IT IS not just an ordinary fiesta. It is a gathering of 21 participating groups. It is the Fifth International Rondalla Festival, the Cuerdas sang Paghiliusa (Strings of Unity). Silay City will host it from November 3 to 11, 2018.
So far, 10 countries have confirmed their participation: Quatour Eclisses of France; Maluica Chopra and Muthu Kumar of India; Eishan Trio of Iran; Ensemble Naya of Israel; Russian Renaissance of Russia; Dalmoon of South Korea; Fu-shing Chinese Orchestra of Taiwan; The Spring Band of Vietnam; and the Hop to Hop Africa of Uganda.
From the Philippines, we have 11 best participants: Cainta Rondalla Ensemble (Rizal); Cayetano Arellano High School Rondalla (Metro Manila); City of Bogo Science and Arts Academy (Cebu);
Dipolog Community Rondalla (Dipolog); Enverga University Candelaria Rondalla (Quezon); Handurawan (Metro Manila); Mauban Community Rondalla (Quezon); Padayun Rondalla (UP Diliman); Sariaya Community Rondalla (Quezon); Siliman University Orchestra sin Arco (Dumaguete); and the pride of Silay, Kabataang Silay Rondalla Ensemble (Negros Occidental).
To date, the Natalio G. Velez Sports and Cultural Center is being made beautiful based on the standards of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It will be provided a media room to accommodate local and international correspondents who will feed all media outlets the latest happening in Silay as the main concert venue and also pocket events in the outreach areas that include towns, cities, schools, hospitals and orphanages in Negros Occidental.
There will be a separate venue where foreign and local visitors can buy the best products of Silay. Two food festivals are being proposed to be sponsored by the Silay City Government at Balay Negrense grounds. Mayor Mark Golez made mention of “Kaon Ta Food Festival” and “Adobo Festival.” They will be held on separate days on the festival week.
Silay Exhibit will be held also at the newly restored Puericulture Center (a Gabaldon Building). It will feature cultural-heritage displays anchored on Silay history - the “haciendas,” Cinco de Noviembre Revolutions, arts and culture, the legend of Kansilay, the magic of music, the food of the Silaynons, and the “Asenso Silay” program.
Other interesting events are Silay Night, the guided tours, conferences on rondalla and music, the street party, “parada independencia” and many more. Audience participation in all concerts (for free) will be facilitated by Department of Education (DepEd)-Silay under Dr. Roselyn Javier Palcat and Barangay League under Honorable Henry Belleza.
Come and feast with the Silaynons on November 3 to 11, 2018.