Aicelle Santos | "I wanna be home, work here and get married."

GMA Artist Center's and our pride too, Aicelle Santos


One of our country's well-known performer, not only here but she's now well-recognized internationally, after having been gone for a year to a series of performances in "Miss Saigon" UK Tour, where she played the iconic role, "Gigi Van Tranin," in the said Cameron Mackintosh's critically acclaimed  musical. 

Aicelle has earned numerous positive feed backs and excellent reviews of her stunning performances. I guess, that really pays off for her, having a solid training here in the Philippines since she's also into stage or musical plays, that really is an advantage for her. She said, "Playing Gigi was a personal, spiritual and professional journey for me. It taught me a lot about myself, as a person and as an actor. I became more disciplined because of our daily show that required physical and mental focus." 



Aicelle during her blogcon just recently

One of the interesting topics we had during Aicelle's blogcon, was about her wedding preparations. If you could remember, Aicelle's long-time boyfriend (now a fiance) Mark Zambrano, had proposed to her two weeks before she left for Miss Saigon UK tour. And as expected, they had survived a long distance relationship for a year, and because of the solid love, faith and loyalty to each other, their relationship prevailed. And according to Aicelle, good thing that in this modern time, we have online platforms like "Facetime," that was very helpful and useful to them, prompting Aicelle to say, "Hindi naging mahirap ang LDR {long term relationship} namin." 

I can now imagine how excited the couple is in preparing for their upcoming union of hearts. Aicelle even shared that, slowly, she's accomplishing things and about to complete her suppliers and other wedding requirements but she trusts her wedding planner/coordinator to do the rest. She also added that, she hopes and dreams of having a an intimate garden or beach wedding, she wants to be in nature. 

"I think I'm the same me, siguro ,natuto lang mag-bikini gabi-gabi, 'yung experience palagi ko ngang sinasabi, it was an equalistic experience for me, it was spiritual, and I think my faith strengthened kasi, you're living alone and there are times that you just ...you can't talk to your friends in the cast kasi they're seriously singing, my home-sick is real, totoo pala s'ya, but you know, those days, parang you remind yourself, why you're doing it, you have your crafts ganyan ...I just lifted it all up to Him. Spiritual talaga 'yung experience for me. 'Yun nga, eight show a week, na-training ka n'ya, iba 'yun, iba 'yung time nila dun, very punctual sila... so discipline is also one thing." Those are only some of the take-aways and learnings that Aicelle had during her stay there. 





Now that she's back home, what could we expect or what do have to look forward to in terms of her career?

The Kapuso singer/actress shared that, she'll be participating in Ballet Philippines' 2019 restaging of the 1977 pop rock opera ballet, "Tales of the Manuvu," which showcases the folk tales of the Manobo tribe in Mindanao. She'll be performing on March 30 and 31 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Pasay City. 

She is also set to make her TV comeback this April as a regular host of GMA's musical-variety show, Studio 7. Apart from these, fans can  once again catch her reprise her role as "Elsa" in the re-run of "Himala Isang Musikal. 

Asked what she's looking forward to, the Kapuso star said, "To creating new music and marrying the man I love." 

Aicelle remains so grounded and full of gratitude, inspite her overflowing love, success and blessings. Her new mantra is, "To live in the moment and to embrace the life that is unfolding right in front of you. I am more grateful than ever to everyone who continues to support me and to the Lord who guided me through this path." 

Special thanks to Sapporo Noodles, Dentiste and Aficionado perfumes.                                                                                                                                                         


































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Advancing COOP HR Operations in the Philippines

1CSIP President Roy Miclat and Mr. Gilbert Camasura, President and CEO, Asia Select, Inc.


The Filipinos should by now, accept the fact that cooperative enterprise plays a major geist in our economy's growth and industrialization. Thus, 1CSIP President Roy Miclat in cooperation with the President and CEO of Asia Select, Inc., Mr. Gilbert Camasura had planned to elevate, level-up or make an advancement on the COOP PR Operations here in the Philippines by staging various summits all over the country for the people to be more aware and to educate us about Cooperative HR Enterprise.

