History, heritage, and heroes at My City, My sm launch in Cavite
MANILA, Philippines - The recent “My City, My SM” launch at SM City Rosario highlighted Cavite’s rich history and heritage, as well as its homegrown heroes. Just in time for the Independence Day celebrations on June 12, the event brought mallgoers back in time with a replica of the historic Aguinaldo Shrine as its centerpiece. The theme was appropriately Filipiniana, and guests came in barongs and traditional and modern versions of the native attire.
The launch also paid tribute to three outstanding Caviteños who have brought pride and honor not only to their province, but also to the rest of the Philippines. CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida, Emilio “Orange” Aguinaldo IV, and 1996 Mutya ng Pilipinas International Sherylle Santarin were honored in a ceremony that culminated in the unveiling of their individual panels.
Prominent Caviteños former Prime Minister Cesar Virata and Rosario Mayor Nonong Ricafrente led the tribute along with key officers of SM’s malls in Cavite — SM Rosario mall manager Tricia Martinez, SM City Bacoor mall manager Sulamagne Maglanco, SM City Dasmariñas assistant mall manager Cristina Sabillo, and SM Center Molino assistant mall manager Editha Ragodo; as well as SM vice president for marketing communications Millie Dizon.
The Bacoor Tourism Council’s Arlene Tan, Bacoor public information officer Nadia Macias, the Office of the Governor’s Ma. Fides Escalada, and representatives from the National Historical Institute and the Cavite Historical Society also attended the launch. Orange Aguinaldo’s wife broadcast journalist Bernadette Sembrano, Sherylle’s husband and family members, and Efren’s mentor KB Manalaysay also graced the event.
The “My City, My SM” launch, which was emceed by Alda Lou Cabrera, brought out a lot of nationalistic fervor with an audio visual presentation about Cavite and performances by the Teatro Baile de Recoletos and Chorotechnuv.
Guests also got to know more about Cavite’s history through an audio tour that brought to life key events. Photos of the province’s historical landmarks, and miniature replicas of SM’s four malls in Cavite were also exhibited along with Sherylle Santarin’s beauty queen regalia and Efren Penaflorida’s Kariton Klasrum.
They also enjoyed sampling cocktail versions Cavite delicacies like Bibingka ng Rosario, tinapa canapés, tahong wrap, and emilio served with roasted goodness by homegrown Café Amadeo.
The “My City, My SM” launch in at SM City Rosario in Cavite is the ninth leg of this tourism driven campaign that features the many cities in the Philippines where SM stores and malls are located.
The first, “I Left My Heart in San Fernando,” honored internationally acclaimed film director Brillante Mendoza and Mutya ng Kapampangan Nicolette Henson. “Cebu, Cebu” showcased the best of Cebu through socialite Teresin Mendezona and the Aldeguer brothers Jay, Michael, and Chris; while “Sweet Home Iloilo” featured Dr. Josette Biyo and Mang Inasal’s Edgar Sia II.
Just in time for the Panagbenga and Hot Air Balloon Festivals in February, “Baguio on My Mind” paid tribute to National Artist Bencab and Binibining Pilipinas 2001 and lawyer Zorayda Ruth Andam, while “Up, Up, and Away” at Clark featured CHED Chairman Dr. Emmanuel Y. Angeles and artist-foodie-writer Claude Tayag.
“If You Are Going to Santa Rosa” gave a rare glimpse of old Santa Rosa through Tatler Philippines managing editor Chit Lijauco and the Tiongco brothers — Emil, Art and Jun.
“On the Road to Rosales” paid tribute to two generations — National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose and young talents like chess prodigy Samantha Revita and Sudoku champion Sarah Jane Cua. “Happiness is Lucena” captured the joy of life of Quezonians through Hollywood beauty expert James Cooper and businesswoman Nova Veluz.
“My City, My SM” is a joint project of SM and the Department of Tourism with support from The Philippine STAR.
