1. What is the SM Super Spelling Bee 2026?

The SM Super Spelling Bee is a nationwide spelling competition open to students ages 9-11 years old.  The contest aims to challenge students’ spelling mastery and language comprehension through written and oral spelling rounds.

Now on its third year, the competition will be bigger with the inclusion of Regional Semi-Finals, which will take place after the Elimination Rounds to determine who will compete in the Grand Finals. 

2. Who can join the competition?

To join, participants must:

• Be 9 to 11 years old on their chosen elimination date
• Be currently enrolled for the 2026–2027 school year in a school located in the Philippines
• Be proficient in English spelling

3. Who is NOT eligible to join?

You may NOT join if:

• You were among the Top 10 winners of the SM Super Spelling Bee 2025
• You placed in similar contests (2025–2026) sponsored by companies that may conflict with SM Supermalls and its affiliates
• You are a child or relative (up to the third degree) of any employee, supplier, organizer, or verifier of the contest

              Any participant found ineligible will be disqualified, and all titles and prizes will be forfeited.

4. How do we register?

A parent or legal guardian must register the student through one of these channels:

• Online: via the SM Malls Online (SMO) App
• Website: smsupermalls.com/superspellingbee
• In-person: Mall Administration Office (Marketing Department) of any participating SM Supermalls

5. What documents are required for registration?

• Completed and signed registration form
• Original and photocopy of the participant’s valid school ID or certificate of enrollment
  (Note: Original documents will be returned after verification.)

6. When does registration start and end?

Pre-registration opens on September 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM via:

• SM Malls Online app
• Mall Administration Offices (10:00 AM–6:00 PM daily)

On-the-day registration is allowed from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM at select SM Supermalls on:

• September 12, 19, 26
• October 3, 10

Eliminations start at 2:00 PM on those days.
Check the SM Super Spelling Bee website for full venue schedules and cutoffs.

7. Where will eliminations take place?

Each participating SM Supermalls will host elimination rounds. The mall where you submit your application (either during pre-registration or on-the-day registration) will be your designated elimination venue.

You may view the list of participating malls at: www.smsupermalls.com/superspellingbee/

8. Can a student join more than one elimination round?

Yes — but only if the student did not win in a previous elimination.
A new application and set of documents must be submitted at the next preferred mall.

9. What is the contest format?

The competition has three major stages:

Elimination Stage

• Phase 1: Written Spelling Test
• Phase 2: Oral Spelling Test

Regional Semi Finals Stage

• Phase 1: Written Spelling Test (all the semi-finalists from each mall)
• Phase 2: Oral Spelling Test (for the Top 7)
• Phase 3: Final Oral Spelling Test (for the Top 5)

Grand Finals Stage

• Phase 1: Written Spelling Round
• Phase 2: Special Oral Spelling Round (for the Top 10)
• Phase 3: Final Oral Spelling Round (for the Top 3 using buzzer/signages)

10. What dictionary will be used for the contest?

The official reference is the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary:
🔗 unabridged.merriam-webster.com
Only words from this source will be used (excluding archaic/obsolete terms).

11. How will finalists be chosen and announced?

• The Top 2 from each Elimination Rounds will advance to the Regional Semi Finals.
• Finalist names will be posted on the Facebook page of the respective SM branch within 5–10 days of the event.
• Winners will also be contacted via phone and/or email.

12. When and where is the Grand Finals?
    Date: November 14, 2026
    Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Venue: Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City

13. Will travel and accommodation be provided for the Grand Finals?

Yes, for provincial finalists:

• Airfare for the finalist and one parent/guardian will be covered
• Hotel accommodations will be provided for all grand finalists and one accompanying parent or guardian.
• All other expenses (taxes, food, land transport, personal costs) are shouldered by the finalist.

14. What are the prizes?

Eliminations Prizes

• ₱2,500 worth of SM GCs
• ₱2,500 worth of National Bookstore gift cards
• ₱1,000 worth of Bahay Turo Vouchers
  
  

Regional Semi Finals Prizes

• ₱10,000 worth of SM GCs
• ₱10,000 worth of National Bookstore gift cards
• ₱3,000 worth of Power Mac Center gift certificates

Grand Finals Prizes:

Note: Gift certificates are transferable but not convertible to cash.

15. How are winners announced and validated?

All decisions from the judges/verifiers, with concurrence from DTI, are final.
Winners will be announced live and contacted afterward.

16. What are the contestant and guardian responsibilities?

• Contestants must be accompanied by a parent or authorized guardian
• Guardians must present an authorization letter and valid IDs
• Contestants must adhere to contest rules and behave respectfully
• SM Supermalls is not liable for lost items, injuries, or violations of rules

17. Where can I ask additional questions or request help?

For inquiries, you may:

• Visit your local SM Mall Marketing Department
• Go to www.smsupermalls.com/superspellingbee

Or contact us through the SM Supermalls Official Facebook Page