Reyna Elena of Legazpi
By Jesseshan B. Marbella

    Legazpi City underlined its beautiful people when a parade of lovely ladies emerged on the main streets during its city night last April 23 at Peñaranda Park.

    Reyna Elena sa Legazpi 2010, a beauty and gown competition organized by Legazpi City Women’s Federation (LCWF), paraded on the highway, almost closing the traffic flow.

    Out of 17 lovely Legazpeños representing their own barangays, Bessie Lucido of Sagpon was chosen Legazpi City’s Reyna Elena, an upcoming Grand Santacruzan Night in May.

    Santacruzan is celebrated in honor of Queen Helena (Reina Elena), mother of Constantine the Great, in her quest to find the Holy Cross. After the Holy Cross was found in Jerusalem and brought back to Rome, there was a joyful thanksgiving celebration. Albay and its cities and provinces celebrate Sanatacruzan every May to commemorate the annual historical and religious event.

    Meanwhile, the Office of City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) conducted the Paper Décor-Making in their product demonstration.

    Remarkable appearances from Teatro de Artes, Aquinas University of Legazpi, Legazpi City Choir, and Legazpi Dancing Ambassadors rejuvenated the stage floor in the cultural show.

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Amaranto of Daraga is Mayon Photo Champ
By Jesseshan B. Marbella

    The outskirts of Legazpi City gleamed with glam under an impending threat of Mayon Volcano as it slowly spewed red flames trickling down its slopes captured by Roldano Amaranto last December 16.

    Under a spectacular twilight viewed from Kapuntukan Hill, Amaranto’s photo of Mayon Volcano was superlative and awarded as the best among the photos taken for the night category in the The Mayon Eruption Experience Photo Contest at Albay Capitol.

    “My photo of Mayon was very simple yet it portrays Albay’s steadfast resilience despite an upcoming danger by Mayon Volvano,” he explained.

    “I went up to Kapuntukan Hill and took shots of Mayon around 5 pm,” he added.

    Amaranto, 42 years of age, is a photographer for almost 20 years and operates his own video and photo shop at Daraga. He is a member of Mayon Photography Club Inc. (MPCI), a guild which aims to foster photography in the province of Albay.

    The photo contest qualified pictures taken from Dec 15-31 last year and there were 26 entries for the day and night category.

    “Tourism will not flourish here in our province without the unrelenting efforts of our photographers in showcasing our tourism assets. If only we had photography ever since the world begun, we could’ve witnessed pulchritudinous vegetation,”

    The event was initiated by the Provincial Government of Albay under the leadership of Joey Sarte-Salceda, Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office headed by Jose M. Briones and Magayon Executive Committee under Hon. Glenda Ong-Bongao.

    In full gratuity, Briones commended the participation of Mayon Photography Club Inc. (MPCI) and the participants of the photo contest for accentuating Albay’s pride- the Mayon Volvano.

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Convention Revives Photography in Albay
By Jesseshan B. Marbella

    The endeavor to revive Albayanos’ ardent interest in photography was as hot as the sili. The art of photography took the center stage as it appeared a paramount event when the Mayon Photography Club Inc (MPCI) launched Spicy Albay 2 Photography Convention with Magayon Festival last April 22 at People’s Hall, Albay Provincial Capitol.

    “We aim to develop the skills of our fellow Albayano photographers so, we invited experts to share their advanced knowledge on the latest techniques and trends in photography. This is our way of extending our help to the people of Albay as we purposefully targeted to have our own service providers in the field of photography,” MPCI President Tomas Falcon said.

    Affirming Falcon’s statement was Marck Arcky Imperial, one of the participants, saying he learned significant techniques and styles during the photo convention.

    The three-day photo workshop and seminar that lasted April 24 tackled intricate subjects in photography. Bicolano master photographers who imparted their proficiency were Dail Deri, Ibarra Deri, Edwin Tuyay, Ben Chan and Ryan Randall.

    Moreover, Imperial said it was not only a seminar but a splendid rendezvous in building amity with fellow photographers.

    “It paves the way to meet the pros and learn from them,” he elaborated. “Not only that, I’ve met different individuals with the same field of interest,” he added.

