LOUDER AND PROUDER: BIGUEÑOS CELEBRATE VIVA VIGAN 2012!
The 2012 Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts was held from April 28 –May 6,2012. The Festival opened with the observance of Labor Day through a wreath and flower offering held in front of the marker of Don Belong or Don Isabelo de los Reyes, a Bigueño and father of Philippine Labor. This was graced by Congressman Ryan V. Singson, Mayor Eva Marie S. Medina, Vice Mayor Lourdes Baquiran, City Councilors, Heads of Offices, Barangay Officials, NGO representatives, DepEd officials and the Media. Mayor Medina thanked everyone who came despite of the sudden downpour. After the ceremonial flying of balloons, visitors witnessed the cutting of the ribbon of the annual Viva Vigan Food and Trade Fair. Around 125 exhibitors took part in this year’s fair. The city government prepared lomo-lomo and longganisa for breakfast served to its guests
Later that day, the 200 colourful calesas paraded the streets of the city. The Calesa Parade and Contest, highlighted the first day of the fiesta. Tourists flocked to the streets and took pictures of this crowd drawing activity. Winners were Calesa #78 of Pedro Queddeng sponsored by Christian Atlas Ultimate Gym, #26 of Robin Florendo sponsored by MHW and #15 of Ditas Gonzalo sponsored by Irene’s Empanada. P20, 000.00, P15, 000.00, P10, 000.00. This event was sponsored by the city’s long time partner in this event, San Miguel Beer.
Another attraction was the Boklan (seed art), Carabao Painting and Pasagad Dressing held last May 1, 2012. This activity aims to develop the skills and artistry of our local artist. Each group is composed of 5 and was provided a carabao they were given the whole day to paint their ideas with the theme - “Kalikasan ay alagaan, pamana natin sa Kabataan.” Working also with this theme is the Boklan Art and Glass Mosaic Competition where groups of 5 “glued” their ideas using the colourful seeds around a 4x4 wood, as canvass as well as cement and colored glass for the Glass mosaic competition.
Winners for this day were: BOKLAN – (1st) the group of Christopher Pacis, (2nd) the group of John Sean Babas and (3rd) the group of Kathyn Joy Carmelo who were given trophies and cash prizes of P10,000.00, P7,000.00, P5,000.00 respectively and consolation prizes of P2,000 to non winners. CARABAO PAINTING AND PASAGAD DRESSING WINNERS: (1st) the group of Dennis Liberato, (2nd) the group of Efren Sotelo, (3rd) group of Marc Pena who won P15,000.00, P10,000.00, P5,000.00 respectively and consolation prizes of P1,000.00 to non winners. GLASS MOSAIC: (1st) the group of Robert Perez, (2nd) the group of Mark Anthony Avila, (3rd) the group of Emerson Rabbon who ran off with P10,000.00, P7,000.00, P5,000.00 respectively, non winners were given P1,000.00 as consolation prizes.
The day ended with the University of Northern Philippines’ Homecoming where graduates of the oldest university in Northern Luzon had fun reminiscing friendships and fraternities in a dinner program hosted by the UNP Administration.
The loudest and proudest in Northern Luzon came alive last May 6, 2012 as the Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts came to a close with a big salvo featuring the Binatbatan Street Dancing Competition.
Now on its 11th year, this street dancing showcases the dance interpretation of the first step in the making of the Abel Iloko. The process is called pinagbatbat which means beating. The dance Binatbatan uses two sticks held by the dancers to beat the cotton pods to separate the fiber and the seed. The fiber will eventually be twirled and made into a yarn. This yarn will be used to weave the majestic Abel Iloko.
The competition never fails to amuse the audience. The revelry started on the streets in a scourging 3:00 pm summer sun. Spectators were fascinated by the different styles and interpretation of each contingent. Meanwhile, locals were awed with the creativity and originality of the competing participants as they attest that they did not repeat any of their street production from last year.
The winners of Category A (16 years old and below) are Vigan National High School East, Ilocos Sur National High School and Cabugao District in 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. The University of Northern Philippines retained its title and ran off with 100,000.00 followed by Salin Laji Dance Troupe of Caoayan, Ilocos Sur in 2nd and ACAP Candon City in 3rd in Category B (17 years old and above). Prizes were 1st – 100,000.00, 2nd – 70,000.00, and 3rd – 50,000.00.Other activities of the Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts were SK Day featuring the Traditional games of Ilocos, Bankathon and Fishing Competition. Gayyem Parade, Dog Shows, Santa Cruzan, Taray Saluad Tawid – Year 3, Bado ken Disenyo and the Abel House Décor Contest.//dado