SM Supermalls’ 100 Days Christmas Countdown 2019

My favorite time of the year is here once again. I know it’s only September but the whole world knows that Christmas in the Philippines starts as soon as the “ber” months arrive (September, October, November and December) and continues even beyond December 25 all the way to after New Year. The festive mood is starting to be felt everywhere. Some radio stations are also playing Christmas songs already and I’ve started a list of the people I’m going to give gifts to and what I’ll give them. That’s how excited I am.

A lot of you probably wonder why we like to celebrate Christmas for as long as possible. About 80% of Filipinos are Catholics and we’re the only Asian country with the most number of Catholics. Because of this, Christmas is the most important holiday in the Philippines. Christianity became widely known in our country in the 1500s when missionaries from Spain and Portugal came here. Christmas customs though are a mixture of western and native Filipino traditions. We have Santa Claus, Christmas cards, Christmas carols, and Christmas trees, all of which came from western countries.

We’re known for being close to our families and fun-loving people. These traits may also explain why Christmas is celebrated early. We want to be reminded of the happy moments we spent with our families, especially during the Christmas season.

SM Supermalls across the country marked September 16 (Countdown to 100 Days ‘Til Christmas). This also officially ushers all of their 73 malls into the festive holiday season. SM City Bacolod celebrated with a short but joyous program.

The De La Salle Chorale held a mini-Christmas concert of the most loved seasonal songs, including the retail giant’s newest Christmas jingle, “SM Mallidays“. Santa Claus also went around the mall greeting shoppers while the Mojo Nova band performed for the mallgoers.

SM, the 61-year-old company whose malls have been around for more than 30 years, has always been a big part of the Filipino family’s traditions, including Christmas. From the merry mall decorations to the music, to finding holiday essentials, the activities and events, they all form part of Christmas memories in the Philippines.

With the marking of the days to December 25, Bacoleños can look forward to new Christmas experiences in the form of exciting treats, entertainment and visual delights. It’s still a long time to December but 100 days early, SM is already feeling like the place to be for wonderful food, fun moments, and everything exciting under the sun.