What’s on the top of every kid’s list? Toys, toys and more toys. Here’s a way for your kids to see their wish list right before their very eyes. At SM City Clark, get ready to chase after your kids this Christmas season, as SM gives you more than you bargain for.  A Giant Toyland adorned with red and white decors signaling the start of the Christmas season.

With the Angeles University Foundation (AUF) Performing Arts, SM City Clark welcomed the festive yuletide season with a performance composed of AUF’s concert chorus group as well as featuring their dance troupe during the launch. The centerpiece was the center of attention as well as the highlight of the event. With a 26 Foot long and 6 Foot high wooden toy train who wouldn’t be drawn to such a wonder? The Wooden Toy Train is a symbol of one of the simplest early wooden toys. And now for those little ladies, the centerpiece has a special display for your eyes to feast upon, a 16 Foot tall Vanity Dresser, complete with presents and boxes placed on top!  A 6 foot tall cuddly teddy bear sits on a stool right beside a Giant rocking horse and for all those little drummers, a Giant toy drum with accents hanging on them completes our Giant Toyland.

All this took place on November 12 at the 2^nd Floor Bridgeway at SM City Clark which was welcomed by SM City Clark Assistant Mall Manager, Ms. Ana Datu with a message.  The opening activities were followed by the unveiling of the Giant Toyland! Santa Claus was also present together with the SM Manager in the gift giving ceremony to the PWD children. Among the crowd was Mabalacat Mayor and Vice-Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales and Noel Castro, Angeles City Vice-Mayor Vicky Vega-Kabigting who celebrated the start of Christmas with us at SM City Clark

About 50 disabled children were given the opportunity to tour the mall. They had a Jollibee Mascot Show and Jolly Kiddie Meals; twenty minutes of SM Cinema 3D experience; mall rides – carousel, ferry’s wheel and mall train. The program ended with a surprise gift giving ceremony by SM managers and employees who raised Php5,000 fund for the gifts given to the disabled children of Angeles City SPED-CWD.

A treat for the audiences was the making of Maria Aragon Chrisms and her Christmas greeting which was shown on the LED screen.

How else to end the ceremony than with cocktails at The Meeting Place, followed by a fireworks display ultimately the most memorable launches to take place this December. So come on down at SM City Clark to enjoy a spectacular and whimsical Christmas spent the Giant way!

November 12, 2011-- It was a revelation night of magic, holiday cheers and excitement as SM Supermalls simultaneously launched the happiest season of the year with Yuletide carols, gift-giving, and much- awaited Holiday Centerpiece.

In SM City Marilao, the program kicked off with music from Barasoain Camereta Philippines, Bocaue Student Choir, Rosari Angeli Ensemble and Sons and Daughters of Mary Choir. Captivating the essence of Christmas was a short monologue performed by Juliana Silang Cruz, a solitary young girl, who dreamed of enchanted Christmas. That holiday dream came true when Santa and his elves brought her to Christmas Candy Cane Factory.  Story ended as distinguished guests of the event joined to unwrap Santa’s presents and lit up the Christmas Candy Cane Factory.

SM Marilao’s Christmas Candy Cane factory, located at the mall’s east wing features Santa’s factory fresh sweet treats such as candies, candy canes, lollipops, delectable cakes and ice-creams. A giant couch was placed inside the factory so children could sit and enjoy Santa’s Christmas sweet treats. Complementing Santa’s Candy Cane Factory is nearby Giant Christmas Wreath centerpiece at the cinema’s entrance.

Because SM believes in the philosophy of making Christmas special, gift giving to the underprivileged children signaled the love and bigheartedness that the Yuletide celebration promotes. The fireworks display capped off the event leaving the audience and shoppers wanting more.

The launch also introduced latest remix version of SM Supermalls’ Christmas jingle, the Christmas ChriSMs Bop, which will liven up the musical excitement of shoppers frequenting the SM malls this season. The ChriSMs jingle was sung by Maria Aragon, the 11 year old international YouTube sensation star.

So this holiday season, spend time with your friends, family and loved ones at SM City Marilao or in any of your favorite SM Supermall, enjoy the Christmas treats and together hear Maria Aragon as the voice of SM Christmas.

