Timeline to freedom.
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Nationalism unplugged.
That was the state of being at the SM City malls here and in Angeles City, and reportedly all across the country, in celebration of the 115th year of Philippine Independence.
A near-simultaneous raising of the national colors opened the celebrations in the malls, highlighted by patriotic speeches and capped by the singing of nationalist songs by local talents and folk dances.
“Aling pag-ibig pa ang hihigit kaya, sa pagkadalisay at pagkadakila, gaya ng pag-ibig sa tinubuang lupa, aling pag-ibig pa? Wala na nga wala,” quoted Mayor Oscar S. Rodriguez of the poem of National Hero Andres Bonifacio, as he laid down the “full meaning of the day” before assembled guests at the SM City Pampanga.
Rodriguez paid tribute to the “great plebeian’s working class roots” finding resonance among the assembled security guards, maintenance men, and workers at SM.
“Like Bonifacio, we can strive to be heroes in our daily lives, for the good of our family, for the betterment of our country,” the congressman-elect of the third district said.
“Even as we cherish the fruits of our freedom, let us not forget those who sacrificed their lives to its altar,” Rodriguez said, quoting the dying Elias in Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, thus: “Mamamatay akong hindi nasisilayan ang pagbubukang-liwayway sa aking bayan, Kayong makakakita, batiin ninyo siya at huwag kalimutan ang mga taong nabulid sa dilim ng gabi.”
After the, flag rites, Rodriguez, along with Mexico Mayor Teddy Tumang, Guagua mayor-elect Dante Torres and mall manager Lana Erroba led the unveiling of the Betis Art exhibit featuring the works of the Mandukit Anluagi Ning Sta. Ursula and masterpieces of Presidential Merit Awardee for Ecclesiastical Art Willy Layug.
The exhibit is themed Filipino nationalism in keeping with the celebration of the day.
At SM City San Fernando Downtown, Vice Mayor-elect Jimmy Lazatin and mall office-in-charge Bong Garcia presided over more of All-Filipino cultural expressions highlighted by the Dolores Rondangklung Ensemble performing its own “Makabayan” masterpiece, and the mall’s “Heritage Inspired Photo Op with Authentic Kapampangan Muebles” with still characters representing the women who sewed the first Philippine flag, Doña Marcela Marino de Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad.
In his speech, Lazatin reminded his audience that “freedom becomes most significant when it comes with its concomitant responsibility towards the well-being of the community.”
A bonus to the shoppers for the day: Tour of the city’s heritage district on board decorated calesas by simply presenting their I Love Downtown Privilege Card, courtesy of SM City San Fernando Downtown in collaboration with the Kalesa Driver’s Association.
A fly-over by a Philippine Air Force helicopter kicked off the Independence Day rites at SM City Clark.
The centerpiece of the celebrations was the “Timeline to Independence,” an art installation of a marble and bamboo fountain which stood for the “unprecedented resilience and tenacity of us Filipinos.”
Crafted by artists Marco and Del Guillen, the “ever-flowing fountain represents how eternally our characters as Filipinos have been tested, from one generation to the next.
However, from the time of our great ancestors and liberators, and until these modern times, we are bamboos swaying strong against the often unmerciful forces, which is a proof of both our humility, as Filipino people, and our heroic drive to break free from those who held, and will hold, us and our Motherland captive.”
In her brief remarks, mall manager Ana Datu said she hoped “every Filipino will find inspiration to a heroic life, re-instilled in us the lessons of the great liberation that came from the great sacrifices of our forefathers.”
Mabalacat City Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales who unveiled the art installation said commended SM City malls for “impacting nationalism in its corporate core.”
“All these celebrations of patriotism in its malls, SM makes a showcase of Filipino pride and nationalism,” the mayor said.
– With reports from Kristal Mhay Diaz, AUF-OJT
Sewing of 1st Philippine flag.
Vice Mayor-elect Lazatin gives his take on freedom as a social responsibility. Contributed photo
