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SINADYA SA HALARAN (loosely translated as “joyful in offering/sharing”) FESTIVAL is a jovial celebration of thanksgiving and sharing of these blessings that took forms in programs and activities that depict oneness of Capiznon with his Divine Source of blessings, with the blessings themselves, and with the whole humankind.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Capiceños' support, cooperation spell "Sinadya sa Halaran" success

Roxas City (9 December) -- Even before Sinadya sa Halaran 2008 came to a close Dec. 8, Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. thanked all those who helped stage this year's festival.

He conveyed the message by acknowledging the concerted efforts of the religious sector, city and provincial governments and the private sector that resulted in a "meaningful and colorful festival."

On the same note, City Mayor Vicente Bermejo cited the collective efforts of the Church, the city and provincial governments and private sectors for the celebration of the festival.

The same efforts will push forward the development of the city and province as communities on the move and on track for growth, according to Bermejo.

Sinadya sa Halaran is a fusion of the Sinadya fiesta celebration of Roxas City and Halaran cultural festival of the province.

Later, in a message conveyed through media practitioners on behalf of the provincial government at the end of the five-day festivities, Provincial Administrator Zoe Herrera, Jr. said:

"Sinadya sa Halaran 2008 could have been a failure without your support and cooperation, no amount of words could express our sincerest thanks and gratitude. Rest assured that your provincial government will do its best to further improve the festival."

"With God's grace, we shall overcome all the challenges that will come along the way," added Herrera.

Due to intermittent rains, some major outdoor activities especially the Parade of Festivals and Misa sa Plaza were held at the Capiz Gymnasium and Roxas City Metropolitan Cathedral, respectively.

The Dec, 7 fluvial procession of the Image of the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the Capiceños' Patroness, and fireworks display pushed through despite the inclement weather. And so did the Lutong Capiznon food festival and Sinadya sa Kalye.

The joint festival showcased the Capiceños' culture of sharing and thanksgiving and religiosity as demonstrated by their veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mother.

Senator Mar Roxas graced the Dec. 4 opening day of the festival by joining the civic parade. While here, Roxas also interacted with students at a school forum. (PIA/SSH 2008 Publicity & Promotions)

1st Capiz dance festival still on

by A. Lumaque

Roxas City (11 December) -- The Caguyuman Dance Troupe of Pontevedra, Capiz is set to perform on Saturday (December 13) at the Capiz State University (CapSU) - Roxas City campus' covereg gymnasium as part of the 1st Capiz Dance Season.

The dance troupe is composed of at least 30 high school students who are also members of the Couples for Christ (CFC) - Youth for Christ (YFC) in Pontevedra town.

"The group was formerly known as Youth for Christ Dance Troupe organized on November 2006 and was changed to Caguyuman Dance Troupe on May 2008 thru the effort of the Local Tourism Council and the Local Government of Pontevedra," said a Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) backgrounder on the dancers.

The Pontevedra - based dancers coordinator is Herowena F. Bagsic while they are being choreographed by Randy Badoles and Regine Ballera.

The dance season dubbed "Saot Capiz" every Saturday evening until December 27 is a collaborative effort of the provincial government and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to document Capiznon dances while providing entertainment to the people.

The sundown activity will culminate with a "Grand Binayle" on Dec. 30 after the 13 performing groups tapped by the PTO for the weekly dance exhibition shall have been featured. (PIA)

Pontevedra, Maayon excel in governance

by Jemin B. Guillermo

Roxas City (11 December) -- Pontevedra and Maayon towns were declared as 2008 Outstanding Municipality in Capiz for Category A and B, respectively.

The award is granted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as part under its search for Excellence in Local Governance (EXCELL).

According to Llanie Destacamento, Operation Services chief of the DILG in Capiz, EXCELL is a continuing project of DILG in Region VI for local government units' commendable efforts in instituting good governance in their respective localities.

Destacamento added that the EXCELL Award focuses on best managed local governments that showcase their achievements in governance, administration, social services, economic development and environmental management initiatives.

She said that the two towns are the province's entries to the Regional EXCELL search in Western Visayas in their respective categories.

During the Local Government Unit's (LGU) Night dubbed as "Gab-i sang Pagpasalamat" during the Sinadya sa Halaran festival of the province of Capiz, the outstanding towns were given Plaque of Recognition by Governor Victor Tanco with Mrs. Judy Araneta-Roxas and DILG Provincial Director Helen Mestidio.

