Kitefest to kick off in Dumaguete

The 2003 Bear Brand Kitefest, the country’s largest and longest running kite-flying event, celebrates more than a decade of wholesome, family-oriented fun with the kick-off competition taking place at the Gov. Mariano Perdices Memorial Coliseum in Dumaguete City tomorrow.

Thousands of kite-flying enthusiasts from all over Regions 6 to 8 in the Visayas are expected to participate in the first leg of the much-awaited kite festival, organized annually since 1991by Nestle Philippines, Inc., maker of Bear Brand Milk.

Other key cities where kitefest regional legs will be held are: Laoag City on Feb. 9; Puerto Princesa on March 2; Cagayan de Oro on March 9, Tacloban on March 16, Kalibo on March 30; Pampanga on April 6, Davao on April 13, Baguio City on April 27; and Manila on May 11.

The event will offer competitions for the various age categories: elementary students aged 6 to 12, high school students(13 to 16), college students (17 to 21) and adults (21 and above).

The different divisions are: 2D or two-faced kites in any shape, 3D kites with basic shapes, string, combination, or train kites, and figure kites – 3D kites with themes and realistic shapes.

Cash prizes, trophies and Nestle gift packs await winners of each leg. Special prizes will also be given to the Super Kite or the biggest flying kite and the Saranggola ni Bear Brand or the best flying kite during the free flying period.

With the promise of a bigger Bear Brand kitefest, Nestle offers new and exciting special prizes for its participants per leg: the Saranggola ng Barangay, open to all barangays of the province or city where each leg will be held, with at least 10 members registered in one geometric shape; the Theme Kite or the best flying kite to represent the province or city; the Favorite of the Crowd or the kite with the most audience impact; and the Family Spotting award, where four families spotted on site will have a chance to experience flying a kite.

Bear Brand promotes kite-making and flying as a summer activity for Filipinos of all ages, as a pastime combining creativity and relaxation that the whole family can enjoy together.