Seeing Footprints of God’s Grace through SM Foundation

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Nile Kris Jan Banga aka Coach Nile grew up in a simple family, the youngest of three siblings, in a small city of Iloilo where survival was a daily battle for the marginalized.

 Nile shares his journey and tells us how SM Foundation helped him achieved his goals in life.

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My mother, a pillar of strength and resilience, worked tirelessly to keep us all alive. By day, she was employed at the Registrar’s Office at Western Institute of Technology. By night, she became a financial advisor and a tailor, squeezing every ounce of energy she had to provide for us. I can still picture her, slumped over the sewing machine, fighting sleep to finish all that needed to be done. She worked harder than anyone I knew, pushing herself to exhaustion. Her sickness came from those very sacrifices, and cancer claimed her life when I was just 13.

 Losing my mother at such a young age left me shattered. My father, who had been distant, stepped into the role of raising us, but it was a hard transition for all of us. Many people labeled our family as imperfect and dysfunctional. But now that I am older, I have come to realize my parents were simply doing the best they knew how. My mother especially, they gave all they could with the knowledge and tools they had at the time.

 As the last quarter of my senior year in high school approached, I found myself at a crossroads. My dream of going to college seemed impossible, overshadowed by the reality that we couldn’t afford it. It felt like a dead-end—until a glimmer of hope appeared in the form of SM Foundation.

 My aunt, my mother’s sister, heard about SM Foundation from a friend. She brought home a registration form from SM Delgado, the last one on that day, and I made the bold move to apply. My friend and I even photocopied the form so we could both try our luck. Miraculously, we both got in. That moment changed the course of my life. I am proud to be one of Tatang’s Isko, a scholar of the SM Foundation. I felt like a door had opened, offering me a chance to build something better for myself and my family.

 Looking back now, all I can see are the footprints of God’s grace, goodness, and love. And Tatang, together with SM Foundation, is one of those footprints.

There’s one memory from my days as a scholar that still sticks with me. During my second year at Central Philippine University in Iloilo, I found myself in a panic. I had scored an 84 in one of my subjects and was convinced that I had lost my scholarship. With my heart pounding, I rushed to Ma’am Jel Orian in SM City Iloilo, the program manager in Iloilo City, breathless and terrified. To my relief, she smiled and reassured me, "Don’t worry, your scholarship is safe." It turned out that the scholarship was based on my average mark, not individual subjects. Ma’am Jel, with her kind heart, didn’t stop there—she took the time to ask why I had received that grade when the rest of my marks were high. I poured out my struggles to her, and she offered comfort and encouragement, urging me to keep trying and never give up.

 That’s what I’ve come to understand—my life is a product of the kindness of God and the people He uses to extend that kindness. SM Foundation, Ma’am Jel, and countless others have been vessels of grace in my journey. Today, I have the privilege of serving businesses across Iloilo and the country, providing brand consultancy, marketing, and business development through my technical team, Identity Branding Team.

 In the competitive, dog-eat-dog world of business, Identity Branding takes a different approach. We don’t just help businesses grow—we help them align with their core values. We believe that when a business is true to its identity, success naturally follows. Our goal is to not only drive profits but also

create brands with heart, soul, and purpose. We help companies build genuine relationships with their customers, which leads to long-term success.

 On the side, I dedicate my time to mission trips as a life coach putting up Coach Nile International, where I help create safe spaces for God to touch communities both locally and abroad. It’s fulfilling work—watching families and individuals find hope, healing, and faith. Through these missions, I’ve seen firsthand how a community can be transformed when it comes together in love and purpose.

 One of the values Tatang and SM Foundation instilled in every isko is the responsibility to pass kindness forward. The kindness we’ve received is not meant to stop with us—it’s our duty to extend it to others whenever possible. Today, I have dedicated my life to service-based industries as my divine calling—brand consultancy, life coaching, and missionary work—to continue spreading that love of God, kindness and impact lives, just as it was done for me.

 My journey—starting from that small city, losing my mother, becoming a scholar, and now running a business and serving communities—is a testament to the power of faith, kindness, and perseverance. It’s a journey that wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance and support of God and the people He places on my path like Tatang and the SM Foundation, whose heart and soul are felt in everything they do. Salamat, Tatang! Salamat, SM Foundation Inc! Glory to God

 

SM Bears of Joy Spread Chritmas Cheers to Children

 

There’s no better way to celebrate than by sharing love and joy with those who need it most. This Christmas, SM Supermalls invites everyone to join the #SMBearsofJoy2024 campaign—a heartwarming initiative that lets you bring smiles to underprivileged children while creating memories for yourself and your loved ones.

 

For only ₱280, Ilonggo shoppers participated in the Buy One, Donate One program. This simple yet impactful act allows you to take home an adorable teddy bear and simultaneously donate another to a child in need. These teddy bears aren’t just cuddly companions; they represent hope, care, and the spirit of giving that defines the Christmas season.

