BASCOANS HOLD FIESTA
by Angelito P. Castro

Although the Feast of St. Dominic Guzman falls on August 8, Bascoans off Batanes and their guests held a commemoration thereof in the city on August 27, 2006. Its venue, Escoda Hall within the premises of the MWSS (Metropolitan Waterworks & Sewerage System), was visibly renovated and the hall's surroundings well kept unlike previous years when the vicinity seemed to be abandoned.

Over and above these externals, St. Dominic must be smiling and proud of Ivatans doing homage to God Almighty. The mass which preceded eating and merry-making was concelebrated by Bishop Gregorio and Fr. Teofilo. Parrish Pisig, husband of Myla Abad, ably served as mass commentator and later as the emcee of the program that followed chow time.

Food and drinks (soft and hard) became available after the mass.Plain rice was noticeably lacking as there was enough "balinsyaana" (arroz Valencia or yellow rice). "Ovod" (a la meat roll made of grated or minced banana rhizome mixed with condiments) was definitely part of the menu. There were others but these are of special mention. Attendees had a good fill of their tastes.

Games and raffles dominated the program. Prizes included cash, two round-trip tickets from Asian Spirit, several 300-peso cellcards from Smart, Nokia cellfone, rice cooker and others. Everybody could "self-prize" oneself with beer or soft drinks from San Miguel and iced tea from Nestea. A special intermission was rendered by a young talented lass, an Abad and descendant of the late Dodong Abad, who seems to follow the trail of Bituin Escalante toward music stardom!

Also, Sec. Butch Abad apprized the audience that soon Ivatans will be prouder once Batanes becomes part of the World Heritage List. He also dwelt on the Batanes Heritage Foundation and its recent project.Congresswoman Henedina V. Razon-Abad, was the Hermana Mayor (Big Sister) or lead organizer of this off-town fiesta. Long live the Feast of St. Dominic and Batanes!