Together with 40 SM Supermalls around the country, SM City Masinag simultaneously launched the beginning of the Holiday Season on November 12, 2011. The mall showcased unique Centrepieces that will endear the whole family not just to shop and dine but to experience the joys of Christmas.

SM City Masinag, had a blast with their YULETIDE BEGINNINGS with its Symbols and Traditions of Christmas Centerpieces, each with the history and beginnings of Christmas icons highlighted in different areas around the mall.

Drum and Lyre groups from San Roque Elementary School, Isaias Tapeles Elementary School and Our Lady of Peace School of Antipolo made the whole afternoon festive.  And a live performance by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra commenced the night. Sto. Domingo Voice Learning Center and Genesis Choir sang Christmas carols and the ChriSMs jingle.

The launch was graced by Provincial Administrator Russel Ynares , Antipolo Mayor Danilo Leyble, Vice Mayor Susan Say, Barangay Captain Pablo Oldan,  CSWD Head Nadeia Sart. A chosen charity from Antipolo’s Bahay Kalinga and Mambugan Day Care Center made the merrymaking more meaningful as SM City Masinag family and the rest of the VIP’s gave each child SM Eco bags gift packs.  We ended the event with a grand and colorful fireworks display.

Get excited to see famous Christmas Icons around the mall.

1. Christmas Tree located at the side entrance of SM Supermarket.

·         The Christmas Tree stands at 12-feet high decorated by large red and white Christmas balls. Tenant’s respective packaging surrounded the area to highlight the brands available at the mall.

2. Christmas Wreath located at the main entrance at the lower ground floor.

·         Believed to be a magical plant, wreaths were arranged in a circular shape with no beginning or end representing God. His endless mercy and eternity.

3. Gingerbread House located at the Mall Atrium

·         The Gingerbread House is popular in Germany after Brothers Grimm wrote Hansel and Gretel. The house features the most recognizable elements associated with Christmas such as candy canes, snowman and Christmas lights.

4. Holy Nativity & Christmas Parol located at SM Foodcourt

·         Life-size images of the Holy Family including baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and Three Kings can be found in the area.The Parol can also be seen here the most iconic and beloved symbol of the holiday.

5. Santa Claus and the reindeers located near the Cyberzone area.

·         Santa Claus on top of the roof ready to deliver gifts to children while his reindeers are waiting for him to finish his business. Based on the legend, the first two reindeers that Santa was given is Donner and Blitzen. He then acquired Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Comet and Rudolph.

So come and join us at SM City Masinag and have a MERRY CHRISMs! Only at your favourite SM Supermall!

SM City Cebu formally opened the Christmas Village of Hope at the Northwing Atrium on November 26, 2011. No less than the president of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Mr. Hans Sy, and his sister Ms. Elizabeth Sy, the president of SM Hotels and Conventions led the unveiling ceremony.

An overview of the 70 square-meter Christmas Village of Hope at the Northwing Atrium

The event started with a performance from Cebu’s Double String Quartet and the University of Cebu Chorus. The award-winning choir group, Mandaue Children and Youth Chorus also sang Christmas songs. Conductor Mr. Dennis Gregory Sugarol led the young boys and girls to an outstanding performance. The choir group sang the SM Christmas ChriSMs jingle version of Youtube sensation Maria Aragon. SM Supermalls chose International YouTube sensation Maria Aragon to sing the SM Supermalls’ official holiday tune, SM Christmas ChriSMs Bop, to make the Christmas celebration extra special for its shoppers and loyal patrons.

Mr. Hans Sy and Ms. Elizabeth Sy led the ceremonial lighting of the symbolic Christmas Tree which opened the curtain exposing the over 70 square-meter Christmas Village of Hope. Witnessing the opening of the Christmas Village was also Ms. Marissa Fernan, vice president of SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

Left to Right: Clayton Tugonon, Joji Tugonon, Lala Sotto-Antonio, Elizabeth Sy, Hans Sy, Marissa Fernan

The Christmas Village collection is owned by couple, Clayton and Joji Tugonon. Joji started her collection of miniature houses eighteen years ago. A miniature Christmas village was set-up in her home in Cebu. Year after year, she added her collection little by little until her modest village set grew to 440 pieces with trains and dozens of miniature vignettes now worth about P3 million. Joji’s husband, Clayton, a renowned furniture designer and manufacturer, helped Joji design the Christmas Village.

