PURR
A cultural experience: Cultural Heritage Month Opening
Mita Rufino, Vice Mayor Jed Mabilog and
Bambi Harper.
In an effort to raise more awareness to Iloilo's rich cultural heritage, the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage and Conservation Council (ICCHCC) organized a celebration of the Heritage Month last May 23, 2008.
The opening program entitled "The Epics of Panay" took place at the Robinsons Place Iloilo and featured an exhibit of traditioonal gowns and photos of Iloilo's famous individuals and events decades ago.
Dr. Kristin Treñas, chairperson of ICCHCC, said that while we are diverse as a people, we still found something in common. This way, we can forward.
Vice Mayor Jed Mabilog cited Dr. Jose Rizal's quote, "For us to reach our destination, we should know where we came from." Thus, the celebration was an important activity for by knowing about the past, Ilonggos can prepare for the future, he added.
Harbor Town's Robert Ferrer, Desiree Bretaña,
Vice Mayor Jed Mabilog with Jimmy Eingkee of
the Cantonese Club, one of the year's recipients
of a heritage citation
Bambi Harper, FHFI director, who came from Manila to grace the event, said that the Heritage Mont is a time to celebrate instead of thinking of how oppressed we are. "We have a beautiful country and its success is dependent on us," she said. Let us thank God for the blessings, she concluded.
In the afternoon, Dr. Alice Maglos, professor of the University of the Philippines gave a lecutre on Panay Epics. Entitled "Alayaw, A Love Story from Central Panay," it was held at La Isabelita, Jaro Cathedral compound.
In the evening was the Dagyaw Panay Bukidnon, the closing ceremonies at the Jaro Auditorium.