Silay 52nd Charter Anniversary

As I See It                                   
Ver F. Pacete

In 1951, Dr. Jose Corteza Locsin won a seat in the Senate and in 1955 Romulo Golez became the mayor of Silay.  In that same year, Jose Puey of Sagay and Carlos Hilado of Bacolod also won seats in the House of Representatives.

The two congressmen with the help of Mayor Golez and Sen. Locsin worked for the passage of House Bill No. 6096 which became Republic Act No. 1621, otherwise known as the Charter of Silay City.  The day of the Charter’s approval was June 12, 1957.  Silay was the second town in Negros Occidental to become a city.

Mayor Jose L. Montelibano, Vice Mayor Mark Golez, the other city officials and the residents of Silay in coordination with Hugyaw Silay, Inc. ( the NGO recognized by the City Council to assist the city government in fiesta activities) are inviting Negrenses and friends to join in a festive atmosphere of celebrating the charter anniversary (June 06 – 12).

There will be a motorcade featuring the 15 lin – ay candidates on June 06.  Mayor Oti will officially declare the opening of the celebration and “Kinaon arroz a la Valenciana” at the plaza will follow (around 9 a.m.).  This is sponsored by the Liga ng mga Barangay with the special participation of Silay Market Vendors’ Association.  Visitors and friends are invited to pick their choice.

Other attractions at the opening day include “Pandot – Saot” (6 p.m.), a repertoire of Philippine dances showcasing Maria Clara suit, ethnic and rural dances.  This is produced by Marissa Montelibano, choreographed and directed by Lydia Paz Umali.  The show will place on center stage the world – renowned Kabataang Silay Rondalla and Hugyaw Silay Dance Group.

Colorful events are motorcycle parade, badminton tournament, employees’ variety show and band concert at the Food Court.  Sunday’s Big Event (June 07) is action and wit day.  Focus will be on taekwondo tournament, volleyball championship games, motor show and sound – off in front of Balay Negrense.  Not to be discounted is the Battle of the Bands.

Monday (June 08) is Bakbakan Day with the best pugilists seeing action at the covered court.  Teenagers will flock at the evening’s Pop Idol Competition back to back with the Black Velvet Show.  Food court area will sell the best gustatory delights and the amusement park will tickle the children with fun and adventure.

Educators will have their day on June 09.  Drum Corps Exhibition will be at 2 p.m. followed by the special chorale presentation of the College of Immaculate Concepcion.  The star of the night is the musical extravaganza of the Department of Education.  This is a collective effort of the pupils, students and teachers.

Wednesday (June 10) is for all Silaynons to witness a colorful pageant participated in by the fifteen lovely lin – ay candidates who will give their best performance at Natalio G. Velez Sports and Cultural Center (7 p.m.).  Viewers will have their share of suspense during the presentation of festival gown, swim suit, evening gown, and there are challenging questions waiting to those vying for the title “Lin – ay sang Silay 2009”.  Added attractions at the plaza are volleyball invitational games and pop dance showdown.

The “vespertina” on Thursday, June 11 is sponsored by the Liga ng mga Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan.  It’s show time for ballroom dancing and street party with two popular bands assisting.  San Miguel drinks will quench the thirst.  Head bangers will roll their heads until morning.

And the D - Day, June 12!  The homebodies will be awakened by road runners joining the Hinugyaw ancestral homes 15K – run.  The runners, instead of plowing the highway, will make detours in avenues where the ancestral houses of Silay are.  Of course, the highest event is the Thanksgiving Mass at San Diego Pro – Cathedral.  Silaynons will thank the Lord for the past and present favors.

The motor riders have also their way of roaring.  They will have off – road fun ride to Patag.  And the grand parade will take off at 8 a.m. from Freedom Boulevard.  This is the show of shows where everybody is a participant ---- in colorful attire, kaleidoscopic floats and sparkling banners.  The city officials will acknowledge the participants while passing the viewing stand.

Charter Day Program will be at the covered court (9 a.m.).  The Liga ng mga Barangay officials of Makati City are program guests.  (Makati is the sister city of Silay.)  Hugyaw Kansilay street dance will be at 2 p.m.  This is a street dance – drama on love, success, prosperity, thanksgiving and vision of the days to come.

Winners will receive their trophies, certificates of recognition and cash rewards later.  The early part of the evening will be colored by fireworks, the traditional battleship fight and the futuristic star wars in heaven.  Don’t miss the sky at 8 p.m.  The night will not fall without the celebrities from television and movie world.  Silaynons will see them live!

Just like cockfighting (June 06 – 14 at Brgy. IV), Silay fiesta is very domestic.  It has its own share of performers but also looks forward to see what others can share.  We do not forget God because He choreographs our events, hearts and minds.  Thank you, Lord. 

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