Let me start this 2nd issue with an afterthought of 2006 Heart’s Month.

     “An occasion becomes a precious present when spent with people we love. Memorable moments are extra valuable when we do significant acts to God and to our fellowmen. Be grateful for these gifts and enjoy each moment. They are absolutely ours.”

     Harmony and success to us all!

1. Barangay San Pablo celebrated their Fiesta last January 24 - 28, 2006, a 5-day festivity to commemorate the feast of their patron saint, San Pablo Apostol. Remember St. Paul? At first, as most Jewish leaders, St. Paul ordered the stoning of St. Stephen. On his way with an urge of destroying Jesus' followers, he was suddenly surrounded by a light brighter than noonday sun, he heard God's voice, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" After that, he was blinded. So, blind and awed by his experience, he prayed and in a vision he saw Anamias of Damascus, the man chosen by Jesus to restore his sight. He later on became an influential follower and preacher of Jesus Christ. The Kabarangayans had a procession with the image of their patron saint along the national highway on the first day followed by a mass, parlor games, 'awit-sayaw', and a grand parade of all community folks with the candidates. In the evening it was the coronation of Miss San Pablo 2006.

2. On the second Sunday after the traditional Epiphany of each year, the feast of Santo Niño Labrador was honored by the Catholic Church. The feast attracted a very large crowd of children last January 29, 2006 at the Glorietta. Pupils of all the four elementary schools participated in this event. There was a procession of different images of Sto. Niño. The march was participated in by the various schools’ marching bands, teachers, pupils and parents along the processional roads of barangays San Rafael, Poblacion, and San Nicolas. Four ‘Hermanitos’ from the four schools inaugurated the image of Sto. Niño Labrador. In the afternoon, the St. Stephen’s catechists conducted a Quiz Bee contest and with more parlor games for the elementary pupils in all levels.

3. SBM Florence V. Ramirez, M.D. turned 66 last February 4, 2006, a woman of conviction, a leader with sincerity, she may as well be the mother of the whole town. It was attended by her relatives, government officials and employees, hundreds of supporters, town folks and friends despite the power outage in the second district of Ilocos Sur. It coincided with the unfortunate Ultra stampede in the supposed to be 1st anniversary of the most liked ABS-CBN TV show, ‘Wowowee’ killing 74 and injuring more than a hundred people. At 66, Dr. Ramirez after her major operation 2 years ago is very strong and continues to render aid in the development of our town with her committees on health, social services and tourism.

4. On February 17, the San Esteban National High School observed its 10th Junior and Senior Promenade (JSP). It is celebrated annually by high school students from the 3rd and 4th years as their Valentine Ball. A part of the ceremony is bestowing the key of responsibility of the Seniors to the Juniors. There were exchanging garlands, leis, the traditional square dance and candles - the symbol of wisdom. The latter part was the selection of Mr. and Miss JSP, Mr. and Miss Junior and Mr. and Miss Senior for the school year 2006.

5. 2006 New Faces: My colleague in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of 1992, Mrs. Marjorie C. Pastor, was appointed Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator effective January 1, 2006. She was also the Head Teacher of Cabcaburao Elementary School of Burgos, Ilocos Sur. Miss Carmela “Ella” C. Vergara assumed the office of the Municipal Interior and Local Government last February 1, 2006. She served long years in the town of Burgos and Santiago as well as in the Provincial Office in Vigan City. Both of them decided to go to their home-base to bolster the improvement of their town through effective local governance promoting projects to enhance the disadvantaged members of our community.

      Let us all cheer I’M PROUD TO BE A SAN ESTEBANIAN! EBAN NAK! EBAN TAYO! AGBIAG!

     AFTERTHOUGHT at arthzbarrey06@yahoo.com for suggestions and comments.

"Pren tnx 4 d update, FF."
Updated by S.A.E.