Under Category A, composed of 1st to 3rd class municipalities, Panay and Dumarao towns were declared second place and third place winners, respectively.

In Category B, the second and third place winners are Ivisan and Sapian, respectively.

On the other hand, Pontevedra town was also awarded for Excellence in Administrative Governance and Excellence in Social Services, while Maayon town was also granted award for Excellence in Economic Development.

Meanwhile, Panay town, which was also declared provincial champion in this year's Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran, was also awarded Excellence in Environmental Management.

The Provincial EXCELL selection committee this year was composed of representatives from the DILG, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Education, Philippine National Police, Office of the Governor, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Health Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Provincial Agriculturist, Philippine Councilors League and two non-government organizations. (PIA)

Panay town tops Capiz GPK search

by Jemin B. Guillermo

Roxas City (9 December) -- Panay town has been declared as this year's Cleanest and Greenest municipality in the province of Capiz.

Governor Victor Tanco, with Mrs. Judy Araneta-Roxas and Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Helen Mestidio, awarded a cheque worth P150,000 and a plaque of recognition to Panay town municipal officials headed by Mayor Dante Bermejo.

The awarding ceremony was among the highlights during the Local Government Units (LGU) night dubbed as "Gab-i sang Pagpasalamat" (Night of Thanksgiving) which is one of the major activities of this year's Sinadya sa Halaran activity.

The top six towns who won in this year's Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Provincial Search also received cash awards and plaque of recognition.

Said towns are Ivisan, President Roxas, Dao, Dumarao and Sapian as second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth places, respectively.

The other 10 towns each received plaque of recognition and P10,000 as consolation prizes.

Last year, Panay was declared second place winner in the Western Visayas GPK search under the 1st to 3rd class municipality category.

Earlier, Gov. Tanco vowed to sustain the cleanliness and greening program in the province that he continued to earmark budget for the conduct of the annual GPK search in Capiz despite the suspension of said activity at the regional and national levels.

Tanco stressed that his administration is committed to spend for the sustainability of the program because the Capiceños will be the end beneficiaries of said activity.

Tanco, who was the guest during the meeting of the Provincial Search Committee of Capiz with representatives from the 16 municipal government units of the province, said that he is committed to continue the "Clean and Green" program which was started by the national government.

For this year's Search, the provincial government here has set aside some P625,000 for prizes to winners.

Aside from the winners, the GPK evaluators composed of representatives from the national government agencies and non-government organizations were also granted plaque of appreciation by the governor. (PIA)

RDC 6 honors outstanding Capiceña teacher

by A. Lumaque

Roxas City (9 December) -- The Regional Development Council (RDC) – 6 has awarded a plaque of recognition to Capiceña public school teacher for being one of the awardees of the 2008 Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers – Elementary level during its 4th quarter regular meeting last December 5 at the Hall of Governors, Provincial Capitol, here.

The RDC recognition was received by Maydelyn R. Antioquia of Punta Cogon Elementary School under the Department of Education's (DepEd) – Roxas City Division.

Antique Gov. Sally Zaldivar–Perez gave the plaque thru Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr. in the presence of National Economic and Development Administration (NEDA) regional officials and other Council officers and guests.

Antioquia was then assigned at the DepEd – Roxas City Division's President Manuel Roxas Memorial School (PMRMS) – North when she participated in the national search for outstanding teachers.

"She is among the list of Capiceñas who received the Metrobank citation," the recognition noted.

President Gloria Macapagal – Arroyo led the awarding rites of the search last September at the Malacañang Palace's Rizal Hall.

The nationwide Search for Outstanding Teachers represents the Foundation's commitment to promote a culture of excellence in education by recognizing the country's best mentors who can be upheld as models not only for educators but for other community members as well.

More than 200 exemplary elementary, high school, and college teachers from all over the country have so far been awarded since its launching in 1985. (PIA)

Monday, December 8, 2008

Expo takes Capiz products to centerstage

Roxas City (6 December) -- The Capiz Product Expo that is staged during the yearly celebration of Sinadya sa Halaran, Capiz's premier festival, is giving a much-needed break to Capiz products under the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Project of the government.

The break comes mostly in the form of market opportunities and product development options.

Conducted back-to-back with "Estilo Capiz" with renowned international lifestyle designer PJ Arañador at a mall here, the exhibit features manufactured OTOP products from the municipalities and local producers.

