Pangasinan's pride honored in 'My City, My Sm' launch

MANILA, Philippines - The recent “My City, My SM” launch at SM City Rosales honored two generations of achievers from Pangasinan who have brought much pride not only to their hometown, but to the Philippines as well.

National Artist for Literature and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee F. Sionil Jose, best known for his five-novel Rosales Saga, was given a tribute together with young achievers Samantha Glo Revita, the chess prodigy who brought home the gold during the Asean Age Group in 2007, 2008, and 2009; and Sudoku grandmaster Sarah Jane Cua, Brand’s first Asia-Pacific Sudoku Challenge winner.

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

Gracing the event was Jose de Venecia, a longtime friend of Jose, who came with his wife Gina and son Christopher. Pangasinan’s action man, Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. and Rosales Municipal Mayor Ricardo V. Revita, led the tribute that culminated in the opening of the two giant books honoring Jose, 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.

Members of the Provincial Government staff head of special events Marife Panilio, provincial information cfficer Orpheus “Butch” Velasco, chief administration officer Irmina B. Francisco, and HRMO training officer Louie Ocampo were also present as were Rosales officials municipal tourism officer Ayla Seradoy and municipal planning and development coordinator John Alimorong.

The Kapehan sa Rosales organization headed by Oscar Galang came in full force, as did department heads and students from the Rosales North Central School, the Pangasinan Universal Institute, and Rosales South Central School headed by Santiago Patawarin, Jr. Representatives from the Mathematics Trainers Group headed by Dr. Simon Chua were also present.

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 like Sayaw ed Tapew na Bangko.

They also got to know more about the beautiful province through an exhibit organized by the Provincial Tourism and Rosales Municipal Tourism Offices. For cocktails, the Cuidad Fernandino Hotel and Restaurant prepared a modern take on traditional specialties: assorted veggie sticks with creamy Bagoong Caesar Dressing, Dagupan bangus tinapa pate on crostini, quesadillas with Mangaldan tapa, bangus spring rolls dipped in Binalonan vinegar, and Alaminos longganisa pasta with sundried tmato pesto and shrimp. For dessert, there was the popular Rosales tupig, panna cotta with mango coulis and Calasiao puto and kutsinta with a tablea tsokolate fondue dip.

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 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. Last March, “If You Are Going to Santa Rosa” gave a rare glimpse of Santa Rosa, Laguna’s cultural side through Tatler managing editor and Rotary District Governor Chit Lijauco and the Tiongco 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.