SM Supermalls president Steven Tan expressed his gratitude to partners and communities in his opening speech at the SM 40th Partners’ Appreciation Night
“We’re not just building spaces—we’re shaping destinations that will live in the hearts of communities.”
Those words by SM Supermalls president Steven Tan continue to resonate way after the celebration of the 40th year of SM Supermalls Sept. 1, 2025, and might just be the buzz words of 2025 summarizing the narrative that is SM: destination, community. (Indeed these are buzz words desired by any property development today.)
For there is no denying that SM has helped redefine contemporary Filipino lifestyle—by its sheer reach and presence, by the immersive experience it offers. It is a rare Filipino whose casual living hasn’t been touched by SM, or at least, hasn’t been to SM.
“At SM, we don’t just lease spaces—we build partnerships,” said Tan, stressing how SM redefines “the retail ecosystem.”
Jewelmer’s Jacques Branellac and Mia Branellac, Hans Sy, Jr.
Mesa’s Cheeno and Kidd Dee, Steven Tan, Sunnies’ Bea and Eric Dee
Emelda Teng, Steven Tan, and Eric Teng
The SM Partners’ Appreciation Night gathered the tenants, partners, friends of SM Supermalls who packed the huge Conrad Hotel ballroom, for dinner and performances that ran way into the night.
“For four decades, you’ve been with us every step of the way—and for that, maraming salamat,” Tan opened his remarks.
“When we opened SM North Edsa in 1985, many thought it was too ambitious, even risky. Built in the middle of a political and economic crisis, it seemed impossible. But Mr. Henry Sy, or Tatang as we fondly call him, had a vision: to bring world-class mall experiences closer to every Filipino.
“And what happened? People came. Families made memories. Communities found a new heart. Malling was born.”
Avinash Uttamchandani, Steven Tan, Shanaya Mirani, Rajiv Mirani, George Mirani
Jun Sy, Dave Sexton, Anil Malhotra, Sameer Prasad, Yassine Bakkari
Mitch So, Romy Sia, Steven Tan, Sean Sia, Fritzie Lee
Tan went on to reveal what to expect in the next five years, the Bold New Era: “SM Zamboanga, poised to be a real retail game-changer in Mindanao; SM Sta. Rosa in Nuvali with its sprawling air-conditioned indoor garden is an experience never before seen and felt; SM Harrison Plaza is a nod to the historic landmark, but in ways bold and new, built for Manila’s Gen-Z and Gen Alpha denizens; SM Malolos blends heritage and modernity…. SM’s foray into new lifestyle estates Carmona.”
He segued to the continued “future-proofing” of the current malls, such as “SM Megamall’s new crystal rooftop garden. And now SM North EDSA’s upgraded Sky Garden, fully airconditioned and connected to the train system….”
The performances that followed onstage were as crisp and punchy as TikTok, with performers like Macoy Dubs, Baus Rufo, Racobell, and singer Gab Pangilinan. The timeless AMP Band played on. The main finale was the stand-up comedy of viral Japanese celebrity Atsuko Okatsuka who, not wanting to stick to her spiels, left the stage to go down the floor and worked the crowd of Who’s Who in Manila business and celebrityhood.
Christina Garcia, Carlyn Trota Salud, Sharon Fuentebella, Steven Tan, Dave Fuentebella, Martin Garcia
Young generation of entrepreneurs, from left: GABC’s Mandy Liu, Sushi Nori’s Milka Romero, Vision Express’ Neelam Gopwani, Llao Llao’s Erika Dee Gonzales, The Editor’s Market’s Erica Dee
Alou Koa, Carol Sy, Tessa Prieto, Kristine Lim, Kai Lim, Bryan Lim
Mario Katigbak, MJ Tantoco, Steven Tan, Anton Huang, Hans Sy
Another global name, Chef Jereme Leung of China Blue Conrad, who flew in for the grand occasion, prepared the feast that night and said a few words onstage.
Tan concluded smartly: “….Partnership isn’t just about business—it’s also about moments like this, where we share stories, laughter, and a little bit of joy….
“…. Our success has always been shared. We only win when you win.”
