Images from the Opening of the 18th Halad sa Pasko Christmas Festival

As announced, the 18th Halad sa Pasko Festival formally opened last night at the Nijaga Park. The simple program included the lantaka competition and performances by some local artists. Here are some pictures during the event courtesy of the CTIO/Ian Baldomaro.

Councilor speaking on behalf of Mayor Ronaldo Aquino

The Obrero Pastoral Council Choir as they serenaded the crowd.

SPSA surgical mission ends today

The Surgical Mission which was conducted by the Society of Philippine Surgeons in America (SPSA) ended today. The mission was made possible through the assistance of Congressman Mel Senen Sarmiento, Mayor Ronaldo Aquino and Vice Mayor Rey James Uy.


Earlier tonight, during the farewell dinner for the missionary doctors, a video which contained some details of the mission was presented. Here is that video (courtesy of Jonas Lim).

St. Francis' Transitus ...Mirror of Life

Onstage tonight at Christ the King College, in celebration of the feast of St. Francis, the Patron Saint of Ecology.

(poster courtesy of Jonas Lim)

(Fiesta 2011) Let's Dance: Dansaficionados in Calbayog

Dansaficionado is a group of professional ballroom dancers that aims to showcase exceptional dancers representative of the international style of ballroom dancing as well as promote awareness and appreciation of the unique dance form.

(Fiesta 2011) Joey Ayala at ang Bagong Lumad

Onstage at the NIjaga Park tomorrow night

Fiesta 2011: SMB Night with Siakol

Hadang Festival 2011 opens tonight

For a detailed list of activities, please scroll down or check this link.

Fiesta 2011: Hadang Festival 2011 Schedule of Activities

it's been 40 days

It has been forty days since Mayor Ining Uy was murdered. A Mass and a Prayer Rally has been scheduled today at the Uy mausoleum and in Catbalogan City, respectively.

As we observe the traditional "pa-kwarenta" for our beloved late Mayor, I would like to share a video tribute made by Jonas Lim.

A song for Mayor Uy

Among the songs sung during the funeral of Mayor Uy was "Pilipinas, Mahal Kong Bayan". It was performed the group of young people known as the CACO ISKOLARS. As the name of the group implies, these kids go to school by being scholars of the LGU through the City Arts and Culture Office.

Here's a video of the group as they rehearsed the song.

Images from the Necrological Service

Two necrological services were held last week in honor of the late Mayor Reynaldo Uy. The first one was held on Friday night (May 20, 2011) at the City Hall stage. The portion of Senator Jose Avelino Avenue fronting the city Hall was closed to traffic. Tables and chairs as well as tents and video screens were installed in the area.

A good number of Calbayogons as well as folks and officials from the various municipalities of Samar attended the service. The night's event included eulogies from the Mayors of Samar and song from family members, friends and supporters.

Here are some pictures which I got courtesy of Jan and Kim Fortaleza.

Venice Uy sings a song for her late lolo.

The City officials as they sang "You've Got A Friend"

Yoyoy Genotiva as he delivered his siday

Some CACO ISKOLARS as they sang for the late mayor

One of the many streamers in the area. This one is a statement from the folks from Gandara

images from EVRAA 2011 Opening Ceremonies

The 2011 EVRAA meet officially opened yesterday. Here are some pictures I got courtesy of Mr. Jonathan Lumasag.

The various delegations as they gathered at the NwSSU Oval.

The various delegation flags.

Athlete Eddie Serrano after he lighted the friendship flame.

The CACO ISKOLARS as they performed during the cultural part of the opening ceremonies

Halad sa Pasko 2010

We were at the Nijaga Park stage yesterday. It was for the "run-through" of the Opening Program for Halad sa Pasko 2010. This annual Christmas festival which is being spearheaded by LGU-Calbayog through the City Arts and Culture Office will feature nightly shows at the Nijaga Park and the giving of gift to the less-fortunate Calbayognons in some interior barangays of Calbayog.

Here are some pictures of the Calbayog ISKOLARS rehearsing for their concert which is part of the opening program this coming Thursday, December 16, 2010.

Fiesta 2010: Aiza and Nyoy Live in Calbayog!

