Story and photos by Catherine Joy L. Maglalang / Correspondent
CITY OF MALOLOS—This city celebrated with gusto the 2017 edition of the Singkaban Festival’s weeklong celebration to showcase the diverse arts and culture of the province.
The event opened on September 8, with the theme “Bulacan: Babalik-balikan” with Sen. Grace Poe as guest of honor.
Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said thousands of Bulakenyos joined the provincial government of Bulacan celebrate the festival which opened with a thanksgiving Mass, flag raising and a program held in front of the Capitol Building in this city.
A “Parada ng Karosa” followed; it highlighted the products of the towns and cities with beautiful designs. There was also an “Indakan sa Kalye”, presentation of the candidates of the first “Hari at Reyna ng Singkaban 2017” and “Opening of the Exhibits”, such as Sineliksik Bulacan Docufest 2017 Film Showing, Pambansang Kumperensiya sa Bulacan 2017 and Bulacan Business Week.
Also, on opening night, Globe Night called “Sing Ka Band 2017” was held at the Bulacan Sports Complex, where Sponge Cola and Rocksteddy Band rocked and rolled with Bulakenyos in a concert followed by pyrotechnics in “Pasiklaban sa Singkaban”.
The governor said the provincial government of Bulacan ined up other activities, including “Bulacan X-Factor Grand Finals”, “Hari at Reyna ng Singkaban Coronation Night”, Gary Valenciano and Hiyas ng Bulacan Bass Brand concerts, and talent competitions, such as “Banda Rito, Sayaw Doon”. Also, the Bulakenyos joined the weeklong activities, like “Singkaban ng Bayan” (Singkaban Arc-making Competition), “Bahay Kubo, Bahay Gulay” and “Tatak Singkaban ng Central Luzon 2017”.
During the Indakan sa Kalye, contingents from different towns and cities of the province paraded from Barasoain Church to the Provincial Capitol building while showcasing Bulacan’s culture, history and traditions through dance.
Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (Phacto) Head Dr. Eliseo de la Cruz said the grand winner took home a trophy and P100,000, while the first and second runners-up each received a trophy and P70,000 and P40,000 in cash prizes, respectively.
Also, winners of special awards, like Best in Costume and Best in Street Dance received P5,000 each and three groups were given P10,000 each as a consolation prize.
Also, a trade fair featuring the best of Bulacan’s local products, tourist destinations and arts and culture adorned the floats of the towns and cities that participated in the Parada ng Karosa on September 8.
The participating local government units entered floats that showcased their products, tourist destinations and arts and culture. Winners took home trophies, plus cash incentives amounting to P100,000 for the first place; P70,000 for the second place; and P30,000 for the third place.
Before coronation night, candidates showcased various products through a series of fashion shows. Displayed were buntal hats and bags on August 20 at SM City Baliwag and Meycauayan jewelries on August 27 at SM City San Jose del Monte.
Also, 9,000 Bulakenyo youth joined this year’s “Hakbang para sa Kabataan”, a walk for a cause that aimed to raise funds for sports development and youth associations’ livelihood programs, leadership trainings and team buildings.
Walking from two separate starting points, one from Barasoain Church and the other from Santisima Trinidad Elementary School and both ending at Tanghalan ng Sining at Kultura, Mini Forest in this city, the walk for a cause began at 7 a.m. on September 12.
Sy-Alvarado said the funds generated would benefit out-of-school youth and Bulakenyo athletes.
Hundreds of members of the Bulacan Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association joined a half day of fun and appreciation as the provincial government of Bulacan held “Araw ng Lingkod Lansangan”, on September 14, at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here. The event sought to recognize the contribution of public-transport drivers in building the local economy and in providing safe public transportation for commuters.
Booths featuring different products of participating municipalities gave food enthusiasts a wide variety of food products to choose from. There was also a food talk through the Phacto that conducted the first “Bulacan Food Congress” on September 14, at the Balagtas Hall, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here.
De la Cruz said the whole day was filled with talks about histories of food in the province, cooking demonstrations and food presentations.
During the festives, 12 notable Bulakenyos were recognized by the provincial government of Bulacan through the Gawad Dangal ng Lipi 2017 on September 15.
The Provincial Planning and Development Office, DNL secretariat, said the nominees underwent a thorough screening process for public service, professional, community service, entrepreneur, education, science and technology, arts and culture, trade and industry, health, agriculture, sports, Bulakenyo expatriates and “Tanging Bulakenyo”.
Tanging Bulakenyo, the highest award to be given to a Bulakenyo by the provincial government of Bulacan, was awarded to a nominee who excels in any of the awards categories, with an outstanding contribution to society.
Image credits: Catherine Joy L. Maglalang