SINGKABAN FEST. Senator Cynthia Villar delivers her message during the opening of the week-long Singkaban Festival in Malolos City, Bulacan on Monday (September 9, 2019). Numerous activities lined-up as part of the celebration showcase the province’s history, arts, culture, and tourism. (Photo by Manny Balbin)
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan—Colorful cultural activities kicked off here on Monday as the province celebrates its annual "Singkaban Festival", which also coincided with the commemoration of the 121st anniversary of the historic “Malolos Congress".
Senator Cynthia Villar, the guest speaker, said she was happy to know that bamboo was an important component of the festival.
“Here at your Singkaban Festival, I am glad that bamboo is the star of this festival. Bamboo can be cut and used and then regrown, so it is sustainable. On the other hand, through the Singkaban Festival, young people are exposed to the importance of bamboo as they continue to be the next generation,” she said.
Villar, an adopted daughter of Bulacan, also thanked the Bulakenyos for braving the rains in order to celebrate the festival dubbed as the "mother of all fiestas" in the province.
Governor Daniel Fernando cited the efforts of the Bulakenyos in overcoming their differences to have a common and collective goal, which is to contribute to the province’s progress and development.
“We, Filipinos are born of different values, we call that our individual differences, for us to survive, we need more than our individuality, we need a sense of community, and that is the value of our cultural heritage,” he said.
Fernando also encouraged the youth to always remember the legacy that the great Bulakenyos left for them to relish.
“We are proudly introducing our great province to be an integral part of our national history. Let us strive to deepen our love for our people, our community and our traditions,” he added.
The opening of the Singkaban Festival which is anchored on the theme “Sining at Kalinangang Bulakenyo, Dangal ng Filipino,” signals the start of the celebration with numerous activities lined-up to showcase the province’s history, arts, culture, and tourism.
Villar, together with Fernando and Vice Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, opened the festival through a thanksgiving mass, flag-raising ceremony and an opening program held in front of the Capitol building in this city.
After the program, floats representing Bulacan’s three cities and 21 municipalities ramped on the roads as part of the Parada ng Karosa competition.
Bulakenyo artists, on the other hand, displayed their greatest artworks through the Singkaban Art Exhibit at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Museum. (PNA)