Donations go directly to underprivileged children, making their Christmas brighter and more meaningful.

This campaign is a beautiful way to teach your kids or loved ones about the value of generosity and compassion.

The holiday season is a time for love, laughter, and togetherness. THe #SMBearsofJoy2024, is not just giving a teddy bear; It’s a project of giving the gift of happiness, hope, and connection, to make this Christmas unforgettable for every child—one bear at a time.

 

SM Advocacy for Breastfeeding Mothers: Promoting Health and Wellness

SM Supermalls is committed to the health and wellness of women and nursing mothers across the Philippines. Through its advocacy programs, SM provides resources, support, and safe spaces to promote women’s health and empower breastfeeding mothers. This initiative also aligns with SM’s partnerships with key organizations that work to advance the cause of women’s health, such as the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Philippine Breast Cancer Society, and Breastfeeding Pinays.

Support for Nursing Mothers: Breastfeeding Stations Nationwide Understanding the diverse needs of mothers, SM Supermalls ensures that nursing mothers have the option to breastfeed in comfortable, safe spaces within the mall. With breastfeeding stations now available across 80 SM malls nationwide, these private and convenient facilities are typically located next to the mall clinics and have served over one million mothers since the launch of the first station at SM Megamall in 2006. SM encourages mothers to feed their children anywhere within the mall while respecting their individual choices on child care and nourishment. Annual Events Supporting Women's Health SM’s advocacy for women’s health is highlighted through annual events celebrating both Breastfeeding Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Hakab Na!: Celebrated every August, “Hakab Na!” is an event held in partnership with Breastfeeding Pinays, DOH, and UNICEF Philippines to raise awareness on breastfeeding. Thousands of families join each year, demonstrating the commitment of mothers across the country to promoting breastfeeding and providing valuable support to each other. Pink Ribbon Day: Observed every October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Pink Ribbon Day supports women by providing free clinical breast examinations and motivational talks from breast cancer survivors. Partnered with the Philippine Breast Cancer Society and DOH, the event aims to raise awareness about early detection and support those affected by breast cancer. A Commitment to Health and Empowerment SM Supermalls’ advocacy for breastfeeding mothers and women’s health is an inclusive initiative, welcoming all mothers regardless of their choices or needs. Through partnerships with organizations and by providing accessible facilities, SM continues to be a vital advocate for the health, wellness, and empowerment of women across the Philippines.

AT SM City Iloilo, the SM Breast feeding Station is located at the lower ground floor, at the entrance of the Mall Admin Office near Bigby's.

 

Rebirth of Madrid’s Century-old Mercado de San Miguel

Located in Madrid’s Plaza Mayor is the world-renowned Mercado de San Miguel, a century-old public market that has become one of Spain’s most famous tourist attractions. A mighty landmark composed of iron and glass, its elegant and distinctive 20th-century architectural feature never fails to capture the attention of tourists and locals alike, greeting an average of more than 10 million visitors every year.

More than an eye-catching photography subject, Mercado de San Miguel is a shopping mecca and a dining destination in one. The market offers fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, gourmet cheeses, pastries, cooking utensils, beers, tapas, and many more. Its food hall offers a diverse array of choices, including the classic Spanish rice dish Paella, oysters, octopus, Castilian cheese, homemade ice cream, and traditional tapas.

A reawakened market

A thriving market and tourist destination today, the hundred-year-old Mercado de San Miguel is a heritage from past generations. The market was built to serve the needs of the people of Madrid in 1916. The original market was an open-air venue where people sold and bought goods.

As years went by, the bustling market of Madrid died down as people changed their consumption habits in the 1980s. After years of lull, the market found its way back as the first gourmet market in Madrid. It was reopened in 2009, after almost six years of market restoration.

Sustainable restoration

The aim of Mercado de San Miguel’s redevelopment was to make the building sustainable while preserving its historic architectural design. While its quaint facade still exudes a medieval charm, the redeveloped market of Madrid operates on modern sustainable technologies such as LED lighting, water-saving faucets, and heat recovery systems. These technologies ensure that the age-old Mercado de San Miguel will continue to operate while reducing its impacts on the environment. In addition, the world-famous market of Madrid uses a technology that infuses the air with water droplets to cool the entire venue, instead of using an air conditioner.

Attracting more and more people from all over the world, Mercado de San Miguel continues to redevelop itself to keep up with the ever-changing needs and preferences of consumers globally. In 2018, Madrid’s gourmet market was relaunched by onboarding several internationally known chefs. In 2021, after a 9-month temporary closure due to Covid 19 pandemic, it reopened and launched new merchants including an artisan bakery named Madreamiga and top-quality meat store Primital.

