Buglasan Festival launched at Robinson’s Place

(Dumaguete City, October 13, 2010) --- It was a festival of sights and sounds when this year’s Buglasan Festival of Festivals 2010 was launched at Robinson’s Place on October 9 as a prelude to the official opening of the Festival on October 15.

During the public launch, the candidates of the Buglasan Festival King and Queen were also paraded before the public.

Buglasan 2010 Chairman Dr. Nichol Elman at the launching said this year’s celebration promises to be more exciting than the previous years. “Expect more fun, more enjoyment and more presentations from various cultural groups and other stakeholders,” he said.

This is the first time the Festival held a public launch, said Elman.

Siquijor’s Pakol Festival graced the launching with a presentation and went around the mall to drum up a festival mood. “This reminds us of the beat, the music and the movement of Buglasan,” said Elman.

The launch was also highlighted by presentations from last year’s Buglasan Festival champions such as the Municipality of Sta. Catalina, the winner of last year’s street dancing and showdown competition.

The 11 pairs of candidates for the Buglasan Festival King and Queen who were presented to the public were, namely: Ril V. Abrasaldo and Michelle Kathreen P. Cielo (Tawo-tawo ,Bayawan); Jechrro S. Sun and Vyra Monette S. Pablos  (Inagta,Siaton); Earl Adjay J. Frimpong and Maria Diana Mae Credo (Baulan, Zamboangita); Ramon M. Delvo and Johanna Carla  Saad (Sandurot, Dumaguete); Ryan Gantalao and Alajar T. Sabanal (Hambabalud,Jimalalud); Ralph Emmanuel F. Rasay  and Niña Mae R. Salig (Bodbod,Tanjay); Carbine Econde Dinglasa and Marthe Schinina Valiente Rubio (Amamanhig,Manjuyod); Christian Titus Concepcion and Maymae Sally B. Romano (Langub,Mabinay); Franz Vene D. Sy and Joannie Salve Abiera (Gapnod,Sibulan); Ardie Jose A. Estrada and Reina Althea A. Divinagracia (Libod-sayaw,Bindoy); and lastly, Philip Am  A. Guay  and Donna Niña A. Cortez (Sipong ,Bais).

Vice Governor Roel Degamo, in his speech at the launch, described Buglasan as not only an enjoyable event but a memorable one as well.

Provincial Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Milagros Velez, who was at the launch to represent the Department of Education Division of Negros Oriental, said that DepEd has always sponsored events in which the students participate during the festival since its conception.

“Buglasan is a time to show unity and cooperation among schools, stakeholders and local governments. It has also enriched the teaching of Araling Panlipunan,” she stressed.

Senior Provincial Tourism Operations Officer Myla Mae Bromo-Abellana, when asked on what to expect from Buglasan 2010, said: “Our tourists get to see that one festival is unique from each one and it is what we can offer every year to our spectators.” (Klein Emperado for PIA NegOr)