HAPPY Birthday Magandang Baguio on your sweet Natal Day today! It is time once again, for the cosmopolitan residents of this highland paradise – “the highlanders, the lowlanders and the members of the foreign communities here” to celebrate the special occasion with hope and prayers for a more progressive and prosperous city, built on peace and solidarity, respect for human rights and the provisions of the Philippine Constitution, the guiding principle of our democratic way of life.
Happy birthday to one and all! Let us enjoy what is in store for us for the whole month of the celebration.
Early yesterday morning, City Councilor Elmer Datuin, chairman of the City Council Tourism Committee, and your truly were guests of Naimbag nga Morning Kapamilya an ABS-CBN program.
Councilor Datuin spoke about the 2018 City Charter Day month-long celebration which is ushered in this morning with a program to be held at the Cordillera University gym, the parade that follows and the series of activities spread out through September.
The series of community-based undertakings include medical missions, clean up and beautification activities in the barangays and school compounds, a number of sports events accentuated by the observance of the Victory Day in the city on September 3, 1945 when the surrender terms of the Japanese Imperial Army in the Philippines ended formally World War II hostilities between Japan and the PHL. The surrender ceremonies was held at the US Ambassador’s Summer House at Camp John Hay.
On behalf of Japan, Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita, Supreme Commander of the Japanese Imperial Forces in the country signed the historic surrender documents before the presence of US Fen. Jonathan Wainright, Overall Commander of the Allied Forces in the Far East Command.
I was about 13 years old Baguio-born teener when that chapter of Philippine history was written with sweat and blood by Filipino and American soldiers who gave their lives that we may now enjoy their supreme sacrifices.
Without too much ado, the ABS-CBN MMK host asked about the mechanics of the Baguio Charter Day Babies sked, a very special humanitarian offering in our Baguio Day celebration.
Like in previous years, the search for the lucky baby boy and baby girl will start midnight of August 31, at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, free ward section following established tradition, a search staff from the city Social Welfare and Development Office headed by Betty Fangasan had been earlier assigned to do the task.
The celebrity babies will be visited by the guest host committee on September 2, at 9 a.m. at the hospital. A welcome gift package will be presented to the mother and child of both families. The “mabuhay kayo” gift items includes a cash “pasalubong” from the Baguio Charter Day Committee through the City’s Special Event Committee headed by City Administrator Carlos Canilao, baby clothes and blankets, assorted fruits, assorted canned goods, soft drinks and cookies and a cavan of rice for each family.
The welcome endeavour is hosted by the Baguio Elderly Assembly (BEA) namely the BARP Foundation, FBASECA, PGRA, Baguio Chapter; USAFIP NL the VFP Baguio District and the National Correspondents Club of Baguio (NCCB). Mrs. Fangasan and yours truly will lead the gift givers at the hospital rites.
Modesty aside, I initiated the baby honor activity and the Filipino-Japanese Friendship Day Celebration in the city when I was the Executive Officer of the Baguio Centennial Commission, then chaired by Architect Judy Alabanza and later on by educator Virgilio Bautista of the University of Baguio.
By the way, the Shrine of the Brown Madonna at Km, 7, Asin Road will be celebrating its 32nd year anniversary on October 4, next month. The shrine was inaugurated October 4, in 1986 as a symbol of our unblemished love for the Holy Trinity, in our quest for unity and solidarity among all Pilipinos.
Unfortunately, we are not as yet reconciled completely as a people and as a nation. When will we achieve our dreams to become reality is still a big puzzle. A concelebrated Holy Mass will be offered at the Shrine when the day comes to the fore. Our project committee is presently preparing a little “pinikpikan” fellowship social after the Holy Eucharist.
This early, we are reminding devotees of Mama Mary from the nearby Barangays of Benguet, La Union and Baguio City to join us celebrate the forthcoming religious-spiritual event. Of course, the general public is warmly invited to join us, come October 4.
The development of the place of worship was initiated by the National Correspondents Club of Baguio and approved by the Roman Catholic Church Diocese, the local Municipal Government of Tuba, Benguet, the Campo Filipino St. Vincent Parish Church authorities and the residents Sitio Pacac and officials of the area.