Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto led the opening of Ala Eh! Festival on Dec. 1 in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, part of the province’s 434th Founding Anniversary.
The week-long celebration started with a fun run followed by a Eucharistic Celebration, opening of a trade fair, agri fair, photo contest and exhibit, lantern parade, street party and music festival plus a Globe night.
A drum and lyre competition took place on Dec. 2 and on Dec. 3; there was an LGU (Local Government Unit) night. On Dec. 4, the TM Astig Bingo was held and on the following day, Dec. 5, by the grand coronation night of the Mutya ng Batangas.
A downhill competition will be held today.
The grand celebration will also witness the VSR (Voices, Songs & Rhythms) grand finals with contestants coming from all over the province. Guest singers and performers provide additional entertainment to the contest.
Capping the weeklong festival on Dec. 8 will be a Eucharistic Celebration, festival dance competition and awarding and closing ceremonies.
This year’s Ala Eh! Festival is especially memorable as it is Santos-Recto’s last activity as governor. Supporting her in the endeavor is Sto. Tomas Mayor Edna Sanchez.
Santos-Recto’s arch political rival, the late Governor Sanchez, is from Sto. Tomas.
“Ngayon ay magkabalikat kami ni Mayora Sanchez sa Foundation Day ng province. Pagpapakita lamang na sa serbisyo ay walang pulitika. At sobrang pasasalamat ko kay Mayora Edna Sanchez at mga taga-Santo Tomas sa pagtanggap at pagsasama-sama namin sa Batangas Foundation Day. My last Foundation Day as Governor ng Batangas,” said Gov. Vilma.
The governor-cum-Star for All Seasons invited everyone, saying, “Mamiyesta na dine sa Batangas!!! All here. So near!”