Festivities marking the lead-up to the 404th feast day of Saint Ursula, patroness of Binangonan, Rizal, kicked off on Oct. 18 with a vibrant street dancing competition and parade as the opening salvo
Residents of Binangonan join the Octoberfest 2025, in line with the celebration of the town fiesta in honor of Saint Ursula
Mayor Elvira Cecille Ynares, or simply Mayor Rhea to residents, said the participants in the kick-off events for the town fiesta were in colorful costumes when they danced on the streets starting from the municipal hall to the Ynares Plaza.
A drum and lyre group marches during the opening salvo parade and street dance competition in Binangonan, Rizal on Oct. 18 (photo by Nel Andrade)
Mayor Rhea led her co-workers at the Mayor's Office Department in the parade that was made lively by a group of drum and lyre band composed of students.
Binangonan Mayor Rhea Ynares (fifth from left) and residents (photo from Mahal Kong Binangonan FB page)
Vice Mayor Russel Ynares, who also joined the opening salvo parade, said the Octoberfest 2025, the town government's counterpart in the feast day celebration, includes the "October SayAwit", a sing and dance competition at 6 p.m. on Oct. 18 at the Binangonan Plaza and the live band performance, Palarong Pinoy (Filipino native games) on Oct. 19, Sunday also at the town plaza.
Vice Mayor Russel Ynares joins the residents in the opening event for the town fiesta
On Monday, Oct. 20, a "Serenata" (concert) and awarding ceremony at St. Ursula Parish Church will be held.
Mayor Rhea said the activities aim to promote community spirit, showcase local talents, encourage economic activity, through foods and crafts and celebrate cultural diversity.
Parade and street dance participants join the Zumba dance event at the Ynares Plaza (Binangonan Plaza) on Oct. 18
A drum and lyre group of students gathers outside the Saint Ursula Parish Church in Binangonan, Rizal during the street dance and parade on Oct. 18 (photo by Nel Andrade)
Vice Mayor Ynares said the members of the Sangguniang Bayan, students and teachers of public and private schools, village leaders, representatives of government offices and private establishments also joined the opening celebration of the feast day in honor of St. Ursula.
The traditional Pagoda or fluvial parade in Laguna Lake, with the pilgrim image of the town's patroness to be joined by participants in boats, is scheduled on the morning of the feast day on Oct. 21.
Schedule of activities for the Feast Day of Saint Ursula in Binangonan, Rizal
A solemn mass on the feast day celebration at the St. Ursula Parish Church will be officiated by Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos at 9 a.m. Oct. 21, Tuesday.