By Jocelyn P. Alvarez
ZAMBOANGA CITY - Despite the peace and order controversy, power shortage and water rationing issues currently besetting the city, life goes on for Zamboanguenos - work continues and services delivered.
Recently, the city government through the City Tourism Division under the Office of the Mayor launched “Festival de Verano”, a summer event that involves the community and provides entertainment to the public and visitors of the city during this hot season.
The summer festivity offers fun-filled activities like a visit to the famous pink sand beach of Sta. Cruz Island.
City Information Officer Sheila Covarrubias said the Sta. Cruz Island visit aims to promote the island as a prime tourist destination. It will run until May 24.
This year’s summer festival features “Juego de Antes”- (games of the past) “to allow today’s young Zamboanguenos discover and experience the games of past generations,” Covarrubias said.
“Juego will also give the older generation an opportunity to relive their childhood through the games they once enjoyed,” she added.
Activities under “juego de antes” include kadang-kadang, sack race, tumbahan lata, shatong, limbo, tug of war, Gerry base, domino and tubigan which is being done/conducted every Saturday (May 3, 10 and 17).
“Participants of the first two Juegos will compete with each other in a series of eliminations. On the final Juego day, the winners will go head-to-head to determine the champions,” Covarrubias informed.
Also highlighting the summer fest is the observance of Dia de Vicente S. Alvarez on May 18. “The activity is a commemoration to the first and only Zamboangueno national hero Vicente Alvarez,” said Covarrubias.
Other summer activities include: the 1st Dia de General Vicente S. Alvarez Oratorical Contest on May 9 as part of its advocacy to create awareness, understanding and appreciation of the life of the revolutionary hero of Zamboanga; kite flying competition at the Paseo del Mar- May 3; Observance of Dia di Ma’am Caling- April 26 in celebration of the 93rd birth anniversary of the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat, while the “Festival de las Bellas y Flores” will be the culminating activity on May 24.
The Festival de las Bellas y Flores, is a parade of lovely belles, gowns and arcs. The activity will begin with the parade at 5pm from the City Hall grounds to Paseo del Mar followed by a program at 6 p.m.