BAMBOO PHILIPPINE FLAG FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY
- The Unveiling of the 25-ft. tall bamboo inspired Philippine flag was led by (from R-L) 2013 Bb. Olongapo Omari Lynn Osuna, SM Olongapo Asst. Mall Manager Engr. Junias Eusebio, Councilor-Elect BJ Cajudo and 2013 Bb. Olongapo Tourism Sherry Rose Guanga. The flag was made by the Aetas of Pamulaklakin in Subic Bay.
The celebration of the 115th Independence Day in SM Olongapo wowed guests, employees, customers and onlookers for their version of the Philippine flag made of bamboo tubes handcrafted by the Aetas of Pamulaklakin in Subic Bay.
SM Olongapo together with the 46 SM Supermalls around the country joined this momentous event by artistically creating the Philippine flag made from the different materials known to mall host city.
Being considered as one of the early settlers in the city , SM mall has came up with the idea of designing the flag inspired by the notable construction material of the Aetas- the Bamboos.
The 25-ft. tall flag was assembled by cutting the bamboo tubes into pieces , tied one from the other to form the shape of the flag. Bamboos are of notable economic and cultural significance , aside from building materials, it can also be used as a food source and as a versatile raw product.
Meanwhile, SM Olongapo’s assistant mall manager Engr. Junias Eusebio welcomed the guests and participants in his speech, “Mapalad tayong lahat na maranasan ang kalayaan. Nawa’y magsilbing isang hamon sa atin ang paggunita ng araw ng Kalayaan…hamon na mamuhay at manindigan bilang isang tunay na Pilipino at hamon na pagyamanin at mahalin ang ating bansa tulad ng ipinamalas sa atin ng ating mga ninuno.
”One of the guests British national Sam Eslamey of Rotary Club of Freeport Zone was invited to deliver his Independence Day message, and he said, “Independence Day comes once a year , but our love and respect for this country should be everyday. I recall the signs I’ve read, Aim High Olongapo and Fighting for Excellence, these are not just signs, they are lessons for all of us, a reminder that we need to respect not only Olongapo but the Philippines.”
This year’s theme, “Kalayaan 2013: Ambagan Tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran” is geared towards a more progressive Philippines. As part of SM’s corporate social responsibility, SM Supermalls will continue to serve and be the inspiration to all in achieving its goal of helping the community .
The event was also graced by Councilor BJ Cajudo, City Tourism head Lorela Montoya, Bb. Olongapo 2013 Omari Lynn Osuna , Bb. Olongapo Tourism Sherry Rose Guanga,the city scholars, Rotaract Club of Freeport Zone, tenants and affiliates of SM.(PR-SMOL)