SM Cares, SM Cinema, Autism Society Philippines (ASP), and GMA Pictures teamed up to host a special sensory-friendly screening of the award-winning film Firefly on January 17, 2025, in celebration of National Autism Consciousness Week.

The event brought together over 2,000 participants across 10 SM malls, including children on the autism spectrum and their families, for a heartwarming and inclusive movie experience.

“Whenever we step into SM malls, we feel the acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation—it’s just how things are here,” shared Autism Society Philippines (ASP) Chair Emerita Dang Uy Koe.

What Makes It Special

The event, themed “Lights Up, Sounds Down,” was more than just a movie screening. Adjusted lighting, lower sound levels, and a relaxed atmosphere allowed attendees to enjoy the film comfortably, at their own pace. The thoughtful setup also encouraged movement and vocalizations, creating an environment where everyone could feel at ease.

Firefly stars Alessandra De Rossi and Euwenn Mikaell even joined the fun at SM North EDSA, adding an extra touch of magic to the day.

A Step Toward Inclusion

“At SM Supermalls, we believe it’s our responsibility to create spaces where everyone feels valued and included—it’s part of who we are,” said Engr. Bien Mateo, SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs.

Families across SM malls expressed their gratitude for the initiative, calling it a joyful and welcoming experience. Many appreciated the effort to provide a safe space for children on the autism spectrum to enjoy activities that others might take for granted.

SM Cares: Advocating for Everyone

This sensory-friendly screening is just one of the many ways SM Cares supports inclusivity. SM invests in employee training programs to better serve individuals on the autism spectrum and incorporates accessibility features in SM Cinema theaters to ensure everyone feels welcome.

As the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, SM Cares champions programs for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) alongside other advocacies, including environmental sustainability, women’s empowerment, children’s welfare, and senior citizen support.

To learn more about SM Cares and its initiatives, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

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Lee Gatz

One response to “Firefly Lights Up National Autism Consciousness Week”

Apart Cy

January 26, 2025

So nice , enjoy ang mga attendees dito lalo yung mga kids

Reply

Lee

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