The 15th Balayong Festival and the 147th founding anniversary of Puerto Princesa City were celebrated with a floral parade remembering the Palawan Cherry Blossoms that was participated by different groups from LGU’s to private sector.
The parade showcased the creativity of the participants. The streets were closed to make way for the colorful outfits and marching bands that highlighted the creativity of Palawenos.
The civic parade started at Junction One led by the Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron and ended at the City Baywalk where the program continued with the announcement of the winners and the most awaited pyro-musical display by Dragon Fireworks.
Mayer Tranq Bacaltos, 1st year from Western Philippines University, said that he is very excited and was looking forward to the activities that the PPC- Government prepared in store for the people as it was also his first time to have participated in this kind of event.
“As a 1st year student po, 1st time ko po ma-experience ito and inaasaahang ko po na maganda ang magiging outcome ng Balayong 2019. Nagkaroon kami ng short orientation sa school to prepare for this parade which is dapat fully energized and participated ang mga student to represent our school properly,” he told PDN.
Brgy Sicsican bagged the Best in Escort and Muse as they showcased a folk costume expressing the essence of Balayong Festival.
Best Balayong Attire was awarded to Jesus Divine Son Academy from Brgy. Langogan that stunned the crowd with their overall costume made from recycled materials. The 1st placer was Sta Monica Elemtary school and 2nd Placer was Sta Monica High School.
The week-long festival has various cultural events, sports, talent showcase activities, and culminated in the crowning of Ms. Puerto Princesa, Binibining Sexsi and Mr. and Ms. Peackeeper.
Balayong Festival commemorates the founding anniversary of the city which traces its roots when Spanish colonizers scanned the province to look for a place where a capital could be established to revive the Palawan Cherry’s forlorn splendor.