Matobato Fiesta 2008

Baranggay Matobato held their annual fiesta in honor of San Rafael today. This year's hermano & hermana are Larry & Lina Antonio of Los Angeles, USA. The couple are active members of the Calbayog Association of Southern California. As Lina Bernardo - Antonio said, it's a fitting thanksgiving to God and San Rafael for the many blessings received by the family.

It also served as a mini-reunion for the Bernardos as the hermana was joined by her siblings, some who flew in from around the globe, to help in the preparations for the fiesta. Leading the pack is the eldest of the brood, Edna Bernardo of Matobato. Nila Bernardo - Suan of Mandaluyong City was joined by her husband Felix Suan Jr. Josie Bernardo - Bracamonte and Luis Bernardo came all the way from Brockville, Ontario, Canada. Lou Bernardo - Vallejo and husband Matthew Vallejo also came for the event, coming from West Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Various activities were held for the week-long merriment, including the traditional processions, novena masses, dances, and the various baranggay activities. Fr. Ferdie Figueroa officiated the mass along with Fr. Ric Pitogo, Fr. Erwin Rodriguez, Fr. Rodante Abegonia, Fr. Noel Abiertas and Fr. Salvador Cerbito, OFM. Seminarians from St. Vincent de Paul Seminary also joined in the celebration.

It was a blessed day indeed as the sun shown brightly despite the gloominess of the weather days prior the fiesta. As expected, guests were treated to the hospitality of the people of Matobato as visitors from Calbayog City and its environs came. The hermana opened the sprawling gardens of the Bernardos for the traditional reception. Guests flowed in until the early evening. Next year's festivities will be led by the Cepeda sisters.