Photo by: FREDERICK SILVERIO
CITY OF MALOLOS — The most anticipated and mother of all festivals in Bulacan, the Sining at Kalinangan ng Bulacan (Singkaban) Festival 2023 formally opens on Friday to once again showcase the province’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
Anchored on the theme “Likas na Yaman, Kasaysayan at Kultura, Pangalagaan Ating Pamana,” honorary guest Senator Imee R. Marcos was represented by her cousin Eliza Romualdez-Valtos was joined by Governor Daniel R. Fernando, Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and employees of the PGB together with thousands of Bulakenyos in highlighting the creative spirit of the people through various cultural presentations, street dancing, and art exhibits in a week’s festivities.
This year’s festival kicked off with a holy mass in front of the Capitol building followed by a parade of colorful floats depicting the historic past of the province and showcasing the pride of each represented city and municipality.
The senator’s message read by her cousin said “ito ay isang makulay na pagpapahayag ng ating kasaysayan, kultura at pagkakaisa bilang mga Bulakenyos. Ang Linggo ng Bulacan ay isang mahalagang panahon para sa ating lahat upang magsasama, mag-ambagan at magpamalas ng pagmamahal sa ating lalawigan. Sa bawa’t pag-awit, sayaw at pagtatanghal nagbibigay buhay tayo sa mga tradisyon at giting ng ating mga ninuno.”
“The Singkaban Festival is not just a celebration but an opportunity to give life to the heroes of our history who defended freedom during the Malolos Congress,” Romualdez-Valtos said.
She added, my father, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos would be very happy to see the celebration that will be taking place for the next few days in the province of Bulacan.
Also, various competitions and exhibits will open to the public until September 15, 2023, including the Singkaban ng Bayan: Singkaban Arc Making Competition 2023 and Bulacan Travelmart at the Mini Forest; Bulacan Cultural Costume Competition 2023 at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Museum/Robinsons Place Malolos; Tatak Singkaban Trade Fair in front of the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office; and the BELLEZA The Interplay of Aesthetic Sense Featuring the Art Works of Lumina Art Group at the Guillermo Tolentino Exhibit Hall.
In his part, Gov. Fernando takes a moment to look back on the province’s vibrant culture and traditions which serve as a testament to its people’s resilience, a symbol of ability to adapt, and a showcase of unwavering spirit.
“Ang Singkaban Festival ay isang panahon kung saan tayo ay nagsasama-sama upang parangalan ang ating mayamang pamana na ipinasa sa mga henerasyon. Ang mga makukulay na parada, masiglang pagtatanghal, at magagandang palabas ay patunay ng pagkamalikhain at kasiningan nating mga Bulakenyo. Ang pagdiriwang na ito ay isang paalala na ang ating mga tradisyon ay buhay at umuunlad, at patuloy itong nagdudulot ng kagalakan at inspirasyon sa lahat ng nakasaksi nito,” Fernando said.
On the other hand, eleven municipalities and 11 private companies, and sponsors, participated in this year’s Parada ng Karosa which started from Malolos Cathedral via Paseo del Congreso and ended in front of the Provincial Capitol Building in this city.
As one of the highlights in the celebration of the Singkaban Festival, the said event aims to showcase the best of what the municipalities and private corporation has to offer which will be depicted on their respective floats.
The 11 competing floats from LGUs will be judged according to craftsmanship – 50%, theme – 25%, and overall impact – 25% for a total of 100%.
Winners will take home trophies plus cash incentives amounting to P100,000 for the first place, P70,000 for the second place, and P50,000 for the third place. A consolation prize amounting to P25,000 each will also be given.
The Bulacan officials joined the Bulakenyos in witnessing the grand parade.
