My City, My SM launch reveals the other side of Santa Rosa
MANILA, Philippines - To those of us who have come to know Santa Rosa, Laguna for its progress — the techno parks, automobile plants, and up-market residential communities — the recent My City, My SM launch at SM City Santa Rosa gave guests a rare glimpse of its other side.
This is a side proud of its history and culture — its old churches and ancestral homes, artifacts, local cuisine, and famous people. And the prominent families of old Santa Rosa — the Tiongcos, the Carpenas, Zavallas, and Lijaucos — gathered together in Filipiniana attire as SM honored four prominent Rosarians — Philippine Tatler’s managing editor and Rotary District 3820 Governor Chit Lijauco and the Tinig Hall of Fame Awardees, the Tiongco Brothers — Emil, Jun, and Art.
Sta. Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas Nazareno led the tribute that culminated in the unveiling of the two panels featuring Lijauco and the Tiongco Brothers. SM City Sta. Rosa mall manager Dominador Caringal, as well as SM’s VP for operations Glenn Ang, and VP for marketing and communications Millie Dizon joined them.
The Mayor’s mother, Josephina Arcillas, Santa Rosa City Councilor Arnel DC Gomez, Southern Tagalog Tourism Council Director Andrew Nocon, and Binan Tourism Officer Jazmine Alonte were also present. They enjoyed the program, which consisted of a performance by the University of Perpetual Help Cultural Dancers and the Tiongco Brothers, who wowed the crowd as they serenaded them with their signature songs. They also enjoyed Santa Rosa delicacies — like Matse, Atole, Lumpiang Hubad, and Sinukmane with Kinilaw na Puso ng Saging which were served with a modern spin during the event, together with the popular homegrown Bok’s Ice Cream.
One of the highlights of the event was the exhibit organized by Santa Rosa historian Nonia Tiongco. It featured photos of old Santa Rosa and its well-known people, as well as artifacts and antiques from the private collection of Architect Mario Zavalla. Mallgoers were seen crowding around the exhibit with a sense of wonder as they discovered the city’s glorious past.
The My City, My SM event at SM City Santa Rosa is the sixth in this tourism-driven campaign that features the many cities around the Philippines where SM is located in. 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 Hot Air Balloon Festivals in February, “Baguio on My Mind” paid tribute to National Artist Bencab and Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2001 and lawyer Zora Andam; while “Up, Up and Away at Clark” featured CHED Chairman Dr. Emmanuel Y. Angeles, and artist, foodie and writer Claude Tayag.
My City, My SM is a project of SM and the Department of Tourism with support from The Philippine STAR.