 The 1 Cooperative Insurance System of the Philippines Life and General Insurance (1CISP), the largest cooperative insurance organization in the country, recently held the third and last leg of its HR Summit at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center in Quezon City.


With the theme “Third Path HR: Journey to Cooperative HR Enterprise,” the Coop HR Summit Manila leg aims to level up human resource operations in light of prevailing issues in HR and technology affecting local cooperatives today. The first two legs were held in Davao City and Iloilo City. Although cooperatives in the Philippines have been over-achieving in terms operational and financial performances, they’re rarely seen as employers of choice, particularly among the younger generation of graduates. This is the challenge that 1CISP aims to overcome through this capacity development activity featuring cooperative thought leaders as well human resource experts as speakers and panelists.

Among the guest speakers were Asia Select Inc. (ASI) President and CEO, Gilbert Camasura, ASI Lead Consultant, Jeremiah Bonifacio, Crawford & Company Country Head, Gigi Geronimo, Geiser Maclang Marketing Communications Inc. (GMCI) Chief Innovation Officer and co-founder, Brad Geiser, GMCI HR and Finance Director, Angela Contreras, BPO Executive, Alpha Omega Aquino, SHRM Sr. Certified Professional, Veronica Estrella, and HR and Quality Management Consultant, Alen Esguerra.

The COOP HR Summit Manila Leg held at Novotel Manila

1CISP President Roy Miclat, in his keynote address, stressed that cooperatives in the country have been succeeding in their endeavors and have continually contributed to nation-building yet the public remains oblivious due to lack of promotional efforts. “Adults often say to the youth that there is no future in cooperatives, which is not true at all,” Miclat declares. “That’s one way of thinking that we need to change,” he added.

Mr. Roy Miclat explains the COOP PR terms 



Miclat also revealed that cooperatives are, in fact, the biggest contributor in the communities they serve and oftentimes even earn more than their corporate counterparts. He also said that cooperatives have some of the most competitive compensation and benefit schemes in the industry. The challenge is how to communicate these to encourage everyone to support cooperatives,” he emphasized.
“1CISP, in comparison to corporate insurance counterparts, is growing at a remarkable rate, and believe it or not, this is not an isolated phenomenon. It is a lot more common than previously thought, with a precedent since 2007,” said Miclat, citing the International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation’s (ICMIF) 2018 rankings and industry trends.

Miclat also talked about the need to adapt in an ever-changing technological environment. “Disruption in technology is happening in an unprecedented rate and if the cooperatives will not adapt, they will be extinct,” he stressed. "Our aim for 2019 and beyond is to elevate cooperatives and make them known for what they really are--an important pillar in economic and social development," Miclat added.

Miclat also announced during the event its biggest project thus far, The Koop Leaders Academy - a nationwide training program for young cooperative professionals.
1Koop Leaders Academy is done in partnership with Asia Select Inc., one of the country's leading human resource companies, and aims to train young minds and build strong foundations in business, tech up their knowledge and skills, and become effective and principle-centered cooperative leaders. The program will have expert HR and marketing professionals as trainers and special lecturers.
"Aside from the 1Koop Leaders Academy, we also have two other projects—Coop Kicks, the first-ever cooperative pitch fest in which young innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs are given opportunities to pitch their ideas on cooperative ventures, and 1KoopMart, the country’s first-ever cooperative sari-sari store chain,” Miclat shares. “But these three projects represent only the beginning of more things to come for 1CISP and its partner cooperatives," he added.


1CISP is the leading insurance cooperative in the Philippines and the go-to organization for the protection needs of its cooperative members. 1CISP has been in operation for almost 45 years and has grown tremendously, having over 2,000 cooperative members and insuring around 900,000 individuals annually.

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Holy Week tradition and other personal views of "Mr. Healthcare," Sen. JV Ejercito

Mr. Healthcare, Sen. JV Ejercito 

 Still fresh from our "dinner" and "chikahan" night with San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez, we've found out that, what Mayor Guia's description about her son, JV Ejercito is really true. According to her, the trait that Sen. JV got from her is her being a religious person. She said they are a strong Catholic believer. 