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Nolasco and Balmedina are Indomitable Sili-Eaters
By Jesseshan B. Marbella

    Gaining popularity not only nationwide but worldwide, the Bicolanos are famous for their high tolerance in eating extremely spicy cuisines. Last April 22, 20 Albayanos proved it again as they masticated each serving of Laing and Bicol Express at the Magayon Festival’s Hot-aw sa Kaonan (Sili-Viand Eating Contest)held at Peñaranda Park.

    Sili King Marty Nolasco and Sili Queen Evangeline Balmedina of last year’s Hot-aw sa Kaonan remained undefeated for this year’s Sili-Viand Eating Contest. Nolasco of Quirangay, Camalig finished in just 38 seconds while 32 year-old Balmedina did in 52 seconds. Both received the cash prize of P10, 000 each.

    “I have four children and I’m very happy that I won again because the money will be of great help to my family,” Sili Champion Balmedina said.

    Meanwhile, 24 year-old Nolasco said he will use the prize for opening a small enterprise business. Currently, he works as train operator in the Philippine National Railways (PNR). He went home just to defend his title.

    “I’m very happy that we have this kind of activity and I wish to be back next year to join again Hot-aw sa Kaonan sa Magayon,” Nolasco said.

    In the female category, 2nd runner-up Salvacion Mancera of Taluto, Camalig finished at 1 minute and 20 seconds and got P7, 000 while Sally Nolasco, 29 years old, got P5, 000 as 3rd runner-up.

    In the male category, the winning contestants were Henry Mancera of Jovellar (2nd Runner-Up) and Allan Ador. Mancera (3rd Runner-Up)

    Non-winners were given the consolation prize of P1, 000 each.

    All participants were bona fide Albayanos and underwent medical and physical examination initiated by Provincial Health Office before they

    Hot-aw sa Kaonan is one of Magayon Festival’s highlight events.

Tonipet and Patani in Sili Challenge

    Special guests Tonipet Gaba of GMA-7 and Survivor Philippines Castaway Jervy "Patani" Daño tried the ultimate challenge in the Sili-Viand Eating Contest. Castaway “Patani” stood up as a Survivor winning over Tonipet.

    “I’ve been eating spicy dishes but when I tried this one, there’s the distinct and extreme taste of spiciness. I’m overwhelmed to accept this kind of challenge,” Patani said.

    Patani of Talisay, Cebu was one of the Castaways of Survivor Philippines while Tonipet is one of the correspondents in the magazine show-The Beat shown at QTV11 every Monday.

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Legazpi High School is EQUALYMPICS Champion
By Jesseshan B. Marbella

    “Equalympics is a game for students measuring their intelligence and it’s also a game of chance where you can’t predict who’s going to win for it depends on how the group strategize their succeeding moves. It doesn’t solely depend on the student’s mental capacity,” according to Michelle M. Daniel, coach of the Legazpi City High School (LCHS)-the Champion for this year’s 2nd Equalympics held at Albay Astrodome last April 21.

    Patterned from the famous game show “Deal or No Deal,” student-contestants will choose from among Gov. Joey Salceda’s 26 Angels who are holding briefcases that contain certain amount of money which corresponds to a question they have to answer.

    The mechanics further explained that the team who will not be able to answer, others will be given the chance to steal and if they answered it correctly, they will accumulate the money from the chosen briefcase but for those who fail to provide the right answer, the amount will be deducted from the points of the team.

    Aaron Castillo, Aris Romare, Pamela Garcia, Adelaine Bautista and Justine Lorenz Balbin, third year students of LCHS, joined forces and won over the three schools in the province of Albay for the ultimate challenge of Equalympics.

    Legazpi City High School Team accrued P2330 plus P10, 000 as champion, Bicol Regional Science Oriented High School Team got P2010 plus P5, 000 as 1st Runner-Up and the Pantao National High School Team was declared as 2nd Runner-Up, getting P3, 000 cash award while the Tabaco National High School Team was 3rd Runner-Up with P2, 000 cash prize.

    Equalympics focused on the five major academic subjects namely: English, Mathematics, Science, Filipino and Araling Panlipunan and integrating the questions on Albay’s History, Culture and Heritage.

