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ALL ABOUT SHOE-BIZ AND MORE AT MY CITY, MY SM MARIKINA LAUNCH

The recent My City, My SM launch at SM City Marikina celebrated the industry that made Marikina the Shoe Capital of the Philippines, and that was significantly the foundation of the SM Group, which Founder and Chairman Henry Sy, Sr. started as a shoe store in 1958. It also highlighted Marikina as a multi-awarded metropolitan city, often cited for its dynamic economy.

Held just in time for the city’s 381^st Founding Anniversary, My Marikina honored former Mayor and businesswoman Ms. Marides C. Fernando, along with the city’s shoemakers and retailers – Mr. Nelson Valentino of Valentino Shoes, Mrs. Erlinda Salonga-Pastoral of Ohrelle, Mrs. Anita Puzon-Salonga of Milani, and Mrs. Gilda Cruz-Salonga of Le Donne, who was represented by her husband, Mr. Ronnie Salonga.

Marikina City Officials led by Vice Mayor Jose Fabian Cadiz, as well as City Councilors Elmer Nepomuceno, Joseph Banzon, Rommel Ortiz, Paul Daniel Belmonte, Boggs Reyes, and Frankie Ayuson joined in the festivities. Families of the honorees- Ms. Fernando’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Meneleo Carlos and daughter Tala, as well as members of the Valentino, Salonga and Pastoral clan - also graced the event. Also noted was Marikina historian Professor Rodolfo de la Paz. SM officials led by SM VP for Marketing Millie Dizon, VP for Operations Bien Mateo, Regional Operations Manager Johanna Rupisan, and SM City Mall Manager Mitchell Martel welcomed them.

Guests had a wonderful time going over the beautiful Shoe Exhibit, which featured a history of the city’s shoe biz and a short biography of Laureano “Kapitan Moy” Guevara, the Father of Marikina’s Shoe Industry. They crowded around the exhibit of shoes of prominent Filipinos and shoes from all over the world, as well as a diorama of shoemaking tools very generously lent by the Marikina Shoe Museum. Shoes from Valentino, Milani, Le Donne, and Ohrelle were also displayed, giving guests a primer on the different shoe styles and materials.

Along with the shoe exhibit was a collection of memorabilia of several of the city’s prominent angkans or clans that gather together every second week of April for Marikina’s Angkan-Angkan Festival. Among these were memorabilia from the family of Mayor del de Guzman like the family emblem, a collection of photos of all clan members, and a very old plow.

Guests also had a glimpse of the new Marikina, through the exhibit featuring former Mayor Marides Fernando, who together with her husband Bayani, led its transformation into the modern city it is today.

Some of Marikina’s best restaurants put together an innovative spread of cocktail versions of the city’s signature dish, the Everlasting, in maki, empanadita, wrap, crostini, nachos, quai, and pinsic versions. Guests couldn’t have enough of these, as well as Rocha’s famous puto-kutsinta, and other dishes like Crispy Noodles and Savory Cream Puffs.

The My City, My SM launch in Marikina is the third in the second year of this tourism-oriented campaign that features the many cities in the Philippines where SM malls and stores are located.

Last year’s My City, My SM road show brought readers to 15 cities in the Philippines with prominent personalities from each area as tour guides. It began just in time for the Giant Lantern Festival in December 2009 with I Left My Heart in San Fernando with internationally acclaimed film director Brillante Mendoza and Mutya ng Kampampangan Nicolette Henson, and had a grand finale with The Genteel Charm of Bacolod, which marked the opening day of the 31^st Masskara Festival with honorees Raymund Javellana and the dynamic Association of Negros Producers board members Mary Anne Colmenares, Cristina Gaston, Mary Anne Sicangco-Hagad, and Josephine Locsin.

This year’s My City, My SM campaign began in January with The Lakeside Charm of San Pablo with Don Ado Escudero and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Dr. Jaime alip as honorees. In March, former Prime Minister and Cavite Historical Society President Cesar E. A. Virata and Island Cove and Leisure Park Managing Director Gilbert Remulla were honored in Celebrating Cavite and SM City Dasmarinas.

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

My City, My SM honoree Ms. Marides Carlos Fernando with her father, Mr. Meneleo Carlos and SM's VP for Operations Bien Mateo and VP for Marketing Millie Dizon.

My City My SM Honoree Ms. Marides Carlos Fernando with her mom Filomena Carlos.

