Malolos, Bulacan Mayor Christian Natividad officially opened the Fiesta Republica 2025 celebration on Monday, Jan. 13.
Mayor Christian Natividad (left), Vice Mayor, Miguel Alberto Bautista (2nd left), and Catmon Village Chief James Dimagiba (right), (first row) sang the Congress of Malolos and Viva Republica with the historic entry of the flag of the First Republic of the Philippines during the opening of the Fiesta Republika on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (Freddie Velez)
The event was dubbed "Kalinangang Malolenyo: Punla Tungo sa Pagyabong ng Turismong Pilipino (Malolenyo Culture: A Seed Toward the Flourishing of Philippine Tourism).”
Natividad emphasized that this event is not only for Malolos or Bulakenyos but for every Filipino, reminding everyone of the historical significance of Malolos and the First Republic of the Philippines.
He explained that the commemoration, which began in 2011, aims to strengthen awareness of the spirit of the First Republic among Filipinos, noting that despite Malolos' rich history, its importance has not been fully instilled in the hearts and minds of the people.
“Hindi tayo matatawag na Unang Republika kung walang Enero 23, 1899. Noon, ang tawag sa atin ay lahing Pilipino o lahing Asyano lamang. Dahil sa Saligang Batas ng Malolos, tinawag tayong citizens of the first Republic of the Philippines (We cannot be called the First Republic without January 23, 1899. Before, we were known as the Filipino or Asian race. Because of the Malolos Constitution, we became citizens of the First Republic of the Philippines),” he said.
Vice Mayor Miguel Alberto Bautista served as Hermano Mayor for Fiesta Republica 2025, highlighted the significance of the Philippine Republic's origins.
He said that it has been 126 years since Filipinos first aspired for independence and that the Malolos Constitution played a pivotal role in uniting the nation.
Bautista also quoted Article 1 of the Malolos Constitution, stating, “The political association of all Filipinos constitutes a nation, whose state shall be known as the Philippine Republic.”
This declaration, he explained, marked the Philippines as an independent and sovereign state.
He also encouraged everyone to reflect on how the ideals of independence can guide the City of Malolos toward becoming its best version, saying,
"Just reflect on what the world has today and what Malolos has today, and let us see how they can work together for the best version of the City of Malolos,” he said.
The celebration began with a holy mass officiated by Rev. Msgr. Pablo Legaspi Jr., serving as an inspirational message for the occasion.
It was followed by a patriotic performance by the Barasoain Camerata Philippines Choral, who sang Congress of Malolos and Viva Republica.
The historic entry of the flag of the First Republic of the Philippines was led by James Dimagiba, Barangay Captain of Catmon, portraying former President Emilio Aguinaldo and his family.
The event was attended by members of the Malolos City Council, department heads, city employees, and barangay officials.