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Sorsogon tops the 1st Magayon Beach Volleyball
By Jesseshan B. Marbella

    The scorching heat was neutralized by the regal view of Mayon Volcano viewed from Embarcadero de Legazpi as the 1st Magayon Beach Volleyball kicked off last April 16 that featured top teams from different parts of Bicol Region.

    Sorsogon City LD Spikers was declared Champion for women’s division triumphantly beating University of Sta. Isabel (USI) Team A, finishing the fourth set with the final score of 21-16. They received P15, 000 as the cash prize while USI got P10, 000 as 1st runner-up. The group from USI Team B was declared as the 2nd runner-up and got a total cash prize of P6, 000.

    The Magayon Beach Volleyball Champion for Women’s Division was composed of Kristine Anne Dave, Cirila Labitas and Rosemarie Labay.

    “We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to our ever supportive Mayor, Hon. Leovic Dioneda of Sorsogon City,” Ms. Labay said.

    On the other hand, Lister Batuigas, Roy Labay and Allan Dollero of the Calabanga, Camarines Sur Team was awarded as Champion for men’s division and got the cash award of P15, 000, followed by Bicol College Team as 1st runner-up and Philippine National Police (PNP) Team as 2nd runner-up. Both received P10, 000 and P6, 000 cash awards respectively.

    “The participants were very cooperative and they were all great players making our event more exciting,” Event Chairman Gerard Marcellana, said.

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A Magayon Weekend Partners with Pooh
By Jesseshan B. Marbella

    After debilitating days from work, the fiery weekend of Magayon on its third week was spent with series of relaxing events and this time, Magayon weekend partnered with Pooh last April 18.

    Pooh threw out his punch lines at the fully-packed Albay Astrodome in a 2-in-1 show sponsored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Albay (SPA) “SPAConcert.”

    “I had so much fun last night during Pooh's comedy show at Albay Astrodome,” according to Bernardo Altavano’s Facebook wall post the day after. “He’s a multi-talented artist and I’m very impressed on how he makes people’s lives happy in a short time but almost endless laughter,” he added.

    Pooh and his band made different versions of Wency Cornejo’s “Hanggang” in Reggae, Rock, Bossa and Pop.

    Reynaldo Lagrimas Garcia, most popular with his sobriquet “Pooh” sang, danced and of course, made the Albayanos and visitors alike extremely jovial with his gag lines, but the most hilarious part of his act was his parody of the World Boxing Champ, Manny Pacquiao.

    Altavano said Pooh’s weekend hit in Magayon was a way to simmer down after hard week’s work and he truly admitted that he was entertained by Pooh’s spoofs. He is a program facilitator at Children International (CSCDI) and getting a free admission to a comedy event made his weekend a lot more fun most especially when Hale performed live after Pooh’s jesting show.

    The four-member band-Hale played alternative rock songs and continued the exhilaration of the audience at Albay Astrodome. The band played “The Day You Said Goodnight,” the song which brought them to the spotlight under their self-titled album. They also plugged and played the new songs from their new album, Kundiman.

Regine Tolentino Shakes at Magayon's Baile and Dancesports

    The Philippines’ Sexy Dancing Diva, popularly known as Regine Tolentino shook with the dancers at Magayon Baile and Dance Sport last April 17 held at Albay Astrodome.

    “Albay’s dancers were all terrific and they are even better from what I’ve seen from the amateur dancers in Manila,” Ms. Tolentino said.

    Regine’s shaking of hips and belly dancing turned the audience to shout even louder. More cheers roared on her second appearance and she made her way on dance floor with her partner as they jived together.

Magayon Baile and Dance Sports Victors

    Out of seven secondary schools of Albay that competed the Magayon Baile (Ballroom Competition) the dance troupe of Bicol College (BC) High School were the most applauded leading to be highly victorious. They were declared as the champion. Students from Legazpi High School got the second spot and followed by the contingents from Ligao High School.

    Ten pairs of ballroom dancers joined Magayon Dance Sports. Fresh graduates of Bicol University, Diane Mae Mananes and Mark Gil Real, got the top prize as champion. Tandem Divina Paula Sy and Wilven Mendoza were 1st runner-up and couple Sheila Cantela and Mark Anthony Bonayon for 2nd runner-up.

    Observers said that the contingents were getting better as they executed difficult routines and dance steps. All of the performances from the participants were well-lauded by the spectators.

