Culture and Careers Unite: SM CAMANAVA Malls Celebrate Independence Day with Folk Shows and Job Fairs

In a heartfelt tribute to the 127th Philippine Independence Day,

SM malls across Northern Metro Manila transformed June 12 into more than just a celebration of history, it became a showcase of Filipino pride and a platform for future possibilities.

At SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela, the spirit of freedom was brought to life through vibrant cultural performances and community-driven initiatives that honored both the country’s heritage and its people’s aspirations.

Tradition Takes the Stage

The day began with solemn flag-raising ceremonies at SM City Grand Central and SM Center Sangandaan, attended by mall employees, tenants, and members of the local community. These symbolic moments set the tone for a day steeped in national pride.

Audiences were treated to stirring folk performances that highlighted the richness of Filipino tradition. At SM City Grand Central, dancers captivated the crowd with graceful renditions of Sayaw sa Bangko and Binasuan, two classic folk dances that showcase balance, poise, and cultural identity.

Over at SM Center Sangandaan, students took the spotlight with a powerful Sabayang Bigkas, a choral poetry performance that echoed messages of patriotism, unity, and resilience, timeless values that continue to shape the Filipino spirit.

Empowering Futures Through Jobs

In a move that aligned with the day’s theme of empowerment, SM City Grand Central also hosted the Kalayaan Job Fair, a centerpiece of this year’s celebration. The fair brought together 51 employers and over 3,500 job opportunities for both local and overseas placements.

Jobseekers filled the mall, clutching résumés and hoping to take a step closer to financial freedom and personal growth. The turnout highlighted how Independence Day is not only about remembering the past but also about forging ahead with hope and ambition.

Leading the job fair were key officials including SM City Grand Central Senior HR Manager Shella Marie Vito, DOLE CAMANAVA Director Rowella Grande, Caloocan PESO Manager Violeta Gonzales, Mall Manager Von Aaron Tan, and Assistant Mall Manager Cenen Pamintuan.

A Celebration That Continues

SM City Valenzuela mirrored the patriotic energy with its own lineup of cultural showcases, including spirited performances of Pandanggo sa Ilaw and other traditional Filipino dances. The celebration will culminate with a dedicated overseas employment job fair on June 27, offering even more opportunities for Filipinos to build their futures.

Honoring Heritage, Inspiring Progress

By blending traditional performances with forward-looking programs like job fairs, the SM malls in Caloocan and Valenzuela have reimagined Independence Day as a celebration of both cultural identity and economic empowerment. It’s a powerful reminder that honoring our past can go hand-in-hand with building a better tomorrow.