 During our close interview with the re-electionist Sen. JV Ejercito, he had shared to us that he really has a strong faith and that he was raised by his family to treat religious matters seriously. 

 This coming Holy Week, he was very accommodating when he shared that, his family have certain traditions and rituals and it started when he was still a kid, from Holy Thursday, they do "Visita Iglesia," to Good Friday, to Black Saturday until up to the "Salubong" on "Easter Sunday." 



He even added that he and his family, they do not go on vacation during Holy Week. He shared, "Ang Holy Week, once a year lang naman 'yan, it's the only time we can really reflect, buong taon you can do whatever you want. Para sa'kin very important ang Holy Week, it's not the time for me to enjoy, it's the time to reflect, kasi once a year 'yan eh, buomg taon pwede kang mag-enjoy, pwede kang mag-beach, pwede kang magbakasyon anytime of the year. Holy Week is the time to reflect." 

Having heard and learned this personal view of Sen. JV, and coming from himself, I am definitely "for" him, I truly agree what he really said, most especially, we are in a Christian country and I can also relate to what he had shared. Me and my family share the same view and thoughts as well. I just realized that, there's no right excuse for anyone even if you have the highest position or any job you are in not to do reflection, just like Sen. JV, who still looks back and never fails to practice what they have been doing as a family tradition during this once a year occasion, which is the "Holy Week." 



On a lighter note, when asked if who does he want to play as himself when his life story would be transated into a movie, he replied jokingly, "Pwede bang ako na lang ang lumabas, maghahanap ako ng gusto kong kapareha hahaha, joke lang!" Now we get to see his comedic side. Because we all know and aware that he is really a shy-type of person who has a "Million Dollar Smile" (according to her mom, San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez). 

When asked who does he look-up to for a public servant? He had recalled answering during a debate, when asked if who would he wanted to bring back (from the past) to be our President again, he said, "Si Andres Bonifacio, s'ya 'yung best president we ever had, s'ya 'yung 'Ama ng Katipunan,' sa tingin ko s'ya 'yung dapat na pangulo, maka-Bonifacio rin kasi ako eh. So 'yun ang aking idol, kung wala ang Katipunan, kung wala si Bonifacio, wala tayong kalayaan." Very well said, Sen. JV. 

Having been passed the Universal Health Care (UHC) bill, Sen. JV was so delighted that finally, everyone can now afford medical consultations, hospitalizations and several basic laboratory tests. Accordingly, he made this very important statement regarding the passing of his UHC Bill. 






Statement of reelectionist Sen. JV Ejercito on the signing into law of the Universal Health Care Act by President Duterte


Labis po nating ikinagagalak at taos puso ang ating pasasalamat kay Pangulong Duterte sa kaniyang paglagda ngayong araw at pormal na pagsasabatas ng matagal na nating isinusulong na Universal Health Care.


The Universal Health Care law will transform the health seeking behavior of Filipinos. UHC makes medical consultation and several basic laboratory tests affordable and accessible. This will allow the people to value their health more by regularly consulting with doctors.


“Bawal magkasakit dahil magastos magkasakit” shall be a thing of the past. Under the UHC law, all Filipinos become automatic members of PhilHealth and are covered by the National Health Insurance Program of the government.


Ibig sabihin, hindi na mangangamba ang ating mga kababayan tuwing sila’y magkakasakit o sa mga pagkakataon na madapuan ng karamdaman ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Karamay na ang gobyerno sa gastusin at abot-kaya na ang pagpapagamot.


The UHC is one of the primary reasons I fought for the restoration of almost P16 billion funds for the Health Facilities Enhancement Program and the P7 billion for the Human Resources for Health of the Department of Health in the 2019 national budget.


We want the completion of constructions and renovations of health facilities of barangay health stations, provincial, regional, and national hospital; and furnish them with all the necessary medical equipment and health professionals they need to be capable of providing primary health care at the grassroots level. This and many more are the noble intentions of the UHC.


Our work will not stop here. We will ensure the sustainable funding for UHC. We will also continue working with the civil society organizations, medical community and other stakeholders to ensure the success of its implementation.