Marikina City Vice Mayor Jose Fabian Cadiz rendered a couple of song numbers for the guests

My City My SM honorees Erlinda Salonga – Pastoral of Ohrelle, Ronnie Salonga of Le Donne representing his wife Gilda Salonga and Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin and Anita Salonga of Milani pose with their awards at the event’s shoe exhibit.

My City My SM honoree Mr. Nelson Valentino of Valentino Shoes (center) with wife Emma Valentino and sister Dolora Valentino dela Paz

(From L-R) Marikina City Councilors Frankie Ayuson, Boggs Reyes, Paul Daniel Belmonte, Joseph Banzon, Elmer Nepomuceno and Ronnie Acuña are joined by SM City Marikina Mall Manager Mitchel Martell, SM Supermalls Johanna Rupisan (center).

Traditional Brazilian shoes from Marikina’s Shoe Museum

A diorama of shoe making tools from Marikina Shoe Museum

Incumbent Marikina City Mayor Del de Guzman’s clan memorabilia are among the featured clans at the event’s Angkan Memorabilia Exhibit.

Innovative cocktail versions of Marikina's signature dish, the Everlasting: Nachos by Martha's Place, Wraps with veggies by Kusina ni Kambal, Maki by Ignacio's Catering

Miss Marides Fernandez with SM VP for Operations Bien Mateo and VP for MCG Millie Dizon

A treat from MFD at Cyma for a job well done, congrats Cathie, Vanini and Caccie! More power to My City My SM! ;-)

CELEBRATING CAVITE AT THE MY CITY MY SM LAUNCH

Cavite’s rich history and heritage, as well as its illustrious heroes took centerstage during the recent My City, My SM launch at SM City Dasmarinas.

The event also highlighted the celebration of the 114^th Tejeros Convention, during which the first presidential and vice presidential elections were held in the Philippines. The convention, which was held on March 22, 1897, officially gave birth to the revolutionary government formed and headed by General Emilio Aguinaldo.

And the stage, which was decorated to look like the original venue of the Tejeros Convention, was a fitting backdrop to honor two outstanding Cavitenos: former Prime Minister Cesar Virata, himself a grand nephew of General Emilio Aguinaldo; and broadcast journalist and former Cavite Congressman Gilbert Remulla, the Managing Director of Island Cove and Leisure Park.

Prominent Cavite officials like Vice Governor Recto Cantimbuhan, Provincial Board Member Rex Mangubat, Dasmarinas Councilor Robin Catimbuhan, and Bacoor DOT Officer Nelson Madrid joined in the festivities. Last year’s My City, My SM honoree 2009 CNN Hero Efren Penaflorida graciously attended the occasion as did popular Indonesian actress Sarjoey Djojohadukusi and Georgia Isabel Roa-Remulla, Gilbert’s lovely wife. SM officials led by SM VP for Marketing Millie Dizon, Assistant Mall Managers Reymie de los Reyes, Joseph Forosuelo, and Editha Ragodo; as well as Group Brand Manager Ritchie Tan Gonzales.

The launch, which also featured a re-enactment of the Philippine Revolution, and a tableau leading to the Philippine National Anthem by the Teatro Baile de Cavite, as well as virtuoso performances by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, led guests back in time with beautifully crafted two dimensional exhibits of four historical landmarks in Cavite. These included replicas of the Aguinaldo Shrine, the Tejeros Convention, the Baldomero Shrine, and the St. Magdalene Church.

Guests later enjoyed cocktail versions of Cavite delicacies like Pinalamang na Kamatis, Binalot na Tahong at Keso, Tinapa Canapes, Halo Halo Coolers, and Suman na Lihiya.

The My City, My SM launch in SM City Dasmarinas is the second in the second year in this tourism driven campaign that features the many cities in the Philippines where SM malls and stores are located. It is a joint project of SM and the Department of Tourism with support from the Philippine Star.

Last year’s My City, My SM road show brought readers to fifteen cities in the Philippines with prominent personalities from each area as tour guides. It began in time for the Giant Lantern Festival in December 2009 with I Left My Heart in San Fernando with internationally acclaimed film director Brillante Mendoza and Mutya ng Kapampangan, and had a grand finale with The Genteel Charm of Bacolod, which marked the opening day of the 31^st Masskara Festival with honorees Raymund Javellana and dynamic board members of the Association of Negros Producers Mary Anne Colmenares, Cristina Gaston, Mary Anne Sicangco-Hagad, and Josephine Locsin.