    Magayon Baile and Dance Sports events are now on its third year in Magayon Festival and it continued to amaze and impressed the seeing public.

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Grand Libon Night
By Jesseshan B. Marbella

    The spectacular municipal night of Libon mirrored their affluent culture and trade through their one-hour cultural presentation and their product demonstration at Peñaranda Park last April 16.

    Libon Mayor Agnes Dycoco assured the people and visitors to have full amusement during the cultural night. “You’ll forget the warmth brought by El Niño as we give you our top performers from our town,” she said.

    “Though it was a short cultural presentation, it was an amazing show. I enjoyed every bit of their performances specially their extravagant dance and song numbers,” according to Sarah Bonos, one of the audiences.

    Paroy Cultural Dancers (PCD) paraded around Peñaranda Park and officially launched the event. Kids were invited to join the parlor games and the winners received cash prizes courtesy of Mayor Agnes Dycoco.

    Members of the local government unit of Libon, Ligao Community College (LICOM) and PCD were the main performers of the cultural night. The audience was in bliss to see them perform vigorously on stage. They flared up their viewers and the audience responded with vociferous ovation.

    The spectators were hosted to a mini-tour showing Libon’s haven of richness through a video presentation, magnifying the flourishing tourism industry, culture, trade and commerce and featured the process on how to make their local product, banig.

    Libon’s product demonstration was conducted by the Entrepreneurship students of LICOM as they cooked the puto pao and boneless tilapia, promoting and advertising two of their most delectable food products.

    Libon’s night had the theme “Libon sa Magayon, Tourism Coming Soon,” Emphasizing to Mayor Dycoco.

    The local government of Libon tied up with Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office headed by Mr. Jose Briones for the promotion of Libon’s magnificence. In her speech, Mayor Dycoco said she expects more tourists to visit Libon. She said, together with her colleagues from local government unit of Libon, they are now preparing for more visitors to come and see Libon.

    “It is a small municipality but we have scenic spots that we can offer to tourists,” Mayor Dycoco said.

    Libon is one of the towns in the Philippines discovered by Spaniards and its now more than 400 years old.

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Job Openings for Albayanos
By Jesseshan B. Marbella

    Joining Magayon Festival, the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) spearheaded a two-day Magayon Jobs Fair to primarily facilitate employment opportunities to fresh college graduates last April 15 and 16 at Albay Astrodome.

    Magayon Jobs Fair had prioritized the fresh college graduates from different schools and universities in the province of Albay.

    “For newly graduates, it is an advantage for them because right after graduation, they are given the chance to conveniently apply and get employment” according to Peter James Murillo, a graduate last 2008 of Bicol Univeristy who applied for supervisorial post during the Magayon Jobs Fair.

    “This year, I noticed they offered more job opportunities in the government,” he added.

    Provincial PESO Manager Lily Nicoleta said this year’s Magayon Jobs Fair envisioned that the fresh graduates will be able to land employment.

    “This two-day activity is designed to make easy on required number of days to comply with the employment requirements to the job-seekers. On the second day, other applicants who missed the first day were given the chance to get job application,” Nicoleta said.

    Nicoleta also disclosed that if others will not be able to get employment this April, her office will have another activity in store for them.

    The second wave of the major recruitment event is set on either October or November this year. PESO conducts special hiring announcements whenever private or public companies request for assistance.

    The companies present during the Magayon Jobs Fair were San Miguel Corporation, SM Save More, Content Online Services Inc. (COSI) and Philhealth.

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Local bands rock Magayon Fest
By Jesseshan B. Marbella

    Local and amateur bands of Albay proved their panache in music as they performed their own chosen genre in the Magayon Band Fest at Peñaranda Park last April 14.

    Glitra, a four-member band of Legazpi City, was the grand champion of the Magayon Band Fest besting over the nine groups. The top band played three songs which included their own original composition titled, “Rosas.”

    “This event gave young Bicolano musicians the opportunity to impart their passions for music,” John Christopher Pacres, member of Glitara said.

    Daraga’s Negative 13th X-ray was awarded 2nd runner-up and Tremolo of Ligao City on the third spot.

    Other bands who joined were Nextzeus, Active Box, Dubista, Cast of Clown, Power Beat, Primos Amigos and Hail Glorious.

