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Tanauan City to dazzle revelers, crowd with festival of lights

<p>Tanauan City's Parade of Lights file <em>(Photo courtesy of CIO).</em></p>

Tanauan City's Parade of Lights file (Photo courtesy of CIO).

TANAUAN CITY, Batangas – The city government is inviting the public to its 6th Festival Parade of Lights, an annual spectacle and crowd-drawing event, in time for its 434th foundation day as a historic town and 18th cityhood anniversary on March 16.

Mayor Jhoanna Corona-Villamor told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Friday that their festival draws inspiration from one of the country’s national heroes and city compatriot, Apolinario Mabini.

Villamor said the festival of lights symbolizes the brilliance and principles of Mabini, who was born in this city, as the “Sublime Paralytic” and the “Brain of the Revolution” during the Spanish period.

Si Apolinario Mabini na nagsilbing liwanag noong nasa panahon ng karimlan ang ating bansa sa pamamagitan ng kanyang angking talino at paninindigan, ay patuloy nasinusuportahan at pinagyayaman (Apolinario Mabini serves as the light during the dark period in the country’s history through his intelligence and principle),” she said.

The mayor said the festival of lights would also inspire Tanaueños on amid the trials and challenges in life.

As early as 6 p.m. on March 16, Villamor, along with Vice Mayor Benedicto C. Corona and city councilors, will lead residents in the festival parade around the city on the artistic designed lights on 19 floats put up by various companies, commercial establishments, hospitals, and organizations.

The parade will be interspersed by festival street dancers and contingents donned in illuminating costumes and choreographic movements during the competition.

As a huge crowd of onlookers and visitors are expected, motorists are also advised on travel advisories due to the parade routes, which will start from the commercial hubs along Waltermart, Barangay Darasa, then to Pres. J.P Laurel Highway, traversing toward A. Mabini Avenue and will culminate at the New Tanauan City Hall in Laurel Hill, Barangay Natatas.

The new city hall frontage will be the venue of the final stretch of the street dance competition and the awarding ceremony, with expected guests from the entertainment industry and showbiz personalities.

Festival organizers said the event also symbolizes strong unity, involvement and cooperation and a way to promote the city’s huge potential as an investment site. (Maroe T. Genosa/PNA)

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