Posted by Sunshine D. Robles on May 4, 2006

1 million people attend "Kalutan ed Dagupan"

Some 1 million participants partook the world renowned Dagupan bangus, and celebrated in a grandest street party until the break of dawn during the Kalutan ed Dagupan-Bangus Sa Lansangan, the culminating event of the Bangus Festival 2006, on April 30, which marked another remarkable success to the annual festivity.

The revelry commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the grills led by Mayor Benjamin S. Lim, Vice-Mayor Alvin Fernandez, Bangus Festival 2006 Chairman Nick Aquino, Coun. Joey Tamayo and Coun. Vladimir Mata, together with some guests, which included US consuls James Greene and Machut Shishak, Zamboanga City delegation led by Mayor Celso Lobregat, Baby Arenas and daughter Rachel, and the Pinoy Big Brother celebrity edition housemates Aleck Bovick, Roxanne Barcelo and Gretchen Malalad.

?We are here today to celebrate our global feat as the titleholder of the Guinness World Record for longest barbecue,? Mayor Lim said during the opening ceremonies.

?But the truth is, that is just a remarkable accolade. The best thing that really happened to our city since we started our bangus Festival in 2002 is the realization that we can do anything ? if only we unite as one team to achieve a common purpose. That, we consider as incredible,? the mayor continued.

Lim said that though Dagupan City has only 140,000 population, the Kalutan last year posted some 500,000 participants. And it keeps on growing, and more exciting.

From grill one, Mayor Lim led dignitaries in walking all the way to the City Plaza, while lighting the first grill of the twelve clusters. Rendering street performance following the group of dignitaries were the Gilon!Gilon street dancing winners namely Barangays Mangin, Pogo Chico, and Tambac.

The street dancing was made even electrifying with the performance of the Dinagyang contingent, which went to and fro to the City Museum and concert stages along the downtown area.

The Dinagyang contingent performed its grand number at the City Plaza where the dignitaries and Zamboanga City delegation shared the tastiest Bangus with the Dagupan City officials, employees and guests.

After song numbers from the Pinoy Big Brother celebrity housemates, Mayor Lim, together with the guests, sang and danced to the beat of Pinoy Ako.? Spectators at the City Plaza were also serenaded by the String Quartet.

Outside the city plaza, individuals from all walks of life swarmed the 10 stages along city?s main avenue which featured popular artists and bands: Francis Magalona and Imago, stage 1; Pinoy Big Brother celebrity edition housemates hopped to stage 2 after performing at the City Plaza; Brownman Revival, Hemp Republic and Reggae Mistress, Stage 3; Moonstar 88, stage 5; Hale band, stage 6; Francyssjenn theater and arts group, stage 7; Sugar Free, Itchy Worm, Rock Steady and Smart Bro band, stage 8; Blackdyak, Rock Steady, Ethel Booba, Masculados, Maricar Fernandez, and Magic Bulilit (stage 9); Mayonnaise, stage 10.

A simultaneous display of colorful fireworks from three stations dazzled the crowd while in the midst of concert party.

During the opening ceremonies of Kalutan, the awardees for the search for Bangus festival Lucky Visitors were presented. The awardees included: Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Romero of Stratford, London, couple who came from the farthest place; Mr. and Mrs. Warlito Artienda of Palai St., Wipahu, Hawaii, longest staying guest in a hotel; Prepedigno Regencio of Polaneo, Zamboanga del Norte, most senior visitor; Rollie Legaspi with 12 family members, Makayuan Olongapo City, biggest family delegation; and Roxane Barcelo, youngest showbiz personality.

In recap, Bangus Festival 2006 was another exciting year of the annual festivity which featured thrilling events.

Bangus Festival 2006 officially kicked off on April 21 with the Bangus Fest Caravan participated in by over 400 vehicles and another 400 motorcycles which obtained a warm welcome from the residents of Mangaldan, San Fabian, Manaoag and San Jacinto.

Other activities of the Bangus Fest which were extended to the nearby municipalities were the Friendship Gaymes: Battle of the 3rd Kind and the search for Bangus Festival King and Queen.

The basketball teams of San Fabian emerged as champion in the Friendship Gaymes on April 28 followed by Mangaldan, Dagupan and Manaoag.

Stewart Saquing of Mt. Province and Stephanie Magdangal of Makati City romped off with the title of Bangus Festival King and Queen held on April 27. First runners up were Rhiyad Ampo of Baguio City and Jemima Sevilla of Las Pi?as followed by Adriane Sze of Manila and Grace Zamora of Baguio. (Sunshine D. Robles)