MANILA, Philippines - Pampanga is the home I was born to. This is where I was raised and this is the home I’ve come to know and love and where I’ve lived my best years. Though my roots may be traced to La Union and Pangasinan, I lived most of my life in Pampanga and I can proudly say then that I am a “Kapampangan” by heart.
And Pampanga, in turn, has nurtured me and allowed me to appreciate its people and culture. It gave me a sense of pride, knowing how naturally wonderful these people are. Who would not be proud of the vibrancy that is authentically Kapampangan? Vibrancy that is shown through the festivities that each town celebrate and which collectively depicts the culture of Pampanga thus giving the whole landscape its character — a taste of both adventure and cultural enrichment. Who would not be proud of the literary style that is distinctively Kapampangan — works of art that have received accolades from here and abroad? Kapampangans justly take pride in being one of the eight provinces in the country to revolt against Spain and having produced two presidents, chief justices, senate president and many outstanding personalities in public service, education, diplomacy, journalism, arts and sciences, entertainment and business.
Kapampangans likewise take pride in their cuisine since it is widely thought to be among the most evolved and refined of Philippine culinary traditions. Among its famous dishes are sisig, kare-kare, pindang or tocino and its version of longanissa. The physical landscape of Pampanga offers a number of beautiful places to visit. From the old houses of the Mirandas and Pamintuans in Angeles City to those theme parks at Fontana and Lakeshore, no one should miss visiting this beautiful province. Indeed, Pampanga is a home where my heart truly belongs.
“Love Makes a House a Home.” For the past 50 years, Shoe Mart has been catering to people in search of an exciting lifestyle experience. Housing different retail stores under one roof, SM definitely serves its customers well, giving them both fun and enjoyment for the whole family. Being true to its commitment to render quality services and meet the ever-changing needs of its patrons, SM never fails to come up with a variety of surprises spanning entertainment and retail experiences, ready to make each family’s visit worthwhile.
Having a number of stores in Metro Manila and other key cities of the country, SM thus proves that it lives up to its “We’ve got it all for you” tagline. This is how love makes a house a home: by making each family feel that they are endeared and important to SM, and by continuing to expand and innovate for the pleasure and ease of all families. Home away from home: this is how I see SM. And for the longest time and despite a number of competitors, I always go back to SM to revisit the home I am so used to.