Dish Garden Design Competition at SM Davao's 2nd Flora Mindanaw

Famed in the international and domestic horticulture industry, Davao is not only home to the beautiful orchid waling-waling (Vanda Sanderiana) but also to the most exquisite cutflowers, foliages, and other ornamental plants.

With its natural resources and favourable climate for agricultural production year-round, Davao is often dubbed as the ornamental horticulture center of the country.

On top of these are skilled and passionate hobbyists and enthusiasts who can put together a breath-taking collection of the city’s natural treasures may it be in elaborate landscapes or intricate dish gardens.

Be awed with Davao’s rich flora as SM Davao brings the 2^nd Flora Mindanaw: Dish Garden Competition on August 15-21 at the mall’s Event Centre. The contest is open to all horticulturists/florists in Mindanao. Interested parties may call 297.6998 local 126.

Join SM Davao's Free Biofuel Seminar and Green Retail Agenda on July 26-27, 2011

As part of SM Supermalls corporate social responsibility initiatives, SM City Davao is holding a Biofuel Seminar on July 26 and the Green Retail Agenda on July 27.

SM’s CSR goals encourage positive impacts through activities on the environment, consumers and employees, surrounding communities, stakeholders and all members of the public sector. Social and environmental interests are at the core of SM’s business operations, especially through the efforts of the SM Cares program.

The Biofuel Forum on Tuesday, 2 PM is mounted for the local transport sector and other concerned private individuals. It will gather resource speakers from Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources XI, Land Transportation Office and a local manufacturer of a biofuel additive.

The Green Retail Agenda, dubbed Empowerment through Sustainability on Wednesday, 1 PM, will target the business sector and students of business courses in the city. Green Retail Agenda will feature noteworthy environment practices and programs of both government and private organizations. It is aimed at promoting sustainable business operations.

Admission is free. For reservations and inquiries, please call 297.6998

Nice Corporate Dresses at SM Davao

Proper dress code is a must if you are in the corporate world or when you are at work or office. Being properly dressed commands respect and it somehow speaks and reflects the person that you are. There are a lot of formal dresses nowadays and all you have to do is choose which one best suits your style and taste.

At a time when women are equally comfortable chairing boardroom meetings, corporate dressing has taken a whole new direction.

Dressing styles now vary according to industry to reflect the culture and ethics of the work place – more conservative clothes, for example in banks, and more casual dressing in ad agencies. Casual Fridays is also catching up in corporate circles as a tool to make employees more comfortable with the organization and their colleagues.

Younger employees coming into the work force are more fashion conscious, and love to experiment with style even in formal wear. Dressing perfectly to work everyday is important for the complete look and feel for the employees.

Yes, the rules have changed, and we can get caught up in some corporate dressing confusion. Here are some tips on cracking the corporate dressing code from SM’s exclusive corporate wear labels, Alexane and Classics.

Power broker. Black and white striped A-line skirt, white woven shirt and black 2-button jacket

Perfectly suited. Loosely structured gray pantsuit

Time management. Black belted dress with high neckline and dolman sleeves

Skirting the issue. Floral printed straight skirt.

From desk to date. Black belted shift dress

Boardroom agenda. Abstract printed straight skirt

Corporate culture. Nude pant suit with belted jacket and wide leg pants

Deal maker. Printed black and white button-down woven shirt.

Dress for Success. Gray dress with banded wait and tulip cut bottom

Read the fine print. Short sleeved button-down shirt with optical print.

Paradign shift. Off white tailored shift dress

The art of business. Nehru woven shirt with painterly abstract prints...

• Treat your business clothing as an investment and choose wisely. Make sure you buy classic styles that suit your body shape, are comfortable, have quality workmanship and materials. SM has all the clothes that work – sleek jackets, straight skirts, pants, and shift dress.

• Dresses are in and in a big way, not only are they comfortable, they also exude sophistication and professionalism. A sheath dress works well even when worn just by itself, and you can choose to accessorize it. A jersey dress is the ultimate crease-free corporate wear, which doubles up as an evening dress when you dress it up with a sheer or trendy jacket.

• If your company has a more casual dress code, polo shirts, sports coats, and twill shirts will give a professional yet trendy appearance. Check out the collection of shirts from Alexane and Classics at the Ladies Wear Department.

• Whatever your style, always dress to impress. Always remember that people are one of the strongest expressions a company can have of its corporate brand, and impressions that people create do say a lot about the company’s work ethics or corporate brand image. And your dressing style bears great weight on the first impression you can create.

With the increasing number of choices in corporate dressing, you can not only look your part, but also exude immense confidence while feeling comfortable. The Alexane and Classics collection is available at the Ladies Wear Department of the SM Department Store.

Philippine Independence Day

Independence Day celebration is fast approaching. As I pass by major thoroughfares in the city, I see many establishments are already hanging Philippine Flag on the facade of their buildings. Independence day is very important for us Filipinos because without it, we would not have been able to enjoy the freedom we are having now. Aside from having no work on Independence day, I also love going to malls because there are many items on sale in connection with this celebration.

In connection with this celebration, SM Davao will bring together Filipino-made innovations and inventions in a showcase of Pinoy Pride at the mall's 2nd floor in coordination with the Department of Science and Technology and Davao Inventors Association. Tubog Pinoy Concert will feature ballader Chad Borja and ace choral ensemble Himig Singers will perform songs from popular Filipino movies on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at the SM event center, to set the mood of Filipino patriotism. On the 12th of June which marks as the 113th year celebration of Philippine Independence, SM Davao will hoist with pride 113 Philippine flags at the mall's entrance. On the same Day at 4 PM, Davao's very own Ateneo Carillion, Nica Tupas, and Dream Girls, Royeca Ballet, Musikdamy and PGT Season 2 finalist Buildex Pagales weaves together a colorful showcase of hip and modern Filipino culture Hataw Pop Pinoy. Shoppers will also get to enjoy of up to 50% discount of SM Davao's "Freedom Sale" running on June 10-12, 2011.

A Treat to all Fathers every Weekend of June at SM Davao

Welcome to the month of June! There are many things to do and celebrate in the month of June. Of course, the busy preparations by students and parents for the start of classes here in the Philippines, the celebration of the Independence Day, the Fiesta of Saints Peter and Paul, the June brides (anyone?LOLz), celebration of the Father's Day, etc... To celebrate Father's Day, SM Foodcourt treats Dads with a mug of beer on June 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26, 2011.

With a minimum purchase of 2 mugs of beer and Php100 food purchase, a customer gets a mug of beer on the house. SM foodcourt is located at the second level of SM Davao.It is a home to a great selection of food choices like Loring's Lechon, Island Grill, Wokman, Kamay Kainan, Sizzling Chef, Smokin' toppings and Fiesta Dabao. Adding to the choices are the Beer Station, Cool Black Pearl, Nutwater Halo-halo and Salad Creations. This June, treat Dad and the whole family to a weekend of good food at SM Davao Foodcourt.