Sen. JV Ejercito's Profile

Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito or Senator JV, as fondly called by the Filipinos, is a reliable ally of the people in the Senate. He began his career in public service as a young leader and President of the Junior Chamber International Philippines (JCI-Philippines). He then became the Mayor of his hometown in San Juan City and later elected as Congressman.  In 2013, he became a Senator of the Republic of the Philippines and is currently the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement. He is also serving as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography.

Some of his notable legislation include the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Law, Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Law, Balanced Housing Law, Creation of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Road Speed Limiter Law, Sugarcane Industry Development Law, and the Foreign Investment Liberalization Act. He continues to push for the passage of the Freedom of Information Act, Train Protection Act, and the modernization of the Philippine National Railway, among others.
   
His chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing, and Resettlement paved the way for the country’s first-ever holding of a National Housing and Urban Development Summit, a 9-month long series of consultations and studies represented by 111 national agencies that sought to address the 5.5-Million housing backlog, and to make in-city housing possible in the years ahead. The summit has produced a Land Inventory for Metro Manila Local Government Units (LGUs), which identified lands to be allocated to house informal settler families. Senator Ejercito is adamant to make public housing decent and affordable, especially for resettled communities; and for universal health care to be made available to all Filipinos as he currently chairs the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing, and Resettlement; and the Senate Committee on Health.

As a transportation advocate, Senator JV is championing road safety and making mass transportation easier and uncomplicated by promoting the use of railway as the country’s primary mode of public transportation. He is also seeking to reform the agricultural sector, and is supporting youth welfare through the Free Higher Education Act.







PUBLIC SERVICE

Senator JV Ejercito started his political career in 2001 when he was elected Mayor of San Juan. He served as the City Mayor for three consecutive terms, from 2001 to 2010. Thereafter, he represented the city in the House of Representatives for one term - from 2010 to 2013. On May 2013, JV Ejercito was chosen by the people to serve in the Senate.

He is a Commissioned Reserve Officer of the Philippine Marine Corps, with the rank of Major. He is an adopted member of the Philippine Military Academy Class ’88 Maringal. Senator JV Ejercito is a recipient of the Ten Outstanding Young Men award for Public Service and Governance in 2007.

PERSONAL LIFE
Joseph Victor “JV” G. Ejercito was born on December 26, 1969 to former Philippine President, now Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada, and businesswoman, philanthropist and current San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez. He attended Xavier School and completed his degree in Political Science at the De La Salle University. Senator JV’s life away from the legislative halls of the Senate revolves around his family - his wife, Ma. Hyacinth Lotuaco, and his two sons Jose Emilio and Julio Jose.


SEN. JV EJERCITO FAST FACTS

I.                   Political Background and Affiliation

  • Senator – 2016 to 2019 (17th Congress)
  • Chairman, Senate Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Resettlement
  • Chairman, Senate Committee on Health and Demography
  • Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Services
  • Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Works
  • Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Tourism
  • Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

  • Senator – 2013 to 2016 (16th Congress)
  • Chairman, Senate Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Resettlement
  • Chairman, Senate Committee on Economic Affairs

  • Mayor, San Juan City – 2001 to 2010 (three terms)
  • Representative, Lone District of San Juan – 2010 to 2013 (15th Congress)
  • Chairman, House Committee on Metro Manila Development
  • Vice Chairman, House Committee on Labor and Employment
  • Vice Chairman, House Committee on Local Government



  • Affiliation – Junior Chamber International-Philippines
  • 1998 JCI National President
  • JCI Senator

II.                 Top Achievements

  • Ten Outstanding Young Men for Public Service and Governance in 2007
  • Fifteen Most Outstanding Congressmen in the 15thCongress
  • Ninth Most Prolific Lawmaker in the 15th Congress
  • Spearheaded San Juan City’s economic growth with revenue from P300-Million in 2001 to P1.2-Billion in 2010.
  • Conversion of San Juan into a highly urbanized city under his term in June 2007
  • Most Outstanding National Jaycee President for Asia and Pacific in 1998

