The best of Batangas at My City, My SM launch

The best of the beautiful and historical province of Batangas was highlighted during the recent My City, My SM launch.

Just in time for the upcoming Sublian Festival, Batanguenos from all over the Philippines — and the world — gathered at SM City Batangas to join in this grand event honoring prominent Batanguenos Atty. Antonio Pastor and beauty queen Kristine Reyes-Alzar.

The event’s theme showcased two main attractions of Batangas — its ancestral homes, which was the design theme of the stage backdrop and exhibits; and embroidery, which was the attire of choice of the guests.

The province’s rich historical and cultural heritage was depicted in an exhibit of breathtaking aerial photographs of old churches and ancestral homes from Batangas by the Batangas Province Camera Club, the Lipa Weekend Shooters, and Fr. Erick Arada.

And the mall was transformed into a cultural venue of sorts showcasing popular Batangas products like Taal embroidery and the balisong. Guests also had a taste of the best of Batangas with the cocktail buffet spread that included the Rosario’s Sinukmani, Cuenca’s biscuits, suman, Taal Lake’s tawilis, and the celebrated Café de Lipa.

The program, which was hosted by Taal Tourism official Dindo Montenegro featured the Lahing Batangan troupe of the Lyceum of the Philippines University dancing the subli; and tenor Alex Resurreccion serenading the audience with Batangueno songs like Bituing Marikit and Princesa ng Kumintang.

The highlight of the My City, My SM launch in Batangas was the tribute to two prominent Batanguenos — Atty. Antonio Pastor and Kristine Reyes-Alzar, Bb. Pilipinas International 2002 and Miss Tourism International Black Sea 2002. The latter flew in from Dubai where she is now based just to attend the event, and returned the same evening.

The audience — which included prominent Batanguenos like Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Padre Garcia Mayor Prudencio Gutierrez, Lipa City Councilor Concon Hernandez, Lipa City Tourism Council President Alex Maralit, Cuenca tourism officer Pilar Dimaculangan and Rosario Municipal Administrator Elizabeth Morpe — was delighted as the capiz panels of the old house setting onstage were removed to reveal the panels.

The “My City, My SM” launch in Batangas, where SM has two malls — in Batangas City and Lipa — is the 10th leg of this tourism-driven campaign that features the many cities in the Philippines where SM malls and stores 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 Festival in February, “Baguio on My Mind” paid tribute to National Artist Bencab and Binibining Pilipinas 2001 and lawyer Zorayda Andam. During the same month, “Up, Up and Away at Clark” highlighted the Hot Air Balloon Festival and 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.

Last June, Kalayaan sa Cavite celebrated the province’s history, heritage and heroes through CNN Hero of the Year Efren Penaflorida, Emilio “Orange” Aguinaldo IV, and 1996 Mutya ng Pilipinas International Sheryll Santarin.

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