SM City Cebu's Christmas Village of Hope

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.

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN SM CITY CEBU BEGINS

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!    

  

SM City Cebu brings a Magical Christmas beginning November 12

SM City Cebu will launch its Christmas campaign and the SM Supermalls Christmas jingle come November 12. SM bursts with fun, joy and a thousand things to do as it welcomes the Yuletide Season with an exciting new Christmas theme.   The launch of the Christmas campaign begins at 5pm at the Northwing Atrium. The very talented young Cebuano violinist Jake Gacang will serenade the audience with his renditions of Christmas songs, while one of Cebu’s talented singer Monique de los Santos will sing the new version of the SM Supermalls Christmas jingle. Even as a child, de los Santos had already shown great potential as a singer. She had performed and sung in many of her school activities and guested on her mom’s shows. Her mother is a Cebuana diva herself, Eva Santos. Performing together with de los Santos is the Voice of Cebu Chorale, a premiere chamber choir composed of students and young professionals.   The event will highlight the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas Trees at the Northwing Atrium. Kids can have their photos taken with Santa Claus at the Christmas Trees on November 12 at 5pm.   Different chorale groups in Cebu such as Fidelis Choir, Voice of Cebu, and the UC Chorus will also perform every Sundays beginning November 13, 6pm at the Northwing Atrium.   Check out SM City Cebu (Official) in Facebook for more updates on the line-up of events for the holidays.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/SM-City-Cebu-Official/140835125941526 Gather your family for a joyful Christmas beginning November 12 at SM City Cebu.

Enchanting Christmas @ SM City Cebu

Get ready for something enchanting with SM City Cebu's most joyful Christmas celebration!

Get readu for something enchanting with SM CITY CEBU's most joyful Christmas celebration!!!

ONE JOYFUL COMPANY | SM CITY CEBU, DAVAO, ILOILO & BACOLOD

A Christmas musical special featuring the country's top vocal group... THE COMPANY!!!

CELEBRATE AN ENCHANTING CHRISTMAS: SM CITY CEBU

CELEBRATE AN ENCHANTING CHRISTMAS AT SM CITY CEBU

Get ready for something enchanting as SM City Cebu's most joyful Christmas celebration comes to life on November 6, 5PM at the Northwing Atrium.

• Witness the Grand Launch & Ceremonial Lighting of the Enchanted Christmas Forest, 6PM at the Northwing Atrium
• Watch the live performance of Cebu's top musical and dance groups --- enchanting voices of the UC Chorus, fairy ballerinas from the Ballet Center, and the magical music of the Peace Philharmonic Double Quartet.
• Catch the launch of SM Supermalls' Christmas ChriSMs Jingle with the 250 voices of the UC Chorus and Mr. Luke Mejares.
• Meet & Greet Santa at the Christmas Red Chair, 5PM at the Lower Ground Floor Mosaic Area, Main Mall.
• See your favorite stars in the GMA Kapuso Mall Show with Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown and Tween Hearts, 4PM at the Event Centre.

Truly, it is an enchanting Christmas at SM City Cebu, so shop, dine and celebrate the most joyful season of the year with us!!!