SM treats children with special needs to world-class magic show

MANILA, Philippines - The SM Cares Program on Disability Affairs, together with the SM Arena Management, recently treated children with special needs to the Disney Live! Presents Mickey’s Magic Show at SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena as an early Christmas gift.

Accompanied by their respective parents and guardians, the children were from different organizations, namely Life Haven, Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Kythe Philippines, Autism Society of the Philippines and Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc.

Malou Arevalo, one of the parents, is thankful for the opportunity given to her child. “I was really touched with the special attention given to our children. Their excitement during the magic show really showed that they enjoyed every moment of this one-of-a-kind experience,” she said in Filipino.

Parents Pemonia Chua and Guy dela Cruz thank SM for caring and making their kids feel extra special.

“It’s a great privilege for the children to actually have companies like SM who take good care of them. Unlike in the past, some children felt alienated from such activities and often times neglected or ignored,” Chua said. 

“Through initiatives from companies to touch the lives of differently-abled children, people become more informed and understanding about their condition,” dela Cruz adds.

According to Isabella Manjon of SM MOA Arena, bringing the children and parents over for the show was an opportunity for everyone to enjoy. The SM Arena has designated areas and facilities fit for people with special needs to allow them to maximize the experience of watching shows, presentations and concerts. This has allowed SM to serve as a venue for different events that could be enjoyed and appreciated by every guest.

She said that this hasn’t been the first time they’ve invited PWDs to watch events live, and expresses optimism that this will not be the last.

“The smiles they had on their faces after the shows were priceless. In our own little way, we’ve touched their lives and made them happy,” Manjon enthused.

Presented by Vivre Fort Entertainment and Feld Entertainment, Disney Live! Presents Mickey’s Magic Show was a production that brought Disney characters and world-class illusionists together on one stage. The international production was brought to the Philippines in September and was staged in Manila at the SM MOA Arena.

For information,  visit and like SM CSR Program on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares.