BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Third District Representative-elect Jose Francisco Benitez is bringing series of activities in Negros Occidental to highlight local heritage as a vital “community asset,” in celebration of Heritage Month this May.
“Heritage is what we inherit from those who came before us, it is the legacy of our community that binds us, roots us, and gives us a sense of who we are, where we came from, and what makes us unique. Preservation requires us to remember and celebrate our heritage, ensure that we treasure it, and ensure that the future generations enjoy the wealth of our community’s heritage and pass on who we are,” Benitez, in a statement, said.
Partnering with the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc., the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the local government units of Victorias, E.B. Magalona, Silay, Talisay and Murcia, a 30-minute Metro 3rd Local Heritage audio-visual presentation was produced, tracing the historical and religious stories and sites, practices and celebrations, as well as natural, endemic and indigenous attractions, for exposure nation-wide.
The public is invited to the free showing of two films based on Negros stories on May 25 at the Magikland and SM City Bacolod Cinema at 2:30 pm Magikland and on May 27 at Sonata and 2:30 pm at SM City Bacolod Cinema.
Magikland directed by Christian Acuña was produced by Peque Gallaga, Lore Reyes and Albee Benitez. Sonata was filmed in Negros directed by Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes.
The cities of Talisay and Victorias will host the free presentation of “Take the Next Step” of Philippine Ballet Theater – May 26 at 7 pm at the Victorias City Public Plaza, and on May 27 at 7 pm at the Talisay City Public Plaza.
The Philippine Ballet Theater features classical ballet and is the resident ballet company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Armita Bantug Rufino, president of Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. said the National Heritage Month celebration every month of May, provides “opportunities to take pride, know, experience and value the heritage we call our very own.”
This year’s theme is “Pamanang Lokal: Binhi ng Kulturang Pilipino.”*