Estilo Capiz, which is mainly a fashion show, complements the exhibit by putting on centerstage fashion accessories made from local materials.

This year's show, held Dec. 4 as one of the opening highlights of the festival, featured fashion accessories consisting of coconut and buri costume jewelry, abaca slippers and sandals, bags, and footwear.

The accessories were donned by models from Capiz and Iloilo, the latter brought by PJ Aranador to share their talents in keeping with the spirit of the festival which is anchored on the Capiceño values of sharing and thanksgiving.

The fashion show was conceptualized and directed by Iloilo provincial tourism officer Bombette Marin.

OTOP is a project of the government designed to push micro, small and medium enterprises and develop the distinct products of local government units in order to generate investments, livelihood and jobs in line with the development agenda of President Arroyo.

The project is spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). In Capiz, OTOP is supported by the provincial and city governments and other LGUs, Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council, and Capiz SME Center.

Gov. Victor Tanco led the opening of Capiz Product Expo this year together with his wife Fatima, city councilor Herbert Chu (in behalf of city mayor Vicente Bermejo and the city government), PMSMEDC chairperson Danilo So Chan and other council officers, DTI Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes, and DTI officials from Manila.

DTI Public Information Officer Ken Queenie Cuñada said opportunities keep on coming in the way of local OTOP products such as during this year's festival. (PIA-JSC)

Food fest cooks Capiznon cuisines

Roxas City (6 December) -- The on-going 2008 Sinadya sa Halaran celebration's sundown food festival at the public plaza here offers affordable Capiznon cuisines to satisfy the craving of revelers and tourists for Capiz-based delicacies.

The food festival dubbed "Lutong Capiznon" which started last December 4 is being participated in by the Barangay Baybay Beach Hotel, Restaurant and Bar Association, Inc. (BBBHRBAI).

"We will come up with cuisines with a Capiznon taste," said BBBHRBAI President Ike Altavas during the pre-celebration's working committees meeting.

"Our red tide–free tahong (green shells) will be cooked in different menus," added Altavas who is a culinary expert.

Various seafood products will also be made available including chicken, pork and meat for a wider array of available foods.

The plan to make everybody's gastronomic experience memorable during the celebration by serving local delicacies is in line with the attempt to inculturate the SSH activities to become reflective of the Capiceños' way of life.

The 5-day food festival is being spiced up by the various SSH-related activities at the vicinity of the public plaza like RMN – dyVR Pasundayag 2008 (Dec. 4), Daigon Contest (Dec. 5), Prosesyon sa Suba and Fireworks (Dec. 7), and Barangay Night at the Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center (Dec. 8), among others.

The relaxing ambience at the riverside of Panay River overlooking the public plaza and the new Roxas City fountain attraction are also add-on experience for food trippers. (PIA/SSH Publicity and Promotions Committee)

Roxas City fountain officially opened

Roxas City (6 December) -- The opening ceremonies of the 2008 Sinadya sa Halaran (SSH) celebration provided another attraction for onlookers and passersby.

Roxas City Mayor Vicente Bermejo led city government officials in the ribbon cutting ceremony. He was assisted by Roxas City fiesta queen Rita Marie Felisa Ortiz Ignacio.

"Every night, hordes of people can be seen around the fountain premises taking pictures while some try to unwind by savoring the relaxing ambience of the area," said The Capiz Times news.

The main attraction of the fountain is the four sculpted horsemen painted with gold carrying a heavy arc. They are the symbols of unity and cooperation, of linking arms in times of crisis, said Roxas City Councilor Rolando Ignacio in the Capiz–based weekly paper.

Ignacio was tasked by Bermejo to rehabilitate the fountain as part of the local government initiatives to beautify the city.

The fountain was initially made public in time for the 2008 Global Peace Festival (GPF) in November prior to its Dec. 4 official exposure. (PIA/SSH Publicity and Promotions Committee)

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Message of Governor Victor A. Tanco for the Sinadya sa Halaran 2008


Message

My warmest felicitations to my beloved Capiceños in Roxas City and in the Province of Capiz as we celebrate the annual "Sinadya sa Halaran Festival" on December 4 -8, 2008.


This years's theme "Bugay nga Naagum...Ikalipay kag Ipa-ambit nga Mapinasalamaton," exemplifies the kind of leadership and unity that we all long for. It will, hopefully, result into meaningful and colorful festival given the concerted efforts of the religious sector, the city and provincial governments, civic organization, and the private sector.


