Pintados de Pasi 2005
City of Passi celebrates 7th Foundation Anniversary

In celebration of the seventh foundation anniversary of the City of Passi, a weeklong activities, commencing on March 13, was launched by the city government led by Mayor Elyzer Chavez and the Passinhon 2000, Inc.

Dubbed as PINTADOS DE PASI 2005 the activities aim to highlight the success as well as the cultural diversity of the young yet booming city in the province of Iloilo.

Sinadya sa Suba is one event more exciting and exhilarating than any others. The activity for the day scheduled for March 18, 2005 , is one that can be enjoyed by the adventurous in spirit: Balsa Parada , Laro ng Lahi and Baroto Race. The Jalaur River, the venue of these adventurous games, offers a perfect setting for photo freaks and for visitors to associate with the friendly Passi folk while cheering for these adrenaline pumping water activities.   

The Grand Coronation of Binibining Pintados ushers in the evening of March 18 with sophisticated images of Passi City 's nine equally lovely and talented ladies, noted for their warmth and grace like sunshine and an appeal comparable to starlight, in a celebration fit for queens.

Karosa Parada and Carabao Painting Contest is an experience that surely will be unforgettable. It's admirable to see how patient painters can be in coming up with their work using the bodies of the carabaos as their canvass. Surprisingly, you will also get to see how these artists tame these “beasts of burden” obediently following and patiently waiting until their masters finished their business. The event is set for March 19 together with Pinta Lawas contest.   

Dance is everywhere in Passi City on March 20. It is the time when painted people of the city, in controlled steps, arched their backs, moving slowly across the stage as warriors in tribes compete in one of the most anticipated festivals in the province, the Pintados Tribe Competition . Their head movements in staccato, with facial expressions, they wear elaborate headdresses and their body movements are more varied. Dances are mostly accompanied by the traditional orchestra of drums, gongs and other indigenous instruments.

Don't let first impressions lead you to think Passi City as just another booming city in this part of the country. Although it may no longer be the picturesque city so vividly documented by most writers, Passi City is yet a unique community, where the flavor, spirituality and gentle manners peacefully coexist. (Bombette G. Marin)