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Danish couple loves Pinangat of Camalig
By Jesseshan B. Marbella

   Camalig, one of the municipalities of Albay known for its famous and tasty Pinang, exuded its richness in Magayon Festival in Pinangat product presentation and demonstration which captured the interests of two tourists from Denmark who extremely appreciated the taste of the local cuisine.

    “We like it,” Morten Hansen and his fiancée Tina Olsen said in unison.

    “Filipinos are very friendly and we hope that we will enjoy the rest of our vacation here in the Philippines, “Hansen added.

    The couple from Europe arrived Legazpi City after a 24-hour flight from Denmark last April 14 just in time to witness the Camalig Day held at Peñaranda Park.

    They have a 19-day trip around the Philippines and their first stop was to visit Mayon Volcano here. They said they will stay in Bicol for three days and plans to go trekking on the slopes of Mayon then visit Donsol for the whale shark interaction. Next on their tour was to visit Bohol and proceed to Puerto Galera for their final destination.

    Pinangat, a popular viand in Albay and in the Philippnes, is mainly made with gabi leaves, coconut milk, garlic, pepper and ginger. The dish is rich in Vitamin A potassium and calcium

   The municipality of Camalig celebrates Pinangat Festival in the month of June.

Gratuity ritual dance

   The local government unit of Camalig invited the Manobo tribe of Maguindanao as their special guest during the Camalig Night. Tribal Governor Datu Higyawan with his colleagues performed their ritual dance of thanksgiving.

   The dance was mainly offered to Apo Mayon (Mayon Volcano) for keeping Albay safe from the last eruption. Likewise, it was also a way to ask for the guidance and seeking the support of the people of Albay to keep their culture alive.

Camalig Night centers on Cultural Preservation

   Camalig Night’s cultural presentation and performances stressed on the revival of the traditional culture of the Albayanos.

   Harana, one of the traditional styles of wooing, was portrayed in the presentation by the out-of-school youths of Camalig.

   Other stage numbers were folk dances and singing productions accompanied by cello, violin, and acoustic guitar. These instruments were the iconic reminiscence of customary practices of the past.

   Camalig Tourism Officer Julito Rabe praised the participation of the students, parents, teachers, event coordinators, members of the cast and the Provincial Government of Albay under the leadership of Gov. Joey Sarte-Salceda, The Magayon Festival Executive Committee (ExeCom) headed by Sr. Board Member Glenda Ong-Bongao and Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) headed by Albay Tourism Officer Jose M. Briones for their unrelenting support for Camalig.

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Young Albayanos enjoy Children's Day
By Jesseshan B. Marbella

    Magayon Festival granted a day of merriment to the kids coming from the different cities and municipalities of Albay as they celebrated Children’s Day (Bulilit sa Magayon) last April 12 at Albay Astrodome.

    The first part consists of “Bulilit Got Talent” which was patterned from the famous Philippine TV show from ABS-CBN. This portion underscored the various talents of the young Albayanos.

    There were 18 contestants for the “Bulilit Got Talent,” showing off their performances on stage, demonstrating Albay children’s love to sing and dance evidently showcased during the talent presentation.

    The top performance was from the awesome tandem of kids from the municipality of Polangui who grooved with the pop song of Michael Jacson’s “Beat It.” Jonata Madrigal, singer lass of Jovellar, who imitated Sarah Geronimo’s “Forevermore” got the 2nd place for the “Bulilit Got Talent” while a young lady from Ligao got 3rd spot.

    “There were noticeable potential performers which will make Albay proud of,” Luz Arabia, Chairman of the Board of Judges said.”This activity cultivates and augments the skills of the children,” she added.

    The next activity was the story-telling contest for the Day Care workers of Albay. There were 10 story tellers who effectively caught the young minds’ interests. Cosidered the most effective of them all however was Ms. Virginia Natuel. She narrated a story similar to the mainstream biblical parable called “Prodigal Son,” recounted the story in Tagalog. She used visual materials prepared that are more suitable for the kids. Manilyn Abraham ,a Day Care worker from Legazpi City got the 2nd prize and Nona Olavario Orap was awarded 3rd place in the story-telling contest.

    Winners received cash prizes from the Provincial Government of Albay under the leadership of Gov. Joey Sarte-Slaceda. Non-quailfiers received consolation prizes and toys.

