At the Independence Day Tribute at SM Camanava Malls, folk performances and a job fair take center stage

The spirit of independence was alive in Northern Metro Manila as SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela held a patriotic tribute to the 126th Philippine Independence Day, combining culture and community empowerment in this year's celebrations.

SM City Grand Central’s Kalayaan Job Fair featured 51 companies offering 3,563 jobs, local and abroad.

Hundreds of mall staff, residents, and community members gathered at SM City Grand Central and SM Center Sangandaan for solemn flag-raising rituals to begin the day's celebrations.  The rituals were followed by cultural performances that celebrated Filipino ancestry.  Folk dances like Sayaw sa Bangko and Binasuan attracted large crowds at SM City Grand Central.  At SM Center Sangandaan, students and artists performed a spirited Sabayang Bigkas that mirrored themes of courage and nationalism.

Proudly Filipino. SM City Valenzuela marked Independence Day with vibrant cultural performances.

The Independence Day program at SM City Grand Central was more than simply a historical memorial; it also opened the path for job seekers to move forward.  The Kalayaan Job Fair, a highlight of the event, brought together 51 companies providing a total of 3,563 job vacancies both locally and internationally.  With hopefuls standing up with resumes in hand, the event exemplified the true essence of kalayaan: empowerment through opportunity.

Lights and Legacy. A graceful Pandanggo sa Ilaw lit up SM City Valenzuela’s Independence Day showcase.

FREEDOM TO DREAM: Over 3,500 local and overseas job opportunities were opened to applicants during SM City Grand Central’s Kalayaan Job Fair. Among those who led the event were (from L-R) SM City Grand Central Senior HR Manager Shella Marie Vito, DOLE CAMANAVA Director Rowella Grande, Caloocan PESO Manager Violeta Gonzales, SM City Grand Central Mall Manager Von Aaron Tan, and Assistant Mall Manager Cenen Pamintuan.

Meanwhile, SM City Valenzuela reflected the same patriotic spirit with its own roster of traditional acts and Filipino-themed displays.  Its celebration will climax on June 27 with a job fair focused on international employment, providing another opportunity for job seekers to achieve a better future.

Grace in Motion. A performer at SM City Grand Central showcases the Binasuan, a cherished Filipino folk dance.

Balancing Tradition. SM City Grand Central highlights Sayaw sa Bangko during its Independence Day festivities.

Through spectacular performances and job-creation efforts, the SM malls in Caloocan and Valenzuela have transformed Independence Day into a celebration of not just the country's freedom but also its people's ongoing pursuit of growth.