From singing along to the tracks of well-known local bands to enjoying moments with family and friends, November 17, 2018 was definitely one for the books for those who attended the Paskuhan sa Bayambang 2018 Kick-off Concert at the Pangasinan State University open grounds. The concert, sponsored by Team Quiambao-Sabangan, showed how music brings people closer together amidst diversity, staying true to this year’s Paskuhan theme “Paskong Bayambangueño Para sa Mundo.”

Team Quiambao-Sabangan, led by Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao and Vice Mayor Raul R. Sabangan, promised an exciting night with Up Dharma Down, Moonstar88, and Sandwich, and they definitely did not disappoint, with the venue bearing witness to the fun and excitement that marked the beginning of the Paskuhan season in Bayambang.

Bayambangueños and visitors from other towns sang along to the bands’ famous tracks including Tadhana, Torete, and Sugod, and to add more sentiment to the night, the Ultra Combo, consisting of Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Maysh Baay, collaborated to sing the timeless songs of Eraserheads, the favorite band of Bayambang’s first couple, Mayor Cezar and Mrs. Niña Quiambao, who are also celebrating their first church wedding anniversary and Mayor Quiambao’s 70th birthday on the same day. The double celebration called for different surprises for the couple and for the crowd, with video greetings from their family members and from famous personalities such as Sen. Manny Pacquiao and celebrity Vice Ganda.

Aside from the video greetings, Showtime host Vhong Navarro also came to the PSU Grounds as a surprise guest. The crowd went wild as the former Streetboys dancer entertained them with a song and dance number which is one of the main surprises for the night.

Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque was there to greet Mayor and Mrs. Quiambao and the people of Bayambang. “Happy, happy birthday sa pinakamagaling na Mayor sa Pilipinas,” he said. “At binabati ko ang Bayambang dahil magaling ang inyong Mayor, ang inyong bayan, napakaganda, napaka-progresibo,” he enthused.

Alaminos City Mayor Art Celeste, who came with Hon. Mark Lambino and Hon. Darwina Sampang, stated, “Tayo ay masaya dahil binigyan tayo ng ating minamahal na alkalde ng kasiyahan ngayong gabi dahil dinala niya sa bayan ng Bayambang ang pinakamagaling na mga banda sa buong Pilipinas bilang kanya pong regalo sa ating lahat, lalung-lalo na sa mga kabataan.”

“Mahalin po natin ang liderato ni Mayor Cezar Quiambao dahil sa maiksing panahon ng kanyang pamumuno, nakita po natin ang pagbabago ng bayan ng Bayambang,” he added.

Mayor Celeste also asked the audience to pray for the soul of ex-Councilor Levin N. Uy who was shot dead a day before the event in what is perceived to be an incident connected to politics. Both Roque and Celeste expressed their support in the pursuit to give justice to the former three-term Councilor of Bayambang.

In their message to the people, Mayor and Mrs. Quiambao called for peace and unity among every Bayambangueño. Vice Mayor Sabangan also asked everyone to come together in light of the recent incident. “This is a challenge for all of us,” he said. “Ipakita natin ang ating pagkakaisa dito po sa bayan ng Bayambang, ipakita natin na hindi tayo natatakot sa mga bagay na ganyan dahil wala tayong ginagawang masama, ipakita natin ang pagkakaisa, ipakita natin na ayaw natin ng patayan dito sa bayan ng Bayambang,” he stated.

In support of Mayor Quiambao and Vice Mayor Sabangan are Councilors Benjamin de Vera, Martin Terrado II, Amory Junio, Mylvin Junio, Joseph Ramos and Philip Dumalanta, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Gabriel Fernandez, the Punong Barangays, and the department heads and employees of the Local Government Unit of Bayambang.

Binibining Bayambang 2018 Gabrielle Reloza was also present along with the other former candidates because one of the many highlights of the night was the launching of Binibining Bayambang 2019, a project for the Pista’y Baley spearheaded by Mrs. Quiambao. Screening for the prestigious pageant will begin on December 2018.

Part of the surprises is the raffle draw where the first 3,000 guests were given a chance to take home limited-edition Paskuhan sa Bayambang 2018 merchandise. The lucky winners received tumblers and fans courtesy of Team Quiambao-Sabangan.

The concert hosted by Senior Tourism Operations Officer capped off with a 15-minute fireworks display, which lit up the skies as a sign of the bright and colorful Christmas season that awaits the people of Bayambang.