Sleepy Mom's Blog

From thousands of hopefuls across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, thirty of the country’s brightest young dreamers took center stage at the SM Little Stars 2026 Grand Finals. Captivating the audience at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, the finalists showcased exceptional talent and charm in a nationwide celebration of Filipino youth. More than a talent search, the annual competition highlights SM Supermalls’ commitment to discovering and nurturing limitless potential from every corner of the Philippines as these children embrace the biggest stage of their young lives.

The Grand Finals marked the culmination of six weeks of auditions held across 68 of your most-loved SM Supermalls nationwide. More than 41,000 children aged 4 to 7 showcased their talents in singing, dancing, and other skills, with only 30 exceptional finalists earning coveted spots in the country’s biggest nationwide kiddie talent competition. While every finalist inspired the audience with their passion and determination, two young dreamers ultimately earned this year's highest honors.

Gratiela showcases her dance moves, while Amiah serenades the audience with her rendition of the classic Disney song “When You Wish Upon a Star” during the SM Little Stars 2026 Grand Finals.

Gratiela Thresse M. Urmeneta of SM City Manila was crowned this year’s Grand Shining Star, while Amiah Kaea Yzobel Quimzon of SM City Butuan earned the title of Grand Dazzling Star. Their remarkable performances and irresistible charm won over both the audience and the judges, bringing the competition to an unforgettable conclusion.

Urmenete wowed the audience with her energetic dance performance, while Quimzon serenaded the judges and crowd with her heartfelt rendition of the classic Disney song “When You Wish Upon a Star.”

For the mothers of the newly crowned stars, seeing their children take home the competition's highest honors was a proud and emotional moment after weeks of preparation and support. "Sobrang proud ako sa kanya. Nakita ko kung gaano siya nagsikap at nagtiwala sa sarili niya. Bukod sa pagkapanalo, masaya akong makita siyang lumabas sa stage na mas confident," said Sheilamay P. Mojuntou, mother of Grand Shining Star winner Gratiela Urmeneta.

Meanwhile, Vanessa Ysmaela D. Quimzon, mother of Grand Dazzling Star Amiah Quimzon, shared, "Gusto lang namin na ma-enjoy niya ang experience, kaya napakalaking bonus na makita siyang manalo. Thankful kami sa SM Little Stars sa pagkakataong ito."

Beyond the competition itself, the Grand Finals became a celebration for families, friends, and supporters who filled the venue with cheers, applause, and heartfelt encouragement.

“Watching these young dreamers perform reminds us that every big journey begins with one brave step. SM Little Stars has always been more than a competition; it is a place where children discover confidence, families create lifelong memories, and dreams begin to take shape. We are proud to continue providing that stage for Filipino children year after year," said Hanna Carinna T. Sy, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Leasing.

This year’s finalists were evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges composed of singer, actress, and host Karylle Yuzon, award-winning filmmaker Antoinette Jadaone, OPM hitmaker and ABS-CBN Music Assistant Vice President Jonathan Manalo, "Gala To The Max" choreographer Angel Datanagan, and SM Little Stars 2016 Grand Winner Marcus Cabais. Their expertise and insights helped recognize the young performers who best embodied the talent, confidence, and stage presence that define SM Little Stars.

Urmeneta and Quimzon were joined by 1st Runner-Up Amara Jade F. Sabino of SM City Lipa, 2nd Runner-Up Seth Nicolas B. Jacinto of SM City San Jose del Monte, and 3rd Runner-Up John Rouie S. Dizon of SM City Pampanga.

As this year's top winners, Urmeneta and Quimzon each received a prize package worth celebrating, including ₱100,000 in cash and SM Gift Certificates, a National University college scholarship, a brand-new car, an all-expense-paid trip to Hong Kong, and many more exciting rewards.

Aside from crowning the two grand winners, SM Little Stars 2026 also recognized three runners-up, the finalists who placed sixth to tenth, and recipients of the special awards: People’s Choice Award, Little Style Stars, Little Sparkling Stars, and Little Pop Star.

