The 'kariton' revolution goes to SM
MANILA, Philippines - Caviteños have always been at the forefront of change and transformation. During the revolutionary period, General Emilio Aguinaldo played an instrumental role in the fight for Philippine Independence, proclaiming the country’s freedom at the balcony of his home in Kawit.
In 2009, Efren Peñaflorida of the Dynamic Teen Company from Cavite City gave our country much pride when he was named CNN Hero of the Year by pushing for a positive change for children’s education through his kariton.
Kuya Efren and the Dynamic Teen Company recently made history again by launching a Kariton Revolution, using this iconic symbol as a touchstone for change in his hometown. Different barangays and private companies around Cavite City joined in the Kariton Karavan, while children were encouraged to express their creativity through poetry writing and poster-making contests.
The Dynamic Teen Company’s Kariton Revolution also found its way to the mall with a launching at SM City Bacoor, and stops at SM City Dasmariñas and SM City Rosario. The event began with a parade of karitons: Kariton Trio led by Cavite City Mayor Ohmee Ramos and SK chairman Dean Austria; Kariton Nic or Kariton Clinic pushed by Kesz Valdez, founder of DTC’s Caring Children; and the SM Kariton featuring a replica of the Aguinaldo Shrine with officials from SM Cavite Malls. The mall crowd cheered as CNN Hero Efren Penaflorida emerged with his Kariton Klasrum.
The event also featured performances by the Teatro Baile de Cavite as well as exhibits of the winning works in the poster-making contest. Mar Enrie Bacling, winner of the poetry writing contest, recited his winning piece, “Sali na sa Kariton Rebolusyon.”
Guests, including Mayor Ramos, Bacoor Councilor Venus de Castro, Dynamic Teen Company mentor Bonn Manalaysay, and SK members of barangay 50 in Cavite City joined Efren in making a stand for the 7Ks in the commitment board — kalikasan, kalusugan, kalinangan, kabataan, kabuhayan, kapayapaan, and karunungan. SM officials led by vice president of marketing Millie Dizon, as well as SM Supermalls assistant mall managers Joseph Forrosuelo, Cristina Sabillo, and RJ Ramos of Bacoor, Dasmariñas, and Molino, welcomed them.
The Kariton Revolution exhibit caravan is one of the many exciting community events of the SM Supermalls.
