Ormoc City gears up for Fiesta 2013

CEBU, Philippines - Preparations for the Ormoc City’s annual fiesta celebration on June 29, in honor of Saints Peter and Paul, have started.

City Administrator Manuel “Apao” Pascual, whom outgoing Mayor Eric Codilla appointed as this year’s fiesta chairman, has asked Ormocanons for their cooperation to make the annual event a success, despite limited resources and a relatively brief time to prepare for it.

Pascual said preparations for the fiesta were delayed due to the May 13 polls and it was only on May 17 that the mayor composed the fiesta executive committee.

Pascual was also asking for the understanding of Ormocanons for turning some public areas into baratillos and ukay-ukay again, saying he had no choice but to take this option to raise funds for the fiesta activities.

The city government can fund some activities (e.g., sports competitions and the like) but is not allowed to spend for fiesta activities as these are religious in nature, he said.

Pascual also promised to be “transparent” with the funds raised by the fiesta committee. “A week after the fiesta, I will give you the financial report,” Pascual said. 

Traditionally, the Ormoc Fiesta highlight is the coronation of the Bb. Ormoc 2013, on the civic side, while it is the Pontifical Mass on the religious side. “It still would be the same,” said Pascual.

For the Bb. Ormoc beauty pageant, the committee has tapped the help of GEA Event Productions, a private event organizer. Right now, they are trying to get some showbiz personalities as entertainers for the coronation night but could not say who they will be, for now. 

Meanwhile, the GEA Events Production has bared the 10 finalists, from various colleges in the city, who would vie for this year’s Bb. Ormoc 2013 title.

They are: Korina Sotelo Panique (Eastern Visayas State University); Ariane Kristel Baring Cartoneras (San Lorenzo Ruiz College); Emie Salili Cabentoy (Eastern Visayas State University); Jhanica Shairamae M. Sescon (OCIT); Lawrence Nicole Sia Casuco (STI); Jovanha Ivy Aldiano Villaluz (OIPA); Patricia Mainit Skalchunes (Sto. Nino College); Lourissa Aredidon (STI); Pauline Marie Gloria Cruz (WLC); Donna Lyneth Neri Ceniza (WLC).

The organizers had wanted one candidate from each of Ormoc’s 10 colleges but there were some schools that did not field their bets, thus, EVSU and STI have two candidates each, said Pascual.

The candidates were presented to the public during the Independence Day parade yesterday (June 12).  (FREEMAN)