Super Weekend: Kids enjoy K-Pop overload at SM’s SuperKids kick-off launch

by Info @Brand Zone | Oct. 31, 2024

The human claw machine at the SuperKids Day.

Thousands of SuperKids had a thrilling weekend as they experienced a day dedicated to all things K-Pop at the 8th SuperKids Day – the Happy SuperKids Day, which introduced the SuperKids K-Pop Group Dance Contest and the Monsterrific Halloween Costume Contest held at SM City North EDSA.

SuperKids with CeeCee Bear, the Ceelin Gummies mascot on stage.

SuperKids lived out their K-Pop dreams as they got to try various activities such as a K-Pop Makeover Studio, Korean Photobooth by The Film, K-Pop Dance Workshop, and a Fashion Show where they flaunted their K-Style OOTDS and the best dressed SuperKids won exciting prizes.

FIT CHECK! SuperKids in their stunning K-Style OOTDS.

SuperMoms who joined the Facebook pre-event promo (SuperMom & SuperKid Twinning on the SuperMoms Facebook Community) also took home prizes.

TWINNING! SuperMoms and SuperKids in their cute OOTDs.

As a special treat, superkids and mallgoers were treated with electrifying performances from Cloud 7, a P-Pop group under Sparkle GMA Artist Center, and a dynamic K-Pop dance number from the NU Dance Company.

Cloud 7 wowed the crowd at SM City North EDSA.

The NU Dance Company

This year’s SM Little Stars Finalists also showcased their awesome dance skills, dancing to hit K-Pop songs.

L-R: SM Little Star 2024 2nd runner up Jan Ellaine Seares, SM Little Star Finalist Arkhin Gray Patingga, and SM Little Star Girl Top 8 Jene Colleen Golo showing off their dance moves.

Interactive games also wowed superkids as they experienced getting on a human claw machine filled with amazing gifts and played Nintendo Switch Games from Cyberzone and PC Express.

For more information on SM Supermalls and to stay updated, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM Supermalls on Facebook.

Young minds thrive at the SM Super Spelling Bee Grand Finals

by Info @Brand Zone | Oct. 30, 2024

The Grand Finals of the first-ever SM Super Spelling Bee captivated audiences at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on October 21, 2024. Forty young spelling enthusiasts from across the Philippines competed in a thrilling finale, vying to be crowned the SM Super Spelling Bee’s inaugural champion. 

Timothy Flynn Tiamzon from the Philippines Montessori School, Inc., representing SM City Marikina, wins the grand prize at the inaugural SM Super Spelling Bee Grand Finals held at the SM Mall of Asia.

The SM Super Spelling Bee, organized in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), National University (NU), National Book Store, Jollibee, Power Mac Center, and Lanson Place, aims to promote a love for spelling and literacy among young Filipinos. This year, more than 4,800 students aged 9 to 11 participated in elimination rounds held across 40 SM malls over three weekends.

Timothy Flynn Tiamzon, representing SM City Marikina, emerged as the grand champion. He received Php 50,000 in cash and SM gift certificates, Php 150,000 worth of National Book Store gift certificates, Php 10,000 in Jollibee gift certificates, a MacBook Air from Power Mac Center, and a full tuition waiver from NU.

The first runner-up, Priam Harvey Castillo, representing SM City Manila, received Php 30,000 in cash and SM gift certificates, a full tuition waiver at NU, Php 100,000 in National Book Store gift certificates, Php 7,000 in Jollibee gift certificates, and a MacBook Air.

Priam Harvey Castillo, representing SM City Manila, claims the first runner-up spot.

Second runner-up Clark Elizar Ramos, representing SM City Cauayan won Php 20,000 in cash and SM gift certificates, a 50% tuition discount at NU, Php 50,000 in National Book Store gift certificates, Php 5,000 in Jollibee gift certificates, and a MacBook Air.

Second runner-up Clark Elizar Ramos represents SM City Cauayan in Isabela.

Participants ranking 6th to 10th place each receive Php 15,000 in National Bookstore gift certificates and Php 5,000 in Power Mac Center gift certificates. Pictured (L-R): National Bookstore President Adrian Ramos, National University (NU) Admissions Assistant Director Kim Carla Cargo, Power Mac Center Marketing Manager Krisel Loreto, SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Tenant Marketing and Special Events Hanna Carinna Sy, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin, and TV personality Joyce Pring

The finalists compete in the Spelling Bee’s first round, a written spelling test.

