SM honors Pangasinan achievers

MANILA, Philippines - Two generations of achievers from Pangasinan who brought pride not only to their hometown but also to the country were honored in the My City, My SM launch at SM City Rosales recently.

National Artist for Literature and Ramon Magsaysay awardee F. Sionil Jose was given a tribute together with young achievers Samantha Glo Revita, the chess prodigy who brought home the gold during the ASEAN Age Group competitions in 2007, 2008, and 2009; and sudoku grandmaster Sarah Jane Cua, Brand’s 1st Asia-Pacific Sudoku Challenge winner.

The event’s theme focused on the academe, with a library set up showcasing F. Sionil Jose’s books and panels of his Rosales Saga novels: Po-on, Tree, My Brother My Executioner, The Pretenders and Mass.  It also featured a giant chessboard by Gabriel Richardo, and huge sudoku boards, and landscaping by Gideon Hermosa.  A portion of the set up had desks for students from Samantha and Sarah Jane’s schools. 

Pangasinan fourth district Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr., who came with his wife Gina and son Kristoffer, graced the event.  Gov. Amado Espino Jr. and Rosales Mayor Ricardo Revita led the tribute that culminated in the opening of the two giant books honoring Sionil, Samantha and Sarah Jane. Provincial Tourism Officer Maria Luisa Elduayan, SM City Rosales assistant mall manager Jersey Mendoza, and SM VP for marketing Millie Dizon joined them. 

During the program, audio-visual presentations about Rosales and Pangasinan, as well as musical performances by the Calasiao Children’s Choir, Music from the Heart, and the Pangasinan Provincial Chorale, entertained the guests.  The Matalunggaring Dance Troupe performed Pangasinan cultural dances.

The My City, My SM event in Rosales is the seventh in this tourism-driven campaign that features the many cities around the Philippines where SM is 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” highlighted 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 the hot air balloon festivals in February, “Baguio on My Mind” paid tribute to National Artist Bencab and Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2001 and lawyer Zorayda Ruth Andam; while “Up, Up, and Away” at Clark featured CHED chairman Emmanuel Angeles, and artist, foodie and writer Claude Tayag.  Last March, “If You Are Going to Santa Rosa” gave a rare glimpse of Santa Rosa City, Laguna’s cultural side through Tatler managing editor and Rotary District governor Chit Lijauco and the Tiongo brothers Emil, Jun and Arthur.

My City, My SM is a project of SM and the Department of Tourism with support from The Philippine STAR.