III.            Other Milestones

  • 1998 — Top Ten Newsmakers of the Year
  • 1998 — Hosting National President, 53rd Junior Chamber International (JCI) World Congress
  • 1998 — Most Outstanding National President for Asia and the Pacific of the JCI
  • 1997 — Graduated from the 10th Junior Chamber International (JCI) Academy in Japan
  • 1996 — Exemplary Leadership Award by the Metro Area Jaycees
  • 1996 — Presidential Award for Leadership Excellence (Outstanding NEW)
  • 1995 — Metro Area Jaycee Leadership Excellence Award
  • 1995 — Metro East Region Distinguished Service Award
  • 1995 — Metro East Region Leadership Award
  • Kabataan ng Masang Pilipino (KAMPIL), National Chairman
  • Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) — Youth Sector, National Chairman
  • Estudyanteng Responsable para sa Aktibong Pamamahala/ Batang E.R.A.P., National Chairman
  • National Youth Commission (NYC), Honorary Chairman/Adviser
  • Mamamayan Ayaw sa Droga (MAD), National Founder
  • Junior Chamber of the Philippines Foundation, Inc. President
  • Ang Bayang Makulay Foundation, Chairman
  • Puwersa ng Masa (San Juan Chapter), Chairman







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JBK's first major solo concert "Just Be Kind" to be held at the Music Museum

JBK members: Bryan del Rosario, Joshua Bulot and Kim Ordono during their concert blogcon held at Quattro Bar along Timog Ave., Quezon City 


The "Millennial Trio," JBK, an Kapuso all-male group is the first Filipino boyband to compete in the International stage at the X-Factor UK in 2017. Their admirable performance has brought us another reason to be proud of. 

As they celebrate their five years in the industry, the GMA Artist Center's Kapuso Millennial Trio, JBK will be holding their first major solo concert entitled "Just Be Kind," on March 29, 2019 at the Music Museum. 


Joshua Balot says, "Dapat nilang abangan 'yung mga hugot skits namin at kakaibang style ng kantahan." 


While Bryan shared, "Kami mismo ang gumawa ng line up namin. You'll be hearing songs na never namin kinanta sa mga live gigs before such as songs from Queen."


And Kim Ordono shared, "We always review our songs before we end our day. We are currently doing vocal lessons and dance rehearsals para paghandaan 'yung transition ng bawa't kanta." 




The trio also admitted that they underwent several trainings in preparation for the concert. Their "Just Be Kind" concert celebrates and promotes art and music while promising a night of spectacular and remarkable performances with special guests Asia's Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose, Bradley Holmes, Kakai Bautista and the cast of "Rak of Aegis" including Nina Espinosa. 

"Just Be Kind" is produced by Winstruck Events Production. Ticket prices are available at P1,500 (VIP), P1,000 (Orchestra), and P500 (Balcony) via www.ticketworld.com.ph or contact 917-862-1313 for inquiries and ticket purchases.

The concert proceeds will be donated to Mabuhay Desert Foundation, YesPinoy Foundation and HERO Foundation, Inc. 


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"Kapuso OST Princess" Hannah Precilla's "Kung Walang Ikaw"

Kapuso OST Princess Hannah Precillas 


Hannah Precillas, is the enchanting voice behind most of the Kapuso teleseryes, that's why she's been tagged as the "Kapuso OST Princess." She was also the grand winner in GMA's reality talent search "Bet ng Bayan" in 2014, the year after that, she had signed under GMA Artist Center and she's now also under GMA Music as her record label.

Hannah's voice is very familiar with every Filipino household, most especially for those who are fond of watching Kapuso teleseryes and to name a few, here it is: "Marimar," "Once Upon A Kiss," "Once Again," "Hahamakin ang Lahat," GMA Heart of Asia Koreanovela "Saimdang Memoir of Colors," "Kambal Karibal," "Pamilya Roces," and at present, in "Hiram Na Anak" theme song.

In our recent blogcon with Hannah, she shared that she is beyond happy now that "Hiram Na Anak" is using her single entitled "Kung Walang Ikaw." She was so excited to tell us that she has also a music video for the said single.

