MAGAYON FESTIVAL 2008 advisory
April 1, 2008
by Gertrudes B. Guidote

            Guimata(loosely translated from Bicol as “awakening” or “waking up”) of Pintados sa Magayon literally woke up and shook the rafters of the Capitol atrium at its grand opening this morning. To the catchy tune of “Albay Forever,” the Provincial Government's official hymn for Albay, Governor Joey Sarte Salceda cut the ceremonial ribbon that opened the art works of Albayano artists on proud display to the public. The ceremony was part of today's ushering in of the MAGAYON FESTIVAL 2008 which went underway with a motorcade and ecumenical rites at the Albay Astrodome.

            In the midst of the festive opening rites of Guimata that was witnessed by enthusiastic visitors and covered by tri-media practitioners, a thin old woman, umbrella securely kept under her arm and apparently oblivious to all the loud music and vibrant talk swirling around her, boldly stood by the Governor who was busy being interviewed over the radio. She was the only one, it seemed, who was unaware of what was going on around her. No matter, the kind-hearted Governor bent over and listened to her whispered request and gestured to someone to immediately look after her needs. Not even the MAGAYON FESTIVAL could interrupt the Governor from his self-imposed duty towards his poor constituents.

            Tonight Gov. Salceda formally opens the month-long festivity at the Peñaranda Park ... expect fireworks to light up the warm and cloudless evening sky, during the Silyab portion of the first night of MAGAYON.

            Meanwhile, the hardworking Governor reminded his listeners during his speech that “the success of MAGAYON is the success of the entire province of Albay and its people.”

            Things have quieted down at the Guimata booths -- Governor Salceda has left to attend to other commitments -- even as appreciative visitors start to trickle in and are in awe of the prodigious talents reflected in the paintings and sculpture that are at par with internationally-acclaimed art works elsewhere. At the front lobby a “War of Our Fathers” photo-documentary re-awakens us to the fact that “Every Filipino is a Hero,” which goes for us, Albayanos, too. At the back lobby another one-man war against his poverty is being waged by an ice cream vendor: business is brisk. Indeed, Albay is wide awake and Rising! (GBGuidote/PIO – April 1, 2008)

MAGAYON FESTIVAL 2008 – Albay's consummate celebration of things beautiful ... and other things besides
by Gertrudes B. Guidote

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MAGAYON FESTIVAL 2008 advisory
April 1, 2008
by Gertrudes B. Guidote

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