This year’s My City, My SM began in January with The Lakeside Charm of San Pablo with Don Ado Escudero and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Dr. Jaime Alip as honorees.

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

Former Philippine Prime Minister and the present president of Cavite Historical Society Cesar E. A. Virata beside his panel during My City My SM Cavite Launch. With him are (from left to right) SM South Luzon 1 Group Brand Manager Ritchie Tan Gonzales, SM VP for Marketing Millie Dizon, Cavite Vice Governor Recto Cantimbuhan, SM City Molino Assistant Mall Manager Editha Ragodo, and SM City

Bacoor Assistant Mall Manager Joseph Forosuelo.

Former Cavite Congressman and Island Cove Hotel Managing Director Gilbert Remulla, Former Prime Minister Cesar E.A. Virata with La Salle College , Dasma Dean and Member of Cavite Hostorical Society Emmanuel Calairo.

Cavite Congressman and Island Cove Hotel Managing Director Gilbert Remulla with wife Georgia Isabel during the My City My SM Launch in Cavite.

Cavite Provincial Board Member Rex Mangubat, (second from left) and Dasmarinas Cavite Councilor Robin Cantimbuhan ( second from right), with SM Assistant Mall Managers Joseph Forrosuela and Reymie delos Reyes.

CNN Hero Efren Penaflorida (second from left) with SM VP for Marketing Millie Dizon, SM PR Manager Cathie Antonio and PR Officer Jenny Florentino-Paus.

A replica of the new Tejeros Convention Building is part of the exhibit during the launch

The Aguinaldo Shrine replica

The Baldomero Shrine replica – This restored historical edifice was originally built in 1906, and served as the official residence of Gen. Baldomero Aguinaldo, (first cousin of Emilio Aguinaldo) and his family.

. The Teatro Baile de Cavite performs the touching rendition of the National Anthem

The members of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra serenaded the guests with their music during the launch.

Cavite delicacies pinalamanang kamatis, binalot na tahong at keso and tinapa at itlog na pula from Alexis Cuisine.

Suman sa lihiya, Cavite’s version of Suman

Cafe Amadeo's Pahimis Blend

Prime Minister, will you marry me?, hihihihi -P

With CNN Hero Efren Penaflorida

with the 2 dynamic women behind the success of this event, Jen and Cathie ;-)

with MFD and the ever supportive provincial PRO's, MABUHAY!

MASSKARA FESTIVAL OPENS AT MY CITY, MY SM BACOLOD LAUNCH

The My City, My SM launch last October 1 at SM City Bacolod, not only highlighted the best of the City of Smiles, but also marked the opening day of the 31^st MassKara Festival, which is called the happiest festival in the Philippines.

Bacolod City Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson led the ceremonial toast, which marked the festival launch, which was held simultaneously with the event led by Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia at the Bacolod Government Center.

At the same time, it honored five prominent Bacoleños, who have brought great pride to their city: Mr. Raymund Javellana, owner of The Ruins and Secretary and Treasurer of the Resorts Association of Negros Island; as well as the dynamic board members of the Association of Negros Producers. The latter include Mrs. Mary Ann Colmenares, ANP President and owner of Handmade Gallery; Ms. Cristina Gaston of Hacienda Crafts Company; Ms. Mary Ann Sicangco-Hagad of Art Energy; and Ms. Josephine Locsin of Tumandok Crafts.

During the event, SM City Bacolod’s Event Centre at the Northwing was transformed into a mansion’s courtyard, a replica of the famous and magnificent Ruins, a testament to the heydays of Bacolod and Negros Occidental, when hacienderos lived in palatial houses, and the province was one of the biggest sugar exporters of the world.

In celebration of the MassKara Festival, colorful giant masks welcomed guests, who each had their own masks in masquerade fashion. Guests included Bacolod Congressman Anthony Golez, Jr., Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, and Councilors Em Ang, Al Victor Espino, Roberto Rojas, Carlos Jose Lopez, Caesar Distrito, and Executive Assistant to the Mayor Moises de la Cruz.

Members of Bacolod’s prominent families – the Gastons, the Sicangcos, the Locsins, the Lacsons, the Colmenareses, the Javellanas, the Hofileñas, and the Gamboas also graced the event. SM Prime Holdings Vice President Marissa Fernan, Vice President for Marketing Millie Dizon, Assistant Vice President Danny Chavez, and SM City Bacolod Mall Manager George Jardolin welcomed them.

