Young Marikeño Speller wins at SM Super Spelling Bee in SM City Marikina

The written spelling round at the SM City Marikina leg of the SM Super Spelling Bee

The air was buzzing with excitement last September 6, 2025, as SM City Marikina’s hallway at the Ground Level near Ace Hardware transformed into a live stage for word wizards. More than 180 students from both public and private schools in Marikina gathered for the SM Super Spelling Bee Elimination Round, showcasing not just their spelling skills but also their confidence and love for learning.

Open to Grades 5 and 6 students aged 10 to 12 years old, the competition brought together young learners eager to put their knowledge to the test in front of an enthusiastic crowd of parents, teachers, and mallgoers. After several intense rounds, one young speller stood out among the rest—Zarex Celis of Sta. Elena Elementary School, who emerged as the champion of SM City Marikina’s leg of the competition.

Now on its second year, the SM Super Spelling Bee has grown even bigger with 40 participating SM Supermalls nationwide, serving as a platform where classroom champs and young word enthusiasts can shine and celebrate the joy of words. This year’s edition is made even more meaningful as it coincides with SM Supermalls’ 40th anniversary, a milestone that underscores its commitment to creating spaces where families can shop, dine, learn, and connect through meaningful experiences.

More than 180 students from Marikina City battled it out as the best speller during the SM Super Spelling Bee at SM City Marikina.

The event was made possible through the support of National Book Store, National University, Power Mac Center, and Jollibee—partners who share in SM’s mission to nurture learning, creativity, and confidence among the youth.

Congratulations once again to Zarex Celis for this well-deserved win! We wish you the best of luck as you advance to the next round of the SM Super Spelling Bee.

Zarex Celis of Sta. Elena Elementary School orally spells out the word "euphonious" during the SM Super Spelling Bee elims at SM City Marikina.

Zarex Celis of Sta. Elena Elementary School emerged as the winner of the SM Super Spelling Bee elimination round in SM City Marikina. He will represent his school and the mall in the grand finals at SM Mall of Asia.