In celebration of its history, cultural heritage, and cuisine, the City of General Trias in Cavite staged on Dec. 13 its 7th Valenciana Festival, a part of its 271st founding anniversary and 4th cityhood anniversary.
Mayor Antonio Ferrer and Congressman Luis “Jon Jon” Ferrer IV spearheaded the four-day event, starting with the giant Christmas Tree and lanterns lighting ceremony.
Barangay Sta. Clara reclaimed its Best Valenciana title in Valenciana dish cooking contest, beating defending champion Barangay Buenavista III (formerly Camaren) and 31 other towns.
Barangay Sta. Clara village chief Wally Satsatin received the P30,000 cash prize and the elegant glass plum. The town was the champion in 2016 and 2017.
Valenciana is a famous dish in the locality inherited from the Spaniards. According to oldfolk here, the dish is like paella without seafood, and instead made with chicken, pork loin, potatoes, carrots, and hotdogs.
Barangay Prinza, meanwhile, won the back-to-back crown in Giant Lantern competition with its parol made of recycled materials. The barangay took home P25,000. Barangay Sta. Clara won 2nd place, while previous 1st runner-up Tapia Village took home the 3rd place, bagging P15,000 and P10,000, respectively.
Centennial Academy of Blessed Trinity won this year’s annual Valenciana Festival Street Dance competition, one of the highlights of the festivities. The contingent took home P50,000 cash prize after garnering 96.25 points.
Governor Ferrer Memorial National High notched the second spot in the street dance contest, taking home P30,000, while Luis Y. Ferrer Sr. Senior High School placed third and bagged P20,000. Seven non-winning teams each received P10,000 consolation prize.
Prior to the festival, Rachel Shanie Juson, third year BS Psychology student from Cavite State University took home the crown in Binibining GenTri 2019. Juson bested 32 other beautiful candidates.
Coinciding with festivities, Cong. Jon Jon celebrated his birthday on Dec. 12 with 489 persons with disabilities at General Trias Cultural and Convention Center in Barangay Sampalukan.
The Ferrer brothers, Mayor Ony and Cong. Jon Jon led the inauguration and blessing of the P63-million New City of General Trias Medicare Hospital in Barangay Pinagtipunan.
The LGU also turned over three new Toyota Vios patrol cars and one Toyota Hilux to the local PNP, while the Local Disaster department also received one brand new Toyota pick up truck.