The city government of Calamba, Laguna is all ready to celebrate not only the life and legacy of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal but also the city’s rich cultural heritage.
This, as officials of the city government led by the Calamba City Cultural Affairs, Tourism and Sports Development Department (CATSDD) unveiled its official lineup of activities for the “CalamBagong Buhayani Festival,” slated for June 9 to 22.
During a press conference regarding the Buhayani Festival last June 3, officials emphasized that this year's festival, with the theme “Angat ang Lahing Calambeño, Dangal ng Bayan, Alay sa Mundo,” aims not only to commemorate the legacy of Rizal but also to revive the spirit of true unity among Calambeños through the promotion of their unique culture.
“Medyo outward na po ang vision natin para sa ating Buhayani Festival sa taong ito,” CATSDD head Engr. Maolen Karla Boholano stressed during the press conference.
“Gusto po nating i-share ang city natin; ano po ang meron tayo at paano po natin ito gustong makilala, hindi lamang po sa Calamba o sa Asia kundi sa buong mundo.”
Pageant revival
One key highlight of this year’s Buhayani Festival is the revival of the Ginoo at Binibining Calamba pageant, which had been suspended for almost nine years even before the Covid-19 pandemic.
The press conference last June 3 also saw the sashing ceremony for the 19 male and 20 female candidates for the event, as well as a preliminary question-and-answer portion from members of the media who attended the conference.
"Sa likod ng mga ngiti at parangal ay mga kabataan na handang tumindig para sa kabutihang panlahat. Ito ang tunay na diwa ng Ginoo at Binibining Calamba," City Administrator Johnny Pamuspusan emphasized.
"Ang pageant na ito ay patunay na ang Calambeño ay hindi lamang maganda sa panlabas kundi maganda din sa puso at diwa," he added.
Aside from the title and cash prize waiting for them, the crown as Ginoo at Binibining Calamba 2025 will provide them the opportunity to represent the city in various national and international pageants, city officials added.
The grand coronation night for the Ginoo at Binibining Calamba will be held at the Jose Rizal Coliseum on June 17.
Commemoration of Rizal’s legacy
This goes without saying, of course, that the commemoration of the life, lessons and legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal will also take center stage at the Buhayani Festival.
Commemorations of Rizal’s life will be conducted on June 19, coinciding with the 164th anniversary of his birth.
There will be floral offerings at five different monuments of Rizal in Calamba City, as well as a formal celebration at the Rizal House and Museum where the national hero was born and raised.
To instill in the youth the lessons of Rizal's life and legacy, the city government will also spearhead the "Talinong Rizal" quiz bee on June 9, where up to 40 students from elementary to college are expected to participate; and the "Hawig Rizal" on June 14 where “look-alikes” of the national hero will show off their best impersonation of Rizal, in three categories (Batang Rizal, Kabataang Rizal and Mamang Rizal).
Calamba City Mayor Ross Rizal, Representative Cha Hernandez, and Councilor Kathrina Silva will also lead the "Kwentong Bayani" at the Rizal Museum on June 11, highlighting the stories not only of Rizal but also of other local heroes such as General Vicente Lim.
Other activities
Aside from this, Boholano said the month-long Buhayani Festival will also feature other programs and activities that Calambeños and tourists alike would enjoy.
These include the weeklong Trade Fair, where Calambeño traders and entrepreneurs are expected to showcase local products; the CalamBagong Buhayani Grand Parade and the CalamBagong Buhayani Concert on June 19; the “Kusinang Calambeño” cooking competition on June 16; the 1st Calambayanihan Bayanihan Cup Golf Tournament at the Canlubang Golf and Country Club on June 13; and the River Run on June 22, for the benefit of the city government’s river cleanup programs.
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