Sorsogon celebrates Kasanggayahan Festival, Oct. 17-23

BY: BENNIE A. RECEBIDO

SORSOGON CITY, Oct 10 (PIA) – Its all system go for the Kasanggayahan Festival 2013 that reels off Thursday, October 17, marking the 119th foundation anniversary of the province of Sorsogon. 

The opening day will be highlighted by the re-enactment of the first Holy Mass in mainland Luzon wherein history points to the small fishing village at Gibalon in the town of Magallanes as the site of the religious activity. The re-enactment depicts a progressive dramatization of Sorsogon's crucial role in the Christianization of the country. Papier-mâché "Higantes" and costumed participants will lend color to the parade which will be held along Sorsogon's commercial district.

This year’s week-long celebration will also evolve around Agriculture and Tourism with the theme: “Kasanggayahan 2013: Agrikultura nan Turismo, Dalan sa Pag-uswag san Sorsogon” (Agriculture and Tourism, the Path towards the Development of Sorsogon).

“When the fields are green and the grains are golden; when the machines work well and all business prosper; when the birds in the sky chirp freely and men on earth are peacefully happy ; in Bikol, it is KASANGGAYAHAN, meaning, a life of prosperity”.

This is how Rev Fr. Jose Ofracio describes Sorsogon, the Land of Kasanggayahan, which captures the provincial picture of the province as a bountiful green land with golden grains, environmentally vibrant with fun-loving people and rich both in agricultural and marine products.

Kasanggayahan Festival is celebrated annually in the month of October, which was first staged in 1974, and acclaimed as the biggest annual provincial festivities of Sorsogon demonstrating the profound gratitude of Sorsoganons to God for His unrelenting guidance and blessings instilling awareness to the public of the richness of the province’s religiosity, culture and heritage, skills and services, agricultural products, skills and services, local crafts, cuisines, tourism and people. The festival is basically a colorful re-telling of Sorsogon’s story as a province.

Sorsogon public information officer Von Andre Labalan said the province, being part of the Amasor (Albay, Masbate, Sorsogon) tourism cluster is launching a new brand that will distinguish Sorsogon different from other provinces and any other place in the country.

“Albay has its Mayon Volcano, Masbate has Rodeo, and for Sorsogon, the first Mass in mainland Luzon will be its trademark or tourism icon that will truly distinguish its own identity as a province,” he added.

October 18 will be highlighted by the famous purely-Sorsoganon wedding dance “Pantomina sa Tinampo” along Magsaysay and Rizal streets. It is also a tradition that Pantomina revelers partake of the native delicacies to be given after the street performance.

On the same day, a Culinary Fest where chefs and restaurateurs will try to outdo each other as they weave their culinary magic on ingredients indigenous to Sorsogon. This will create awareness of and open markets for Sorsogon's agricultural bounty, such as Pili and “Baluko” (pen shell), and other seafoods. Food bloggers and writers are invited to help better promote Sorsogon and its cuisine.

Another activity is the “Bida ka Sorsoganon”, A Street Art Fashion Competition at the Rompeolas. This is inspired by mimes that have elevated mimicry into an art-form. The street art competition hopes to bring back local lore to the consciousness of today's youth. The contestants will act-out scenes/characters culled from Bikolano Folklore.

The Blessing of the newly face-lifted Kasanggayahan Village and Capitol Park will also take place on the same date.

Kasanggayahan Festival will not be complete without the annual Pilgrimage to Gibalon Historical Shrine in Brgy. Siuton, Magallanes, Sorsogon were Christianity in Luzon started. This will be held on Oct 19 where devotees, visitors and the public generally flock in Brgy Siuton for the Commemorative Mass.

Other activities on this day include “Historya kan Sorsogon”, a photo contest and exhibit where photographers and hobbyists will capture the different facets of Sorsogon,  and their entries will be displayed in an exhibit at the newly-renovated Capitol Park; “Pasaling Sorsoganon sa Kasanggayahan” where the Sorsogon Community-Based Theater Group (CBTG), the ambassador for Culture and Arts for the Province, will perform original dances and song adaptations based from Bicol's traditions and practices.

“Sorsogon's bountiful waters take center-stage at the “Burugsayan sa Rompeolas” on Oct 20. This is a rowing competition which is also a show of grace and skill. This will be held at the Baywalk, a popular promenade that offers a captivating view of Bulusan Volcano and spectacular sunset,” said Mr. JR Dimaano, one of the promoters of Kasanggayahan Festival activities.

Mr. Dimaano further added that on the same day, the first Color Run in Bicol region will be held which promises a spectacular and one of a kind experience. It has five stations where powder of different colors will be showered to the runners wearing white shirts and together coming up with a rainbow color as they arrive at the finish line. 

Other activities lined up is the four-night street concert at Rompeolas to add vibe and spice up the nightlife of Sorsogon; Provincial Environmental Summit; Sports Race; Academic Activities; Sunrise Ecumenical Praise and Worship; Bisita Museo; and Carabao Ride at the Capitol, among others.

Committee on Publicity and Promotions left assurance to the public that this year’s 7-day Kasanggayahan Festival is a vibrant spectacle, inviting everyone to be part of discovering a new Sorsogon, truly a Land of Kasanggayahan. (MAL/BAR-PIA5/Sorsogon)