Once again, this event affords us with the wonderful opportunity to showcase our rich culture, tradition and religiosity as a people. It is high time we highlighted the best places and practices in Roxas City and in the province of Capiz, which every Capiceño could be proud of.


Moreover, the festival is an opportune time to display our unity, cooperation, and solidarity to attain our common goal...to serve the best we can, Labi sa tanan ang Tawo (ABOVE ALL, THE PEOPLE). It is a manifestation of our collective efforts and strength so that we may continue working together, all for the sake of those who will come after us.


To all our visitors, welcome to the "Sinadya sa Halaran."


Dali na sa Capiz!



HON. VICTOR A. TANCO, SR.

Governor - Province of Capiz

Message of Mayor Vicente Bermejo for the Sinadya sa Halaran 2008


Message

Warmest felicitations to the people of Roxas City and the Province of Capiz as we once again celebrate the Sinadya sa Halaran 2008 and work together for its success.

The spirit of unity and leadership endowed to us has pushed forward the development of the City and Province as communities on the move, communities on track for growth. Let us continue working together as a community that is united and moving forward.

As we steadily advance the development of our community, let our religiosity, innate culture, tradition, unity, cooperation and solidarity be exhibited in the festival, a product of our collective efforts.

Bearing in mind the theme of this year's celebration, "Bugay nga Naagum, Ikalipay kag Ipaambit nga Mapinasalamaton," it is also an opportune time to thank God for all the blessing we have received and the progress we have made.

The collective efforts of the Church, the city and provincial governments, and private sectors - Capiz as "One", stand as a good example of a dynamic community, spurred by the vitality and energy of its leaders and people.

Sulong Roxas City!

VICENTE B. BERMEJO
City Mayor

Sinadya sa Halaran defines Capiceño religiosity

by A. Lumaque

Roxas City (3 December) -- The various religious activities for the 2008 Sinadya sa Halaran celebration (SSH) from December 4 to 8 will identify the Capiceños' religiosity.

This was revealed by Roxas City Councilor Carla Abela as she reported the preparations and updates of the SSH religious-based activities during a general meeting of the celebration's various working committees.

This year's feast day of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception with the theme "See, Judge and Act with the Eyes, Heart and Love of Mary" coincides with the 301st anniversary of the parish here.

The different religious activities are highlighted by the novena masses, Prosesyon sang Patron sang Barangay sang Birhen, mass at the city plaza to be followed by a fluvial procession on Dec. 7, and series of fiesta masses on Dec. 8, among others.

Thousands of devotees are expected to flock and witness the sundown fluvial procession of the image of the Blessed Mother along the Panay River.

"After the fluvial procession the image of the Virgin Mary will be made to ascend with a matching dramatic effects to make the activity more meaningful and memorable," said Councilor Abela.

The fireworks display will follow after a short procession from the bridge to the Roxas City Cathedral to put back the Patroness in the church, she noted.

The Vespers Mass at the public plaza and feast day concelebrated mass will be officiated by Rt. Rev. Monsignor Vicente Hilata, PA VG and Capiz Archbishop Onesimo C. Gordoncillo, respectively. (PIA)

Senator Mar to grace Sinadya sa Halaran opening

by A. Lumaque

Roxas City (3 December) -- Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas will grace the 2008 Sinadya sa Halaran kick off activities on December 4 here.

This was based on a media advisory released by the Office of Senator Mar Roxas in view of his December 4 schedule.

"Senator Mar Roxas will be in Capiz on Thursday, December 4, for the thanksgiving mass, civic parade, formal opening of the SSH festival at the Roxas City public plaza, forum with Capiznon students, and lunch and interaction with Capiz business groups," noted the advisory.

The other activities for the opening day of the festival include Hugod Capiznon (Agri Fair), Sinadya sa Kalye (Street Dancing) Opening of Manggad sang Capiz (A Heritage Exhibit) and Capiz Product Expo back to back with Estilo Capiz, Sinadya sa Kalangitan (Christian Concert), Lutong Capiznon (Food Festival), RMN – dyVR Pasundayag 2008, Launching of Halad sa Kasimanwa, and Search for Mutya sang Halaran 2008.

The various SSH activities were named in Hiligaynon for a deeper understanding and appreciation of Capiceños and tourists.

