By Freddie Velez
BUSTOS, Bulacan – Despite the eruption of the Taal Volcano in Batangas, the celebration of the 10th Minasa Festival went on as scheduled Monday, January 13.
Brushing aside the nuisance posed by ashfall that reached this province Sunday night, the 10th Minasa Festival pushed through and was attended by Central Luzon police regional director Brig. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, acting Bulacan police director Col. Emma M. Libunao, Rep. Florida P. Robes, of San Jose Del Monte City and Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. as a guest of honor and speaker.
Traditionally held every second week of January, the festival was named after the town’s famous milk biscuit. The biscuit termed as minasa because of the literal and actual hand mixing and flattening of the flour mixture or batter.
Bustos Mayor Francis Albert "Iskul" G. Juan said that this favorite home-made merienda was exclusively prepared and eaten by rich folks and guests during the Spanish time.
He said the festivity features a week-long celebration which showcases contests, costume parades, colorful street dancing, local food fair, tourist spots exhibit, and a fashion show.