2007 Sison Fiesta - the narrative
Jeanette on Dec 27th 2007
photos courtesy of R.Benosa
The 2007 Sison Town Fiesta
by Kagawad Loejan Anudon
The Grand Parade
On December 16, 2007 (Sunday) at about 9:00 in the morning, drum beats signaled the start of the Sison Town Fiesta Grand Parade. Mayor Kimi and her office staff, 5th District Board member Danny Uy, Vice-Mayor Ben Marinas and the mayor’s executive assistant, Juliet Marinas, the Sanggunian Bayan members and the municipal employees led the motorcade through the main highway of Sison. They were followed by the royal court of the Reyna and Lola Ko pageant who were outfitted in the most splendid gowns befitting the queens and princesses that they are. Interspersed among the royal floats were the supporters and the barangay officials. For the first time in Sison’s fiesta history, the Jollibee, the Coca Cola Bottlers, Inc., the San Miguel Corporation, the Northern Cement Corporation and other major sponsors joined the grand parade.
The blistering heat of the morning sun did not mar the super excitement of the huge crowd that already filled the streets hours before the start of the motorcade. The groups of street dancers in their brightly colored costumes and painted bodies who started pounding the streets with their Ati-atihan, to the rhythm of the beating of the drums and shrill whistles, delighted the parade goers and elicited raucous cheers. The street dance is a competition where various schools in Sison participated. The Sison Central Integrated School bagged the fifteen thousand pesos (P15,000.00) first prize, Amagabagan National High School placed second with a ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) cash prize and the Artacho National High School came in third place with a five thousand pesos award (P5,000.00). One of the spectators, a balikbayan from the U.SA., commented that it was as if God was with the people and the town of Sison during the merrymaking. He even wished that the day’s excitement would never end.
The Coronation Night
At about 8:00 in the evening, the honorable couple Congressman Mark O. Cojuangco and Mayor Kimi S. Cojuangco, in their usual flair, were acknowledged by the handsome and dazzling emcees for their arrival at the Sison Auditorium. They were met by the Sison Town Fiesta 2007 executive chairman, Madam Juliet Marinas and Vice-Mayor, Honorable Bensaulozacheus Marinas, along with the members of the Sanggunian Bayan.
Rhumba, tangos and waltzes played by the much acclaimed EC Jammers Band enticed everyone to take to the dance floor.
It was not long before the much awaited arrival of the crowning guest and speaker, Senator Loren Legarda, caught everyone’s attention. The crowd burst to their feet and hustled for a place in the front rows to catch the hand of the beautiful celebrity. At the back rows where it was impossible for everyone to come closer, the crowd cheered and waved their hands to the senator as gestures of greetings and welcome and it was jovially acknowledged.
After a few more dances, the honorable Mayor of the City of Urdaneta, Amadito Perez, Jr., arrived. His usual popularity as former 5th District Representative has not lessened as evidenced by the warm and standing ovation of the huge crowd that overfilled the municipal auditorium.
Without further delay and much ado, the night’s agenda commenced by an opening prayer led by her Highness, Lola Irene M. Florendo. A welcome address was rendered by the honorable Vice-Mayor followed by a message from Mayor Kimi S. Cojuangco. She thanked the honorable senator for her presence despite the many schedules and commitments she has. She also gladly shared a memory of their school days with the senator where the latter was a real brain and beauty. They were former schoolmates at the La Consolacion College. During her speech, Mayor Kimi expressed her congratulations and sincere gratitude to the reigning lolas for their invaluable support of the festivities. She also thanked those who sponsored the candidates who have gone beyond their means just to be able to contribute and be a part of her administration’s first Sison town fiesta experience. She made special mention to the Sisonians in Hongkong and Macau, the Sisonians in London, and Sisonians in the U.S.A., where she visited recently, and other countries in her bid for oneness towards progress for all Sisonians. She also thanked the local citizenry of Sison for their utmost support in making this town’s festivity a success.
The message of honorable Mayor, Amadito Perez, Jr., of Urdaneta City immediately followed.The honorable Mayor, in his speech, gave much weight to the status of Urdaneta City. He expressed his deep concern regarding the city’s welfare if not being manned by a true and dedicated person. It is at this juncture that he challenged the honorable Congressman, Mark O. Cojuangco, to become the next mayor of Urdaneta City because of his untainted dedication to service and a righteous leader. It shall be noted that the honorable congressman is already in his last term as Representative of 5th District of the province of Pangasinan.