    Other activities were parlor games, highlighting it with the children’s party.

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Isip of CamSur is Ginoo ng Magayon ‘10
By Jesseshan B. Marbella

    Emerging out of 20 astute and talented Bicolanos was Micahel Caesar Isip of Iriga City who gave honest answers during the casual and final interviews, capturing in return the judges’ approval to crown him as Ginoo ng Magayon this year held at Albay Astrodome.

    “It was difficult to choose from among them. The semi-finalists were all sagacious gentlemen,” according to Ronn Petitt, Chairman of the Board of Judges. .

    Melissa Joy Landrito, Ginoo ng Magayon host agreed saying “All of the qualifiers and contestants were very witty in the interview segments.”

    April 7 was a memorable date for the 20-year old gentleman of Iriga City. Together with Isip were 1st Runner-Up Joven dela Cruz of Masbate, 2nd Runner-Up Christian Bernard Pomaloy and Ginoo ng Magayon-Turismo Ruther Flores joining Isip’s jovial celebration.

    Michael Caesar Isip is currently taking up Bachelor of Science in Nursing at University of Saint Anthony. Asked on his future plans on joining pageantries, he humbly answered this “I will not let my head get big. I will go back to my old life and just continue with my studies.”

Minor Awards

    Aside from the supreme award as Ginoo ng Magayon, Isip got special awards from the pageant sponsors as Mr. Bayan Telecom and Mr. AMA Computer Learning Center (ACLC). Having the most desirable face among the candidates, he was also Mr. Photogenic.

    Christian Bernard Pomaloy (Ginoo ng Magayon’s 2nd runner-up) got most of the minor awards. Pomaloy having a muscular physique was awarded Best in Swimwear. He also got awards from the pageant sponsors as Mr. Home Radio, Mr. Pacific Mall and awarded as Best in Formal Wear Award.

    Other awards were given to Michael Ross Banda as Mr. Congeniality, winning over the amity of his colleagues in the pageant. Mr. Bicol Shirt was awarded to Mark Christian Anciano of Naga City.

Talent Show at Polangui

    Male Bicolanos have myriad talents and this was manifested last April 8 at Polangui Plaza for the Ginoo ng Magayon Talent Night. Contestants proved this by singing, dancing, public speaking, playing various musical instruments and doing the martial arts routines.

    Assenting to this was talent show host Ms. Landrito. “For this year, the candidates were more talented compared to last year and good-looking, of course.”

    The municipality of Polangui played as the host for the talent show under the initiative of Board Member Raul Roi Borejon, chairperson of Ginoo ng Magayon 2010. Polangui Mayor Jesus S. Salceda Sr. heartily welcomed the Ginoo ng Magayon Talent Show, saying he was overwhelmed that the event was held in his beloved municipality. In reciprocation, Hon. Borejon thanked the local government unit of Polangui for the hospitalty.

    Paired with his wit is the gift of an amazing voice. Christian Bernard Pomaloy who sang Bugoy Drilon’s hit “Paano na Kaya?”, during his turn, leading to be chosen for this year’s Mr. Talent.

Ms. Sam Pinto

see photo gallery >

Sam Pinto of PBB graces Magayon

    Samuelle Lynne Acosta Pinto, popularly known as Sam Pinto visited Magayon Festival and entertained Albayanos during the Ginoo ng Magayon Pageant Night. She sang Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me.”

    She became famous in the Philippine’s reality show, Pinoy Big Brother (PBB): Double Up as a housemate paving her way to gain vast opportunity in the limelight. Currently, she is a part of the cast of ABS-CBN’s “Your Song: Huwag Ka Nang Magbabalik.”

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Daraga Night
By Jesseshan B. Marbella

     Albayanos are musically-inclined folks. Daraga, a municipality of Albay had its explosion of their innate talents which was strongly depicted in their three-hour cultural presentation held at Peñaranda Park last April 7.

    Daraga’s outstanding performers made it an unforgettable night. Students from Daraga, namely Daraga National High School, Daraga Community College and Bagtang Elementary School illustrated their flair for music, making the event a rousing show of singing and dancing.

    Youthful musicians from Bagtang Drum and Bugle Corps unlocked the opening when they played their own rendition of Magayon Festival Theme Song.

