Lagaslas ng tuwa at saya at the Bangkero Festival

MANILA, Philippines - The Municipality of Pagsanjan, Laguna recently celebrated the Bangkero Festival, the inclement weather notwithstanding.

Business establishments set up shop before the usual time, while Pagsanjan Mayor Girlie “Maita Sanchez” Ejercito as well as the Governor of Laguna George “ER” Estregan actively engaged in the preparations and the week-long festivities.

Among the exciting activities was the grand fluvial parade held at dawn along the famous Pagsanjan River. Umagang Kay Ganda’s Tita Winnie and her crew helped draw crowds with a live coverage.

It wasn’t sunrise yet, but the river was already filled with decorated bangka or bamboo-made watercrafts   assembled in stylish designs, which inspired the creation of the Bangkero Festival.

Moving upstream towards the Pagsanjan Falls, the fluvial parade signaled the formal opening of the festivities. Traditional Filipino wear like Barong Tagalog, Filipiniana and Camisa de Chino were on display and worn by participants as well as the first family of Pagsanjan.

“Lagaslas ng tuwa at saya” was this year’s theme of the Bangkero Festival, ushering in the celebration of “Ang Bagong Pagsangjan.” Also introduced was the first bangkero theme song composed by Marizen Soriano and interpreted by Mayor Maita herself, who did an impressive performance during the official launching of the world-class Bangkero AVP directed by Louie Ignacio.

Mayor Maita and Gov. ER are all keyed up in turning Pagsangjan as the tourist capital of Laguna, especially in the light of its rising popularity among local and foreign tourists.