After the challenging speech of honorable Amadito Prez, Jr., the honorable congressman took his turn behind the rostrum to acknowledge the presence of the honorable Senator Legarda for gracing the town’s festivity and to thank her for giving importance to the honorable mayor’s invitation. He went on to answer the call of the Mayor of Urdaneta City. He is skeptic of the challenge but he might take it if mayor Amadito Perez, Jr. will also promise to succeed him as 5th District Representative. In like manner, the honorable Congressman cannot entrust to anyone his present office other than honorable Mayor Amadito Perez, Jr. The Congressman is deeply concerned with the welfare of the town of Sison if the honorable mayor will not succeed him.
The honorable Congressman went on to introduce the guest of honor, Senator Loren Legarda, as among the major benefactors of Sison. With much bravado, he declared his endorsement of her bid for the presidency in 2010 - hand in hand with all the constituents of the municipality of Sison. The remark was followed by a thunderous applause from the crowd.
Unfaltering sparks and camera flashes, a burst of almost unending uproar and excitement from the crowd accompanied the honorable senator as she climbed up the stage. The honorable senator was enthralled by the warm welcome. She spoke of the many achievements she was able to make during her term as senator and she also mentioned the many plans she still has in mind for the Filipino people. Her ideals are worth believing and her achievements are true monuments of her dedication and love for the Filipino people.
Soon, the blare of the trumpets filled the auditorium announcing the start of the crowning ceremony. The Mutya ng Sison, 2006, in her very stunning beauty and elegance that made the heart of every man witnessing the procession beat faster in each of her graceful steps, took her final march around the auditorium as Sison’s queen, a title that she would soon relinquish to her successor.
Her Highness, Lola Maura Garcia, the 3rd Princess, did not make it to that night’s grand ceremony because of the sudden death of her husband. The honorable couple were very much saddened by the untimely occurrence. In their seats, the Congressman and the Mayor whispered a short prayer for the repose of the 3rd Princess’ husband.
The show must go on. Her Highness, 2nd Pricess, Lola Irene M. Florendo, a retired nurse representing Sisonians in the United States of America, escorted by her husband, Dr. Leo Florendo, marched elegantly to her throne. Her Highness, 1st Princess Felicidad Burgonio, the local representative, in her black and silver gown and escorted by her grandson, followed the 2nd Princess in all smiles and pride as she took each step to her throne.
Again, the blare of the trumpets filled the air announcing the entrance of her Majesty, Queen Tessie C. Alboukharey, a former beauty queen in a Filipino community beauty pageant held in London. She represents the Sisonians in the United Kingdom and is one of the officers of the Sagunto Friendship Association of London (SFAL). She was escorted by her nephew, Mr. Albert C. Taglicud. As Her Majesty, the Queen, stepped on the red carpet to her throne, blares of trumpets and fireworks display announced her reign and power over her entire dominion.
Filed in Events, Sison | 4 responses so far
evz Dec 27th 2007 at 09:40 pm 1
Thanks for that Narrative report Kgd. Loejan as if I was there already through my dream and imagination and Nette thanks for posting it in time for Holiday added as an entertainment and fun!
The Celebration is really first of its kind you could just imagine that the Highlight of the Festivities is the crowning of “Lola Kung Reyna” at my age I haven’t witness any of that kind unless it was purely Senior Citizen’s affair,
Visit also the Farmers Product exhibit in the Blogsite of Sison just google “Season for Sison” that was so awesome that was Sis Emz is trying to look the Agricultural Products of the town since we are so rich in quality foods that are produced in our farm and yard.
Sige Emz look for financier of our farmers hahahha!
