SM spells magic with Disney

MANILA, Philippines - The SM Group announced on Tuesday its collaboration with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia to bring the Disney brand of stories closer to Filipinos through mall, retail, entertainment and amusement opportunities.

The two companies aim to bring to life Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars brands through unique Disney experiences at SM’s many leisure and entertainment outlets.

Fans and enthusiasts can look forward to a host of innovative offerings, including Disney branded events, promotions and other unique experiences themed around fun-favorite Disney brands and characters.

“We are thrilled to be associated with the iconic Walt Disney Company. Henry Sy Sr. envisioned and purposed a second home for Filipinos across the nation where they can create memorable bonding activities with their families through amusement facilities, retail centers and food establishments – all found in one mall,” says Edgar Tejerero, president of SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc.

“Sixty-five years later, and with 52 malls across the Philippines, it is high time that SM forge an official collaboration with the best family entertainment company in the world,” he added. 

Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia managing director Rob Gilby, for his part, said: “Every day, we make millions of Filipinos laugh and smile with our stories and characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars. We have worked with the various arms of SM group over the years and today we are delighted to announce our collaboration on a comprehensive plan to create magical moments and memories that will last a lifetime for fans across the Philippines.” 

Both SM and Disney have given, and continue to give, customers happy lifetime memories across all generations. Both brands offer a legacy, tradition and way of life – a world that customers identify with and find attachment to. Through this partnership, SM will continue to create these experiences and bring the Disney magic closer to Filipinos, Tejerero emphasized.

SM has synergized the efforts of all its subsidiaries – including SM Supermalls, SM Markets, The SM Store, Toy Kingdom, and its lifestyle and entertainment arm, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. – to produce a complete and one-of-a-kind Disney experience for its patrons: from the moment they enter the mall to watch a movie, to the time they purchase their favorite snack and Disney merchandise. Patrons can also take their SM Cinema and Disney experience home with them, or wherever they go, through the newly launched Blink app.

As a precursor to an already successful association, Disney and SM have worked hand in hand to bring multiple experiential events to Filipino families such as the recent Avengers Experience in SM North Edsa, where guests were treated to life-size characters, avenger-themed games and meet-and-greet Captain America, Thor and Black Widow.  

To officially jumpstart their formal bond as allies, SM and Disney will shortly launch a “Star Wars Galactic Christmas” to welcome the latest instalment of the movie “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

The exhibit will include life-size figurines of characters from the movie, interactive games and official merchandise from the SM Store and Toy Kingdom.

 Watch out for the “Star Wars Galactic Christmas” event in Select SM Supermalls near you.