Dear Mr. President Rodrigo Duterte: Militants in Pangasinan

A group of militants led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Pangasinan Chapter rally at the Capitol Plaza in Lingayen, Pangasinan north of Manila to express their sentiments and specific issues to the national and provincial government on Thursday, June 30, 2016 in time for the oath-taking ceremonies of Philippines new President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañan and Pangasinan's new Governor Amado I. Espino III. Jojo Riñoza/MB

Giant 2-dimensional book of heroes took center stage at SM City Rosales

ROSALES, Pangasinan – Mall giant SM City Rosales took part in the 118TH Independence Day celebration with the display of a giant pop-up book of heroes during its unveiling today (June 11, 2016).

A giant pop-up book of Filipino heroes was unveiled at SM City Rosales in Pangasinan today as a centerpiece for the 118th celebration of Philippine Independence Day tomorrow June 12, 2016. June 11, 2016/Jojo Riñoza/Manila Bulletin

The unveiling of the giant pop- up book of heroes also feature National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose as the special guest. Jose hails from Rosales, Pangasinan.

Roselle Gale, SM-Rosales Communications Officer said, “The centerpiece is themed in line with Dr. Jose Rizal’s remarks that to foretell the nation’s destiny, it is necessary to open the book that tells of her past.”

The pop-up book, which measures 12 x9 x 2 feet thick, is six feet high on plywood. It showcases the heroes of the country with the martyrdom of Rizal in the center.

A painted letter- cut-out of the phrase ‘Pilipinas Kong Mahal’   also hangs above the giant book over the 118  salakot (native hat) which symbolizes the 118 years of Philippine independence along with the heroes who fought for freedom.

SM City Rosales has been in Pangasinan for eight years now and is annually creating giant centerpieces for various Philippine occasions as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Performers from the Presidential Committee on Cultural Arts performs during the unveiling of a giant pop-up book of Filipino heroes as the centerpiece for the 118th celebration of Philippine Independence Day tomorrow June 12, 2016 at SM City Rosales in Pangasinan. June 11, 2016/Jojo Riñoza/Manila Bulletin