Bangus fest 2009 preparations underway

With less than two months away, preparations are underway for this year’s celebration of Dagupan Bangus Festival 2009.

Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, chairman of the festival for the second year in a row, said the celebration will kick off on April 15 and will wind up on May 1 with daily activities and happenings.

The Vice Mayor appealed for public and private support even as she encouraged all Dagupeños to invite their relatives and friends abroad or from other parts of the country to participate in the festival, especially during the main events - Festivals of the North; Gilon! Gilon! Ed Baley street dancing competitions; and Bangusan Street Party.

During the festivals of the north, spectators will get the rare chance to see the battle of the best festivals of Pangasinan, Ilocos, Tarlac, Pampanga and Cordillera, all in one event.

“We in the city government will work hard to equal if not surpass last year’s success. We’ll try to set an example in the province on what a real festival should be,” she said.

In an interview with the media after the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod on February 16, Fernandez bared that the much-awaited “Festivals of the North” street dancing competition will be giving away bigger cash prizes for the winning entries in each category – cities and municipalities.

First, second and third placers will receive P200,000, P100,000 and P50,000, respectively.

As early as February, the roster of entries had reached the maximum number set by the organizers – solid proof of how keenly anticipated the festival is. From only 17 participants last year, 9 cities and 26 municipalities have already confirmed their participation in this year’s competition.

“We will get the best and winning street dancers from all festivals in the region to perform in Dagupan City this year, so don’t miss this rare opportunity,” she quipped.

Another highlight of the festivity is the grandest street party called Bangusan Street Party that will feature famous celebrities and rock bands in the country today. A simultaneous display of colorful fireworks will dazzle the crowd in the midst of the party.

The Vice Mayor noted that the members of the events committee decided to transfer the venue of the party to De Venecia Extension Highway to accommodate a larger audience and to avoid stampede incidents.

As to financial support, Fernandez said there have been numerous sponsorships expected from big businesses and giant TV networks.

She added that the earnings from the festival shall be earmarked for civic and charity projects of the city government. (Leziel T. Cayabyab