Laiminh S. Mabulay, WARAYA member
contributor
After the whirlwind of activities that came with the First Charter Day Celebration, it was deemed best that the City Fiesta that will follow should be more modest to emphasize the need to reflect on the changes, trials and successes that this new city has been through.
With this, the theme of the 2008 Catbalogan City Fiesta was formed: "Pasalamat . . . Pagsalin-urog . . . Pagkaurusa . . . Celebrating Amidst Changes and Challenges." A mass on the first day fittingly started the month long fiesta celebrations on a solemn note.
This, however, did not take the fun away from the festivities. The Manaragat Festival on August 23, which is the main highlight, summed up the essence of the entire fiesta celebration. Fourteen festivals, representing fourteen schools under the Catbalogan City Division performed interpretative street dances depicting the world of the Manaragat (fisherman), which is the common livelihood in Catbalogan then and now.
That the competitive aspect of the Manaragat Festival was taken and was meant instead to be a friendly showdown added even more meaning to the Fiesta. Not only did the festival put color to the whole occasion, it also underscored the schools' important contribution in enriching the city's culture and arts scene.
This has put more significance to the Pasidungog Night on August 30. It was an occasion for the newly established Catbalogan City Division to give recognition to the schools under its supervision for their hard work and dedication.
While most of the activities throughout the month had been organized by the Hermanos, the Yulo Brothers, the City Government took the effort to include various segments of Catbalogan society in the few activities that it sponsored.
Local businessmen were given the opportunity to showcase their products during the Agri-Industrial Fair on August 15. A Bingo Socials was organized in cooperation with the Mater Dei Group on August 16. The night of August 22 was for the rockers and party goers when the bands showed their stuff during the San Miguel Night. Toddlers also had their part during the Bulilits' Night on August 22. It was the turn of the barangays to party on August 23. The military showed that men in uniform also know how to appreciate good music during the Military Night last August 29.
Finally, the fiesta month closed with the Employees' Night on August 31. The scene of city employees dancing the night away to the lively beat of disco music was to be the final memory of the month long fiesta celebration.
With these activities, this year's fiesta celebration proved to be the perfect blend of reflection, thanksgiving and coming together in unity amidst the changes and challenges.