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PISTA SA MAYNILA: ANOTHER BIG HIT

The officers of Damayan-Buluseño, Inc. and the Buluseños who attended the Pista sa Maynila celebration last July 11 all agree it was a big success.  This yearly affair in honor of Bulusan’s patron saint, St. James the Greater, was held at the Knights of Columbus Clubhouse, Intramuros, Manila.

                As usual, the activities kicked off with a holy mass at 2:00 P.M. with two Buluseño priests close to DBI as celebrants – Rev. Fr. Domingo A. France and Rev. Fr. Rex F. Fortes.

                For more than a year, Fr. France celebrated the DBI’s monthly mass when he was chaplain at the San Juan de Dios hospital where he was then under medical treatment.  Fr. Fortes used to be an altar boy during the Manila Cathedral masses of the association when he was still a kid together with his elder brother.

                The program that followed was opened with the very touching invocation by Ms. Luz Z. Gamba, 1^st vice-president of DBI which was made even more touching with the solemn singing by the choir of the spiritual song, Come Holy Spirit in the background.

                Mr. Melchor A. Hasta led the singing of the national anthem while Mr. Andy D. Espedido led the singing of the association’s official hymn, the Himno ng Damayan-Buluseño. 

                Engr. Pablito R. Freo, the 2^nd vice-president, delivered the welcome address .  This was followed by a song from Ms. Marissa D. Frando, a scholar of the Damayan-Buluseño Foundation, Inc.

                Two important personalities gave their messages: retired Maj. Gen. Cesar F. Fortuno and former DILG Secretary Jose D. Lina, the Guest of Honor & Speaker.

                Two native dances were likewise presented by the Pasigyaw, the dance troupe of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig whose attendance was made possible by Mrs. Marichu F. Arellano, a dance directress at the said university.

                The musical number that drew excitement and applause from the audience was the Bicol medley rendered by the Damayan-Buluseño Choir led by Mr. Andy D. Espedido.

                Other features of the program were the awarding of plaques of recognition to the two sponsors of the scholars of the association who have just graduated from college.

                In his closing remarks, Mr. Fuentes expressed his gratitude to all those who attended the celebration most particularly those who gave their share of involvement that made the occasion another big hit for the Damayan-Buluseño, Inc.

Vol. XVI No.3 (May - July 2004)

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