SAN FERNANDO (May 6, 2022) — This town celebrated a livelier and more meaningful 164th fiesta this month after some hiatus during the 2-year pandemic with the support of Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Inc. (TCPI).
Also the founding anniversary of the Municipality of San Fernando and the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church, the commemoration revived the “Sikoy-Sikoy” Festival, highlighted by the selection of the 2022 Festival Queen.
Pela Jade Sebial emerged as grand winner during the pageant last night. Her court included Sunshine Tapales, 1st runner-up; Mary Rosevie Basco, 2nd runner-up; Nicole Gabrielle Gica, 3rd runner-up; and Maria Sofia Cañon, 4th runner-up.
Representing Pundok sa Mauswagong North Poblacion, Sebial also earned two major awards – Best Solo Performer and Best in Festival Costume.
The Municipal Tourism Office (MTO) introduced the Sikoy-Sikoy Festival Queen to add color to the celebration and promote tourism with the help of TCPI.
“It feels good that we staged the event in a short period of time given the circumstances we have – the pandemic and national elections,” noted Genesis Pasilan Seas, the local MTO and over-all creative director.
“Seeing it unfold is a testament of how we value heritage, culture and arts. I am confident we have instilled the value of patriotism, unity and camaraderie in our youth. Indeed, we truly shine,” he added.
This year’s festival imparted the message through its theme, “Sikoy-Sikoy: Timaan sa Pagdasig,” especially after the long pandemic and aftermath of Typhoon Odette when townsfolk rose from the adversities.
Sikoy-Sikoy is a colloquial term for “panikoy,” a fishing practice by which fishermen throw the nets in rough and sturdy waves. Flying fishes in various species like barungoy and laniw are caught.
The Festival started in 2008. It joined the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo – Festival of Festivals Grand Showdown in August 2009 and 2019, The locals staged it last staged five years ago in May 2017.
The town organized it also to develop the talents and skills of the participants and encourage the youth to actively participate in the community events.
But it is more a celebration of God’s gift of love and blessings to the locals through the intercession of its patron San Isidro Labrador, their guide, inspiration, and protector.
Among the winning court of the 2022 festival queen, Tapales also earned the honor as Miss Photogenic and Best Group Performance, while Basco emerged as Social Media Darling, as Floralyn Estur performed the best production number.