In 2008, a foundation that supports children with autism asked the Tugonons if they were willing to receive the children in their house to view the Christmas Village. The management of a hotel in Cebu City also read about their collection and offered them the hotel as venue to showcase the Christmas Village. The Tugonons agreed provided that the set-up should have a charity component.

Hans Sy, Marissa Fernan and Santa with the children with cancer

The Tugonons chose the Kythe Foundation, a foundation that takes care of children with cancer. Joji Tugonon, who is childless, had a nanny whose child has cancer. Sometimes she would accompany the nanny and the child when the child got treatment. Touched by the plight of the other children, Joji spoke to her husband Clayton about her plan to help.  Clayton then arranged a  car caravan on New Year’s Day of 2008 to raise funds for the cancer patients. The Tugonons raised P100,000 during the car caravan.

In 2009, their first exhibit in Marco Polo Plaza Hotel Cebu raised P1.4 million for the Christmas Village, and in 2010, they raised P1.9 million plus a P5M donation from Sen. Tito Sotto. This year, the couple aims to raise P2.7M in SM City Cebu.

The Christmas Village of Hope aims to raise funds for the indigent children with cancer under the care of Kythe Foundation Inc. The funds are intended for the chemotherapy of the children. The proceeds will also help fund the laboratory and imaging procedures, medicines as well as the Kythe sponsored celebrate life parties and events.

Survivor, Kianna, speaks in behalf of the children with cancer

Interested donors may visit the Northwing Atrium for their donations (house adoption) and pledges. One may also check the Facebook account bearing the name "CHRISTMAS HOPE"  to choose the “Christmas Houses” they wish to adopt or sponsor. They can get in touch with Joji Tugonon through the following contact numbers: 032-5149899, 032- 3163730, 0917 716 7705 & 0922 8222 167, or email at jorpz_yuman@yahoo.com.ph. Each of the miniature houses cost P5,000, while the train/carriage is for adoption at P20,000.                                                              

Just some of the houses that are up for adoption in the Christmas Village of Hope 

The Christmas Village of Hope is also supported by Jollibee, Greenwich, Red Ribbon and Chowking. It will run until January 2, 2012.

This Christmas, SM has a lot of Gigantic life-size surprises for you and your family. Introducing Frosty the Snowman at SM Calamba, present there to wish you good tidings during this Christmas season especially for you and your family who are loyal shoppers at SM. Like all SM Malls every Christmas, SM City Calamba welcomes the yuletide season with a giant centrepiece that comprises of a whimsically 22ft diameter giant snow globe in which an adorable snowman sits on a wintry landscape. 

Present at the unveiling of the centrepiece was the lavishing SM Managers and employees. To welcome the people to the festive season through the Christmas Centrepiece launch was the Mall Manager Lorenz Calingasan who was the host of the launch on November 12, 2011. The audience was in awe as they unveiled the giant snow globe. Adding more festive flair and cheer to this year’s Christmas centrepiece are 2 giant toy soldiers (12ft tall) and a giant Christmas red chair underneath a colossal 15ft-tall Christmas wreath. The audience undoubtedly couldn’t wait to get their photos taken with the centrepiece as it was one of a kind and a first at SM City Calamba.

With an orchestra playing alongside the stage, this event couldn’t get any better. If you think that’s all, the audience was given another bonus surprise when Santa Claus himself showed up at the event. With moments like these, who wouldn’t be excited for the Christmas season so get snowbound for the holidays at SM City Calamba! 

Visit the atrium and get your picture taken beside the Giant Snow Globe with Frosty himself.  Come visit us at SM CityCalamba today! See you there!

 The SM City Fairview Christmas Launch

November 12, 2011/6 pm

Once upon a time, in a land of ice and snow, there was a magical kingdom protected by a beautiful fairy queen. She was a kind and fair ruler who loved her people and did everything she could to keep them safe and happy. Everyone lived in harmony with each other – even the animals. It was a hidden paradise filled with magic and fantasy.

