SM Supermalls transforms 40,000 plastic bottles into public art across the Visayas

More than 40,000 discarded plastic bottles have been transformed into large-scale public art installations across the Visayas as part of SM Supermalls’ Art from All 2026 campaign, an initiative that combines environmental awareness, community participation, and artistic expression.

The region-wide program reflects SM Supermalls’ broader effort to promote sustainability through creative collaborations with local artists, environmental advocates, and civic organizations. Anchored on the company’s commitment to creating experiences “all for you,” the campaign encourages communities to engage with both art and environmental stewardship in accessible and meaningful ways.

On June 8, nine installations were unveiled across SM malls in the Visayas, each drawing inspiration from local culture, marine biodiversity, and community stories while repurposing thousands of collected plastic bottles.

PANON: A Run of Thousands is a dramatic, 30-foot hanging art installation at SM City Cebu that recreates Moalboal’s world-famous sardine run.

At SM City Cebu, visitors are greeted by PANON: A Run of Thousands, a suspended installation at the main mall rotunda inspired by Moalboal’s renowned sardine run. Developed in partnership with Creative Hands Mugna, the artwork recreates the movement of thousands of fish using recycled plastic materials, highlighting Cebu’s connection to the sea.

Marine life also takes center stage at SM Seaside City Cebu, where Nautilus is displayed at the Tower Garden. Created by UP Cebu fine arts graduate Roy Ingente, the installation is inspired by the chambered nautilus, locally known as “lagang.” Constructed from recycled plastic bottles, the piece symbolizes growth, continuity, and resilience while paying tribute to Cebu’s maritime heritage and the mall’s distinctive nautilus-inspired architecture.

Meanwhile, SM J Mall presents Nagare (Flow/Current) at the Izakaya Terrace on the second level. The installation features nine koi fish crafted from recycled plastic bottles, representing perseverance, resilience, and unity. The project was developed through a collaboration among artist and designer D’oro Barandino, Project Tapuk, and JCI Cebu.

Kabilin is a stunning, 18-foot thresher shark installation crafted from over 5,000 recycled plastic bottles displayed at SM City Consolacion.

At SM City Consolacion, artists Cham Lopez and Philip Anthony Labuga created Kabilin, a striking depiction of the endangered thresher shark displayed at the Second Level Bridgeway. The work seeks to raise awareness about marine conservation while celebrating the region’s rich ocean ecosystem.

In Leyte, SM Center Ormoc showcases I-KAN: Hope of the Seas, located on the second level fronting Ace Hardware. Inspired by Kan, a rescued green sea turtle whose story helped renew local conservation efforts, the installation carries a message of environmental responsibility and hope. The project was developed in partnership with Andrea’s Floral Baske.

Further west, SM City Iloilo features an immersive underwater-themed installation centered on the Irrawaddy dolphin. Located at the Lower Ground Level Northpoint, the artwork was created by Ilongga artist Margaux Blas together with environmental organization Rezbin. Recycled plastic bottles were transformed into colorful coral formations, marine creatures, and flowing ocean-inspired forms.

Waves of Life is a towering 10-foot eco-art sculpture displayed at SM City Bacolod.

SM City Bacolod contributes Waves of Life, a 10-foot sculpture displayed at the 2nd Level North Wing. Developed with visual artist Robert de Aro, the piece uses collected plastic bottles to create a dramatic representation of the interconnectedness of marine life and environmental sustainability.

In Capiz, SM City Roxas presents Sea the Change at the 2nd Level Cyberzone. Created in collaboration with JCI Roxas Makawiwili and mixed-media junk art artist Joey Cabiles, the installation incorporates coastal imagery and fish motifs to encourage reflection on environmental protection and responsible waste management.

Completing the regional showcase is Blue Bubble Bay at SM City Puerto Princesa. Located on the mall’s second level, the jellyfish-inspired installation was created by Palawan News using collected plastic bottles and highlights both the beauty and vulnerability of marine ecosystems.

Blue Bubble Bay is a marine-inspired art installation at SM City Puerto Princesa.

Together, the installations demonstrate how discarded materials can be repurposed into works that celebrate local identity while drawing attention to environmental challenges. Beyond serving as artistic attractions, the projects position public spaces as venues for sustainability education and community engagement.

The initiative has also gained international recognition. Art from All 2025 received a Silver Award at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Maxi Awards and a Bronze Award at the 13th Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards under the category of Innovation in Cultural or Community Events, recognizing SM Supermalls in the Visayas for creating experiences that connect art, culture, and sustainability.

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