"This is an attempt to inculturate the activities to become reflective of the SSH which is also a Hiligaynon term," stressed Provincial Tourism Officer Alphonsus Tesoro.

SSH loosely translated as "joyful in offering/sharing" is a jovial celebration of thanksgiving and sharing of these blessings that took forms in programs and activities.

It culminates on the Dec. 8 feast day of Roxas City's Patroness, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. (PIA)

Sinadya sa Halaran to feature Capiz product expo

by A. Lumaque

Roxas City (3 December) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Capiz will stage a Capiz Product Expo and Estilo Capiz at the Activity Center of Gaisano City Mall here from December 4 to 8 this year.

The 5-day trade fair and fashion show is in line with the 2008 Sinadya sa Halaran (SSH) celebration with the theme "Bugay nga Naagum, Ikalipay kag Ipaambit nga Mapinasalamaton."

DTI Provincial Director Ermelinda P. Pollentes said that the activity will highlight design-led handcrafted items from bamboo, cane and rattan housewares, coco shell fashion accessories, garments, wood-based giftware, furniture and fixtures, capiz and sea shell products, abaca footwear, and home accessories, among others.

"Prepare to be wowed by the craftsmanship and ingenuity of Capiz artisans and craftsmen-entrepreneurs as some of their wearable products will be paraded by beautiful models in a mini-fashion show during the opening program," said a DTI – Capiz press release.

The opening ceremony will be at 3 o'clock in the afternoon of December 4.

Expected to grace the opening program are Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr. Roxas City Mayor Vicente B. Bermejo, DTI Regional Director and Engineer Dominic P. Abad.

The marketing events will also feature processed seafood, fruits, vegetables, and other delicacies in exciting packaging.

"The activity is a culminating event to the yearlong product development consultancy services extended by the DTI to the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME0 particularly in the Gifts and Housewares (G & H) and Processed Food Sectors.

DTI has commissioned international lifestyle designer PJ Arañador to provide the MSMEs design ideas with potential commercial value using mixed materials in developing new product lines.

Fresh from his stint in India, Mr. Arañador has collaborated with MSMEs to come up with 120 new products which will be the main focus of the product expo.

Former San Miguel Corporation ace Marketing Consultant Abner Villahermosa was also tapped to work with the food processor group to improve and enhance their packaging.

Product development consultancy is a continuing consulting services provided by DTI to local producers to improve the quality, marketability and competitiveness of their products. (DTI-Capiz/PIA)

Sinadya sa Halaran 2008 unfolds December 4

Roxas City (2 December) -- Capiz's premier festival Sinadya sa Halaran will bring the Capiznons' innate culture to the fore during its run this year which will start Dec. 4 and end on the 8th.

Starting with the traditional "Pamukaw-pukaw" in the wee hours of the morning, the five-day festival will feature a series of activities that will depict the Capiceños' rich cultural heritage, religiosity, and way of life in their bid to attract more tourists to the country's seafood capital.

Capiz lies along the nautical highway along the Philippine western seaboard and belongs to the Central Philippines Super Region that has been identified by President Arroyo as the country's tourism hub.

Gov. Victor Tanco said Sinadya sa Halaran, apart from its being the major festival of Capiz, is part of the tourism program being pushed by the provincial government and supported by the city government to make Capiz as an eco-cultural tourism hub of Central Philippines.

The festival is a joint celebration of the province and city that fused the Sinadya fiesta celebration of the city on Dec. 8 in honor of the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and Halaran cultural festivity of the province.

Capiz is one of the oldest Spanish settlements in the country. Among its newly discovered tourist attractions are waterfalls and caves. (PIA/SSH 2008 Publicity & Promotions)

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Over 200 Capiz couples to say 'I do' on December 5

Over 200 Capiz couples to say 'I do' on December 5

Roxas City (27 November) -- More than 200 couples have been registered by the Office of the Population Commission (PopCom) in Roxas City for the upcoming wedding festival on December 5 at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral here as part of the Sinadya sa Halaran (SSH) activities from Dec. 4 to 8 this year.

"This is a result of our citywide Responsible Parenthood advocacy," noted City Population Officer Remedios Laplana during an SSH working committees general meeting.

The list of the couples who will march for the wedding rites dubbed "Tambi-Palad" includes a 98-year old groom, and pregnant brides with a number of children, among others.