Filipino pop group CLOUD7 performs at the SM Super Spelling Bee Grand Finals.

Congratulations to the champions and finalists of the SM Super Spelling Bee!

Stay updated on SM Supermalls’ events by visiting www.smsupermalls.com and following SM Supermalls on social media.

Inclusion, accessibility take center stage as Book Nook and Best Buddies Philippines hold book launch celebrating Down Syndrome

by Info @Brand Zone | Oct. 28, 2024

Photo: Jacey, Gelli, and Joey sharing a moment before the inclusive celebration. As part of its goal of creating inclusive spaces for SM mallgoers regardless of their ability or  disability, Book Nook and Best Buddies Philippines (BBP), hosted a book  launch for a groundbreaking fiction series that celebrates Down Syndrome in all its beauty, held  last Oct. 6 at the Book Nook SM Aura branch in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

Photo: Michelle Aventajado, Richard Caluyo, Arianne Reyes, as  Katrina Gutierrez turns over copies of One Extra Sparkle: Ellie and the Marriage List to the SM BOOK NOOK. One Extra Sparkle is the first early fiction series featuring a child protagonist who has Down Syndrome. The series' first book, "Ellie and the Marriage List," stars Ellie, a neurodivergent 10- year-old "whose extra sparkle never fails to shine bright," embarking on a summer adventure full  of friendship and self-discovery.

"The incredible launch of One Extra Sparkle: Ellie and the Marriage List truly dazzled! Hosting this wonderful event during Down Syndrome Awareness Month made it even more special, amplifying its heartfelt message of love, inclusion, and the extra sparkle every child with Down syndrome brings to the world,” said Katrina Gutierrez, editor from Lantana.

Photo: Miss Possibilities and The Crafter’s Marketplace prepared fun reading nook activities related to Ellie and her adventures. From making book marks to creating their own personalized “book” tote, and coloring pages related to the story encouraged and empowered everyone to make reading an activity of choice.

Through the event, SM Cares fostered meaningful engagement for the attendees through reading  sessions, art activities, and opportunities for socialization, empowering them by creating activities  that cater to their abilities, interests, and needs, in an event space that is welcoming and inclusive.

Among the highlights of the event was the storytelling session for "Ellie and the Marriage List" led by the  book's author Tricia Seabolt and illustrator Lucy Rogers, bringing Ellie's adventures to life.

BBP Ambassadors also shared personal stories about their experiences regarding their friendships with  other persons with Down Syndrome, and hosted a Q&A session for the attendees about these  experiences.

The event was held in partnership with BBP, which is known for fostering inclusion and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, an advocacy that mirrors SM Cares' efforts to create an environment that cares for PWDs and understands their  needs in all its malls as part of its promise of being a "Mall for All." 

Best Buddies Philippines creates family friendsly opportunities for the community to come together in SM Malls that are inclusive and safe.

The book launch is in line with Book Nook's efforts to create enriching and supportive experiences  for all participants through active collaboration with like-minded organizations; and is all part of  a broader commitment to accessibility and community-building for the PWD sector, with more  inclusive events eyed in the future.

Happy Readers in celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month celebrate with their personalized “book bags,” book marks, and journals.

Launched by SM Supermalls as community library and learning hub, Book Nook invites everyone  to discover the joy of reading. This welcoming space is designed to foster a love of literature,  promote community engagement, and provide a valuable resource for all ages. 

Visitors can borrow books, attend literary events, and connect with other book enthusiasts. Book  Nook is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that everyone feels welcome. Visit a branch at SM Aura  or The Podium to explore this vibrant literary community. 

ABOUT BEST BUDDIES PHILIPPINES: Best Buddies Philippines is a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental diversities in the Philippines. Established in 2020, Best Buddies Philippines is accredited by Best Buddies International and continues to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living.  In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental diversities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships.

For more information please visit the website www.bestbuddiesph.org, Facebook Page, Instagram, Youtube,and Linkedin