Judee Dec 28th 2007 at 04:47 am 2
Daytoy ngatan ti kapintasan nga experience ni Manang Tessie babaen ti panangi-represent na kadagiti Sisonians ditoy London. Mabuhay!!! “Ang Reyna” Husto nga talaga diay kanta ni Elmer Biteng nga no Balikbayan ti pagsasaritaan London ti number one.
emz Dec 28th 2007 at 09:37 pm 3
Anya ti makuna yo ti karit ni manong Judee, gals is USA and Canada? Puro UK na lang ba? But congratulations SFAL for your big support and effort for your candidate. Talagang pag ginusto nyo, nakukuha nyo. Bilib din ako kay Aunt Tess sa pursigido nya na manalo. Laking sakripisyo mo Aunt. Di bale may “mochi” ka pag nagkita uli tayo sa Dec. 2008 pag ipinasa mo na korona kay…….? Sino kaya o , sino??? You truly are a strong and energetic lot, Londoners !
Kagawad Loejan, keep expressing your talent in writing. We didn’t know you are that creative. Your descriptions are so picturesque and vivid that all those people who didn’t witness these should do is imagine the sensory images. Voila!Great work and observation. The Sison Admin brought out the best in every employee and Sisonian in the recent Fiesta. Sana palagi na lang Piyesta , Mayor.
Sa susunod po uli. ..
Huwag nyo rin pong kalilimutan yung Central Market na plano nyo po, sana sa lalong madaling panahon.Nag-aabang na po kami ng maaaring itulong para sa proyektong yan. Salamat po sa mga achievements nyo sa unang taon ng inyong panunungkulan.
emzbenosahomma
emz Dec 28th 2007 at 10:06 pm 4
Sana po Kagawad Loejan, mai upload din ninyo ang mga speeches ng mga dignitaries. Ang gaganda naman po kahit hindi masyadong pumapalakpak ang mga Sisonian, maraming nilalaman ang mga talumpati ng mga bisita.
Halos lahat po kasi sila ay Nag Tagalog kaya shift muna tayo ng medium okay?
Yug namention sa narrative report sa taas tungkol sa balak ni Congressman Conjuangco, na maging Mayor ng Urdaneta, o Mag run as Senator ay talaga namang malaking desisyon na gawin para sa kongresman. Ang sabi po, gusto ni Urdaneta Mayor Perez pumalit si Cong. Conjuangco sa posisyon nya, para mag run naman as Rep. ng ating distrito uli ti Mayor Perez. Palitan po ba, mukhang bolibol, pero dahil continuity daw po nais nila sa mga proyekto. Para sa akin, maganda nga namang flow yan ng governance, giving justice and fulfillment of the projects …marami naman po na achieve ang ating mga pangulo lalu na sa ating distrito, at tiyak sa huling dalawang taon ng kanilang panunungkulan, mas marami pa silang tatapusin at lalu tayong masasayahan. Ewan ko lang kung bakit mahinang pumalakpak ang mga Sisonians. (Baka hindi nakakaintindi ng Tagalog, hehe). Hay, salamat kung gayon po, tuloy tuloy na rin ang progreso sa ating bayan at distrito. KUlag din tayo mga kababayan ng follow-up at pagtingin sa mga na achieve na. Ayaw nyo bang maging isa pang Urdaneta ang Sison o mas magaling pa? Dapat din nating suportahanng ng malaki at maniwala na tunay na ngang progreso ito, kahit paunti-unti. Malaki ang ating maitutulong, dipo ba? Tingnan ang galing ng mga Sisonians sa maikling panahon gaya ng Fiesta Lolas. Ang bilis kumilos sa magandang administrasyon, di ba?
Tingnan po natin na mayroon din ngang supisyenteng “environment” na gaya ng sinabi niApo Congressman, na bigyan ng karampatang oportunidad na magandang market, chances and environment to do activities for livelihood and progress ang mga Sisonian at karatig pang mga bayan. Totoo pong nasa mga mamamayan din ang sagot sa ikauunlad nila, sang-ayon po ako dyan sa sinabi nyo Congressman. Pero kailangan ang inyong pag-urganisa at pag umpisa para matuto ang mga taong bayan. Sana marinig ng lahat ang speech ninyo nung Fiesta…mas lalapit ang loob ng bawat isa…
Salamat at nabuo na rin ang website ng Sison at mababasa na rin po namin ang mga mga nagawa, layunin at ninanais ng karamihan sa aming mga lider sa pag-unlad ng ating bayan.
Itaguyod ang Kaunlaran!
emzbenosahomma