Winner, 'My City, My SM' : Dagos po kamo sa Maogmang Lugar

MANILA, Philippines - As I was reading the different articles about the different cities, I was inspired to create my own observation about our place. It was actually Mel (my husband) hometown but still I consider it as my second home, living for more than eight (8) years now, I have learned many things here although it was not as glamorous and lively as Malate, the place where I grew up but people here are known for their hospitality and warmth. At first, I was hesitant to go because I don’t know the life I will be taking nor the people I would be dealing with but it was not difficult to adjust here because the people are very friendly and accommodating. That is one of the reasons that I never felt homesick.

Naga City has a vibrant culture and great devotion which can be seen on the different festivities and numerous numbers of churches and every month of September, Naga City along with the whole Bicol Region celebrates the country’s most popular and biggest Marian devotion, the feast of Peñafrancia, much better known as “Ina” (mother and patroness of Bicol) Different devotees from local and international pays a visit to show their love and devotion to Ina of Peñafrancia who many believes works miraculously. As early as July, the image of Ina visits different offices, malls, barangay and schools, this is called “Pagsungko ni Ina” or visitation of our Holy Mother.

Naga City leaves her mark as one of the most awarded LGU in the Philippines, having able to win numerous awards in terms of good governance and an impressive leadership of our former mayor Jessie Robredo, now our DILG Secretary. Every Nagueñoes takes pride of his accomplishment and his effort to make the City of Naga truly a “Maogmang Lugar,” happy place.

Our place is very accessible via air and land and many prime hotels are available for guests to enjoy their stay. Naga City is a place with many things to offer and there are many places you can visit. If you feel like going to historical sites, you can visit the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary which was declared by the National Institute as a National Historical Landmark. If you are into nature and love adventure just like we do, you can trek to the mountain slopes of Mt. Isarog and you could experience the warmth of nature with the beautiful Malabsay Falls. You can also do “bisita iglesia,” visit the lovely churches like the home of “Ina” Peñafrancia Basilica Minore, San Francisco Church with it’s beautiful altar and be mesmerized and awed with the great architecture of the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral.

If eating is your hobby as mine, don’t forget to visit the numerous local dining places who offer great, sumptuous local foods with very affordable price. Naga City is also well known for it’s pinangat, Pili Nuts, laing but there is also another delicacy still unknown to many people and to tourists as well and we call it “Kinalas”, it was a noodle with a sauce that comes from a pig or cow’s head , boiled and was put into the noodles. It is also best served with “baduya” (fried banana). And of course, your stay could not be complete if you would not able to taste the famous fried siopao.

Naga City is a budding city that is why it’s a perfect choice and location for the country’s well loved mall, SM supermall. SM City has just marked it’s first year last May 1, 2010 but it was still very fresh in my memory when they made their opening last year. Even with thunderstorm and heavy rains and floods, the Nagueñoes could not be stop even by calamity, still hundred of people went to SM Naga to witness it’s first day, to feel the best shopping, dining, and entertainment experience in one roof.

Now, our week was not complete without going to SM, our little darling Peachy always looks forward on Saturday and Sunday because it is her time to go to the mall. The happiness that she felt could never be bought nor can be quantify by anything.

I know that I would be spending many years here in Naga City and SM Naga City would indeed be a big part of my family’s life, creating and weaving beautiful memories that are worth remembering.

My City, My SM

Let us know why you love your city and why you love SM and get a chance to win P5,000 worth of SM Gift Cards. Simply send an e-mail of your photo essay to pstar_smmycity@yahoo.com (underscore after Star) or write to us at the following addresses: the Lifestyle section, The Philippine STAR at R. Oca Jr. and Railroad Streets, Port Area, Manila or The Publicity Department, SM Retail, Inc. Building C SM Corporate Office at JW Diokno Avenue, Pasay City.

You can also join My City, My SM’s special category using a camera phone and get a chance to win one of six Sony Ericsson phones — five C50 Cyber Shot phones with the famous smile shutter; and a Grand Prize, the Sony Vivaz that introduces HD video capabilities in the portfolio.

Winners may claim their prize at SM Corporate Offices, Building C Publicity Department, J.W. Diokno Blvd., Mall of Asia Complex Pasay City and look for Ms. Rachell Pineda and Ms. Jhai Jara.