The holiday season came alive for 45 children from Aeta communities in Porac, Pampanga, as the Senate Spouses Foundation, Inc. (SSFI) brought festive cheer during the “Christmas in November” event at SM Store Clark.
This annual gift-giving initiative, which began at SM Store Megamall in previous years, has now expanded to provincial areas, including SM Store Clark, SM Store Cebu, and SM Store Lanang in Davao.
In collaboration with SM, the event kicked off with lunch at Wendy’s and provided a day of joy for the Aeta children, who were thrilled to visit the mall for the first time. Senate spouses and their representatives guided the kids through SM Store, helping them select clothes, school supplies, toys, and more.
GM Mark Lapid led the group of spouses who embraced the role of caring adults for the day, including USEC Emmeline A. Villar, Nancy Dela Rosa, Maricel Tulfo, who accompanied the children on their festive shopping spree as part of this yearly outreach program.
The participants were warmly greeted and supported by SM Store Clark team and SM Executives, led by Monina Maturino, AVP SM Store Clark, along with Johanna Rupisan, SAVP for North B, Andrea Rodriguez AVP for North 5, Jerwin Jalandoni, Mall Manager, SM City Clark.
The “Christmas in November” initiative was established in 1998 by Eloisa Nolasco-Fernan. GM Mark Lapid thanked the SSFI for their dedication to public service “Thank you for your time and dedication in supporting the efforts of our senators. Our years of partnership have changed the lives of many Filipinos across the country. Today, we made another milestone by giving smiles to our Aeta children here in Pampanga.”
This year, the Aeta children even surprised everyone with a special performance, showcasing their talents and gratitude.
The children from the Aeta communities of Porac were gathered and led by General Manager Mark Lapid, who is also the Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
“Christmas in November” is one of the many ways SM Supermalls brings joy to underprivileged communities during the holiday season.
