22/05/2026
Bringing Filipino craftsmanship, culinary innovation, and local entrepreneurship closer to Northern Luzon shoppers
BAGUIO CITY, May 2026 — In a vibrant celebration of Filipino ingenuity and entrepreneurship, SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, has transformed the atrium of SM City Baguio into a thriving showcase of proudly local products through the “Gala to the Max” MSME exhibit featuring businesses from Rizal Province.
More than just a marketplace, the exhibit serves as a meeting point of culture, creativity, and community, introducing Northern Luzon shoppers to the growing innovation of Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises through fashion, food, handcrafted products, and proudly regional specialties.
Among the standout exhibitors is Sassy Creation, a modern Filipiniana brand founded in 2016 that reimagines traditional Filipino fashion through hand-painted designs and upcycled materials. Behind every piece is a deeper story of livelihood and empowerment, as mothers, local artisans, and even Persons Deprived of Liberty contribute to the creation of each garment through community-based creative programs. The result is a collection that blends heritage with contemporary artistry while carrying stories of resilience and transformation.
Culinary innovation also takes center stage through Sauce On, the fast-rising food brand of Chef Rod Sioson and Malou Sioson, whose products have quickly become among the exhibit’s strongest sellers. Known for its rich creamy cheesy garlic sauce and bold chili garlic variants, the brand has drawn long lines of curious food lovers eager to bring home flavors designed to elevate everyday dishes from fries and seafood to sausages and grilled favorites.
For Chef Rod, the opportunity reflects the importance of institutional support for local entrepreneurs.
“Napakalaki ng tulong ng DTI sa amin kasi kung saan-saan nila kami pinapadalo. With the help of DTI, nagtutulungan, lumago po ang business,” he shared.
Adding a refreshing twist to the mountain city’s cool atmosphere is Buko Coolers, introducing coconut-based beverages including their newly launched coconut coffee, which is being presented to the public for the very first time at the Baguio showcase.
Traditional Filipino flavors likewise continue to draw attention through Josefina’s Home of the Bicol Laing, offering authentic Bicolano laing rich in coconut milk and spices, while Fili Deli showcases suman pinipig with latik, bringing familiar comfort food flavors to mallgoers seeking classic Filipino delicacies.
Sweet treats also remain among the crowd favorites. Bren Raphael’s Ube Jam and Halaya presents locally made ube delicacies perfect for gifting and pasalubong, while Biba Cakes and Pastries highlights locally crafted cakes and chocolates made in support of Filipino cacao farmers, strengthening the connection between local agriculture and artisanal food production.
Meanwhile, Dimples offers a wide range of snack favorites including cashews, peanuts, and peanut-based delicacies, adding to the growing selection of proudly Filipino-made pasalubong products.
Local craftsmanship is equally celebrated through ARH Arts and Crafts, which features handcrafted wallets and organizers that reflect practical Filipino artistry, while Kraftista adds color and creativity to the exhibit through handcrafted beads, charms, and accessories.
Completing the showcase is the Rizal OTOP Hub, which highlights products under the One Town One Product program, bringing together the best of Rizal and Antipolo’s homegrown enterprises while reinforcing the importance of preserving regional identity through local business development.
The ongoing MSME showcase at SM City Baguio runs until Sunday, May 24, giving residents and visitors alike an opportunity to discover, support, and celebrate Filipino-made products from Rizal Province.
Through initiatives like these, SM Supermalls continues to strengthen its commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs by helping MSMEs expand their market reach, grow sustainable livelihoods, and connect their stories and products to communities across the country.
