“Naingkappian nga panagkaykaysa, Sanggir ti natalged ken naprogreso nga San Esteban” – the theme of the San Esteban Town Fiesta 2003.
Coronation Night on December 26 was the highlight of the town fiesta along with cultural dance numbers. Having these presentations unrehearsed as a competition, the San Esteban Website initiated a P1,500.00 for the best show performance. Inspired by this initiative, balikbayans pursued by adding up consolation prizes.
Another “Pakulo” of the San Esteban Website was a P1,000.00 raffle prize for an audience who will stay until the last part of the program is rendered.
This was the first time that the municipal employees hosted this event. It was opened by a presentation and grand march of the municipal officials and spouses, department heads, municipal employees, barangay captains and spouses and the balikbayans who were present that night. The municipal employees led the prayer and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the San Esteban Hymn. The Master of Ceremonies of the first parts of the program was Vice Mayor Norman Mendoza and Dr. Florence Ramirez. SBM Johnny Cabalo welcomed all who was present that night with a sincere hospitality to all who attended and shared for the success of the town fiesta. It was a warm of applause to Mayor Armando Abad when he gave his Christmas message having given the best basic needs for his constituents as the year-ends. The legislative body of our town presented a Municipal Resolution of Appreciation to the Hernaez Family of Chicago, Illinois who sponsored the Illinois Medical Mission and the distribution of Christmas Love Gifts to 1, 500 households of San Esteban.
The former Queen of 2001, Jacqueline Castro relinquished the scepter to this years Queen, Her Majesty Queen Lubby I. She is the daughter of Mr. Juanito Jr. and Daisy Sabugo Vergara sponsored by the highway barangays, Poblacion, San Nicolas and San Rafael. The Congressman of the 2nd District of Ilocos Sur, Hon. Eric Singson, crowned her assisted by SBM Mildred Elaydo. Vice Governor Jerry Singson crowned her Royal Highness Princess Jhona Mae Bienes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bienes, sponsored by the coastal barangays, Apatot, Bateria, San Pablo and VillaQuirino. Provincial Board Member Annaliza Europa Morales crowned Her Highness Princess Eleonor Eala, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Regino Eala and sponsored by the eastern barangays, Ansad, Cabaroan and Cappa – Cappa. The singing Provincial Governor, DV Savellano sang with his Band after he delivered his message relaying his comprehensive projects for the Province of Ilocos Sur.
The winner for the best performing group went to the Folk Dance of the Barangay Health Workers and Nutrition Scholars entitled “Kunday – Kunday”. Incentive awards were given to the other dance groups;
Barangay San Rafael,
RIC Dance Group One,
RIC Dance Group Two, and
Day Care Dance Group. Balikbayans who donated the incentive awards for the dance groups are: the family of Mrs. Cion Hernanez of Chicago, Mr. Ernest Vergara, Mr. Narding Abad and Mrs. Cely Ramirez.
A 68-year-old widow, Mrs. Cion Mendoza won the raffle “pakulo” who stayed and waited until the last part of this event. Hon. Eulogio Eleccion Jr., the Association of Barangay Captains’ President ended the program in his words of gratitude.
*PICTURES & TOWN FIESTA HIGHLIGHTS, COURTESY OF MARIO RACELA*
