Huge dance-drama flashmob feeds Marcos Fiesta spirit

By Grazielle Mae A. Sales

PGIN-CMO

Batac CITY—More than 4,000 participants joined the revelers’ night, the third day on September 11 of the weeklong Marcos Fiesta with 1,500 of them dancing to retell the life and achievements of the former President Ferdinand E. Marcos (FM) in front of Imelda Cultural Center in this city.

The Marcos Fiesta’s third set of events was opened at 8:00 am by the launching of the Sarrat Heritage Walk, a new attraction in the Marcos trail, the most sought-after tour in the province offered thru the tourism campaign, “Paoay Kumakaway!”

At 5:30 pm, the launching of Imee Timepieces by two Ilocano business firms took place in the Marcos Museum also here in Batac City. The proceeds of retail will be contributed to upgrade the local weaving community in the province.

The evening event consisted of a huge crowd participated in by friends and relatives of the Marcos family as well as FM loyalists from Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Apayao.

Friends of Imelda R. Marcos, who came from different parts of the country, also graced the late president’s 96^th birthday celebration.

The Banana Split comedian Pooh and the award-winning rock band, Sponge Cola, wrapped up the night thru the free “Macoy Concert”, performing comic acts and electrifying music, respectively.

A highlight of the evening event, the flashmob, comprised of young Ilocanos—from high school to college students—who altogether portrayed the important events in the life of the late president, from childhood, imprisonment, marriage, earliest political successes up to his ascension to presidency.

Combined with the theatrical performances is a powerful choreographed routine performed by the whole group who wore red-and-blue uniform bearing the slogan, “Marcos pa rin!”.

Some of the young participants in the flashmob were given the chance to play FM, Imelda Marcos whose impersonator graced the stage with the former lady’s exact fashion statement—a butterfly-sleeved terno and retro updo—and the siblings, Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos, Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., and Irene Marcos-Araneta.

“Together, we can make this nation great again!” a young participant who played as Ferdinand E. Marcos said during a scene inspired by the late president’s actual first oath-taking ceremony.

The delivered iconic statement derived from the late president’s famous line, “This nation can be great again” during his first inaugural address after winning the 1965 elections.

Marcos Fiesta was first celebrated last year. Dedicated to the former president, the festivity also aims to gather the people to strengthen the Ilocano identity and be inspired by the story of a fellow Ilocano who was able to be of national significance.

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