    “I had goose bumps when I saw the first group of performers,” Daraga Mayor Ching Triunfante said. “This is just part of what we have in store for you so I hope all of you will go home elated and lighthearted,” he continued.

    More unique performances were presented during the Daraga Night. Daragang Magayon Performing Arts (DMPA) had their dancing shoes ready for their numbers in creative and modern dancing combine with the dance presentation of Bagtang School Dance Troupe.0

    Furthermore, Ma. Victoria Bien, Daraga Kid Idol 2008 sang Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance and Emerose Bien serenaded the crowd with her powerful voice.

    The paramount performance of Daraga National High School (DNHS) students captured everybody’s interest. The distinct percussionists played Bicol and Tagalog songs accompanied by the euphonic voices of DNHS students. String instruments such as cello, acoustic guitars, rondalla were used in enhancing the whole performance.

    Yonito Joseph Zialcita, former member of DNHS chorale said that the newbies were brilliant and he added that they have improved a lot.

    Daraga did not fail their spectators of this year’s Magayon Festival. Every act on stage was highly praised evidently expressed from the loud cheers and applauses of the audience.

    Daraga Tourism Officer Cristina S. Pacres in closing the event, commended the unrelenting support of the trainers, performers, parents and the audience for making the event a hit and thanked Gov. Joey Sarte-Salceda and the Magayon Festival Executive Committee headed by Sr. Board Member Glenda Ong-Bongao for the opportunity.

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Elderly Albayanos celebrate Magayon Festival
By Jesseshan B. Marbella

    The ebullience of the elderly members of Albay was incessant as they celebrated Senior Citizen Day in connection with Magayon Festival (Si Lolo at Lola sa Magayon) at Albay Astrodome last April 6.

    The dynamic senior members of Albay were all heads up as they took over the center stage. The high-spirited seniors from different cities and municipalities of Albay haughtily showcased their talents in dancing and singing.

    This activity reminds us of the capacity and eligibility of our elderly to sing, dance and enjoy their moment to mingle with their fellow senior citizens here in Albay,” Event Coordinator Yolanda Guanzon, said.

    According to Guanzon, they have incorporated contests in ballroom dancing, pantomina, folk dancing, tango and vocal duet for the whole-day activity.

    In ballroom dancing, the elderly couple of Polangui won P3,000. Similarly, Legazpi City showed their best moves in Pantomina, going home with P5,000. The dance troupe from Oas received P5,000 for winning the top spot for Folk Dancing. Voices of the elderly from the municipality of Daraga grabbed the attention of the judges and took home P5,000.

    Winners got cash prizes and tokens of appreciation from the Provincial Government of Albay, distributed by Ms. Guanzon together with her colleagues in Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO).

    She also shared that Albayano elderly group will have their IDs issued for their social insurance with GSIS championed by Gov. Joey Salceda. She said they will have burial assistance to cover death expenses.

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Magayon Festival 2010's Grand Opening
Highlights the Unity of Albayanos

     After furious typhoons and calamities, Albay still withstands the challenges of the present. The official launch of the Magayon Festival this year emphasized the unity of the Albayanos as they are on their way to perfect recovery under the able leadership of Gov. Joey Sarte-Salceda.

     “The primary purpose of this annual event is to celebrate the unity of Albayanos as a family and our tourism industry follows,” he said yesterday at the grand launch.

     The official opening of the event was spearheaded by Sr. Board Member Glenda Ong-Bongao, Magayon Festival Chairperson which was held at the Albay Astrodome.

     “Magayon Festival 2010 soars higher. Loving the beauty of goodness and embracing everything good about life. Forever Albay and forever Magayon,” she said.

Misa sa Magayon

     Fr. Mariano T. Briones was the main celebrant at the Misa sa Magayon, the first event of the formal opening. He said in his homily that amidst all the challenges, Albayanos should stay resilient and should continue their strong faith in God.

     After the solemn mass, Magayon Festival Dancers pranced with the rhythm of Magayon Festival Theme Song in their vibrant green costumes. The dance troupe impressed their audience with their flaunting performance.

