In celebrating the 113th year of Philippine Independence, SM City Batangas held a flag raising ceremony at the mall front covered walk, June 12.
The event started with a parade led by Mataas na Lupa Elementary School Marching Band. Together with them are the Boys Scout of the Philippines (BSP), Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), SM Security Personnel, Danztek Dance Studio Dancers, Affiliates, Mall Tenants, and SCMC Employees.
This was followed by the flag raising ceremony done by the BSP. As the flag was being raised, everyone could feel the meaning of the Independence Day as Mr. Reymond Sajor sings the National Anthem. Mr. Sajor is a recording artist and the grand champion in the Vocalist of the World 2007. A video presentation was also being played. “Salutations to the Philippine Flag” was conducted by the Philippine Maritime Academy students.
Commemorating our independence from the bandage of tyranny, Mrs. Gemina F. Buenaflor, Asst. Mall Manager of SM City Batangas, delivered her opening remarks. Her message was to honor our national heroes who gave their lives to fight for our freedom from oppressors. SM City Batangas encouraged every individual to continue what our heroes started. That is by being an instrument of development of our country.
The same message came from Vice Mayor Joe Tolentino as he asks questions in his speech. “Is it true that all of us have freedom? That we are independent?” That question made the people silent for a while. He encouraged the youth to take away their thoughts that we are inferior to other races. He stressed three things: love our country, sacrifice for our country, and serve our country.
Then, a video presentation about our National Heroes and a dance number from Danztek Dance Studio dancers followed. You’ll see the colors of our Philippine Flag on their shirts. Many were amazed not just on how they performed but on how they showed their patriotism.
To end the event, SCMC Employees and Mall Tenants waved their flags as Mr. Reymond Sajor sings “Ang Bayan kong Pilipinas”. Confetti fell from above as everyone commemorates what our heroes made for our motherland.
In was indeed a very successful Independence Day celebration. We are looking forward to another year that we will celebrate our freedom and honor those who fought for it.