MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Sept. 6 (PNA)–Bamboo arts galore!
Well crafted bamboo arches, popularly known as “Singkaban”, are now sprouting all over the province, particularly in this historic capital city, as the provincial government started preparation for the grand opening of this year’s “Singaban Festival” otherwise known as “Linggo ng Bulacan.”
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the weeklong activity which will kick-off on September 8 with a holy mass in honor of the feast day of the Immaculate Conception and will culminate on September 15 in commemoration of the Malolos Congress anniversary at the historic Barasoain Church here, is an annual event showcasing the rich cultural and historical heritage of Bulacan.
The main event of the festival is the street dance and float parade where representatives from different Bulacan towns, as far as San Jose del Monte in the southeast and San Miguel in the north, travel to Malolos during the festival season.
These events showcase Bulacan’s local culture, heritage, and artistry, and the various towns’ entries feature all things Bulakenyo.
The singkaban (bamboo artworks), after which the festival was named, is a prominent theme, especially in the entry of Hagonoy town.
The theme appears as dancers’ headdresses, the arch and backdrop of the Desposorio, and as parts of the dancers’ costumes.
“Every year, we celebrate Singkaban Festival and each year, the people of this great province are able to show more of their talents, creativity, innovativeness, intelligence and patriotism, thus making Bulacan a renowned and progressive province in the country. It is indeed something that Bulakenyos should be proud of,” Alvarado said.
About 3,000 Bulakenyos are expected to participate in the celebration that will begin with a thanksgiving mass and followed by the opening of exhibits.
The weeklong festival will be highlighted by the commemoration of the anniversary of the opening of the Malolos Congress at Barasaoin Church on September 15, 1898, where the Malolos Constitution was drafted and passed giving credence to the declaration of the Philippine Independence in kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898.
“It all began there. More than a hundred years ago at the dawn of Philippine Independence, the people of Bulacan, particularly in Malolos were in a jovial and festive mood. Celebrations were everywhere and the roads leading to Barasoain Church were adorned with bamboo arches and special foods were cooked. Every year, we remember those glory days that pave the way for birth of the First Philippine Republic (on January 23, 1899),’ Alvarado said.
He said that Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid will join thousands of Bulakenyos in the opening ceremony of the weeklong Singkaban Festival to be held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in this city.
Alvarado said this year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Bulacan, Dangal ng Bansa! Lahing Bulakenyo, Ating Ibandila!” that highlights the best of everything that Bulacan has to offer.
Among the exhibits are “Mga Dakilang Bulakenyo sa Tatlong Republika” that depicts the rich history of the country and commemorates the founding of the Philippine Republics in Malolos, Kakarong and Biak na Bato; “Lakan Sining Exhibit” that recounts the life of Apolinario Mabini and his connection to Bulacan heroes; “One-Stop Tourism Info Center” at Gat Blas Ople Hall and “Bulacan Food Fair and Exposition” (BUFFEX) which brings together the province’s food producers and offers food sampling and on-the-spot cooking demo and competitions.
Likewise, more establishments and activities will be launched including Bulacan Negosyo Center beside the Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Office; Bulacan Festival Costume Expo at the Atrium, Robinsons Malolos that features Philippine national costume made by Bulakenyos and the Tatak Singkaban ng Central Luzon at the Events Center, Robinsons Malolos.
In the afternoon, “Parada ng Karosa”, a parade of government and corporate floats that features the traditional arts of Bulacan with a touch of modern technology and “Indakan sa Kalye”, a street dancing competition showcasing the culture and heritage through festivals of towns and will also be held at 1 p.m. from the Capitol to Bulacan Sports Complex and back to Bulacan Capitol Gym.
Other activities included in the weeklong celebration are Bulacan Fancy Pigeon and Chicken Show Exhibit from September 12-13, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mini Forest; Bulacan Events Expo (Kasalan at Okasyon) from September 12-14 at 6 pm at Robinsons Place Malolos; and Kumperensiya sa Bulacan 2015 (SAMPAKA), an open forum that tackles Bulacan history from September 13-15, 8 a.m. to 5 pm at Balagtas Hall, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center. (PNA)