Daily TribuneChristmas launch amplifies hope and compassion, opening gateways for generosity rooted in the heart of the season
SM Supermalls shows solidarity nationwide for Cebu’s recovery: SM Aura, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia with the Mall of Asia Globe, SM Seaside Cebu, and SM Lanang light up its facades in a distinct green hue for hope.
Hope shines brightest even in the darkest times As SM Malls across the Philippines light up in green as a symbol of support and hope for Cebu, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan calls to remembrance how even in the hardest of times there will always be help to recover, rebuild and hope.
Photographs courtesy of SM SUPERMALLS
Unwrapping the Gift of Grace and Hope: A Christmas Musical — SM City Cebu’s special Christmas presentation — features a touching story of kindness and generosity, pointing back to the true meaning of the holiday season and the Spirit of Christmas rooted in compassion and goodwill.
All SM Malls Unite for Cebu SM Prime Vice President and Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Executive Committee Marissa Fernan (center) on behalf of SM Supermalls honors Cebu and Mabolo’s first responders for their dedication and compassion during the SM City Cebu Christmas launch.
Volunteers prepare to distribute 8,000 SM Kalinga packs to affected families and communities in Cebu. Each kit contains life-essential goods such as food and hygiene supplies enough for a family of 4-5 people.
SM Cebu recently wrapped up its Christmas display kick off last 13 November. With the theme, “Unwrapping the Gift of Grace and Hope” the celebration amplified the true heart of the season rooted in giving and compassion. Through its Christmas tree lighting ceremony, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan ignited the campaign “SM Supermalls Unites for Cebu” rallying all SM Malls around the country to support the restoration of the region’s devastated communities.
The kick off program featured an original music production created just for the occasion as well as honored local first responders, volunteers, and every day heroes who put their lives on the line for the sake of those affected in Mabolo.
Tan emphasized the deeper value of the season in his special message for the kick-off. “This evening marks more than just the beginning of the Christmas season at SM — it’s a moment to come together, to reflect, give thanks, and share hope.”
Simultaneously, five SM Malls across the country illuminated its facades in a vibrant green—the color of hope—as an expression of solidarity for the recovery of Cebu. SM Aura, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia with the Mall of Asia Globe, SM Seaside Cebu, and SM Lanang all lit up their facades together, drowning out the dark with jade hues to amplify that hope always shines brighter when everyone comes together.
“As every SM Mall lights up in green, we dedicate this glow to Cebu — and to all communities who remind us what resilience and faith truly mean. May this light remind us that even in the hardest times, we can always rebuild, we can always recover, and we can always hope,” Tan said.
The joy of lifting each other up
SM also organized collective efforts to further extend the season of giving through real, strong, and united acts of compassion.
Hand in hand with Local Government Units, partner organizations, SM Foundation and SM Cares, SM Malls rolled out Operation Tulong Express, its flagship disaster recovery and assistance program which sought to extend relief and crucial medical care to devastated Cebuanos. 8,000 Kalinga packs which contained life-essential goods such as food and hygiene supplies were distributed and Cash Donation booths were deployed across all SM Malls in the country.
Through SM Supermarket, SM City Cebu expressed its heartfelt gratitude to local first responders during the Christmas launch by turning over 200 assistance packs in honor of their valiant efforts to dedicate their strength, time, and compassion in the aftermath of the disaster.
Beneficiaries were the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Office (CCDRRMO), Bureau of Fire Protection Mabolo, Philippine National Police Mabolo, and Barangay Mabolo’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Office with its local Welfare workers.
“Together, let’s continue to give — not just gifts, but our time, compassion, and love. Let’s keep the light shining — for Cebu, for our communities, and for one another. Because at the heart of Christmas is the joy of lifting others up,” Tan said.
