IT all began with one man's dream to make shoes accessible to every Filipino. That dream grew into the SM Group, now the Philippines' No. 1 conglomerate.

SERVING EXCELLENCE. One of this year’s Property Awards winners is Cheerful Homes 2. PHOTO FROM SMDC.
SERVING EXCELLENCE. One of this year’s Property Awards winners is Cheerful Homes 2. PHOTO FROM SMDC.

For Henry Sy Sr., providing Filipinos with access to affordable, quality goods was about helping them stand taller, move forward and live with pride.

This same belief in accessibility and empowerment inspired SM Prime Chairman Henry Sy Jr.'s vision.

"For [my father], it was shoes; for me, it was housing," he shared.

BUILDING COMMUNITIES Sunnyvale 2 is 2024 Property Awards Best Affordable Economic Housing Development. PHOTO FROM SMDC.
BUILDING COMMUNITIES Sunnyvale 2 is 2024 Property Awards Best Affordable Economic Housing Development. PHOTO FROM SMDC.

He continued, "I wanted to create a future where Filipino families could own a beautiful home without being weighed down by financial stress."

SM Development Corp. (SMDC), SM Prime's residential arm, celebrates its 20th year today.

Let's take a look back at its two-decade journey of "building the good life."

1996 to 2004

In 1996, SMDC officially registered

THE PIONEER Chateau Elysee in Paranaque, with its French-inspired architecture, set the foundation for SMDC’s signature style — wide, open spaces, lush greenery and relaxing ambiance — establishing the defining elements that would continue in the next 20 years. PHOTO FROM SMDC.
THE PIONEER Chateau Elysee in Paranaque, with its French-inspired architecture, set the foundation for SMDC’s signature style — wide, open spaces, lush greenery and relaxing ambiance — establishing the defining elements that would continue in the next 20 years. PHOTO FROM SMDC.

In 1996, SMDC officially registered as a real estate developer. Chateau Elysee in Paranaque was its first condo project, launched in 2004.

2006 to 2016

Rise of the Skyline

THE FIRST HIGH RISE Mezza Residences is SMDC’s first high-rise condominum property, built in 2006. PHOTO FROM SMDC.
THE FIRST HIGH RISE Mezza Residences is SMDC’s first high-rise condominum property, built in 2006. PHOTO FROM SMDC.
THE FIRST OUTSIDE METRO MANILA Standing in Tagaytay is Wind Residences, SMDC’s first property that was built away from Metro Manila in 2009. PHOTO FROM SMDC.
THE FIRST OUTSIDE METRO MANILA Standing in Tagaytay is Wind Residences, SMDC’s first property that was built away from Metro Manila in 2009. PHOTO FROM SMDC.

SMDC embarked on an aggressive expansion across Metro Manila's major central business districts. This period also marked SMDC's first venture outside Metro Manila with the launch of Wind Residences in Tagaytay.

2017 to 2019

Expanding Horizons

The growth momentum continued with expansion outside the Philippines, with the launch of Silk Residences in Chengdu, China, and the introduction of house-and-lot development, Cheerful Homes, in 2017.

GOING INTERNATIONAL SMDC has marked a milestone by having its first development outside of the country, which is Silk Residences in Chengdu, China. PHOTO FROM SMDC
GOING INTERNATIONAL SMDC has marked a milestone by having its first development outside of the country, which is Silk Residences in Chengdu, China. PHOTO FROM SMDC

2020 to 2022

A Golden Era

In the midst of the pandemic, SMDC made headway with major Property Awards:

* Best Developer in the Philippines and Best Lifestyle Developer for two consecutive years, 2020 and 2021

* Special Recognition for Corporate Social Responsibility from Property Awards (2020)

* Special Recognition in Sustainable Design and Construction (2021)

* Special Recognition in Environmental, Social and Governance (2022)

A GOLDEN JOURNEY SMDC’s Gold City has been gathering gold as well, with its multiple awards, such as the Best Township Development from the Dot Property Awards. PHOTO FROM SMDC.
A GOLDEN JOURNEY SMDC’s Gold City has been gathering gold as well, with its multiple awards, such as the Best Township Development from the Dot Property Awards. PHOTO FROM SMDC.

2023 to present

Leading the future

In 2023, SMDC launched the innovative Ice Tower, combining residential and office spaces.

In addition to this milestone, it was once again honored by prestigious accolades at Dot Property Awards for the Developer of the Year, Carousel Awards for the Developer of the Year), IDC Future Enterprise Awards (FEA) and 2024 Property Awards.

As SMDC enters a new chapter it will continue to offer diverse housing options while enhancing community engagement.

"Our commitment to building sustainable, inclusive communities will only grow stronger. We aim to ensure that the voices of our homeowners guide our work," Sy said.