A lively and exciting week-long celebration in honor of the late President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos is set to take place in his home province of Ilocos Norte on September 10-14, 2014 on the occasion of his 97th birth anniversary.
The celebration will kick off with the Ferdinand Edralin Marcos (FEM) Debate Cup showcasing the speech and debate talents among the young Ilocanos.
The event is a tribute to President Marcos—who was known to be one of the greatest debaters in his time—for inspiring Ilocanos, especially the young to let their voices be heard in order to achieve communal goals. He was fondly called Apo Ferdie and Apo Makoy.
The highlight of the week-long celebration will be on September 11 with ‘Da Real Makoy Concert’ at the Imelda Marcos Cultural Center in Batac City.
The free outdoor concert will present the famous alternative rock band Rocksteddy.
Last year, Da Real Makoy Concert recalled memories on the life and exploits of the late president with a theatrical performance and choreographed dances by students from the different schools of Ilocos Norte.
It was followed by a back-to-back live performance of the award-winning rock band Spongecola and comedy acts by Banana Split artist Pooh.
With the keen involvement of the Sirib Express, more youth are expected to join the celebration as Marcos Fiesta becomes one of the biggest festivities in the province.
Aside from the Debate Cup, a Literary and Art Competition will be held to discover Ilocano young talents in the field of singing (both individual and group), creative story-telling and academics.
Acclaimed musician and composer Ryan Cayabyab will also conduct a Songwriting Workshop at the La Tabacalera loft, Laoag City on September 12, 2014.
The organizing committee has also prepared a new activity this year which aims to increase awareness of certain national issues. Dubbed as ‘Sirib Wrap-It-Up Challenge,’ youth participants will be given red, white, and blue-colored clothes which they will use to wrap things of their choice in their respective municipalities.
A two-day free Marcos Trail Tour will also be offered to various elementary pupils. The trail will include the Batac Museum, Malacanang of the North and Sarrat Heritage Walk which was inaugurated last Marcos Fiesta.
Other activities will include Job Fair at the Robinsons Ilocos Mall, Ferdinand Marcos Cup 2014, Apo’s Favorite Dinengdeng Cook-off and Parokya ni Edgar Concert at the Laoag Centennial Arena.
Now on its third year, Marcos Fiesta is expected to be participated by more than 4,000 Ilocanos and visitors including Marcos loyalists from the different parts of the country.—Jennifer T. Pambid, PGIN-CMO