     Popular political figures were the guests of honor during the event. Sen. Loren Legarda, who was one of the guests of honor, expressed her strong support to Gov. Salceda’s Magayon Festival. Mayor Noel E. Rosal, Albay Board Members Ramon Alzua and Ireneo Sales and Mutya ng Magayon ’09 Patrixia Cheryl Santos joined to formally open the festival.

Magayon Cheers

    After the speeches, the Magayon Festival dancers astonished again the spectators as they flounced the dance floor with the rhythm of Albay Forever.

    Local officials and guests of honor cheered with a toast to the celebration of the festival’s opening, raising their goblets and drank the wine. After the ceremonial toast, the board members, event coordinators and department heads together with the public set the white doves and balloons free, painting the sky with a colorful aerial show.

    The ribbon-cutting ceremony at the food stalls, photo and art exhibits and trade fair followed. Loren Legarda, Gov Joey Salceda strolled with the cheerers around Penaranda Park. The trade fair featured Albay’s top delicacies and products which are popular locally and worldwide.

Opening Program

    The weather was ideal for the next events in the afternoon. Beautiful floats paraded Albay proper for the Karwahe sa Magayon. Famous business establishments such as Embarcadero, Liberty Commercial Center (LCC) and Metro Gaisano participated. Chevron, Aboitiz and Albay Electric Cooperative (Aleco) was also in their best floats.

    Presidential candidate Gibo Teodoro was the Guest of Honor in Magayon Festival’s grand opening. Senatorial candidates Bong Revilla and Rey Langit and Salvador Bello were present too. Tourism Officer Maria “Nini” Ravanilla and Tourism Undersecretary Carreon were the other guests.

    They have witnessed the talented contingents of the Magayon Drum and Bugle Corps Competition coming from the different schools in Bicol region. Most of the participants stunned the spectators and Daraga National High school again topped the event, bringing home Php 50,000 plus the trophy and certificates.

Kay Brosas and Rico Blanco Live

    Albay Astrodome was in full laughters as Kay and the Boxers sprayed out high volume of laughing gases to the audience. The comedienne-singer gave a total performance, imitating various local and international singers.

    Rico Blanco, a well-known former member of Rivermaya, shaked the venue by singing his original compositions and concluded the first night of Magayon Festival.

    The bash still continued at the many drinking stalls in Rocklakan sa Magayon where local bands performed for the entertained and blissful audience.

Pre-Opening

    The pre-opening of Magayon festival was last April 4. It brought action-packed events which included Magayon Drag Racing at Bogtong Legazpi City, Magayon Gurumulan II, Magayon Sunkad Challenge at Albay Astrodome and the Pinoy guest band Spongecola with the talented Yael Yuzon as the front man. The band formally opened the beer plaza at Penaranda Park.

Increase of Tourist arrivals in Albay's Magayon Festival seen

    LEGAZPI CITY, Mar.10 – Increase of tourist arrivals in the province of Albay is expected starting last week of March this year in connection with the 2010 Magayon Festival.

    Albay Provincial Tourism Officer Jose Briones aid the formal opening of Magayon festival is set on April 5 with Lakas – Kampi – CMD candidate Gibo Teodoro as guest of honor.

    This year’s celebration focuses on patriotism and nationalism.  “The month long festival is full of entertainments to promote culture, arts, sports, and tourist destinations in the province,” Briones said.

    “Every year, we are expecting an influx of local and foreign tourist,” Briones said.

    In 2009 Magayon festival, the growth rate in terms of tourist arrivals is 35.58% with an average of tourist expenditures of P2,400 per day.

    Last year, the provincial tourism office recorded a total of 235,000 foreign and local tourist arrivals. “The figure is expected to rise this year because of the business opportunities in the province, increase in the number of air flights as well as new air – conditioned buses from manila to Legazpi,” Briones added.

    “Our tourism stakeholders have already contributed a lot in terms of development of their facilities and employment,” according to Briones.

    Albay governor Joey Salceda on the other hand said that Albay is investing in tourism promotion. “This year, the provincial government has allocated P12 million for different events and another P3 million for promotional purposes.”

    “Investment is necessary in order to attract tourist which eventually result to generate employment and income to transport sector and tourism sector,” Salceda said

    Magayon Festival now on its 14^th year is celebrated under the administration of Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda every April of the year, subscribing on the slogan “Albay Rising”…(By Mike de la Rama)

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