Beyond the titles and prizes, every finalist took home something even more meaningful—the courage to dream bigger, cherished memories with their families, and the confidence to take the next step in their journey. These unforgettable moments are a testament to the enduring legacy of SM Little Stars, which continues to inspire young talents and create meaningful experiences for 17 years and beyond.

The initiative formed part of SM Cares’ 2026 coastal cleanup calendar, which also includes World Water Day, International Coastal Cleanup, and National Environment Awareness Month. For World Oceans Day, participating SM malls included SM By the Bay and nine other SM Supermalls branches across communities with access to coastal and waterway areas.

The “All For You. All For Our Oceans.” activity championed ocean protection as a shared responsibility—one that begins with people working together to keep waste out of the ocean and to care for the environments that support communities, livelihoods, and future generations.

“Protecting our oceans begins with communities choosing to act together,” said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance and SM Cares Program Director for Environment. “Through the SM Green Movement, we hope to inspire everyday responsibility—because for every volunteer who shows up, every piece of waste removed, and every habit changed, our waste-free future is more within reach.”

Beyond the cleanup, the World Oceans Day effort also served as a platform for environmental education and community engagement. Activities highlighted proper waste segregation, responsible waste management, and the importance of preventing trash from entering waterways and coastal ecosystems. Participating groups also included sustainability partners, schools, youth organizations, cycling groups, dive communities, environmental advocates, and local community members.

At SM By the Bay, the cleanup was supported by community-centered executions such as waste segregation demonstrations, and educational “trash talks”—helping participants see how small, practical actions can become part of everyday environmental care.

For SM Cares, coastal cleanups form an integral part of a broader commitment to bring sustainability beyond mall spaces, into the communities and ecosystems that need protection most. Through the SM Green Movement, SM Cares continues to empower communities to protect marine life, reduce waste, and build a culture of shared responsibility—today and for generations to come.

MANILA, Philippines, June 2026 - When more than 25,000 runners took over EDSA for the historic Galaxy Manila Marathon, they were not just participating in one of the country's biggest races. They were part of a growing movement that is transforming how Filipinos experience running.

Galaxy Manila Marathon 42km gunstart on June 12, 2026

From record-setting marathons and major race series to inclusive community runs and pet-friendly events, SM Supermalls is emerging as one of the driving forces behind Philippine running. Through its expanding portfolio of race events and the SM Active Hub platform, SM continues to bring world-class running experiences closer to communities across the country.

Runners took on the historic EDSA route, connecting SM Mall of Asia and SM North EDSA, with the course passing SM Megamall and crossing the iconic Guadalupe Bridge before looping back to SM Mall of Asia

The Galaxy Manila Marathon marked a defining moment in that journey. For the first time, participants ran along EDSA, connecting SM Mall of Asia and SM North EDSA in a landmark race that celebrated fitness, community, and national pride. The historic route transformed one of the country's most recognizable thoroughfares into a symbol of movement and unity, creating a race experience that captured the imagination of runners from across the Philippines and beyond.

The success of the Galaxy Manila Marathon demonstrated SM Supermalls' ability to stage large-scale sporting events while delivering memorable experiences that extend far beyond the finish line.

But the Galaxy Manila Marathon is only part of a much bigger story.

Long before the historic race took over EDSA, SM Supermalls had already been building momentum through a diverse calendar of running events. Since the start of the year, thousands of runners have gathered at SM destinations for races such as the Earth Day Run, Star Wars Run, Doraemon Run, Women's Run PH, multiple legs of the Sante Barley Trilogy Run Asia, community fun runs, and fitness events that welcomed participants of all ages and fitness levels.

From the Star Wars Run for fans to the Pet Express Doggie Run for fur parents, SM Supermalls continues to champion inclusive running experiences that bring together communities of all ages, interests, and lifestyles.

