Unveiling and raising of the bamboo-made Philippine Flag at SM Olongapo entrance hall. The unveiling was made by (from left) Sheri Rose Guanga, Bb. Olongapo 2013 Tourism, City Councilor BJ Cajudo, SM Assistant Mall manager Junias Eusebio and Bb. Olongapo 2013 Omari Lyn Osuna.
Photo by Malou Dungog
OLONGAPO CITY — This city would not allow itself to be left out in the celebration of Philippine Independence.
Local officials, the Police Precinct 3, government agencies, students, beauty queens non-government organizations, Indigenous Peoples (IPs), and the management, stall holders, employees and mall goers of SM Olongapo converged at the ground floor of the SM Mall, for the Independence Day celebration.
The SBMA Brass band rendered the Kalayaan march and the Philippine National Anthem.
Highlight of the event was the unveiling and raising of the SM Mall centerpiece, a Philippine flag made of bamboo tubes.
The flag measuring 25 feet by 6 feet was made by the Aetas of Pamulaklakin Village.
City Councilor BJ Cajudo, SM Mall Assistant Manager Junias Eusebio, Bb. Olongapo 2013 Omari Lyn Osuna and Bb Olongapo Tourism Sheri Rose Guanga did the unveiling and raising of the bamboo Philippine flag.
Eusebio said, SM Olongapo SM’s 46 malls nationwide in the celebration of this worthwhile event.
“Ang Araw ng Kalayaan ay paggunita sa ating mga ninuno na nagbuwis ng kanilang buhay upang makamit ng ating bayan ang kalayaang ngayon ay ating tinatamasa. Ito ay isang hamon para sa ating lahat upang ang kanilang sakripisyo ay ating pahalagahan at pagyamanin,” Eusebio said.
Half British, half Filipino, Sam Escame, President of Rotaract Subic Bay Freeport said, “Independence day comes but once a year, but our love and respect for this country should be everyday. I recall the signs that read “Aim high Olongapo” and Fighting for excellence”. These are not just signs, they are lesson for all of us, a reminder that we need to respect, not only Olongapo, but the Philippines.”
“The Filipinos are hard working, great and resilient as people, and their strongest love and loyalty is to their family. We are a nation of people. We are all living under the same roof. It doesn’t matter where we’re from, we are all members of this family and as such it is our responsibility to show why we deserve to be independent and show love to this great country,” he added.
“As Rotarians it is our pleasure to serve our community with many worthwhile projects that help those less fortunate than us. This country has given me 10 years of my life, it’s time to give back.” Escame said.
A fireworks display followed in the evening.
