Calamba launches 1st Buhayani Festival

MANILA, Philippines - The Calamba City will launch its first-ever Buhayani: Buhay ng Bayani, Buhay na Bayani Festival on June 12 to 19 in time for the 153rd birth anniversary of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal, a native of the city.

In a press conference hosted recently by City Mayor Justin Marc SB. Chipeco, the city presented various activities lined up for the week-long celebration including several contests open to participants nationwide and even to Filipinos abroad.

“We want everyone who revere our kababayan, Dr. Jose Rizal, to come to Calamba and join us in honoring him on his birthday. Dito sya nabuhay, dito sya bininyagan sa kabilang simbahan, dito sya lumaki kaya June 19 ang napili naming date. We want to make our national hero modern and relevant to today’s challenging times and we want to celebrate the spirit of heroism that lives in each Filipino, not just in us Calambeños,” Chipeco said.

Come to Calamba and celebrate the Buhayani Festival with the rest of Calambeños. The  activities include Larong Pinoy sa Dambanang Rizal on June 13; Martsa de Rizal, an invitational marching band competition, June 13; Hawig Rizal (Rizal Look A-like Contest), June 13; Saranggolahan ni Pepe, a kite-flying contest, June 14; Calambikefest, June 15; Talinong Rizal quiz contest, June 16; Buhayani Short Film Festival, June 17; and Buhayani SayawIndak Street Dancing Competition and Float Parade Competition, June 19.

For details, log on to www.facebook.com/buhayani and the city’s official website, www.calambacity.gov.ph.