A glimpse of gift of faith at SM City Marilao

Filipino Altar Vestments are more than a colorful and fine needlework garment used by the priests. They are treasures of Filipinos' unwavering faith, rich culture, heritage and deep rooted traditions.

In celebration of the National Heritage Month and Annual Feast of St. Michael, SM City Marilao in cooperation with Sining Marileño Incorporated launched 'Abito: Pamanang Kasuotan ng mga Pari ng Marilao', a week-long exhibition featuring the 20 antique piece collection of liturgical vestments worn by Parish Priests of Marilao.

The 'abitos' documented the beauty of embroidery and intricacy of the different Philippine hand-woven holy garments made from indigenous materials. It highlighted the legacies of the past and town's identity. Details of the exhibit exuded the indigenous practices and classical artistry.

"Vestments or abitos are important aspect of our culture. They are the narratives of our faith and our glorious past. They are enshrined to bring us closer to the Creator", said Bulacan Historian Jaime Salvador Corpuz. "I am glad that SM Supermalls was able to accommodate this kind of exhibit. It helps to educate the public on our rich history and our strong faith in God", he added. 

Most of the garments that were featured in the exhibit were selected ecclesiastical garments of priests in the town of Marilao from 1920 to 1950. Highlighted in the exhibit was the ceremonial robe of Father Rufino Santos, the first Filipino Cardinal of the Catholic Church in 1932. Also featured were some garments by Father Roberto de la cruz (1934- 1938), Father Marcelino Fajardo (1938-1939), Father Gabino Baluyot (1939- 1945), Father Florentino Fuentes (1945- 1954), Father Angel Pengson (1954- 1956) and Father Avelino Santos (2001-present)

The exhibit kicked off with folk singing and theatre play replicating the re-enactment of events during the Colonial Era. Abito exhibit will run until May 11, 2012 at the event center of SM City Marilao.

THOUSANDS TROOPED TO LABOR DAY JOB FAIR AT SM

May 1, 2012, Labor Day- Two hours before the start of the registration, a heavy turnout of jobseekers flocked and started to queue outside SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag for the Job Fair 2012.

 This year’s job fair carried the theme “We Create Jobs” as a response to the National Government’s endeavor of providing a full, decent and productive employment for every Filipino. Held at the event centers of both SM Supermalls in Bulacan, the fair was organized by the Department of Labor and Employment Region 3 (DOLE-R3) in cooperation with the Bulacan Provincial Youth Sports, Employment, Arts, and Culture Office (PYSEACO) and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in Baliwag and Marilao. Local officials of the provinces, with DOLE, PESO and SM Executives, welcomed the graduates of class 2012 and other job hopefuls looking for better opportunities.

During the event, Ms. Elizabeth Alonzo, president of PESOPHIL Federation, thanked SM for being the perfect venue for all jobseekers to meet potential employers. She also encouraged companies to evaluate the applicants right away for possible ready employment or hire on the spot.

The fair had drawn a crowd of 4,325 applicants and 111 participating companies. Particularly in SM City Marilao, a total of 61 companies participated while over 50 employers joined in SM City Baliwag, offering 7,191 job vacancies. Over hundred applicants were hired on the spot at SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag.

Aside from the job fair, applicants also benefitted on the one-stop-shop where various government services were offered including NBI clearance, SSS membership, community tax certificate, police clearance and PhilHealth membership. Likewise, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) conducted skills demonstration on massage therapy, as well as the basics in electrical and cellphone repair.


The job fair was simultaneously held in all 46 SM Supermalls nationwide as part of its corporate social responsibility. It brings together private and government sectors in pursuit of generating job employment and aims to lessen the inconvenience of job seeking process by providing valuable exposure to companies of their respective industries and vacancies.

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SM City Marilao prioritizes safety and emergency preparedness

MARILAO, Bulacan – As part of precautionary measure to ensure safety of clients, mall tenants and employees, SM City Marilao recently conducted its mall based earthquake and fire drill.

