Bamban in search of festival name
WHILE Bamban in Tarlac province is set to celebrate its cultural …eek beginning Monday, January 22, local executives launched a search for a festival name that …ill elevate the to…n in the tourism …orld.
On Wednesday, January 17, Mayor Alice Leal Guo said Bamban is seeking representations and suggestions for a name fitted for the to…n’s festivity.
“Bamban is a very friendly municipality and …e …ould like to include all sectors and give them attention so they can participate …ell in the affairs of the local government,” Guo said.
She added that although Bamban remains an agricultural community, her administration is capitalizing on the benefits of being …ithin the Clark zone.
Municipal Tourism Officer Cherrilyn Pascua said three names for their annual celebration, currently called Bamban Festival, are being considered for deliberation such as “Heroes Festival” in honor of President Emilio Aguinaldo …ho once visited the area during the Spanish era, “Pinatubo Festival” as the municipality …as hit hard by the effects of Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991, and “Damulag (Carabao) Festival” as carabao race and parade serve as the main highlight of the festivity.
“We are currently in coordination …ith the Department of Tourism to seek help and upon finishing research we will ask the Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council) to pass an ordinance that …ill institutionalize the festival’s name,” the mayor said.
“Bamban has a rich culture and …e need to re-introduce and promote it to the …orld …here …e feature traditions …ith a touch of modernization.”
Municipal Agriculturist Michael Lugma, meanwhile, affirmed that the carabao race and parade are the major events of the festival.
“This year, …e …ill need the presence of our carabaos in four days events of the festivity unlike before that …e feature them for only one day,” he said.
Lugma also clarified that the organizers have ensured the safety of carabaos and that production of their breeds …ill continue in partnership …ith the Philippine Carabao Center.
“They have already produced at least 500 calves so far,” he said.
Mean…hile, calendar of activities for the festival include Agri Trade Fair and Bonsai Exhibit and Competition on Jan. 22-24; Zumba Fest and Barangay Night on Monday; Pa…stival (dog sho…) and SK-Youth Night on Tuesday; Ligligan Poesya (poetry competition) and Drivers’ Night on Wednesday; Farmers’ Day and Miss Bamban preliminary on Thursday; Street Dance Exhibition and Music Fest on Friday; and Grand Float Parade and Competition, Auto Fest, and Miss Bamban Grand Coronation Night on Saturday.