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

Explore a world of wonder in Elfdale, Santa’s magical land!

by Info @Brand Zone | Oct. 16, 2024

Experience the magic of Christmas at The Block Atrium,

SM North EDSA from October 16 to January 5

A festive holiday experience awaits Filipinos in Quezon City as SM North EDSA transforms into a whimsical wonderland called Elfdale, the place where the first Christmas tree grew and reindeer took flight, and the home of the great pine elves, Santa’s merry little helpers.

Mallgoers can feast their eyes on spectacular lush green landscapes, mesmerizing cascading digital waterfalls, and radiant Christmas trees that truly capture the spirit of the joyful season. 

At the heart of Elfdale is a dazzling 60-foot giant Christmas tree adorned with glimmering ornaments – perfect for that Instagram-worthy shot with family and friends.

SM North EDSA’s Elfdale will also give mallgoers a chance to meet enchanting figures of Christmas such as a wizard Santa who spreads holiday cheer, a majestic elder deer, pine elves, and other mystical creatures.

To further immerse in the magic of Elfdale, SM North EDSA will also have the following festivities:

Christmas Bazaar (October 16 – January 5) – Shop the most thoughtful gifts for your loved ones this season of giving with a wide variety of options from every store.

Mystical Cavern Adventure (October 16 - January 5) – Journey though enchanted caves on an interactive adventure that blends holiday spirit with ancient wonder.

Santa Meet & Greet (every Sunday from December 8 – 25) – Snap that picture perfect photo with Santa Claus as he comes to town.

Grand Fireworks Display (every Saturday from November 30 – December 21) – Witness an enthralling display of fireworks that will light up the sky to welcome the happiest season of the year.

Spend your Christmas at SM North EDSA. Share your stories using #ElfdaleAtSMNorth and follow the official social media accounts of SM North EDSA for more thrilling updates.

Celebrating Super Citizens during Elderly Filipino Week 2024 at SM

by Info @Brand Zone | Oct. 12, 2024

As part of its Elderly Filipino Week 2024 celebrations, SM Cares, together with the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the SM Super Grannies Club, hosted a series of fun, engaging, and meaningful activities to honor the senior citizen community, held last Oct. 1, 2024, at the Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.

During the morning activity, the attendees were treated to numerous interactive sessions, wellness programs, and exciting surprises tailored specifically for senior citizens, aimed at celebrating their invaluable contributions, fostering a sense of inclusion, and providing opportunities for them to enjoy and connect with others.

Among the highlights of the morning event were a mass at the Shrine of Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life; the Walk for Life parade; and a Zumba session; Filipino balladeer and 70’s Jukebox King Darius Razon also serenaded the attendees with his mesmerizing voice.

Another event aimed to support our Super Citizens was held at the SM North EDSA Skydome co-organized with Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP). The Talakayan Forum, which brought together senior citizens, local government representatives, and various stakeholders to address pressing concerns and share insights about senior welfare, inclusivity, and the role of the elderly in nation-building.

Designed as an open forum for important discussions that directly impact the senior citizen community, the Talakayan Forum aims to facilitate meaningful exchange, empower the elderly through dialogue, and ensure their voices are heard in community and national development.

The forum also highlighted the invaluable contributions of the elderly to community development and nation-building, while strengthening partnerships between local government units, senior citizen organizations, and the private sector in support of senior welfare.

These activities align with SM Cares' mission to promote inclusivity and provide platforms for important societal conversations, furthering its support for senior citizens as part of its Program on Persons with Disabilities, which promotes a barrier-free and disability inclusive environment for PWDs its malls.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.