The 22 year-old singer has opened up about her growing up years with her family. She said that her mom had discovered her talent in singing when she was four years old and that since then it really became her passion. She's the only girl among her siblings and that she recalls that her mom had helped and supported her ever since.

"Gusto kong maiba in a way na may puso 'yung pagkakakanta ko, na kahit hindi ako bumirit maraming talagang taong makikinig... so 'yun po 'yung gusto kong kakaiba na not just hitting the high notes, not just doing the styles, the run... it's about the heart po 'yun po ang importante for me.



Hannah feels so excited and very much thankful that her first original song, "Kung Walang Ikaw," was chosen to be the OST of "Hiram na Anak." It is also one of her dreams to have her own album and a major concert in Araneta Coliseum someday. 

Here's to more success for you Hannah and hope that all your endeavors will come true. 



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Bayambang to celebrate it's 405th town fiesta with Patron St. Vincent Ferrer Statue to enter in "Guinness Book of World Records"


Bayambang, Pangasinan's First Lady Niña Jose and Mayor Cezar Quiambao 



It was my first time to visit the town of Bayambang in Pangasinan. Being my newbie in that area, it was also my first time to meet their honorable Mayor Cezar Quiambao together with his wife, the first Lady of Bayambang, Niña Jose who is also a former PBB Housemate back in 2006. 

Honestly, I admire the Mayor's mission and vision for his municipality, his honest service to his people and to reach a certain goal of making Bayambang, be known to everyone and to achieve economic and financial stability isn't an easy task but with his ability, perseverance, and positive outlook, this would all be possible. 

If we could still recall, the Bayambang town had been know also for having been recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records back in April 4, 2014 for having the longest barbecue with an 8,000m length (20, 246 ft.), during the "Malangshi Fish-tival" to celebrate Bayambang's  400th anniversary. 

Bayambamg's Guinness Book of World Record's longest barbecue (cto : inquirer.net) 


This coming April 1-8, the municipal government of Bayambang, Pangasinan, led by Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao, invites local and foreign tourists to come and join in the celebration of its 405th town fiesta. 


Bayambang Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao talks about their upcoming town fiesta celebration on April 1-8, 2019. He was with his wife, Nina Jose and other officials who are in charge for the said celebration. 
If you were wondering like some of us, where did the name "Bayambang" come from, well here's a brief background... 


The name of the town, according to the legend, came from the name of a plant called balangbang. As years passed by, the plant became extinct but the name “Bayambang” was retained and was given to designate the town. Historically, Bayambang was made as the last capital of the Republic by General Emilio Aguinaldo when he fled north to escape from the pursuing Americans during the Filipino and American War.

Originally called Balunguey or Malunguey, the town was established in 1614, the same year that the local parish named after Bayambang’s revered patron St. Vincent Ferrer was founded. What was initially a visita of Binalatongan (the current San Carlos City) only became an independent vicariate in 1619.

The grand and colorful event highlights the Parish Jubilee which will happen on April. Bayambangueños’ celebration is made even extra special with the 400th year of the St. Vincent Ferrer Parish and, worldwide, the commemoration of the 600th year of the death of St. Vincent Ferrer. For four centuries, the parish church which enshrines St. Vincent Ferrer has been a solemn sanctuary for prayer and devotion for the people of Bayambang, its surrounding towns, and even beyond Pangasinan. Its current parish priest is Fr. Allen Romero. 

 This is Bayambang's town fiesta schedule of events


The eight-day affair is filled with various activities in line with this year’s theme “Bayang Pinagtibay ng Pagkakaisa at Pananampalataya Laban sa Kahirapan: 400 Taon ng Pagpapala ng Parokya ni San Vicente Ferrer.” The occasion highlights Bayambang’s latest attempt to enter in the Guinness Book of World Records the Tallest Bamboo Sculpture (Supported) of the town patron St. Vincent Ferrer. 

The creation of the tallest bamboo sculpture (supported) of St. Vincent Ferrer was the brainchild of Mayor Cezar’s wife, Ms. Niña Jose-Quiambao, who is a devotee like her husband. The 51-meter tall statue is made of steel frame and engineered bamboo panels as cladding material.

