Bulakenyos flocked to the “Singkaban ng Bayan: Bulacan Tourism and Travel Fair” which showcases the unique local artistry and ingenuity of the province of Bulacan's cities and municipalities at the General Gregorio Del Pilar Park, Capitol Mini Forest in Malolos.
The booth of Guiguinto, Bulacan at the Mini Forest Park inside the Capitol compound in the City of Malolos at the “Singkaban ng Bayan: Bulacan Tourism and Travel Fair” from September 9-13, 2024. (Freddie Velez)
In addition to the colorful booth displays, the fair also offers a diverse array of local products for sale, providing visitors with an authentic taste of Bulacan’s rich and dynamic culture.
The theme dubbed as “Pagyakap sa Kasaysayan, Pagsulong sa Kinabukasan,” symbolizes the Bulakenyo spirit of resilience and strength in facing challenges like typhoons.
Governor Daniel Fernando urged Bulakenyos to look forward to an immersive experience that highlights the best of Bulacan’s traditions, talents, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Paombong, Bulacan, dubbed as the "Vinegar Capital of the Philippines," showcases its vinegar products which are extracted from the sap of Sasa at the Mini Forest Park inside the Capitol compound in the City of Malolos at the “Singkaban ng Bayan: Bulacan Tourism and Travel Fair” from September 9-13, 2024. (Freddie Velez)
“Ito ay isang makulay na pagdiriwang na nagpapakita ng tunay na kahusayan at tibay ng ating komunidad na magsisilbing inspirasyon sa pagbuo ng mas maliwanag na hinaharap para sa lahat ng Bulakenyo," (This will be a colorful celebration that will show the true excellence and resilience of our community that will serve as an inspiration in building a brighter future for all Bulakenyos)," Fernando said.
The Singkaban ng Bayan: Bulacan Tourism and Travel Fair will not only serve as a celebration of local craftsmanship but also as a key platform to promote tourism, celebrate local craftsmanship, and support the economic growth of the province, through the sale of indigenous products.
Following the grand opening, participants to the Marching Band Competition and the Parada ng Karosa held a parade from the City of Malolos Bayan to the Capitol Compound.
Katrina Anne B. Balingit, PPAO head (left), at the Roving Radio Station with Regemrei P. Bernardo, InfoBul president and City of Malolos Information Officer . (Photo courtesy of Malolos City Information Office)
The Provincial Public Affairs Office set up an InfoBooth with a roving radio station at the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PCEDO) grounds, where visitors had the opportunity to receive souvenir photos as well.
It also features an open mic jam, inviting attendees to perform and sing.
Provincial Public Affairs Officer Katrina Anne Balingit explained that this year's InfoBul activities would showcase the highlights of each town and city in the province through audio-visual presentations and the distribution of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials.
Malolos City Information Office and InfoBul President Regemrei Bernardo emphasized the organization’s commitment to delivering accurate information and promoting local initiatives that contribute to the province's development.
“The program aims to introduce the projects and activities of each Local Government Unit, as well as the Provincial Government of Bulacan,” Bernardo added.
The InfoBul was founded in 2005, it is an organization consisting of information officers from 20 towns and four cities in Bulacan.
Governor Daniel R. Fernando (seated 3rd from right), Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro (at the podium), and the daughter of DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas (seated 4th from right) are with Mayor Eladio Gonzales Jr. of Balagtas (left); Mayor Enrico Roque of Pandi (2nd from left); Mayor Agatha Paula Cruz of Guiguijnto (3rd left); Mayor Maryann Marcos of Paombong (seated 2nd from right), and Mayor Maria Rosario Ochoa-Montejo of Pulilan (seated right), and Dr. Eliseo Dela Cruz, head of the Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office during the Grand opening of the "Mother of all Fiestas" known as the Singkaban Festival in the province of Bulacan on Monday, September 9, 2024. Also in the photo were the Provincial Board members at the back. (Freddie C. Velez)
Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos was represented by his daughter Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas.
Fernando emphasized that the festival showcases a blend of traditional and modern practices.
“Sinigurado po natin na magiging inklusibo ang Singkaban Festival at magiging makabuluhan ito sa lahat ng miyembro ng ating lipunan,” (We have ensured that Singkaban Festival will be inclusive and meaningful to all members of society)," he said.
Abalos-Vargas noted that the theme reflects a path towards development while honoring the province's history and traditions. She highlighted Bulacan's pivotal role in Philippine history, as it was in Malolos where the first Philippine Republic was established, leading to the passage of the Malolos Congress in 1899.
Moreover, various events kicked off simultaneously, including the Tatak ng Bulakenyo Trade Fair and Kadiwa ng Pangulo sa Singkaban at the PCEDO Grounds; Dulaang Filipino Sining Bulakenyo: Ang Awit ng Dalagang Marmol at the Nicanor Abelardo Auditorium; Singkaban ng Bayan: Bulacan Tourism and Travel Fair at the Mini Forest; and Brush Strokes of Brilliance Painted Perception at the Guillermo Tolentino Exhibit Hall.