Aiza and Nyoy Live in Calbayog!

on-stage tomorrow at 7:00 pm at the Nijaga Park

Fiesta 2010: IMAGO In Concert

IMAGO

on-stage tomorrow night at 7:00 pm at the Nijaga Park Stage

Fiesta 2010: Tropical Depression Live in Calbayog

Tropical Depression

on-stage tomorrow at 7:00 pm at the Nijaga Park

Fiesta 2010: Hadang Festival Opening Night

Hadang Festival 2010 opens tomorrow night at the Nijaga Park. Mayor Reynaldo Uy will lead the City Officials and guests in the ceremony. On hand for their mini concert is the Calbayog Concert Chorus. The Sarakiki-Hadang performers will do the traditional ritual opening exhibition and the singing of the Festival theme song. Also included in the program is the flying of the traditional lobo, a fireworks display and the opening of the Samar Island Cultural Tourism Exhibit.

Fiesta 2010: Schedule of Socio-Civic Activities

Here's the Schedule of Activities in line with Hadang Festival 2010, it is also the 2010 Samar Island Cultural Tourism Festival.

Unless indicated, all the events will be held at the Nijaga Park

September 1, 2010 (Wednesday)

• 6:00 pm: Opening Ceremonies
• 7:00 pm: (simultaneous) Samar Island Exhibit, Hadang Ritual Competition and Tambayan sa Plaza
• 9:00 pm: Fiesta Jam; Hot and Sexy Party

September 2, 2010 (Thursday)

• 2:00 pm: Opening Kinahimat-an 2 Visual Arts Exhibit featuring Noel Sagayap
• 7:00 pm: Serapio, the musicale
• 8:00 pm: PPPP Filmfest (Digifilm showing)
• 9:00 pm: Fiesta Jam (Live Bands)

September 3, 2010 (Friday)

• 7:00 pm: In Concert: The CKC Jose Gomez Symphony Orchestra
• 9:00 pm: Fiesta Jam (Live Bands)

September 4, 2010 (Saturday)

• 4:00 pm: Opening of Kabaysay Art Exhibit (Armando's Art Gallery)
• 7:00 pm: Tropical Depression Live in Calbayog
• 9:00 pm: Fiesta Jam (Live Bands)

September 5, 2010 (Sunday)

• 7:00 pm: Calbayog Akostiks
• 8:00 pm: IMAGO In Concert
• 9:00 pm: Fiesta Jam (Live Bands)

September 6, 2010 (Monday)

• 7:00 pm: Aiza and Nyoy Live in Calbayog!
• 9:00 pm: Fiesta Jam (Live Bands)

September 7, 2010 (Tuesday)

• 7:00 Sarah Geronimo Live in Calbayog! (Calbayog City Sports Complex)
• 7:00 pm: Fiesta Jam (Live Bands)
• 9:00 pm: SMB Night with 3rd Left Hand Band of Cebu

andam na para sa Patrun

Nakadto ak sa kanina City Arts and Culture Office sa Nijaga Park para manignano san mga detalye kaparte san Opening Program para san Hadang Festival 2010. Hadang Festival an tawag san Arts, Culture and Tourism Week sa Calbayogon nga guinbubuhat kadungan san pagsalin-urog san kapistahan san Nuestra Señora De La Natividad.

Nakahan-ay na an mga buruhatun, an mga detalye sana akun igbubutang dinhi sini nga blog sa ti-abot nga mga adlaw. Kanina an mga miembro san AKUSTIKS usa nga grupo san mga mangaranta nga kabataan mao an nakadto sa entablado para mag practice. Si Mr. Jonas Lim an nagdesenyo san entablado para san Hadang Festival 2010.

Aadi an pipira nga mga litratu nga akun nakuha kanina sa CACO

Some Oath-taking pix

The Oath-Taking Ceremonies of the elected officials of Calbayog City and Samar was held earlier today at the Calbayog City Sports Center. The 22 officials who participated in the event included 2 Board Members from Samar 2nd District, 5 Board Members from Samar 1st District, the 12 Calbayog City Councilors, Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino, Mayor Reynaldo Uy and Congressman Mel Sarmiento.

I will be featuring some pictures in my future blog posts. In the meantime, let me share some pix I took during the singing of "Magsarangkay"

Boboy Biliran, Nati Biliran and Nomel Pido of Voytagz Band with the officials as they sang "Magsarangkay"

The Calbayog Concert Chorus