Loreto Celebrates: A Festival of Culture, Community, and Progress!
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| The first part of the program |
Join us on a journey through the vibrant 17th Umajam Festival and 57th Araw ng Loreto! This exciting celebration was a testament to the strong spirit of Loreto, Philippines, filled with cultural immersion, community gatherings, and inspiring developments.
A Heartfelt Welcome
The festivities kicked off on March 28th, 2022, with a beautiful invocation and national anthem performance by the Silya Chorale, a talented local choir. The Municipal Vice Mayor warmly welcomed everyone, followed by captivating performances by the Umajam Cultural Ensemble and Sining Tala Dance Company.
Celebrating Heritage and Beauty
The festival buzzed with excitement as the Bai Umajam candidates were introduced, and the official festival song was launched. The energy was infectious, with everyone dancing to the rhythm, including members of the local LGBTQ++ community. A symbolic "Weave of Unity" ceremony with the Barangay Captains, Mayor Lorife Otaza, and other officials solidified the community spirit.
A Vision for the Future: State of the Municipal Address
The afternoon shifted to a momentous occasion: the State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) delivered by Mayor Lorife M. Otaza. She outlined her impactful 5-Point Development Agenda, focusing on Agricultural Productivity, Public Service Delivery, Indigenous People Empowerment, Environmental Conservation, and Participatory Governance. The presentation, accompanied by informative slideshows, received enthusiastic applause. The ceremony acknowledged the instrumental figures behind Loreto's progress, including national, provincial, and municipal officials, along with dedicated employees.
Evenings Filled with Joy: The Pasigarbo
As night fell, the celebration continued with dazzling performances by local and national artists like Daryl Ong and Vin Abrenica at the Umajam Cultural Center. The energy soared with a pulsating Rave Party that lasted until the early morning hours.
Building Families, Building Dreams: Kasalan ng Bayan (Mass Wedding)
The next day, March 29th, held a special significance. Under Mayor Otaza's compassionate leadership, a grand Kasalan ng Bayan (Mass Wedding) ceremony took place. Over a hundred couples who couldn't afford weddings due to financial constraints were able to officially tie the knot, creating beautiful families. This act truly embodied the spirit of the festival - community and togetherness.
Empowering Women, Showcasing Talent: Bai Umajam Pre-Pageant Night
The celebration continued with a Pre-Pageant Night. A highlight was the launch of the Hinang Project, showcasing stunning creations by talented women of Loreto. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Mayor Otaza and the Chairperson of the Municipal Tourism Council, Engr. Alvin Otaza. These creations were met with compliments from distinguished guests, with potential for becoming world-class products. The night continued with captivating performances by the Umajam Cultural Ensemble and a John Cloma Fashion Show featuring the Bai Umajam candidates adorned in the renowned designer's creations. The talented candidates were then introduced by the esteemed hosts.
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| A collage of the photos by JC.Molina Photography & Design |
Celebrating Achievements: Employee's Night
