BAYAMBANG — Floats, street-dancing and a drum-and-lyre exhibition around the town’s downtown area in the morning signaled the start of festivities leading up to the celebration of Bayambang’s  403rd Pista’y Baley 2017  dubbed “Balon Bayambang: Balon Gapo, Balon Ilalo,” on April 1.

The grand parade was participated in by some 63 organizations coming from various local offices, national agencies, private sectors, schools and contestants of Binibining Balon Bayambang 2017.

The spectacular over one- kilometer line of performers and floats which started at the Pangasinan State University and roamed around the downtown area took Bayambangueños by surprise as they flocked nearby streets and alleys, and helplessly watched in awe. Binasuan dance, buro, onions, corn, grilled fish – the town’s iconic sources of pride – were on full-color display, and the execution of each group’s idea was nothing less than impressive.

The week-long fiesta celebration will likewise be a parade of events that reflect the transformation, beauty, artistry and wealth of the town’s natural and human resources, and local industries.

“Through this, we are able to further show the products and everything else that Bayambang can offer,” said Mayor Cezar T. Quaimbao, specifically noting the great transformation under his stewardship.

In Mayor Quiambao’s 9-month stint as the local chief executive, he has managed to pack in a number of major projects –the ongoing beautification of the town’s public plaza, the renovation of the Municipal Covered Court which is now fully air-conditioned and serves as a civic center, road constructions in the different barangays, and the creation of various offices in the local government, to name a few.

Quiambao, a neophyte leader, encouraged his fellow Bayambangueños to work with the government until its objective will have been realized, even as he said that “it is only in unity that we can surely achieve true success.”

In his speech, Quiambao thanked the organizers, the committee and the sponsors of the week-long celebration of Pista’y Baley 2017 and expressed hope that they would have a good time in the various activities.

“Expect more to come,” Quaimbao added. (Bayambang PIO/Media Affairs Office)

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SIDEBAR

Pista’y Baley 2017: “Balon Bayambang: Balon Gapo, Balon Ilalo”

Fiestas are a time of merriment marking our day of foundation as a town. It is also held with a posture of gratitude to God, through a traditional tribute to our patron, St. Vincent Ferrer, for all the blessings we have received since the last celebration.

Since its foundation in 1614, Bayambang has been witness to many changes, and each anniversary celebration does not fail to take note of the gains and feats achieved. The year 2017 is no different, but we want this year’s celebration to be even more special, to mark the time our hometown has geared up for a major shift in aspirations. With its leap to new politics comes a new mission and vision, so in its 503^rd year of existence, a sense of renewal pervades the air. And so we only thought it proper to make the theme for this year be “Balon Gapo, Balon Ilalo” (New Beginning, New Hope).

Believing in participative governance, the local government has ensured that all sectors play an active role.

To build up the excitement in the run-up to the big day, special events have been held earlier on, from practices to photoshoots, pre-judging and pre-pageant, contest elimination rounds, plus an agri-trade fair.

And on Fiesta Week proper, we of course have the traditional grand procession, revelry and grand parade. Then we have the Cutest Baby Contest and Little Mr. and Ms. Balon Bayambang, to highlight the talents of our youngest members. We also hold the most prestigious edition of Miss Bayambang, to present local young beauties and hone their gifts in service of our hometown. Our senior citizens are not to be left behind, with a special night set apart for them. We’ve also lined up the following: Palarong Bayan championship game, Zumba fiesta, barangay night, acrobatic show, and traditional parlor games.

Being an agriculture town, it can’t be helped that one of our biggest affairs would be the Agew na Dumaralos, for our farmers to show off the fruit of their labor.

As a center of education, there is a night reserved for our educators and a motorcade and homecoming party for the alumni of the different schools.

Being a historic town rich in cultural heritage, we have called upon our artists and cultural workers for ideas, and they have come up with something old and new for every taste and inclination: hymn composition tilt, mural painting contest (a first in town), “Binasuan” dancefest, singing competition, battle of the bands, and street-dancing showdown. To highlight our traditional cuisine and showcase our culinary talents, we hold the Bayambang Master Chef.  In addition, the traditional Kalutan will feature the most popular Pinoy Fliptoppers from Manila, another major first.

Lastly, in recognition of the fact that a huge number of loyal Bayambangueños are based abroad, we have the Grand Ball and Balikbayan Night.

So, as we strive to make this year’s celebration special, may everyone share in the fun and excitement of the festivities. Galila ta mankakasakey tayon amin ed panagliket diad Balon Bayambang!