MAYOR GO JAMS WITH BROTHERS FROM ZAMBOANGA

A seven-part welcome party for the Region IX Palarong Pambansa delegates last April 9 served as a form of socialization between Gerona and Zamboanga Peninsula.

Mayor Dennis Norman T. Go greeted the delegates in Ilocano, Bisayan, Chavacano, Filipino and English to show how he warmly welcomes them.

“Buenas Noches!”  the guests roared back. It was the Chavacano translation of “good evening.”

While Dr. Himaya C. Bumagat, PSDS Gerona North District, and Dr. Rosalinda S. Luna, Schools Division Superintendent of Pampanga, in their welcome addresses, zeroed in on the values of sportsmanship, camaraderie, friendly competition, and healthy living, Mayor Go’s welcome address talked about the more important and universal theme of cultural unity.

He related how ordinary Gerona folks had a change of attitude towards their brothers from Mindanao after having the latter as guests in their town.
           
“Our market vendors and tricycle drivers were afraid of having guests from Mindanao because they thought that Zamboanga was a vague place. But having you here, in just few days, removed all the worries,” the mayor said.

“What I want to tell you tonight, brothers, is the special learning that we received and will receive as the event goes on. You will learn from us, and we will learn much from you. Watching you on TV and reading about you is totally different than meeting you in person,” he added.

After the warm welcome were a series of presentations during which Mayor Go humbly left the head table to mingle with the young delegates.

The program went this way: Holy Mass, Dinner Break, Opening Prayer, Singing of the National Anthem, Presentation of Delegates by Event, Welcome Address, Acceptance Speech or Response, and finally the Dance Party.

Among the 17 presenters, Team Sepak Takraw, Team Gymnastics and Team Basketball gave the most powerful and funniest presentation, causing the members of the head table and the crowd lean forward to cheer.

The bicycles of Sepak Takraw, the bendings-and-tumblings of the gymnastics, and the sing-and-dance interpretation of the Viva Hotbabes’ “Basketball” by the basketball players were all very entertaining.

Rhayven Ann Canlas of GNCES also rendered her own version of Wency Cornejo’s “Hanggang” which made the delegates join her sing in chorus.

Mayor Go also shared his joy with those he called “brothers from afar” (the Region IX delegates) by bringing with them additional electric fans, gifts, and the Cycle 56 band.

Touched by the warm welcome they received from Gerona town, Dr. Walter Albos, Regional Director of Zamboanga Peninsula, said “Muchas gracias con todos. Wen, Manong…Te amo.”