The Pasalamat Festival, Pagadian City’s colorful annual event culminates in an exciting street dancing showdown which was contested by various Barangays and Secondary schools in the city on January 18, 2009.

Topping this year’s theme, “Kalinaw… Pinaagi sa Pagsinabtanay, Panaghiusa ug Kaangayan sa Katawhan” (Peace…Through Understanding, Unity and Equality among the People”) was indeed a great upshot to suit the festival’s blazing image. The much anticipated street dancing showdown captures the highlight of the most colorful and vibrant part of the festival.

Last sunday, the surge for Cebu’s most awaited celebration was on peak and for the same reason the City of Pagadian was also on thrill for the main event of the year. Despite the heat of a 1 o’clock sunny afternoon, people were starting to fill the main streets of the city. Different contingents from distinct Barangays and Secondary schools floored their amusing costumes and awed the onlookers.

The participating Barangays were Brgy. Napolan, Brgy. Balangasan, Brgy. San Pedro, Brgy. Tuburan, Brgy. San Jose, Brgy. Sto. Niño, Brgy. Dao, Brgy. Balintawak, Brgy. Santiago, Brgy. Tiguma, Brgy. Bulatok, Brgy. Sta. Maria, Brgy. Sta. Lucia, Brgy. Dumagoc and Brgy. Lumbia. While for the secondary schools there were only 5 namely: Zamboanga del Sur National High School – Main Campus, Zamboanga del Sur National High School – Sta. Lucia Annex, Pagadian City National High School, Pagadian City Comprehensive National High School and Zamboanga del Sur National High School – San Pedro.

The dancers danced their soul and were finally judged at the City Gymnasium. There was a separate pricing for winners.

For the Barangay Category: 1st prize – Php 20,000 and a project worth of Php 200, 000; 2nd prize – Php 15, 000 and a project worth of Php 150, 000 and lastly 3rd prize – Php 10,000 and a Php 100, 000 worth of projects.

For the Secondary category: 1st prize – Php 30, 000; 2nd prize – Php 20, 000 and 3rd prize Php 10, 000.

Both non-winners of different categories have their consolation prizes sponsored by the Local Government.

And the winners are …

For the Barangay category:

• 1st – Barangay Napolan
• 2nd – Barangay San Pedro
• 3rd – Barangay Bulatok

For the Secondary School category:

• 1st – Zamboanga del Sur National High School – Main Campus
• 2nd – Zamboanga del Sur National High School – Sta. Lucia Annex
• 3rd – Pagadian City National High School

Usually the Pasalamat Festival is a 10-day gaiety that crowns the Feast of Sto.Niño. The Feast of Sto. Niño is celebrated on the third Sunday of January every year among Catholics but gained its popularity that most people celebrated with it.

From its liberation of being a Sinulog-based festival, Pasalamat Festival is again unfolding another chapter of its long line tradition this year; from its ubiquitous beginnings to its now-profound flair. It truly signifies the transformation of a city once covered by obscurity and gloom. Now shines!

Indeed, it was a successful celebration for the city and was a great leap for Mayor Co. “And for next year’s Pasalamat Festival activities, Our Street Dance Competition will be open not only for groups from Pagadian but we will also invite participants from other cities to join,” Mayor Co stated. (Article and photos by Jboy Ababon)

Despite the heavy pouring rain, the City Gymnasium was jam-pack during the Coronation night of Miss Pagadian 2008 on June 19, 2008. The evening sizzles with exciting surprises!

Highlights of the Event

Miss Pagadian 2008 candidates in their sexy swimsuit attire.

Miss Pagadian 2008 candidates in their stunning evening gown.

And the winners are… (drum roll please)

Miss Pagadian 2008 (center): Dannah Crestine Arnejo
First runner up (right): Maggi Benazir Bonsubre
Second runner up (left): Crystyl Fate Casinillo

Together with the guest of honors (l-r), Ilang-Ilang Fernandez Co, Mayor Samuel S. Co, Hon. Antonio Cerilles and Ethel Booba.

Congratulations to the winners. Good job, ladies! Make Pagadian proud of you. See you again next year!

In celebration of Araw ng Pagadian 2008, MyPagadian joins by holding a special voting contest for Ms. Pagadian City 2008. If you have voted for the correct candidate who will be crowned Ms. Pagadian 2008, you will have the chance to win some prizes.

Joining is easy. Here’s how you can join. Register an account in myPagadian community forum . Pagadianons or non-Pagadianons are welcome to join as long as you registered in the forum. Make at least 10 posts and vote for your candidate in the polls. Only one (1) vote per registered user is allowed. Winners will be notified through PM in the forum.

Prizes in store are:

• 1 winner of Php 500
• 2 winners of Php 100 worth of call cards of choice

Deadline of voting will be on June 18, 2008 11:59PM. All correct votes will be electronically raffled after the coronation night on June 19, 2008. The winners will be announced online on the following day.

Only registered users of MyPagadian community forum will have the chance to win the prizes. Call cards are not convertible to cash. Php 500 will be sent through Western Union if the winner is not around Pagadian City.

So, what are you waiting for? Apil na! Register now .