinary identity—credited these initiatives for their growth. “With their trainings and seminars, we’ve learned a lot. We are proud to say that we now supply all over the Philippines. With SM Supermalls, our products can reach the mainstream national market,” Alavar shared.

A Community Celebration of Perseverance

The launch event was attended by SM Supermalls executives, DTI officials, and local stakeholders, all of whom reiterated their commitment to empowering Filipino entrepreneurs. The atmosphere was one of shared triumph, as visitors explored booths filled with:

• Artisanal Crafts: Intricately designed home decor and accessories.

• Culinary Delicacies: A taste of Zamboanga’s rich food heritage, including world-famous sauces and local snacks.

• Fashion & Textiles: Hand-woven fabrics and contemporary apparel rooted in tradition.

SM City Zamboanga: The New Heart of the City

The Vinta Market is a standout feature of the new SM City Zamboanga, which has quickly become the city’s go-to hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. By integrating local MSMEs into the mall’s core experience, SM ensures that economic progress is inclusive and community-driven.

As the Vinta Market continues to welcome shoppers, it stands as a testament to what happens when tradition, creativity, and opportunity align. It is a place where the entrepreneurial spirit of Zamboanga doesn't just survive—it sails forward toward a brighter, more sustainable future.

Today, this commitment has scaled significantly. STPs are now a standard fixture in all 89 SM Supermalls across the country. These facilities play a critical role in:

• Reducing water waste: Ensuring that water used within the malls is treated before being released.

• Pollution control: Preventing untreated wastewater from contaminating local waterways and ecosystems.

• Resource safeguarding: Reducing the overall demand on the municipal water supply.

Water Conservation through Circular Innovation

Beyond treatment, SM Supermalls embeds conservation practices throughout its daily operations. The company utilizes a circular water economy model where recycled water is repurposed for non-potable needs. This includes flushing water closets, cooling towers, general cleaning, and irrigation for mall greeneries.

To further minimize their footprint, SM has implemented low-flow fixtures and advanced water-saving technologies across its properties. These small-scale adjustments, when multiplied across millions of square meters of retail space, lead to a massive reduction in unnecessary consumption.

"SM has always been conscious of its environmental impact on shared social good. Our water journey is rooted in our commitment to maximize what we borrow from the environment, creating resiliency for future generations,” says Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President and Head of Sustainability and Resilience.

Scaling Resilience: Rainwater Harvesting and Potability

Taking innovation a step further, SM Prime has ventured into rainwater harvesting. A pioneer in the Philippine mall industry, SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Treatment Facility has become a flagship for sustainability. Since its launch in 2023, the facility has processed nearly 20,000 cubic meters of rainwater into potable (drinking) water.

The impact of this facility is staggering:

• It provides 30% of the mall’s total monthly clean water requirement.

• It has saved the equivalent of 12.7 million 1.5-liter bottles of mineral water.

• The volume saved is comparable to nearly eight Olympic-sized swimming pools of freshwater diverted from the public grid.

Looking ahead, SM is evaluating centralized STPs designed to serve multiple developments. These inter-building treatment systems aim to lower operational costs while enhancing process efficiency, ensuring that SM remains prepared for potential water disruptions in the future.

Advocacy and Industry Recognition

SM Prime recognizes that true sustainability requires a collective effort. Through SM Cares, the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM launches public awareness campaigns to educate mallgoers and local residents on the importance of water conservation. By turning every mall into a classroom for sustainability, they are activating a new generation of water stewards.

This tireless dedication has not gone unnoticed. SM’s proactive approach has earned prestigious accolades, including:

• The Bantayog ng Lawa Award from the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA).

• The Gawad Taga-Ilog Award from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)—the first time a private entity has received this distinction.

A Vision for the Future

As SM Prime looks toward the next decade, the focus remains on purpose-driven growth. By treating water as a universal human right, the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in green architecture and urban development.

“We’ve come a long way since the 90s,” Silerio concludes. “It’s heartwarming to be recognized, but we continue to work harder because water is vital. SM aims to move forward with greater purpose and greater possibilities.”