Fiesta Hermosa caps with floral float, street dance tilts
Fiesta Hermosa 2009 draws to a close today with the colorful and grand floral float parade and street dance highlighting the city’s unique blend of multi-cultural heritage.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro will keynote the main program that will follow the floral float and street dance at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in Baliwasan.
Themed “celebra kita con un voz, un tono y un sueño,” Zamboanga Hermosa 2009 is the celebration intended to give honor, pay homage and extend gratitude for the benevolence and generosity of the Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar, the city’s patron saint.
The festival kicked off October 1st with varied activities that range from conventions and congresses, agricultural and art exhibits, cultural shows, social events, sports events and health services. Tomorrow, October 12, a declared non-working holiday in Zamboanga, is reserved for religious events and the Fort Pilar Shrine will be the center of activities.
Today’s culminating activities will start with the floral float parade and the street dance starting from Valderozza Street (fronting City Hall) and will converge at the Baliwasan grandstand where the main program will be held.
Thousands of participants—coming from different sectors: academe, non-government organizations, public utilities, military and police, barangay sector and private groups, are expected to join in the festivities dramatizing the call to celebrate the fiesta with one voice, one tune and one dream.
The commemorative program will start at 3 p.m. with Mayor Lobregat giving the welcome message followed by Cong. Beng Climaco’s introduction of the guest speaker. Secretary Teodoro’s keynote message is expected to revolve around the theme and how it can apply to present situation specifically in the light of the recent disaster that hit the country.
Mayor Lobregat and Representatives Climaco and Erbie Fabian will later present a token to the guest speaker, after which the announcement of winners for the floral float and the street dance will follow.
Cong. Fabian will give the closing remarks. (Sheila Covarrubias)