‘World class’ Fernandinos hailed

FERNANDINOS who excelled in different talent competitions abroad and brought pride to Pampanga’s capital city were hailed by the city government during a simple ceremony Tuesday, August 27, 2019.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod passed separate resolutions recognizing and commending Mark Jhoegie Catacutan, Rhythm and Dance Center, and Dauphin Punzalan, who all bagged several awards in different international competitions.

Catacutan, who hails from Barangay Maimpis in the City of San Fernando, was recognized after being the champion in the recently-concluded 23rd World Championship of Performing Arts held at Long Beach, California.

Aside from the championship award, Catacutan also bagged a semi-finalist medal, gold medals for Group production, Vocal Solo-Pop Category and Gospel Category, as well as for Vocal Solo-RNB/Soul Category.

The Rhythm and Dance Center, meanwhile, was hailed after its representatives to the Hong Kong Challenge Cup Dance Competition held at Chai Wan, Hong Kong on July 24 to 29 also raked various awards.

These include a gold award for Solo Jazz in the 9 years old to 16 years old Category, silver awards for Solo Jazz 16 years old to 19 years old Category, 10 years old to 13 years old Ballet Ensemble Category, and 16 years old to 19 years old Jazz Ensemble Category.

The group also took home several bronze awards such as in the 10 years old to 12 years old Ballet Solo Category, 7 years old to 9 nine years old Ballet Solo and Jazz Solo categories, 16 years old to 19 Jazz Solo and Ballet Solo categories, 10 years old to 13 years old Ballet Solo category.

Punzalan, an Outstanding Fernandino awardee in the field of Sports, for his part, bagged a gold medal in Taekwondo Poomsae (Forms) and bronze medal in Kyorugi (Sparring) during the 2019 World Police and Fire Games held in Chengdu, China.

“The city government of San Fernando recognizes Fernandinos who excel in their respective fields and extends meritorious commendation to citizens who continue to contribute in ensuring that arts and cultural dynamism is alive in the city,” the resolution sponsored by committee on tourism development chairman Councilor Harvey Quiwa noted.