Guests were treated to an evening of Ilonggo songs and dances performed by Bacolod’s Tourism and Performing Arts Society (TAPAS). These included the opening number Tukib Negros, which gave the audience a glimpse of the 13 cities and 19 municipalities of Negros Occidental; and Tubo Kag Madamo Pa, which showcased the province’s vibrant festival costumes and celebrations.

An exhibit of products of the Association of Negros Producers gave great pride to the guests: diversified items made of mixed media and indigenous materials, contemporary wood and metal furniture, environmentally friendly home décor, and world class home wares and light furniture made of homegrown materials. The Silver Tiangge, a coffee table book marking the 25^th year of the Negros Trade Fair, was also presented during the event.

The Sweet Greens restaurant served homegrown delicacies like Embotido on Sweet Rolls, Panara, Empanaditas, Fresh Lumpiang Ubod, Old Fashioned Fruit Punch, and assorted heirloom dessert recipes.

Capping the event was a dance performance by the lively and colorful Taculing MassKara Dancers, the 2009 MassKara Festival Dance Competition Grand Champion.

The My City, My SM launch in Bacolod is the 15^th 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 the Queen City of the South 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 Universe 2001 and lawyer Zorayda Ruth Andam. During the same month, Up, Up Away at Clark highlighted the Hot Air Balloon Festival and featured 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 the Quezonians through Hollywood beauty expert James Cooper and businesswoman Nova Veluz.

In June, Kalayaan sa Cavite celebrated the province’s history, heritage, and heroes through CNN Hero of the Year Efren Penaflorida, Emilio Aguinaldo IV, and 1996 Mutya ng Pilipinas International Sheryl Santarin. Just in time for the Sublian Festival in July, the Best of Batangas was highlighted through Atty. Antonio Pastor and beauty queen Kristine Reyes Alzar.

The Beauty and Bounty of Davao was featured through Miss Universe 1973 and Ballet Philippines President Margie Moran Floirendo; while the Golden Smiles of Cagayan de Oro showcased international pianist Rudolf Golez and Bigby’s Hendrik and Joanna Yu.

Meet Me in Marilao paid tribute to Bulacan’s rich history and artistry through international accessories designer Arnel Papa and historian and book author Jaime Salvador Corpus. More recently, Faith, Family and Naga was launched in time for the 300^th Anniversary of the Feast of Our Lady of Penafrancia featuring artist Pancho Piano, who is known as the Painter of Ina; and DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo and daughter Aika.

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

From Lef to right : The Ruins’ Raymund Javellana, Tumandok Crafts Industries’ Jojie Lacson, SM Prime Holdings Inc. VP Marissa Fernan, Association of Negros Producers President Mary Anne Colmenares, SM VP for Marketing Millie Dizon, Hacienda Crafts Company’s Christina Gaston, and Hagad of Art Energy’s Cathy Sicangco

Mr. Raymund Javellana, who transformed his family's burnt mansion into The Ruins, which is now a tourist attraction in the province with his wife Yves, daughter Genie, and Lyn Gamboa, former curator of Balay Negrense.

Hacienda Crafts Company’s Christina Gaston with her husband Joey and daughter Sabina

SM VP for Marketing Millie Dizon with SM AVP for Operations for Visayas Region Danny Chavez and SM City Bacolod’s Mall Manager George Jardiolin.

Association of Negros Producers President Mary Anne Colmenares with friend Cookie Lamata

SM Prime Holdings Vice President Marissa Fernan with Bacolod City’s Councilor Carlos Jose Lopez

Lone District of Bacolod Congressman Anthony Golez, Jr. in his inspiring speech.

Bacolod City Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, with City Councilors Al Victor Espino and Bobby Rojas

Sunstar’s Luci Lizares-Yunque, Maite Elordi and Resorts Association of Negros Island’s Bob Jereza

Miss Lanibelle Javelosa, Miss Baby Bonnin and Bacolod Cultural and Arts Foundation’s Edith Robillo.

The Bacolod Maskarra Dancers

The Tourism Performing Arts Society in their Ilongo songs and dances

Fresh Ubod Lumpia

Embotido on Sweet Rolls

Bacolod’s famous Napoleones

1. Tumandok Crafts Industries’ Jojie Lacson with the DOT Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist Mae Buaron.dustry Development Specialist Mae Buaron.