The holidays are often measured by lights, gifts, and gatherings, but at their heart, they are about sharing. This Christmas season, SM Supermalls turned that spirit into action through SM Besties of Joy and ChriSMiles, heartwarming initiatives that brought smiles, hope, and festive cheer to children across SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, and SM City San Mateo.
Through the combined generosity of shoppers and the dedication of SM employee volunteers, holiday giving became more than a tradition. It became a shared experience of compassion and community impact across East Metro.
What Are SM Besties of Joy and ChriSMiles?
SM Besties of Joy and ChriSMiles are annual holiday initiatives by SM Supermalls designed to support children from partner communities and care institutions. These programs encourage shoppers to give a little extra during the holidays while providing employees with opportunities to volunteer and connect directly with beneficiaries.
Rather than focusing only on gift-giving, the initiatives emphasize presence, connection, and shared moments, reminding everyone that the true joy of the season lies in kindness and togetherness.
SM City Masinag: Celebrating with Communities and Care Homes
At SM City Masinag, the spirit of giving reached two groups of children through both programs.
Children from Barangay Pintong Bukawe in San Mateo, Rizal were the beneficiaries of SM Besties of Joy. With the help of generous shoppers, the children received gifts that made their holiday celebration brighter and more memorable.
Meanwhile, SM employee volunteers spent meaningful time with children from Precious Heritage Children’s Home under the ChriSMiles program. Beyond gifts and treats, the day was filled with laughter, conversations, and shared holiday activities that made the children feel valued and remembered during the festive season.
SM City Marikina: Turning Simple Moments into Lasting Memories
The holiday programs at SM City Marikina focused on creating joyful experiences for children under the care of local social institutions.
Through SM Besties of Joy, children supported by the City Social Welfare and Development Office of Marikina City received holiday gifts made possible by shoppers who chose to give back while doing their Christmas errands.
SM employee volunteers also spent a special day with children from Marikina Kids Town. The celebration included gift-giving, snacks, and simple holiday activities, proving that even small gestures can leave a lasting impact when done with sincerity and care.
SM City San Mateo: One Community, Shared Joy
At SM City San Mateo, both SM Besties of Joy and ChriSMiles were dedicated to children from the San Mateo Day Care Center.
Held at the mall’s activity area, the celebration brought together SM employees and children for a cheerful program filled with games, gifts, and shared laughter. The event transformed the mall space into a venue of warmth and connection, highlighting how commercial spaces can also serve as platforms for community building.
Holiday giving holds deep meaning in Filipino culture. It reflects shared values of bayanihan, malasakit, and generosity, especially toward children. For many beneficiaries, the experience is not just about receiving gifts. It is about feeling seen, included, and cared for.
A Reflection of SM Supermalls’ Community Commitment
These holiday initiatives reflect SM Supermalls’ long-standing commitment to uplifting communities and nurturing a culture of compassion and service. By integrating giving into everyday mall experiences, SM shows that corporate responsibility can be both accessible and heartfelt.
Rather than limiting impact to a single day, the programs leave a lasting impression, inspiring continued kindness even after the holidays have passed.
A Season Made Brighter Through Shared Generosity
As the holiday season came to a close, SM Supermalls in East Metro expressed heartfelt gratitude to all shoppers who donated and to every employee volunteer who shared their time and energy. Through SM Besties of Joy and ChriSMiles, Christmas became more than a celebration. It became a reminder of the joy that comes from giving.
In communities across Marikina, Masinag, and San Mateo, the season was marked not just by decorations, but by smiles, hope, and moments of genuine connection.