Fearless wolves guard the gates to this kingdom. Pegasus, the winged horse, patrols from the skies while silent reindeers watch over the land and the forest.

Travelers say that they have seen the shining towers of the castle twinkling from afar. Sometimes when the wind blew over the mountains, they say you can hear the haunting strains of song and fairy music. To keep her kingdom safe, the fairy queen cast a spell on the castle and the entire land. It’s a powerful spell to test anyone who wishes to enter the Magical Kingdom. As the legend goes, to enter this magical land one must pass three magical tests

First, only someone with a good heart will be allowed past the wolves and the enchanted gate.

Second, only someone brave can cross the enchanted ravine towards the fairy castle.

And the third test is that hardest of them all. Once you enter the enchanted castle, the fairy queen will only reveal herself to someone with the true Christmas spirit.

Come and see the Magical Kingdom of Christmas. Maybe you will be the one to see the fairy queen!

A Mystical Christmas filled with elves and fairies was unveiled at SM City Iloilo last November 12, 2011. This grand Christmas celebration was launched simultaneously with all SM Supermalls nationwide.

The program started with a dramatic unveiling of the centerpiece while Iloilo’s top chorale groups. Standing at the lower and upper ground floors with their hand-held lit stars was the Chorale singing “Carol of the Bells”. As the Christmas Centerpiece was unveiled, SM Little Stars winners, Precious Pearl Banaban, Kian Benz Bastian and Mico Hendrix Chua joined SM Group Marketing Manager, Kristine Joyce Yap, 1 Meal Board of Director, Ms. Chona Layson-Bondoc, and SM City Iloilo Mall Manager Girlie Liboon during the lighting of the Christmas Centerpiece.

University of St. La Salle Stingers Aerialists, Pilipinas Got Talent Finalists, who acted as fairies during the program awed everyone with a breathtaking number as they showcased their aerial performance with such ease and expertise. Everyone was literally up in their seats as the performers soared high in the air.

After the unveiling program, Santa Claus with his faithful elves distributed gifts to elementary kids from St. Abeto Elementary School, a beneficiary of the 1 Meal program. 1 Meal program is a non-profit organization which aims to improve facilities in less privileged public schools by actively involving the private sector.

The Christmas Centerpiece at  SM City Iloilo features three giant Christmas trees as high as 20 feet, featuring playful elves, giant red polka dotted mushrooms and other unique Christmas ornaments.  

SM City Cebu launched its Christmas campaign and the SM Supermalls Christmas jingle on November 12 at the Northwing Atrium.  

The Christmas campaign launch was well attended by guests from the Cebu City government, media and shoppers.

The Christmas launch started with performances from stiltwalkers and magicians. 
The very talented young Cebuano violinist Jake Gacang serenaded the audience with his renditions of Christmas songs. A performance from the Voice of Cebu Chorale awed the audience with their powerful voices singing Christmas melodies.

Ms. Sherry Tuvilla, mall manager of SM City Cebu said during her welcome message that “Truly, the best gift to mankind is the child Jesus: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son.”  But the best gift we can receive is knowing the delight that our customers get, in the little shrieks we hear, as we feature the unique centrepiece that SM is known for - serving as a convergence of families across the land.  

Highlighting the Christmas launch was the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas Trees by Cebu City Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young, Cebuana socialite and event specialist,  Ms. Teresin Mendezona together with the Vice President for SM Prime Holdings Ms. Marissa Fernan through the “magic wand”.

American Idol Season 10 contestant and Cebu’s very own talented singer Monique de los Santos sang the SM Christmas Jingle originally sang by international youtube sensation Maria Aragon. The 11 year old singer is now the official voice of SM Christmas ChriSM.  The 11 year old, Maria Aragon has come a long way ever since she uploaded a video of her breakthrough acoustic rendition of Lady Gaga’s song, Born This Way, back in February of this year.

The launch capped with a performance from Monique de los Santos singing O Holy Night and Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

The SM City Cebu Christmas Village was also featured on Philippine Daily Inquirer last Sunday, December 4!  Here is a copy for those of you who missed it, or better yet, head on to SM City Cebu to see it!