SM City Cebu formally opened the Christmas Village of Hope at the Northwing Atrium last Nov. 26 with SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI) president Hans Sy, and his sister Elizabeth Sy, president of SM Hotels and Conventions, leading the unveiling ceremony.

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 sang Christmas songs under the direction of conductor Dennis Gregory Sugarol.

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The choir group also sang the SM Christmas ChriSMs jingle version of Youtube sensation Maria Aragon.

SM Supermalls chose International YouTube sensation Aragon to sing the SM Supermalls’ official holiday tune, SM Christmas ChriSMs Bop, to make the Christmas celebration extra special for its shoppers.

The ceremonial lighting of the symbolic Christmas tree opened the curtain exposing the over 70-square-meter Christmas Village of Hope. Witnessing the unveiling was SMPHI vice president Marissa Fernan.

The village is rooted in the elaborate Christmas traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch.

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 for the laboratory, chemotherapy and medicine needs of the children, and the Kythe-sponsored celebrate life parties and events.

Donors may visit the Northwing Atrium for their donations and pledges, check the Facebook account bearing the name ‘Christmas Hope’ to choose the “Christmas Houses” they wish to adopt or sponsor, or get in touch with Joji Tugonon at [email protected]. Each of the miniature houses costs P5,000, while the train/carriage is for adoption at P20,000.

The Christmas Village of Hope, which is also supported by Jollibee, Greenwich, Red Ribbon and Chowking, will run until Jan. 2. (PR)