The city government has created a Roxas City Responsible Parenting Movement (RPM) Team composed of members from PopCom, City Health Office (CHO), City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), City Agriculture Office (CAO) as well as non-government organizations like Capiz Women, Inc. (CWI), Couples for Christ (CFC), and Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC).

PopCom Regional Director Vicente Molejona has turned over a check worth P120,000 for the Roxas City's population office last October for the city's RPM program.

The provincial government also received a check worth P206,000.00 during the turnover ceremony as partial release for the province's RPM program.

RPM aims to awaken the parents' sense of responsibility and commitment towards their family, neighbors, community, society and nation as a whole towards the attainment of sustainable human development. (PIA) A. Lumaque

Mass Wedding, Sinadya sa Halaran, Capiz, Capiz News, Capiz Tourism

Friday, November 28, 2008

Mutya sang Sinadya sa Halaran 2008

presenting the candidates for the Mutya sa Sainadya sa Halaran 2008!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Sinadya sa Halaran to showcase 'Manggad sang Capiz'

Sinadya sa Halaran to showcase 'Manggad sang Capiz'

Roxas City – An exhibit of Capiceño culture history, governance and arts will be staged by the Organization of Tourism Officers of Capiz (OTOC) and the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) from December 4 to 7 in line with the Sinadya sa Halaran (SSH) celebration from Dec. 4 to 8 this year.

The four-day exhibit at the Governor's Hall of the Provincial Capitol Building dubbed "Manggad sang Capiz" will be participated in by the municipalities who will display their respective treasures and tourist potentials through flyers, pictures, books, and artifacts, among others.

"The tourism officers have already met last November 25 to finalize plans and preparations for the upcoming exhibit," said OTOC President and Pan-ay town Tourism Officer Antonette Delgado.

OTOC and PTO had also staged an interactive exhibit showcasing tourist destinations in Capiz last September in time with the Provincial Tourism Week Celebration.

"Manggad sang Capiz" is in line with the SSH objective of expanding opportunity for the tourism development of the province through by highlighting Capiz's rich culture and abundant natural as well as tourism potentials. (PIA/A.Lumaque)

Capiz, Capiz News, Capiz Tourism, Sinadya sa Halaran


Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Sinadya sa Halaran Festival 2008

December 4 – 8, 2008 ● Roxas City, Capiz. Philippines
Theme: “Bugay nga Naagum, Ikalipay kag Ipaambit nga Mapinasalamaton”

GENERAL CONCEPT
Capiz’s abundance of natural resources and cultural heritage makes Capiznons naturally generous and thankful. Human existence, for a Capiznon, is seen as oneness with nature, fellowmen, and the Divine Provider.

SINADYA SA HALARAN (loosely translated as “joyful in offering/sharing”) FESTIVAL is a jovial celebration of thanksgiving and sharing of these blessings that took forms in programs and activities that depict oneness of Capiznon with his Divine Source of blessings, with the blessings themselves, and with the whole humankind.

OBJECTIVES:
1. To highlight Capiznon culture of “inner joy in thanksgiving and sharing”;
2. To expand opportunity for the tourism development of the Province;
3. To develop and strengthen collaboration between the government and the community.

OUTCOME:
By the end of the festival, the sense of pride and place in the consciousness of every Capiznon has increased, such that as the social relevance and implication of Capiznon culture of sharing and togetherness was upheld, every Capiznon, whether living here or abroad, will find his/her role for the tourism and cultural development of the Province.

GENERAL MECHANICS:
1. Sinadya sa Halaran should be highly participative in nature.
2. Sinadya sa Halaran should highlight Capiz’s rich culture and abundant natural assets.
3. Performances and other art components should express and utilize Capiznon art forms.

