Antipolo City, Rizal — SM City Masinag here, like many other SM Super Malls in the provinces, started giving Christmas gifts to children this early as it unveiled its centerpiece for the season of giving – the Mickey Mouse Club House.

SM Supermalls Regional Operations Manager for Central 2 Giuseppe Jahrling led mall officials in the early gift-giving event which was attended by local and provincial government officials in the province.

At least 70 lucky kids who are pupils of City Gates Academy were feted to fun activities and surprises during the unveiling of the Christmas centerpiece at the SM City Masinag, located near Masinag Junction on Marcos Highway, here.

CHRISTMAS FOR THE KIDS — (Left frame) Two of Rizal Governor Nini Ynares’ grandsons by daughter Nina – Jack and Itos – help Santa Claus in the gift-giving activity at SM City-Masinag last weekend during the launching of its Christmas centerpiece, ‘Spectacular Christmas and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.’ At right, Aeta kids receive gifts from SM City-Olongapo during the launching of its Christmas season display. (Rudy Liwanag and Jonas Reyes)

“They even lined up for a meet-and-greet opportunity with Santa Claus following the official lighting of the Christmas display,” Jahrling said.

Teen celebrities from the reality TV show “Pinoy Big Brother All In,” led by Jacob Benedicto, Jayme Jalandoni, and two others were there. The celebrities – official endorsers of SM Surplus Shop –provided a short entertainment number for the audience.

In Quezon province, SM City Lucena the “Christmas Express”-themed centerpiece was also launched with the lighting of a three-storey Christmas tree.

In Zambales, Aeta kids also received gifts at SM City-Olongapo during the launching of its Christmas display centerpiece. They were also treated to a “Donkey’s Christmas Shrektacular” movie and given toys after the presentation.

In Bulacan, more than a hundred children in fairy, princess, dwarf and elf costumes joined the grand parade inside SM City Baliuag to draw attention to the program performances of the SM Little Star finalists and the Conception Children’s Choir.

SM Baliuag Public Relations Officer Scarlet Marie D. Pagdanganan said its Christmas centerpiece, “Barbie and the Secret Door,” was launched simultaneous with the 46 other SM Super Malls throughout the country.

As part of SM’s program, a gift-giving of branded “Bears of Joy” toys was held for underprivileged children. (With reports from Danny J. Estacio, Jonas Reyes and Freddie C. Velez)