CASE # 015: La Union Weekend Part 5

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The word Sillag came from the Ilocano word sellag which means moonbeam or liwanag ng buwan. This symbolizes the importance of moonbeam or light in the lives of the people of San Fernando. Being a city located near the sea, I presume that the light of a full moon and its gravitational pull is what most of their sea farers, fisher folks, and those people living by the shoreline rely on their livelihoods. Well, this is just a theory that would need to be proven by further studies.


The Poro Point Economic Freeport Zone



The Poro Point Freeport Zone is formerly known as the US Wallace Air Station. One of the military bases built and operated by the United States in the Philippines. In 1992, when Republic Act 7227 (Bases Conversion and Development Act) was reenacted, the operation of the base was turned over to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). The goal is to develop the place as an economic hub.


In 1993, the base was renamed as John Hay Poro Point Development Corporation which was run by the subsidiary of BCDA. It was the same corporation the runs Camp John Hay in Baguio City. In 2002, the Poro Point Management Corporation (PMPC) was established and became the main steward of the also renamed Poro Point Freeport Zone.


Poro Point Freeport Zone is the home of Thunderbird Resort and Casino, the San Fernando International Seaport, and the San Fernando Airport. PMPC also built the Poro Point Baywalk and Event Center which features amenities, such as events center, ampitheater, ecopark, and playground. The 1.3-km promenade by the bay also has a commercial strip.




Sillag Festival of Lights


The Sillag Festival of Light is a city festival first launched in 2012 with the aim to celebrate not only the founding of the Poro Freeport Zone but also the city’s remarkable culture. It’s main focal point is the Poro Point Lighthouse which symbolizes the light that shines to the whole of San Fernando. Metaphorically, light means hope in a middle of a dark, cold night especially in the middle of the vast ocean.




The three-day festival was filled with different activities such as performances from local artists (6cyclemind performed on Sunday night), marching bands, silent drill by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, air shows, fire shows, LED performances, and of course, the much awaited pyromusical show. It was held at the Poro Point Baywalk and Events Center with food stalls, bazaars, and booths that provide a wide array of products, delicacies, and services that La Union was famous for.






There were even street dancing competition, booth competition, and float competitions as ten illuminated floats paraded around the city promoting San Fernando’s culture and craftsmanship.







Let the Fireworks Begin



To be honest, I am not expecting much from the pyromusical shows. I have seen pyromusical competitions held in SM Mall of Asia almost every year, so my standards were quite high. Those competitions even have paid admissions. Ito libre. Sponsored pa by the local government who have the tendency to you know... magtipid!


But the emcees of the program kept on boasting of a world-class pyromusical show. May pa-firebird pa nga raw. Not one but two! I asked Cuz kung ano iyong firebird. She only said na maganda iyon and that I should wait until it comes out.


Minutes later, police officers and city marshalls were already waving us off from a plant box we were sitting on near the baywalk area. Doon pala kasi nakapwesto ang mga fireworks at baka raw kami maputukan.


The lights were dimmed. Soon, The Greatest Showman’s soundtrack started playing on the background. Then the sky suddenly lit up and burst into the flames.




Sa totoo lang, I always become teary-eyed kapag may magandang fireworks. I don’t know but there is something emotional when I see the skies lit up. Para bang ang magical ng dating. And I knew their fireworks were awesome because I could feel my eyes welling up.


Bakit ba naman hindi? I was standing underneath the magical spectacle of lights. The synchronization of the music with the bursting of the fireworks were awesome. At panalo ang firebirds! Out of nowhere, two giant LED lighted birds flew out.


They soared in the night sky like an illuminated eagle dancing with fireworks. Then it exploded and became two phoenixes shining brighter than all the fireworks combined. Super ganda! They flew there for around three minutes until the fire burned out. Magical talaga!

Binabawi ko na ang pagiging judgmental ko nung umpisa. Ginastusan talaga ni Mayor ang pa-fireworks! Pangmayaman!


to be continued...

PS. Video of the fireworks will be uploaded soon.
References:
  • https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=8077
  • http://poropointfreeport.gov.ph/history.html
  • http://www.bcda.gov.ph/projects/poro-point-freeport-zone
  • http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/travel/649396/la-union-sillag-festival-a-fiery-celebration-of-light/story/
  • http://www.bcda.gov.ph/la-union-celebrates-7th-sillag-poro-point-festival-lights
  • http://www.iro.ph/article_doc/23a52816_EconomyPH%20December%202016%20Newsletter.pdf


Photos by:
  • Allen Jay Manalili
  • Roseann Magcawas



A writer, blogger, teacher and dreamer. I enjoy learning new things and loves people watching.

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