BUENAVISTA, Guimaras, March 25 (PNA) — Some 24 colorful kites of various shapes and sizes went aloft in a village in this bustling town of Guimaras Island on Monday, signaling the arrival of summer and regaling local folks and visitors alike who came to witness the spectacle and admire the kite flying skills of the young participants.
The event, called Saranggola Festival, already on its 11th year, got through without hitches as the balmy weather proved cooperative, the moderate winds a big help in maintaining balance as the kites propelled higher into darkened skies.
Barangay Captain Ricardo Gabales of Barangay Tinastasan, Buenavista said having the kite flying activity is their village’s way of steering young people away from destructive vices like drug addiction.
Next year, he said the barangay council is thinking of improving the mechanics governing the festival to make it more appealing to visitors.
The shapes and design of the kites seemed to reflect the dreams of participants. One entry looked every bit a fighter aircraft and its young handler said being a pilot one day is his biggest aspiration.
Being an astronaut is also among the dream, with three other young boys with kites shaped like a spaceship. (PNA)