The emergency preparedness exercise provided opportunity for the participants to put into practice the things they have learned and work together in case of fire and earthquake. Simulations of earthquake and fire incidents were executed to illustrate the proper response before, during and after these hazards happen. This action sought to enhance skills in mobilization, communication and response, as well as the ability to account for all the people within the affected premises.

Likewise, the drill served as a refresher course for the emergency response team (ERT). Topics like prevention, nature of earthquake and fire disasters, emergency and first aid treatment were also discussed in an earlier seminar.

The earthquake and fire drill was a part of the simultaneous program observed by different government agencies in Bulacan. It is also a national activity in which all provinces, cities and towns are encouraged to participate to convey the importance of being alert in case tragedy happens.

SM CITY MARILAO BOOSTS TOURISM AWARENESS AMONG ITS EMPLOYEES

MARILAO, Bulacan -- In partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Marilao Tourism Council, SM City Marilao rounded up its first month of the year with a specialized tourism awareness seminar to one hundred ninety two frontline service personnel at the event center.

The seminar aimed to equip tenants and mall staff members with the knowledge needed to serve the growing number of local and foreign tourists visiting the mall. Likewise, the seminar is expected to upgrade customer service and eventually contribute to the tourism process. By being a tourist oriented establishment, tourists can get information or directions on spots or festivals they plan to see or visit.

During the seminar, speakers emphasized the important role of SM employees in promoting tourism and further nation building. Employees were also asked to stimulate pride and love for the country.  “Malling is not only to entertain but also a way of educating tourists and visitors who frequent our malls for shopping and leisure”, added by SM City Marilao Mall Manager Ms. Bernadette D. Velasco.

Topics like introduction and overview of Philippine Tourism, behavioral patterns and local tourism products and services were likewise undertaken. Speakers were Ms. Avon Timbol from Department of Tourism, Councilor Allane Sayo and Chairman Ricky Manalo from Marilao Tourism Council in Bulacan.

Yes Tourism is one of the programs of SM Cares that is simultaneously conducted in all SM Supermalls.

SM’s bold step beyond the hour

Echoing the campaign to “save the planet”, SM City Baliwag and SM City Marilao went beyond the symbolic 60- minute lights switch off by promoting energy-saving alternatives.

At exactly 8:30 pm, SM City Baliwag and SM City Marilao simultaneously turned off lights on both malls’ perimeter which includes external signages, bill boards and lamp posts. Likewise, a selection of stores and car park lights were reduced to conserve energy while ensuring the safety of mall customers.

 In sync with this year’s theme dubbed, “I will, if you will,” SM City Baliwag, in partnership with Bulacan State University and Solartech Enterprise, highlighted the renewable energy source through the Solar panel and converter. Huge, solar-powered lanterns adorned the 50-meter stretch of the mall as it was dramatically lit following the switched off of lights. Each paper lanterns measuring at least 3 feet in diameter used LED bulbs which were all powered by solar energy.

Synchronously, SM City Marilao called on community members, institutions and government authorities to commit for the earth protection by encouraging sustainable living. To make it significant, rows of votive candles were lit on the symbolic sixty (60) minute candelabra as prayers were offered to show solidarity with the worldwide campaign of saving the earth. A ceremonial passing of light from generation to generation led the 10-second countdown for the earth hour.

Special performances from Sophia School in Marilao and the Bulacan State University Saring Himig, Jazz Band and Alexian Street dancers in Baliwag were carried out, inspiring mall patrons of the urgent need for action as regards to global warming.

Because earth hour is more than just switching off lights, SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag, have been committed in actively promoting earth-friendly activities through the unified environmental programs under SM Cares. Among the series of activities launched were the Trash to Cash Recycling Market, Green Retail Agenda and BioFuel Talks, Green Bag campaign, and solid waste management program in the malls. Without a doubt, these activities have shown great things in achieving sustainability and proving that people come together for a common cause and that is to save the earth.