Published in the Visayan Daily Star newspaper on September 6, 2017

The second pre-Minuluan Festival exhibit and trade fair opened yesterday at The District Ayala North Point in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, and will run until Sunday, a press release from the city said.

This is a prelude to the 3-day 18th Minuluan Festival that will start on Friday.

The opening ceremony was made livelier with an accompaniment of joyful rhythmic drumbeats by the Patik Minulu-an drumbeaters and the performances of the Minuluan dancers from Prestige Comprehensive School. City Administrator Jonathan Ealdama delivered the welcome remarks, the press release said.

This year’s event “is a celebration of our faith as Christians” and Mayor Neil Lizares, in his message, asked every Talisaynon “to unite and to continue to walk on the straight and righteous path and to demonstrate passion, integrity, and excellence in all our endeavours”.

He envisions the Minuluan Festival to be an important festival destination in the country, and next years’ launching of the “Minuluan Sugar Festival” will give birth to greater things and a new celebration that will serve as a reflection of the Talisaynons’ rich heritage and culture, the press release said.

Sangguniang Panlungsod members RJ Tuvilla and Gabriel Villacin attended the opening program yesterday, with the department heads headed by Ealdama and assistant city administrator Ismael Penado. The Department of Education family and barangay captains also came in full force.

An array of products are displayed in the exhibit, from the beautifully-crafted handicrafts for homes, unique, edgy and sassy accessories, sumptuous foods, a variety of plants, homemade soaps, rags, fresh vegetables and fruits and a lot more, the press release added.*

Mayor Neil and first lady Rowena Lopez Lizares cut the ribbon to officially open the exhibit and trade fair, witnessed by Councilor RJ Tuvilla, City Administrator Jonathan Ealdama, assistant city administrator Ismael Penado, Dr. Patiño and Councilor Gabriel Villacin*