Hundred Islands Festival to draw tourists

ALAMINOS CITY, March 9 (PNA) -- Preparations are now underway for the Gali’La Hundred Islands Festival 2010 slated from March 13 to 23, this year.

Expected to draw local and foreign tourists, the festival will kick off along the main thoroughfares in the city’s central business district, and in the city’s pride -- the world famous Hundred Islands National Park.

With the theme “Kilos Alaminos, Tuloy ang Asenso”, the festival will showcase once more the city’s rich culture, colorful traditions and unique arts handed down from one generation to another.

City Councilor Carolyn Dizon-Sison, chairperson of the city fiesta steering committee, said the culture and tourism-based festival coincides with the city fiesta in honor of the feast of the city’s patron saint, St. Joseph - the Carpenter.

The celebration starts with the Golden Jubilee and Grand Alumni Homecoming of the Saint Joseph Cathedral School (SJCS)-Colegio San Jose de Alaminos, formerly known as Royal Carpenter Academy (RCA).

Candidates for Miss Alaminos City 2010 and Little Mr. and Miss Hundred Islands 2010 will take center stage at the Don Leopoldo Sison Auditorium (DLSA) on March 14 and 15, respectively.

Mayor Hernani A. Braganza and Vice Mayor Teofilo G. Humilde Jr. will lead the launching of Agri-Trade Fair and the formal opening and blessing of the E-Kawayan Building in Barangay Bolaney on March 16.

Father Jerry Orbos will officiate a recollection and holy mass at the Saint Joseph Cathedral Parish on the 17th at exactly 5 p.m., followed by the Alaminos Central School Grand Alumni Homecoming in the evening.

Art lovers, camera buffs and spectators alike can view the best art works and masterpieces of top notch artists and famous photographers on display at the City Hall Lobby starting on March 18.

Also on the 18th will be the Donor’s Forum at Islandia Hotel and the SJC Parish Night at DLSA.

The following day will be the Feast of Saint Joseph where a thanksgiving mass and the Viva San Jose civic, military parade will be held in the morning, a "Larong Lahi" in the afternoon and in the evening, there will the Balikbayan and NGO (Non-Government Organization) night.

The most anticipated nightly Peoples’ (street) Party is set on March 19 to 22.

Barangay folks and senior citizens, transport and vendors group will have their special day on March 20 which is highlighted by the "Talaba Ihaw-ihaw" Festival at 5 p.m.

The Hundred Islands Fun Run, Rock-rackan 2010 mountain bike challenge and the 5th Hundred Islands Chess Tournament will also be held on that day.

On March 21, the best Balikbayan cagers and hoopsters from the local government unit will play in friendly basketball match followed by the children’s magical experience. In the evening, it will be the Grand Ball and Coronation Night at DLSA.

A Night to Remember of Fun and Laughter, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Hundred Islands, and Fireworks Display will be on the 22nd starting at 7 o’clock in the evening.

On March 23, balikbayans, tourists and prospective tourists will be treated with a whole day of eco-adventure tour and Luau Party for a Cause at the Hundred Islands.