A trailblazer in market redevelopment

With its century-old success story, Mercado de San Miguel is one of the world’s pioneers when it comes to restoring and redeveloping public markets. Madrid’s progressive market sets an example for other cities that aspire to modernize their markets.

The government of Iloilo City in the Philippines, for instance, has found inspiration in Mercado de San Miguel’s use of sustainable technologies. The Iloilo City government has tapped property developer SM Prime to transform Iloilo Central and Terminal Markets into resilient and sustainable markets. SM Prime will install facilities for enhanced air quality maintenance, water resource management, and solid waste management. Energy-saving devices like solar panels, skylights for natural lighting and ventilation, and LED lights will also be used. With this rehabilitation project, Iloilo City’s public markets will provide a better market experience to citizens and eventually boost the city’s tourism.

From Humble Beginnings to Purpose-Driven Success: Coach Nile's Journey of Faith and Service

Kris Jan Banga, also known as Coach Nile, grew up in a humble family in Iloilo, the youngest of three children. His mother worked tirelessly, juggling multiple jobs to provide for them, until she eventually succumbed to cancer when he was just 13. Her loss left Nile devastated, and his father had to step in, though their family was often viewed as dysfunctional. Looking back, Nile now realizes his parents did the best they could with what they had.

As he approached his senior year in high school, Nile’s dream of college seemed impossible due to financial constraints—until he learned about SM Foundation. With the help of his aunt, he applied and was accepted as a scholar, a pivotal moment that allowed him to pursue a college education and changed his life’s trajectory. He recalls a moment during his second year at Central Philippine University when he feared losing his scholarship. However, the foundation's manager, Ma’am Jel, reassured him and encouraged him to persist.

Today, Nile uses his experiences to guide his business, Identity Branding Team, which offers brand consultancy with a focus on aligning businesses with their core values. He aims to create brands that build genuine customer relationships and long-term success, not just profits. Additionally, as a life coach through Coach Nile International, he dedicates his time to mission trips, creating spaces for spiritual growth in communities.

Nile’s journey, from his modest beginnings to his work in branding and mission outreach, reflects the values of kindness and service instilled in him by SM Foundation. He sees it as his calling to extend the kindness he received, impacting lives through faith, coaching, and business.

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐳𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 (𝐖𝐕𝐒𝐔) 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐚 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐰?

Quezon Hall, or Bulwagang Quezon, finished construction in 1926 and will turn 100 years old in 2026.

Then known as the Iloilo Normal School, it was originally made of reinforced concrete. It had a two-story main building with galvanized iron roofing and two one-story wings with tile roofing over asphalted felt.

Two decades after it was finished, this distinguished landmark weathered the havoc during World War II. Although it withstood the grim past, the building sustained significant damages for being used as a Japanese garrison.It was rebuilt under the Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946.

Strategically located at an elevated area in the university, it was and is still now a focal point of WVSU and an imposing architectural piece for education.

Now that years have passed, this key educational heritage is undergoing renovation. The Henry Sy Foundation (HSFI), SM Foundation, and WVSU entered a memorandum of agreement on its adaptive restoration in June 2024.

This is a much-needed collaborative undertaking as the building has not seen a major rehabilitation since post-war and, most importantly, it shall meet the demands of the modern academic scene.

Molo Mansion: A Hub for Local Arts and Culture

 

Molo Mansion, a historic gem in Iloilo City, has become a beloved destination not only for its rich heritage but also for its role in supporting the local arts scene. Originally a grand ancestral house, this mansion has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, showcasing the best of regional talent.

 

The mansion hosts regular exhibitions and events featuring local artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their work. This has made it a cornerstone for the regional arts scene. The mansion’s consistent promotion of art fosters creativity and helps the community appreciate the rich artistic talents within Iloilo and its surrounding regions.

 

Beyond its cultural impact, the Molo Mansion is an architectural marvel. Its neoclassical design, intricate woodwork, and expansive gardens provide a picturesque setting that draws both locals and tourists. Visitors are enchanted by its beautifully preserved interiors, from the elegant grand staircase to the detailed ceiling designs. The house is a perfect blend of history and modern artistry, making it a favorite spot for history buffs and art lovers alike.

 

Not only does the mansion support artists, but it also houses local food brands and artisanal products. The shops inside the mansion sell a variety of delicacies and handcrafted items that reflect the region’s rich culinary and craft traditions. According to a local vendor, Molo Mansion gives local entrepreneurs a platform to reach more customers and showcase the flavors of Iloilo. This fusion of art, history, and local enterprise makes it a dynamic cultural and economic hub.

 

Molo Mansion has quickly become a top tourist destination in Iloilo City, offering a mix of history, art, and culture. Visitors can enjoy everything from art exhibits and cultural performances to sampling local food and purchasing unique souvenirs.

In its blend of old-world charm and contemporary creativity, Molo Mansion continues to uplift Iloilo’s vibrant arts and culture, making it a true landmark of the city.