Pasinaya: A joyful tradition

Bel-Air’s Pasinaya has become one of the most well-loved summer traditions, not only of the barangay, but also of the City of Makati. As a community exercise, it has fostered unity. As a tradition, it has set a standard of excellence. As a landmark, it has been so consistent that former Mayor now Vice President Jejomar Binay declared Bel-Air the cultural center of Makati.

What do the villagers love about the Pasinaya? I asked around and here’s what they have to say.

“The thing that I like best about the Pasinaya is that I end up with a heart filled with gratitude for the gifts of remembrance, laughter and friendships forged with fellow participants both young and old.”  Rissa Huibonhua, devoted wife and mom to her kids.

La Traviata: (From left) Micky Rodriguez, Odette Gotuaco, Maureen Santiago, Cris Lupton, Marissa Majaba and Val Dragon.

“I love the Pasinaya because all the high-energy dances make me lose weight.”  Andro Torres, just graduated from Ateneo, barangay kagawad. He performed four dances in this year’s Pasinaya.

“I treasure the camaraderie, the coming together of the community and the laughter we share, while frantically trying to remember your steps!”  Rico Camus, a computer-savvy dad and lay minister who has lived in Bel-Air all his life.

“It’s always like a big family reunion!”  Corrine Javier, daughter of Dyords Javier, college student who plays for the Ateneo girls’ basketball team.

“I enjoy the company!”  Georgina Camus, college student at Ateneo.

“I like it that I meet new friends at the Pasinaya. It feels good to know you have plenty of great neighbors!”  Cynthia Cervantes, kagawad of Bgy. Bel-Air, runs a call center where she employs disadvantaged women.

“I especially love the fact that through the Pasinaya, we have a venue to express ourselves through the dancing, tableau within the show. I love watching our Bel-Air boys and girls enjoying themselves. Since Pasinaya will be there again next year, we get to see how they grow and come into their own. It’s a great experience.”  Lianne Bautista.

“I look forward to cooking for everyone during the practice days. It’s like preparing for one big happy family! I love working with Tita Nene Lichauco.”  Malyne Lorayes, former model and beauty queen.

“Pasinaya for me is a total realization of two simple yet endearing words... I BELONG!”  Aileen Dionisio, cheerful mother and Bel-Air kagawad.

“The Pasinaya adds more ‘supah glue’ to an already mighty bonded friendship with my ‘dugyot’ friends in the village!”  Kaila Dionisio, incoming Medicine proper student.

“It always feels like coming home.”  Sam Lichauco, college student at Ateneo.

Rhapsody: (From left) Cynthia de Guzman, Cherry Pineda, Susan Medina, Rosa Panlilio and Pinky Cuenca.

“I like the Pasinaya because everyone works together.”  Michelle Abello, Bel-Air SK chairperson and an incoming college freshman (Architecture) at the College of St. Benilde.

“I enjoy making new friends at the Pasinaya.”  Frankie Lichauco, an incoming high school freshman at Assumption.

“The Pasinaya binds the community together.”  Sofia Abello, Grade 5 at Assumption, who wants to be a fashion designer someday.

“It completes my summer.”  Joseton Lichauco, high school senior at La Salle Greenhills, SK kagawad.

“I get to wear makeup and costumes, which I love!”  Bea Lichauco, Grade 4 at Assumption, who wants to be a vet or an architect or hairstylist.

“Classic” was the theme of Pasinaya this year. The production team behind the show included Constancia Lichauco (producer) Susan Medina (executive producer), Floy Quintos (writer/director), Jay Aranda (lighting director), Twinkle Zamora (costume design/execution), Janice Dee (music), Peggy Sangco (production manager) and choreographers Liza Chingcuangco, Tintin Limjap, Cecille Martinez, Bimbim Ebol, Andrew Ferraris and Ching Pagaduan.

The Pasinaya is a joyful tradition to look forward to year after year.

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