After bringing holiday cheer to the Block at SM City North Edsa last year, Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters are back.
This time, Hello Kitty and her friends imagine themselves to be in London. Mall goers can take a tour of iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, London Underground, Big Ben or Elizabeth Tower, as well as symbols of London lifestyles: the red telephone booth, double-decker bus, fish-and-chips restaurant and pastry shop.
A Christmas tree filled with ornaments and treats—it is said that it was Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert who brought the German Christmas tree tradition to the rest of the world— completes the Christmas in London theme.
Aside from Hello Kitty, other Sanrio characters in the tableau include Mimi White, Mary White, George White, Dear Daniel, My Melody, Kero Kero Keroppi, Pochacco, Bad Badtz Maru and Tippy Bear.
The Christmas display had brought lots of cheer to the audience, including kids from Child Haus, a temporary shelter for patients of cancer and other diseases who come to Manila for treatment but have no place to stay. The Child Haus permanent home was donated by SM Prime Holdings president Hans T. Sy.
London street style was also highlighted in a special fashion show by Forever 21 with famous London attractions in the background.
Kids of all ages will have the chance to meet and greet Hello Kitty on Nov. 29 and 30, and every Friday to Sunday of December at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Block Atrium except on Dec. 28 and 29. They can also buy Sanrio items at the Sanrio Christmas Bazaar.
From Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, visitors can join the Little Twin Stars Starry Party with the Little Twin stars characters Kiki and Lala. They can have their photos taken beside larger-than-life treats including a cookie house, cake house, gigantic ice cream bowl, heart cart, chocolate fondue, cupcakes and macarons.
On Nov. 24 and Dec. 7, the Children’s Boys Chorale performs at 7 p.m. The Manila Philharmonic Christmas Symphony performs on Dec. 22 at 5 p.m.
Founded by Shintaro Tsuji, Sanrio Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based character-branded merchandise company established in the 1960s. The company designs, licenses and produces kawaii (cute) products that are sold worldwide. Sanrio’s best known character is Hello Kitty.
