Bulacan provincial government held a grand exhibit and trade fair, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Sto. Niño de Malolos.
Governor Daniel Fernando and Vice Gov. Alexis Castro show their devotion during the Sto. Niño de Malolos Grand Exhibit Opening held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, City of Malolos, Bulacan on Friday, Jan. 17. (Freddie Velez)
The exhibit, which has been a symbol of faith and devotion for the past five decades, has drawn hundreds of visitors from around the world.
This year’s celebration is even more special, with the addition of a vibrant Tatak Bulakenyo or BUFFEX Trade Fair where attendees can indulge in delicious Bulakenyo cuisine and shop for one-of-a-kind local products.
The Sto. Niño de Malolos Grand Exhibit and BUFFEX Trade Fair will run from January 16 to 23, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The event was organized by the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PCEDO) and the Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).
Governor Daniel Fernando (center) with (from left to right) Bureau of Customs Acting Deputy Commissioner of Internal Administration Group (BOC-IAG) Michael Fermin, Vice Gov. Alexis Castro, Department of Tourism Region 3 Regional Director Richard Daenos; Matilde Natividad of the Sto. Niño de Malolos Foundation, Provincial Administrator Antonia Constantino, and Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office Head Attorney Jayric Amil during the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Tatak Bulakenyo and BUFFEX Trade Fair held in front of the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium and Regional Trial Court, Capitol Compound, City of Malolos, Bulacan on Friday, Jan. 17 (Freddie Velez)
Nestled in the heart of the bustling Capitol Complex, in front of the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium and Regional Trial Court, the joint trade fair showcases a total of 74 exhibitors– 46 from Tatak Bulakenyo and 28 from BUFFEX.
Visitors can explore a diverse array of goods, from food and crafts to innovative products that showcase the rich culture of Bulacan.
During the opening ceremony, Governor Daniel Fernando took a moment to reflect on the deep cultural and spiritual significance of the Sto. Niño in the lives of Filipinos, especially those from Bulacan.
“Sa limang dekada ng ating exhibit ng Sto. Niño, tampok natin ang batang Hesus sa iba’t ibang anyo, bihis at wangis. Ito ay simbolo na ang kaharian ng Diyos ay para sa lahat, bata man o matanda, anuman ang ating estado o uri ng pamumuhay (In the five decades of our exhibit of Sto. Niño, we featured the baby Jesus in different forms, clothes and likenesses. It is a symbol that the kingdom of God is for everyone, whether young or old, regardless of our state or lifestyle)," he said.
He also proudly displayed his cherished family heirloom, an image of Sto. Niño now under his care, alongside nearly 500 other representations of the Child Jesus from across the country.
This exhibit serves as a reminder of the deep faith and devotion that unites Bulakenyos and Filipinos alike.
The event was attended by Vice Governor Alexis Castro, Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Richard Daenos, Bureau of Customs Acting Deputy Commissioner of Internal Administration Group (BOC-IAG) Michael Fermin; Provincial Administrator (PA) Antonia Constantino; Ptovincial Copperative and Enterprise Development Office (PCEDO) Head Atty, Jayric Amil; Provincial Information Officer (PIO) Katrina Anne Balingit, and Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office ( PHACTO) officer-in charge Department Head May Arlene Torres to name a few.