June 12, 2013 – SM City Cagayan de Oro together with Vjandep Pastel presented the Country’s Largest Edible Map made of 3700 + delicacies during the 115th Philippine Independence Day Celebration.
The said mall started the celebration with a parade together with top mall officials, tenants, and VIP wearing their favorite Filipiniana outfit. The program was opened by Clara Marie Asuncion G. Elizaga, SM City CDO Mall Manager stressing the importance of the event to SM. DOT Region X Director Catalino “Butch” Chan also graced the event with a 10 minute message to everyone, “Tourism is everyone’s business.” He also cited that Region X is one of the highest in terms of foreign arrival in the country. He also encouraged everyone to retain the Filipino culture of giving respect and being friendly to everyone.
SM Employees also presented a small musical highlighting excerpt from the Philippine History directed by Hobart Savoir accompanied by the XU Musical Ensemble. The event would not be complete without the flag raising led by the Philippine Air Force, Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire, PNP, Philippine Army and the Security Unit of the Mall.
MUST’s Gintong Amihan welcomed the guest with Filipino dances and Ms. Angel Madriaga, DOT Region X Singing Ambassadress sang in the Part 2 of the event inside the Mall. SM together with the guests and Culinary Institute of Cagayan de Oro unveiled the first piece, the Philippine Flag made of cup cakes.
Multi-awarded CU Glee Club also graced the event by performing 3-4 songs. This group has been out of the country lately to compete. Same with other SM Malls around the archipelago, SM City Cagayan de Oro would not be left behind. Together with Vjandep, they unveiled the largest edible 18 by 6 ft. Philippine Map with hopia, muffins and the pastel. The program ended with a message from Col. Virgilio Jose of Vjandep, Mr. Constantine P. Arce, a dance number from Gintong Amihan Dance Troupe and Pinoy songs from the DOT Region X Singing Ambassadors.