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)

Mayor Vic Bermejo's Invitation to the Sinadya sa Halaran 2008