Ilocos Norte celebrates FM’s 97th birthday

Last year's Marcos Fiesta celebration

By Jennifer T. Pambid

PGIN-CMO

A lively and exciting week-long celebration in honor of the 97^th birthday of the late President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos—Apo Makoy for the Ilocanos—is set to take place on September 10-14, 2014.

The celebration will kick off with the Ferdinand Edralin Marcos (FEM) Debate Cup showcasing the speech and debate talents of young Ilocanos.

The event is a tribute to President Marcos—who was known to be one of the greatest orators in his time—for inspiring Ilocanos, especially the young to let their voices be heard in order to achieve communal goals.

The highlight of the week-long celebration will be on September 11 with ‘Da Real Makoy Concert’ at the Imelda Marcos Cultural Center.

The free outdoor concert will be presenting a performance by the famous alternative rock band Rocksteddy.

Last year, Da Real Makoy Concert revived the milestones of the life 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.

A more active youth engagement

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 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, Malacañang of the North and Sarrat Heritage Walk which was inaugurated last Marcos Fiesta.

Other activities will include Jobs Fair at the Robinsons 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 in by more than 4,000 Ilocanos and visitors including Marcos loyalists from the different parts of the country.