SM Supermalls celebrated women’s empowerment during its 6th International Women’s Summit, The Future is Hers. Create. Lead. Thrive. at Samsung Hall, SM Aura.
In celebration of the 115th International Women’s Day, the annual summit featured conversations and activities highlighting women’s growing influence across creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship sectors, underscoring SM Supermalls’ commitment to recognizing women’s role in strengthening communities.
In her opening remarks, Jica Sy, SM Prime Holdings vice president and head of design, innovation, and strategy, honored the women who came before and encouraged the younger generation to continue helping build a more inclusive society. She also reflected on her struggles with perfectionism and the fear that the world would fall apart if she made a mistake, sharing how advice from an aunt helped her realize the importance of doing her best in every endeavor and making the best decision when the moment calls for it.
SM Prime Holdings vice president and head of design, innovation, and strategy Jica Sy
delivers opening remarks.
“We often think the future belongs to those who are ready, but it truly belongs to those who are willing to begin, even when we’re unsure or afraid of getting it wrong,” she said. “The future will move whether we like it or not, but the real question is: Will we women simply move with it, or will we define that movement?”
Speakers from various disciplines spoke. These included MindNation co-founder Cat Triviño, host and podcaster Joyce Pring-Triviño, actress and mental health advocate Gabbi Garcia, content creator Belle Rodolfo, Connected Women co-founder Gina Romero, TikTok Philippines’ Eleanor Aguas, SoFA Design Institute co-founder Amina Aranaz, GRWM Cosmetics co-founder Mae Layug-Madriñan, and The Editor’s Market Philippines co-owner Erica Dee-Poe.
United Nations Women Country Programme coordinator Lenlen Mesina, host Joyce Pring-Triviño, MindNation co-founder Cat Triviño, actress and mental health advocate Gabbi Garcia, SM Prime Holdings vice president and head of design, innovation, and strategy Jica Sy, SM Supermalls assistant vice president for marketing and leasing Hanna Carinna Sy, and program host Janina Vela
In panel discussions, each speaker shared insights on how women are shaping the future of creativity, technology, mental well-being, and business through purpose-driven initiatives that uplift communities.
Triviño, Pring-Triviño, and Garcia emphasized the importance of setting and defining boundaries online, noting that safeguarding one’s mental health is critical to long-term growth.
Rodolfo, Romero, and Aguas discussed how women are continuously leveraging emerging technologies to strengthen their personal brands and inspire communities. They encouraged women to view artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies not as threats, but as tools that amplify creativity and originality.
SM Prime Holdings vice president and head of design, innovation, and strategy Jica Sy, content creator Belle Rodolfo, Connected Women co-founder Gina Romero, TikTok Global Business Solutions PH team business development manager Eleanor Aguas, SM Supermalls assistant vice president for marketing and leasing Hanna Carinna Sy, GRWM Cosmetics founder Mae Layug-Madriñan, The Editor’s Market Philippines co-owner Erica Dee-Poe, SoFA co-founder Amina Aranaz, and SM Supermalls executive vice President for marketing Joaquin San Agustin
In the final panel discussion, Aranaz, Madriñan, and Poe shared their experiences as women entrepreneurs in growing their respective businesses, overcoming mental setbacks, and building inclusive workspaces.
“At SM Supermalls, our message is simple: All For You. It’s about service and creating spaces and opportunities where others can thrive. And that is especially important for women,” said SM Supermalls assistant vice president for marketing and leasing Hanna Carinna Sy.
SM Supermalls assistant vice president for marketing and leasing Hanna Carinna Sy closes the summit.
“When women support each other, when we step forward even while we’re still figuring things out, that’s when real change happens. So let’s keep showing up, lifting each other, and moving.”
