How can I use a variable inside a php file in a custom template?

[EquinoxWorld]

Hello everyone, I have successfully used a function from a file into a custom template before using this plugin: (thanks to kh99 )

PHP Code:

ob_start(); 
require_once('intuitco/cotw/functions/cotw_func_print_nom.php'); 
cotw_sotw_print_nom(true); 
$cotw_print_nominations = ob_get_contents(); 
  ob_end_clean(); 

vB_Template::preRegister('COTW_SOTW_NOMINATIONS',array('cotw_print_nominations' => $cotw_print_nominations)); 


Now I want to use a variable that I have defined in cotw_sotw.php in a template that is rendered into this page. Allow me explain further.

I have my page cotw_sotw.php which uses the template COTW_SOTW . Inside this template I have {vb:raw cotw_sidemenu} which is another custom template (COTW_SIDEMENU).

There is a variable in cotw_sotw.php file that I need to use(register) inside the sidemenu template (COTW_SIDEMENU). How would I go about doing so?? If even possible. Any information anyone might have will be appreciated. Thanks for your time everyone.

Best Regards.