These events showcase the breadth of SM Supermalls' running ecosystem. From themed runs that bring together pop culture fans and families, to advocacy-driven races, competitive road events, and marathon majors, SM continues to create experiences that appeal to every type of runner.

From the vibrant Pride Run at SM City Lanang, which celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and community, to the Singlife Iloilo Marathon at SM City Iloilo, one of the country's premier race events, SM Supermalls continues to bring world-class running experiences closer to Filipinos while fostering active lifestyles and stronger communities nationwide.

Building on that momentum, SM Supermalls continues to host and support some of the Philippines' biggest and most anticipated races, including the SM2SM Run in Cebu, Singlife Cebu International Marathon, Singlife Iloilo Marathon, HOKA Midnight Run Asia, Pride Run, Decathlon Run, Pet Express Doggie Run, Sante Trilogy Run Asia National Finals, and races under the Philippine Marathon Majors series. Together, these events are helping establish SM Supermalls as one of the country's largest and most diverse platforms for running and active lifestyles.

The Doraemon Run at SM Mall of Asia and Cebu's flagship SM2SM Run showcase the diversity of SM Supermalls' running ecosystem, offering experiences for everyone from families and first-time runners to seasoned athletes while promoting active lifestyles and community engagement across the country.

Run with pride on June 21 at SM Mall of Asia and celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and community through movement. For registration details and event updates, visit the SM Mall of Asia Facebook page or RUNRIO's official channels.

Continuing the momentum, thousands of runners are expected to gather at SM Mall of Asia on June 21 for the Pride Run, one of the country's largest running events celebrating Pride Month. Bringing together runners, allies, families, and communities, the event combines fitness, self-expression, and inclusivity in a colorful celebration of diversity. The run reflects SM Supermalls' commitment to creating spaces where people can come together, embrace active lifestyles, and celebrate what makes every individual unique.

Together, these events are expected to attract more than 100,000 runners nationwide, reinforcing SM Supermalls' role as a major platform for running and active lifestyles.

The SM2SM Run in Cebu and the Earth Day Run reflect SM Supermalls' commitment to making running more accessible and purposeful, bringing together thousands of participants through events that champion fitness, community, and shared advocacies.

"At SM Supermalls, we see running as more than a sport. It is a platform that brings communities together, promotes healthier lifestyles, and creates meaningful experiences for Filipinos. Through SM Active Hub and our growing portfolio of running events, we are making active living more accessible while building destinations where people can connect, celebrate, and achieve their personal goals," said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls.

Women's Run PH reflects SM Supermalls' commitment to creating inclusive running experiences, empowering women through fitness while strengthening communities through shared moments of movement and achievement.

At the center of this effort is SM Active Hub, SM Supermalls' sports and fitness platform that connects communities through running events, fitness programs, training sessions, and wellness activities. Through SM Active Hub, runners gain access to year-round experiences that support every stage of their fitness journey, from training and recovery to race-day participation and community engagement.

Runners make the most of the MOA Sky running path at SM Mall of Asia, a popular training destination for participants preparing for SM Supermalls' growing calendar of running events and marathon experiences.

What sets SM Supermalls apart is its ability to create seamless race-day journeys, from registration and race expos to training, recovery, dining, shopping, and entertainment, delivering the maxed-out experiences that today's runners and families seek.

From race kit claiming to meet-and-greet moments with Doraemon, SM Supermalls delivers maxed-out experiences that extend beyond race day, creating exciting and memorable moments for participants of the Star Wars Run, Doraemon Run, and other community-driven running events.

Through its network of 90 malls nationwide, SM Supermalls has transformed running into a movement that reaches communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. From a historic 25,000 runners at the Galaxy Manila Marathon to more than 100,000 participants expected across its race calendar, SM Supermalls is helping shape the future of running in the Philippines.

As the country's most loved mall, SM Supermalls continues to create destinations where every finish line leads to new experiences, every race becomes a shared celebration, and every runner feels part of something bigger.

Because when the Philippines runs, it runs through SM Supermalls.