Niña assured that this year’s celebration is extraordinary as it coincides with the 400th anniversary of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, not to mention Bayambang’s latest effort to enter their patron saint’s tallest bamboo sculpture (supported) creation in the Guinness Book of World Records.


We also visited the location or site where the Prayer Park is and we were able to see St. Vincent Ferrer's statue that was under construction, come April 5, the unveiling of the statue will take place and we're very excited about it and hope you'll join us to our journey that will be historical, global and very meaningful not only to the Bayambangueños but also to us, Filipinos. 
“When we plan for our town fiesta, we always have the best interest of the Bayambangueños in mind. We really went all out for this year’s celebration because we want to spread joy and love to Bayambangueños and to our guests from other towns,” said Niña who personally oversees the construction of the statue and devotes time to attending meetings regarding fiesta activities and preparations for the unveiling of the statue on April 5.

 On March 27, at 3pm, the first day of the nine-day novena , a Holy Door at St. Vincent Ferrer Parush granted by the Vatican in Rome, will be ceremoniously opened by Most Rev. Soc Villegas, D.D. For pilgrims who will pass through the door, they may gain the indulgences attached with the Jubilee celebration. 

On April 1, a grand revelry kicks off the celebration at dawn around the main street of Poblacion followed by a Thanksgiving Mass, Grand Parade, and Opening Program. At 4 p.m. of the same day, the Streetdance Competition will be held at the Bayambang NationalHigh School. The day ends with an Inter-faith Thanksgiving for members of the community belonging to other religious groups.

From April 2 to 6, the hardworking people of the community will be honored through the Barangay Night, Farmers’ Day, Educators’ Night, Senior Citizens’ Day, TODA Day, Cultural/LGU Night, Matalunggaring Awards, and Fiesta Negosyante. The youth will have the chance to show their talent through Bayambang Got Talent, Inter-Barangay Sportsfest, and Zumbayambang. There will also be a cook-off called Malangsi Cooking Contest to discover budding culinary talents.

On April 5, the feast day of St. Vincent Ferrer, a Thanksgiving Mass will be held at the parish church followed by a traditional grand procession with statues of the esteemed patron paraded around town. The formal opening of the St. Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park will be held at Barangay Bani at 6 p.m. The highlight of the event is the unveiling of the tallest bamboo sculpture (supported) of St. Vincent Ferrer which is the main attraction in the spacious Prayer Park that will also soon feature a chapel near the base of the statue, fountains in front, candle shed, business stalls, landscaped gardens, and wide open spaces helpful to a person’s meditation and recreation. It has a capacity of 15,000 with 120 carpark slots. 

Other major events include the Kalutan Year 5: Labi’y Liket tan Gayaga where Vice Ganda, Kamikazee and December Avenue are guest performers; and the Binibining Bayambang 2019, Niña’s personal project, is set on April 6. Bianca Gonzalez and Derek Ramsay are hosts while Dominic Roque is one of the judges. Paulo Avelino will serenade the lovely contestants.
Some of the candidates of the Bb. Bayambang 2019

Expect the town’s alumni from different educational institutions to come together to reminisce happy memories on April 7 and participate in the Alumni Motorcade and Alumni Night.

The event will conclude on April 8 with a mini-concert, Balikbayan Night and People’s Grand Ball. 

Niña shared, “Since Mayor Cezar took office in 2016, we have been very hands-on when it comes to the fiesta preparations because we believe that it can be one of the biggest income generators for Bayambang. So, it’s not just about celebrating but also providing a better life to all Bayambangueños.”
Mr. and Mrs. Cezar T. Quiambao


Indeed, Bayambangueños know how to celebrate the gift of life and what makes them stand out is their immense faith in God. As the colossal St. Vincent Ferrer reaches the heaven, their deep devotion to their patron saint will be rewarded with more blessings as St. Vincent Ferrer intercedes for them.
Bayambang Mayor Quiambao with his wife, first lady of the Bayambangueños, Niña Jose with the officials who are in charge of the upcoming "Pista'y Baley 2019." 







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