Saturday, June 19, 2010

I Love Antipolo City - My City, My SM!




Antipolo City on the mountain ridges east of Manila where the sun begins to shine whose name
refers to the Tipolo trees growing indigenously on its land.trees with broad leaves that provide shade while gently fanning in the soothing breeze. It is the city of pilgrims and contemplatives, tourists and traders, artists and artisans. The City is located in the northern half of Rizal Province. It is bounded on the north, by the Municipality of Rodriguez (formerly Montalban), on the northwest, by the City of Marikina and Municipality of San Mateo, on the southwest, by the Municipalities of Taytay and Cainta, on the southeast, by the Municipalities of Tanay, Teresa and Baras and on the east, by Quezon Province. The City was named after a tree locally known as Tipolo (Artocarpus cummunis) which was in abundance in the area at the time. Historical records of Mr. Beinvenido M. Alarcon concerning Antipolo says that the early written account of the city's history was recorded in 1578 by the Franciscans missionaries who came to christianize the natives like the Dumagats. Early records referred to the natives as Tagal, Indians and Black (the aetas).. In 1591, the Jesuits replaced the Franciscans in Antipolo who organized the village into a parish.They built a chapel in Sitio Sta.Cruz, among them were Fr. Pedro Chirino and Fr. Francisco Almarique. The same year, the first homily in Tagalog was delivered in a holy mass. In those years, the virgin forest of Antipolo covered most of its mountains ranges with varied tropical trees and wildlife. There are many springs supporting several waterfalls, the most popular of which is the "Hinulugang Taktak". The people of Antipolo lived a simple and traditional Filipino lifestyle. Their culture and tradition included the celebrations of many religious and cultural festivities such as the Kapitanes and Kapitanas on Easter Sunday, the night of serenades, Bayanihan, reciting of Angelus, reading of the Passion of Christ during the Lenten season and festivities on May and June. The association known as the Nuestra SeƱora Dela Anunciata, established many years back continuous to practice many of these old traditions.

The City Fiesta celebrated on December 6-8 of every year in honour of the City's patroness the Blessed Virgin Immaculate Conception. Traditionally, the celebration is confined within the four (4) Barangays in the Poblacion the Barangays Uno- San Roque, Dos- San Jose, Tres- San Isidro, and Quatro- Dela Paz, but through the recent history, the celebrations extended to all barangays of the city. The city fiesta is traditionally celebrated with palarong bayan on the 5th; followed by other activities such as cycling competitions, 4-wheel drive contest, drum and lyre competitions and the like on the 6th; a grand Parade featuring the four (4) bands representing the 4 barangays will on the 7th and towards the evening, these brass bands compete at the City Plaza (Serenata ng mga Banda or popularly known as Sertamin) which run up to midnight.

A yearly SUMAKAH festival celetharated every May 1 that showcases the culture

of the Antipolonians and promotes the local delicacies as the Suman (sweetened steamed rice),Mangga (Mangoes) and Kasuy (Cashew) and the early days mode of transportation the Hamaka (hammock).







And These are the reasons why I LOVE MY CITY....




SO WHY DONT YOU TRY TO VISIT MY CITY I SURELY YOU'LL ENJOY! Its FUN FUN FUN!



There's no SM City located on the our city itself by the nearest SM City branch from my place is SM City Marikina.

SM City Marikina

SM City Marikina is strategically located beside the Marikina River and Marikina Riverbanks Center and situated along Marcos Highway, Barangay Calumpang, Marikina City. The location of the mall is very accessible because major transportation runs through Marcos Highway, such as the Santolan LRT Station There are also specialized bridges branching out to and from Marcos Highway bridge which all vehicles from Antipolo City going to Quezon City can directly access the Mall. It also has an interchange beneath the Marcos Highway bridge, providing all vehicles to easily access the different points in Metro Manila, particularly for those en route to NAIA, Makati City, Ortigas Center, and Eastwood City.


The mall features a 5-level building (3 upper floors will function as the mall area and 2 lower floors will serve as the indoor parking lots). It has a grand entrance, high ceilings and interplay of glass and steel, with modern Asian touches. Interiors have spacious areas with multicolored lighted ceilings with circle accents.



Some of the features of the mall is the huge parking area and the interior design of the mall.




We always pay a visit in SM City Marikina simply because me and my family really loves this mall. The all-in-one mall where you will find all the necessary and personal things you will be needing from all top homegrown and international brands, including fashion boutiques, home stores, entertainment, shoe stores, bookstores, novelty stores, wellness, spa, health and service shops, local and international fast-food chains, dining and specialty restaurants are offers inside the mall.

SM City Marikina Cinema is so memorable for my baby boy, at the age of 2 he already watched 4 movies (Transformers, Astroboy, Alvin and the Chipmunks and the latest from disney Toy Story 3)






Every weekend we shop our food at SM Supermarket where my baby boy enjoys a lot strolling around the large area of the store.
(his first cart ride @ SM City Supermarket)


We also celebrated some occassions on this mall....

(Gerry's Grill @ SM CIty Marikina)

(Burger King)






A lot of firsts of my little boy happend here at the mall that's why this mall is like a part of our family. None of our weekends passed by without stopping by at the mall whether to pick up some stuffs or a cup of coffee or just hanging out! or simply checking out what's on sale of the month!


I called this a mall for the whole family!

Like what Ronald McDonald said:

(pic taken at SM Marikina front ground lobby)



Words and pictures can't explain the true happiness everytime we visit our 2nd home - The SM City Marikina Mall.








THIS IS MY OFFICIAL ENTRY IN "My City, My SM Contest" a joint project of SM and The Philippine Star with
support from Sony Ericson.