SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan—San Joseños gathered in different venues in the City of San Jose del Monte (CSJDM), Bulacan from September 3 to 10 to witness the second Tanglawan Festival.
From the word “ilaw”, the Tanglawan Festival symbolizes the light that will guide the San Joseños to a more sustainable city. Tanglawan Festival boasted not only the city’s colorful culture and tradition, but also the exceptional traits of its locals. Said festival was offered to St. Joseph the Worker, the light who guides the San Joseños.
“Sa atin pong mga taga-lungsod, sa ating pamilyang San Joseño, ito na po tayo sa ating pangalawang pagkakataon na ipagdiwang ang ating Tanglawan Festival. Ito po ay binuksan natin sa ngalan ng ating Mahal na San Jose Manggagawa at iyan po ay magbibigay tanglaw sa ating lungsod. Mabuhay po tayong pamilyang San Joseño,” said Rep. Florida “Rida” P. Robes.
A God-fearing realm
Tanglawan Festival kicked off with a Misa ng Pasasalamat celebrated by Rev. Fr. Arvin Ray C. Jimenez. Attended by all the government officials and workers of the local government unit of CSJDM, the homily of thanksgiving mass centered on its transition from a simple municipality to a rising city.
The thanksgiving Mass was followed by a ribbon cutting of the Marian Exhibit to show the devotion of San Joseños to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Marian Exhibit showcased different images of the Virgin Mary to inspire San Joseño devotees.
Sayawan sa Tanglawan was held to show several traits of St. Joseph the Worker. Said event was participated in by 26 schools and barangays of the city. A parade of floats featuring St. Joseph using recycled materials, as well as the city’s natural bounties followed the event.
“Tanglawan is part of the celebration of our cityhood anniversary and on top of that, we want to uncover our commitment to the Lord Almighty,” said Mayor Arturo B. Robes.
People-engaging activities
The city government recognized its employees who showed exceptional loyalty and performance in work.
Dubbed as “Gawad Katapatan”, the city government had 78 recipients of loyalty service awards, three nominees for Civil Service Commission Honor Awards, and six retirees. This event was also part of the 117th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, with the theme “Tugon sa Hamon ng Pagbabago: Malasakit ng Lingkod Bayani”.
“There’s a need for an appropriate response to the challenge that comes before us, and the challenge comes to be caring public servants. Malasakit and pagpapakasakit in our own words,” said city administrator Dennis M. Booth, Ph.D.
Tanglawan Festival likewise showcased livelihood trainings, cooking demonstrations, and trade fairs to provide San Joseños alternative sources of income and among which were Marketo Trade Fair, Magsasaka Aming Pag-asa, and candy and pastry making.
Attempt to break a world record
The city will also attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the Largest Lantern Parade, which was set by Singapore and was achieved by 10,568 participants.
“Every day, from morning to evening, we prepared programs for the San Joseños. Our main highlight was our attempt to break the Guinness record for the world’s largest lantern parade set by Singapore. We will try to beat it with approximately 21,000 people on September 8,” said mayor Robes.