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| (Image Source: SM Development Corporation) |
Holiday gift-giving often comes down to simple things kids remember: a game that made kids laugh, a prize they worked for, and a toy they get to bring home. This was the spirit behind the Good Guys Santa Squad, an SMDC initiative that brought Christmas to barangay communities surrounding Joy Residences, Park Residences, South 2 Residences and Hill Residences. Rather than a one-day event, Santa Squad moved from community to community — meeting families where they were, and keeping the program easy to join, easy to enjoy, and focused on children.
Across four stops, the initiative reached over 600 children and their families with toy gifts for children aged 5–10 years old and grocery packs shared with households for noche buena. Each community stop welcomed 150 children and kept the program easy to enjoy — games led by volunteers, prizes throughout, and moments of magic that held the kids’ attention. The experience stayed simple and inclusive, making sure every child had a chance to join in and go home with something to remember. On the ground were the SMDC Nature Volunteers — the “Ate”s and “Kuya”s who stayed with the kids from start to finish. They joined the games, cheered loudly, guided the shy ones, and helped keep the day moving smoothly so no child felt left out. More than support staff, they were present as neighbors — showing how SMDC communities stay connected to the barangays around them through shared participation. Beyond the gifts, the day was made up of small, memorable moments: children laughing with their teams, celebrating wins big and small, and leaning in during magic performances that brought the crowd together. It was a holiday gathering that felt natural for the barangay — light, warm, and focused on the kids.
The Good Guys Santa Squad began its route on December 15 in Barangay Pagala, Baliuag, Bulacan, home to Joy Residences. It continued on December 16 in Barangay Tagapo, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, near Park Residences. On December 18, the Squad visited Almanza Uno, Las Piñas, close to South 2 Residences. The final stop was on December 19 in Nagkaisang Nayon, Novaliches, Quezon City with the community surrounding Hill Residences. Through initiatives like the Good Guys Santa Squad, SMDC continues to build relationships that extend beyond its developments — grounded in presence, participation, and everyday acts of care. Because for SMDC, building communities also means showing up — especially during moments that matter most.
