CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The 18th Sinukwan Festival is celebrating the resiliency of Kapampangans who bounced back from major devastations brought about by the eruptions of Mount Pinatubo in 1991.
Themed #Pinatubo@25 "Pangakabus ning Kapampangan... Pagmasusian at Pasalamatan!", the festival remembers its foundation after the Kapampangans survived the ravages of lahar that almost cleared from the Philippine map.
"It's all about the indomitable spirits of the Kapampangans, how we endured the tragedy and after 25 years, the Kapampangan race is still as lively," said Sinukwan Festival 2015 Hermano Mayor Jose Irwin Nucum.
This year's festival highlight was the Concierto Pinatubo which was heldrecently. The two-hour production showcased the sad experiences Kapampangan during the tragedy.
Nucum said that the Mount Pinatubo eruption experience is harder that the Japanese colonization experience.
"Noong panahon ng Hapon, kung may pera ka, may mabibili ka. Pero noong natabunan tayo ng lahar, kahit may pera ka, wala kang mabibili kasi lahat baon sa lahar," Nucum said.
“The big thing is our faith in God which guided each one of us in that unfortunate journey,” he added.
Aside from the production show, the festival will also feature a food and craft fair, Pinatubo @ 25 photo exhibit, Prinsesita Ning Sinukwan, Sinukwan Heritage Race, Lakan at Lambini Ning Sinukwan, Gayak at Piblas Fashion Show, Kapampangan Dance Workshop and Kapampangan Hip-Hop Competition and the grand parade and street dance competition.
The celebration was formally launched on November 21 and will end on November 28. The events will be held at the Robinsons Starmills and Robinsons Angeles.
The 18th Sinukwan Festival is in consonance with the 25th commemoration of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption on June 2016, said Nucum.
Officials of the Foundation for Lingap Kapampangan Inc. including Rolando Rodriguez, Babes Lazatin, Angelo David and Tess Laus; and Pampanga Third District Representative Oscar Rodriguez graced the launching of the festival.