Zambo marks Fiesta Pilar
Thousands of devotees from here and everywhere will flock to the Fort Pilar Shrine to pay homage to the Nuestra Senora La Virgen del Pilar, whose feast day is today, October 12.
The religious activities throughout the day will be centered at the Fort Pilar Shrine and will start with the Diana/Holy Rosary at 4 a.m. and followed by masses from 6 to 10 a.m. The traditional procession (from the Cathedral to the Shrine) will start at 4 p.m. at the Metropolitan Cathedral and will end up at the Shrine. The Pontifical High Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Romulo Valles along with other clergy at 6:30 p.m.
Today’s fiesta was ushered in by the Hermosa Festival 2009 which kicked off October 1st and culminated yesterday, October 11 with the well-designed floral float parade and sparkling and colorful street dance competitions with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro as guest of honor and speaker. Las Pinas Representative Cynthia Villar also graced the program.
Thousands of school children representing nine schools participated in the highly charged street dance competition. Eight (8) agencies participated in the floral float tilt.
The floral float entries came in varied shapes, sizes and designs but all were bedecked with beautiful and colorful flowers. The street dance on the other hand demonstrated unity, strength and vitality. The participants wore colorful and beautifully designed costumes depicting Zamboanga’s rich multi-cultural heritage.
Sec. Teodoro warmly greeted the Zamboangueños on the occasion of Fiesta Pilar and recognized the city’s versatility and flexibility stressing that the city is very well-known for its annual Fiesta Hermosa festival.
He also elucidated on the Fiesta theme “Celebra kita con un voz, un tono y un sueño” (let us celebrate with one voice, one tune and one dream), relating it to present situation when the country is beset with numerous challenges and adversities.
Cong. Villar also joined the Zamboangueños in celebrating Fiesta Pilar and urged residents to continue venerating La Virgen del Pilar and pray for continued guidance and protection. The congresswoman is the wife of Sen. Manuel Villar, who graced the Regatta, the sailboat race at the Cawa-cawa Boulevard, October 4.
Congresspersons Beng Climaco and Erbie Fabian actively took part in the program yesterday and joined the mayor in presenting the token of appreciation to Sec. Teodoro.
The festivities was also graced by members of the City Council and some personalities like actor-director Cesar Montano, who is the official endorser of Mega Sardines, winners in the Miss Zamboanga competition, balikbayans and foreigners and other visitors.
Mayor Lobregat in his welcome message thanked all the sectors that participated in the different activities organized by the city government. With one voice, one tune and one dream, the city can achieve its goals and visions, he stressed. (Sheila Covarrubias)