Barangay Bel-Air stages ‘Pasinaya 2013’

MANILA, Philippines - Now in its 12th year, residents of Barangay Bel-Air in Makati stage the annual “Pasinaya Festival,” a three-day activity that promotes bonding and a sense of community among participants, which is slated from May 3 to 5.

With the theme “Viral at Bel-Air,” the event will be highlighted by stylized production numbers conceptualized and participated in by the residents, and directed by Floy Quintos.

“The theme was inspired by the popoularity of social media and things going viral. The idea is to make viral, or to spread, this sense of community, of people coming together to have fun,” explains Bel-Air Village Homeowners’ Association president Roberto Benares.

The celebration was preceded by a Vigan trade fair and a native-style perya with rides and games such as the shooting gallery and dart-throwing held at the Bel-Air Phase III park, basketball court and open grounds.

Activities include an animal show featuring Matanglawin host and animal expert Kim Atienza, a rock concert with top bands like Paraluman, a cheering competition featuring school-based squads with a performance from Team Pilipinas, and a fashion show to be participated in by the residents.

There will also be live entertainment featuring singer Anna Fegi and groups like the Tala Children’s Choir, among others. Kalesas will go around the event venue to give it a more native, fiesta-inspired atmosphere.

For those whose idea of fun is shopping, there will be a market selling various food items and dry goods — from jeans to shirts, antiques and handicrafts to animal food.

Dance numbers will be performed by different generations of Bel-Air residents in the evening of May 5. Barangay Bel-Air chairman Constancia “Nene” Lichauco, who is back on her first term after taking a one-year break, says that this is the most-awaited part of the event. Professional choreographers are brought in (this year, they have hired the Whiplash dancers) and all the numbers feature residents in costumes.

Since 1993, the Pasinaya has been a way of fostering community spirit and promoting camaraderie among the residents, with no political agenda. It is also their way of giving thanks for the blessings that Barangay Bel-Air and its residents have received, hence the name, pasinaya, which means “thanksgiving.”

The annual activity is made possible with the help of organizations like the Women of Bel-Air and the Makati Commercial Estate Association, or MACEA, and longtime Bel-Air residents like Travel Time producer and TV host Susan Calo-Medina.

The Pasinaya is open to the public.