Editor’s note: This press release is sponsored by SM Supermalls and was handled by BrandRap, the sales and marketing arm of Rappler. No member of the news and editorial team participated in the publishing of this piece.

SM Supermalls is calling it – Christmas 2022 is going to be one for the books. And they’re making sure of it.

The past two years saw Filipinos dialing down on holiday celebrations as people exercised caution against the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It’s no easy feat, too, given that Christmas is easily the biggest event of the year. The good – no, aweSM – news? This 2022, SM is set to give you a Christmas comeback like no other with the return of the SM Christmas Village, now in its second year!

SM Supermalls is one of the very first malls in the Philippines to venture into the metaverse, giving you a mobile brand rewards app that provides customers with fun and exciting ways to score amazing deals, earn free shopping money, and win wow-worthy prizes – anytime, anywhere!

And here’s proof of just how amazing it is: the pilot run of the ChristmaSaya Village in 2021 recently won four accolades at this year’s Vega Awards, earning nods for outstanding innovation in the digital and virtual realm. Wowza!

Enter the “Mall-tiverse”

Here’s how it works.

To join, a user simply has to register for an account online via smmetaverse.world. Once registered, you gain access to the virtual SM Christmas Village, where you can explore different zones, interact with other players, and collect virtual coins to unlock exclusive shopping vouchers and earn raffle entries. And just like at SM Supermalls nationwide, #YoureAlwaysWelcomeHere.

Excited for supercharged virtual fun? Here’s a quick look at what’s in store for you this year:

• Bigger rewards, bigger prizes
  If you loved last year’s vouchers, you’re in for even better rewards this time. SM has partnered with more of your favorite brands to give you exclusive shopping discounts and deals (a total of P2 million worth of vouchers are up for grabs!) and is set to give away a whopping P1 million worth of raffle prizes. Plus, one lucky winner will drive home the ultimate Christmas gift: a brand-new Suzuki S-Presso!

• An expansive game world awaits
  Your gaming experience gets a level up with improved game designs and an exciting game world featuring new areas to explore – from shopping and dining zones to entertainment zones – like you’re really at an SM Supermall. Experience augmented reality malling, meet friends, and play fun games to earn virtual coins. Before that, have fun customizing your own avatar down to the hair, outfit, and accessories (shopping bag, included), so you can create a character that’s uniquely you.

• Enjoy fresh in-game features
  Get your family members in on the Christmas fever with the multiplayer option and stay connected while you play with the new chat and video-calling features. Be on the lookout for pop-ups, too, featuring special brand deets and surprise deals with every visit.

• Earn shopping money every day
  The more virtual coins you collect in-app, the more “shopping money” you get, which you can use to redeem vouchers from your favorite brands. Once you’ve claimed your vouchers virtually, you can use them at participating SM Mall branches nationwide – to pay for your Christmas shopping, dining, and more! You can also use your coins to unlock raffle entries and win one of the 20 major prizes at the end of the year.

Some tips!

• Visit the village every day to earn more coins faster.
• Excited to shop? You can spend your coins as soon as you earn them, but it pays to be patient, too. By accumulating your coins first, you’ll be able to redeem bigger rewards later on!
• Make sure to explore all the zones and keep an eye out for hidden treasures and bonuses.

A Christmas to remember

With restrictions easing up and COVID-19 vaccination rates at an encouraging high, this year’s holiday season is shaping up to be one to look forward to. If you’re jonesing for some real-life Christmas fun, though, you won’t be disappointed when you take a break from the metaverse and make your way to your favorite SM Supermalls instead! From the light shows and holiday centerpieces to all sorts of Christmas attractions, all things merry and bright await you and the whole family – and it all starts now! Check out all the holiday happenings here and have a #HappyChristmasAtSM!

The #SMChristmasVillage2022 will run from October 28, 2022 to January 5, 2023. Voucher redemption will be until January 31, 2023.

To stay updated on all things SM, follow SM Supermalls on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. SM implements strict #SafeMallingAtSM protocols nationwide and offers convenient shopping options via the SM Malls Online app, The SM Store, and ShopSM (you can read more here.) For updates on mall hours and entry guidelines, click here. – Rappler.com