By Nimfa Estrellado Mayor Aristotle Aguirre of Mulanay, Quezon. (Photo from Vice Mayor Jay Esplana Castilleja/FACEBOOK) MULANAY, Quezon ...
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| Mayor Aristotle Aguirre of Mulanay, Quezon. (Photo from Vice Mayor Jay Esplana Castilleja/FACEBOOK) |
MULANAY, Quezon - Mulanay town is blessed with stunning landscapes, including lush mountains, pristine beaches, and picturesque waterfalls, and is famous for its smile policy, which has gained worldwide recognition and attracts visitors from all over the world. The town's dedication to spreading joy and warmth has made it a popular destination for those seeking not only natural beauty but also genuine hospitality.
As it celebrated its 188th Cocolunay Festival, held from June 1 to June 30, 2023, coincided with the Feast of the Parish of St. Peter the Apostle, the town became more colorful, fun, and meaningful with various activities and events.
The festival showcased the town's rich cultural heritage through traditional dances, music performances, and delicious local cuisine. Visitors had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere and experience the genuine warmth of the locals, making it a truly unforgettable celebration.
The local government unit (LGU) of Mulanay planned a week's worth of activities to celebrate the Festival and pay tribute to the town's patron saint. The LGU's goal was to promote tourism and boost the local economy by attracting both domestic and international guests to take part in the celebrations.
It all began with the opening of Agri-Tourism Booths, which aim to showcase the Mulanayins' produce, products, and creations to local and visiting tourists. This is to assist organizations that primarily serve farmers, fishermen, women, and students. The Agri-Tourism Booths not only promote economic growth but also provide a platform for Mulanayins to showcase their skills and talents in various industries such as agriculture, arts, and crafts.
On the same day, the Mulanay Rural Health Unit hosted a blood-letting event, during which they collected sixty bags of blood, which will be of great assistance to those who are in need of blood transfusions.
The blood-letting event was a successful initiative that aimed to address the ongoing need for blood in medical emergencies while also promoting community health and well-being. This collaborative effort between the Rural Health Unit and the local community demonstrates Mulanay's commitment to helping those in need not only within its borders but also beyond.
The Mulanay LGU, in collaboration with the East Avenue Medical Center, also provided medical services on the second and third days of the celebration. To promote overall health and hygiene, more than 120 residents received free medicine, and young people were circumcised for free.
The activities promote good health, which is why ZUMBAYANAN was included in the celebration. ZUMBAYANAN is a fitness program that encourages physical activity and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Participants can improve their cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and overall well-being by participating in fun and energetic dance routines. Mulanay hopes that by incorporating ZUMBAYANAN into the event, it will inspire its residents to prioritize their health and make exercise a regular part of their lives.
On the third day, the candidates showcased their talents in various fields such as singing, dancing, and acting at the Ms. Cocolunay 2023 Pre-Pageant Night. The pre-pageant night provided an opportunity for the candidates to showcase their talents and entertain the audience. It added excitement and anticipation to the overall pageant experience.
For the fourth day, the Fluvial Procession was led by their priest-servants, holy congregation, Sangguniang Kabataan, and residents in honor of their Parish of St. Peter the Apostle. Following this were contests such as the CocoChallenge, the Dance Challenge, the CocoReels Contest, and the CocoModelo. Nature appreciation is also a focal point of the celebration, which is why, on the sixth day of the celebration, a tree planting activity was held, with approximately 300 bamboo seeds planted, under the leadership of Mayor Aris Aguirre of the Local Government, candidates for Ms. Cocolunay, and other organizations. Mayor Kuya Aris' goal is to make bamboo products one of the Mulanayins' sources of income in order to provide a more sustainable livelihood.
The streets of their town were flooded with color on the seventh day due to the street dancing competition and parade. The colorful and lively dances and presentations of the competing schools became a highlight. Board Member JJ Aquivido was honored on behalf of Cong. Reynan Arrogancia and Gov. Doktora Helen Tan. Despite the rain, the Mulanayins demonstrated efficiency, creativity, resourcefulness, and cheerfulness.
Ms. Cocolunay's coronation night took place in the evening, and the most beautiful and talented women of Mulanay displayed their grace and elegance.
The event was filled with excitement as the crowd eagerly awaited the announcement of the new queen. The night ended on a high note, leaving everyone in awe of the town's vibrant culture and strong community spirit. Joselle Rosas won the competition and was crowned as the new queen of Mulanay.
On the eighth day of the celebration, St. Peter the Apostle Parish planned a Mass and procession, with the lovely andanas leading the way, and MSK Night was also held, with citizens from 22 MSKs and Mayor Aristotle Aguirre in attendance. The evening was filled with joyful performances that showcased the talents of community members.
According to the mayor, the purpose of this celebration is to thank our Lord God for healing St. Peter the Apostle, pouring grace on Mulanay, and for the community's unity and strength. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and gathering as a community to honor their faith and heritage.
"The celebration also serves as a reminder of the resilience and perseverance of the people of Mulanay, who have faced various challenges throughout history. It is a testament to their unwavering faith and commitment to preserving their cultural traditions for future generations." he said.
According to Aguirre, the celebration is a way for them to express their gratitude for their blessings and protection, as well as their commitment to achieving "AAngat AAsenso ang Mulanay."
"It's also giving thanks for the blessings of land and sea, the grace of generosity to help others in any way, the grace of health, the grace of nature, and the grace of various skills and talents passed down through generations," he added.
He also said that they are grateful for the Mulanayin's continuous integration in every corner of the world to achieve the continuous rise and advancement of their people.
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