Zambo preps up

for Hermosa fest

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS)- The City government starts preparation for the upcoming annual Hermosa Festival as it hosted a week-long training on physical education for teachers, school choreographers of private and public secondary schools in the city.

The city hired Romeo Abarro, a Zamboangeño professional trainer from the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and currently the dance master of the Ramon Ugusan folkloric Dance Troop to spearhead the training held last week.

Teachers from 21 private and public secondary schools were trained on the new steps for street dance.

 “This year, the street dance is going to be distinctively Zamboangueño because it’s going to be a representation of the evolution of Subanon, the Maria Clara concept of the Zamboanga Spanish influence as a Latin as well as the Badjaos and Samals,” said Mayor Beng Climaco during her regular Monday press briefing August 11.

Subanons are considered as first inhabitants of Zamboanga which was formerly known as Jambangan meaning the “City of Flowers” in Subanon. Zamboanga was the center of Subanen tribe and culture during the pre-Hispanic times.

Hermosa festival is popularly known as Fiesta Pilar and is a month-long celebration held in honor of the miraculous Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the patroness of the city on October 12.

Street dancing is one of the major activities during the annual Hermosa Festival.(Ella Dee Phuddih Cruz, WMSU OJT/City PIO) (091714)