MAJOR ACTIVITIES:
1. HALAD SA KASIMANWA. Capiz’s abundance of natural resources takes actual expression in the communal act of sharing and oneness. Being the core of the Festival, everybody shares for his fellow Capiznon and for the community, cash, school stuff, clothing, community services, feeding program for street-children, free services of tourism-related facilities such as beauty parlors and transportation, and others. Collected donations will be given to identified beneficiaries.
2. PASUNDAYAG CAPIZNON. It is a showcase of festivals of the city and all municipalities. Music, beats, musical instruments, props, costumes and choreography depicting the way of life of Roxas City and each municipality displayed in the major streets of Roxas City during the Parade and Street-dancing in the morning and during the Cultural Showcase at Capiz Gym in the afternoon.
3. PROSESYON SA SUBA (Fluvial Procession). Panay River is one of the most important bodies of water in Roxas City. During this festival, its significance in the social, economic and religious life of Capiznons is being highlighted. Several rafts of the BEC Zones of the Immaculate Concepcion Parish will start the fluvial procession carrying their respective patron/patroness. The major raft carries the image of the Immaculate Conception, the Patroness of the Archdiocese of Capiz. All rafts are heavily lighted with different colors of light.
4. DUAG CAPIZNON (Civic Parade). Inspired by Capiz folklores, the civic parade features Capiz’s copious harvest of the sea and land through giant images (higantes). It is participated in by Provincial, City and Municipal Officials, public and private schools in Roxas City, Barangays of Roxas City, and the Civic Organizations. After the parade, Higantes will be displayed at Roxas City Plaza until December 8.
5. SINADYA SA KALYE. Having no tradition of street-dancing, this event brings to street Capiznon the different faces of Capiz way of life, whether in the farm, sea, in the office and others. It utilizes Capiznon beat and music.
6. BUGSAY, BUGSAY! (Banca Race) depicts Capiz’s earlier commercial and social life in which the river and bancas played a very important function. With their cargoes of goods that serve as décor, participating banca racers will vie for the first place to reach the finish line.
7. DILAYAG CONTEST. History tells us that Capiz is very important in the trading and administrative life of Filipinos and Spanish. This contest reminisces this age through colorful dilayag boats that acquire their new form, beautiful racing boats.
8. LUTONG CAPIZNON (Seafood Tripping) – Capiz has the most delicious seafood in the country. Different ways of preparing different kinds of seafood produce, affordable even for the masses especially talaba, alimango, and the like.
9. PAHAMPANG SA PLAZA showcases the ingenuity of Capiznon traditional games. Participating children and spectators will enjoy and appreciate the value of Filipino culture of togetherness through these games as opposite to individualism.
10. MUTYA SANG HALARAN is a beauty pageant that goes beyond judgment of wit and charm. Capiznon ladies embody the best of the LGU or organization they represent.
11. HUGOD CAPIZNON (AGRI FAIR) promotes agricultural products of Roxas City and the sixteen (16) municipalities.
12. MANGGAD SANG CAPIZ is an exhibit of Capiznon culture, history, governance and arts.
13. GAB-I SANG PAGPASALAMAT (LGU Fellowship Night). In the spirit of joyful thanksgiving, Provincial, City and Municipal Officials gather together with other partners in the development program.
14. PAMUKAW-PUKAW. Like the spirited crowing of the cocks, the reverberating sounds of drums emanating from the four corners of the city in the wee hours of the morning usher in the day’s activities.
15. THANKSGIVING MASS. A religious ceremony early in the morning to keep with the essence and spirit of the festival. It reflects the sense of gratitude of Capizeños for the goodness of God the Almighty.
16. PROSESYON SANG PATRON SANG BARANGAY SANG BIRHEN. A solemn procession with the images of Patron Saints of barangay chapels in the city after which the Misa sa Plaza (Vesper Mass) is held.

Sinadya sa Halaran, Capiz News, Capiz Tourism, Capiz

Sinadya sa Halaran publicity goes worldwide

Roxas CityThe Sinadya sa Halaran (SSH) Publicity and Promotions Committee through the Capiz Provincial Press Bureau (CPPB) has created a Sinadya sa Halaran blog site in the aim to globally promote and disseminate the Capiceños’ premier festival on December 4 to 8 this year.

The blog, www.sinadyasahalaran.blogspot.com, contains press and photo releases, video clips and other related information about the upcoming SSH celebration.

“It will have regular entries of articles and other materials such as graphics and videos,” said CPPB staff and blogger Arnold Alarcon, Jr.

The Committee has also tapped the various local and regional newspapers, radio and television stations, and Community Antenna Television (CATV) companies to drum up the 5-day celebration.

Some of the tapped media entities have also online sites for wider coverage of their news and information articles or broadcasts.

Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr. has recently called on Capiceños in some parts of the country and abroad and other tourists to witness SSH “as the province and city have prepared new and exciting activities.”

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – Capiz also supports the publicity and promotion efforts of the various working committees through SSH – related press and photo releases posted in its website, www.pia.gov.ph.

Tourism promotion has been included in President Gloria Macapagal – Arroyo’s priority agenda to generate livelihood and employment opportunities in the country. (PIA/A.Lumaque)