Thousands turn up for ‘Wow Sardinas’
The entire stretch of R.T. Lim Boulevard was a sight to behold yesterday afternoon as thousands of people turned up for the “Wow Sardinas”, a sardines eating event staged as a pre-fiesta highlight.
Mayor Celso Lobregat and members of the City Council spearheaded the activity which showcases Zamboanga as the sardines capital of the Philippines.
People from different sectors in the city including visitors partook sardines, biscuits and water and celebrated in a grand street party as Fiesta Hermosa 2009 day 10 drew to a close Saturday afternoon.
Mayor Lobregat in his message said Wow Sardinas truly characterizes the Zamboangueño spirit of unity and strength. He expressed appreciation to the participants and visitors for their enthusiasm and interest in taking part in the unique sardines eating event.
Wow Sardinas is one of the main highlights in the 2009 Zamboanga Hermosa or Fiesta Hermosa which leads up to the feast day of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar, the city’s patron saint, on Monday October 12.
The event started in the city 3 years ago and was organized by the city government through the City Tourism Office in coordination with other agencies including the Canning factories.
Fiesta Hermosa will cap today with the floral float parade and street dance at the Baliwasan grandstand with National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro as guest speaker.
Mayor Lobregat hoped that the activity would continue until the next Zamboanga Hermosa Festival with more participants. (Sheila Covarrubias)