When you visit the town of Pilar this Christmas, you will be amazed and feel the Christmas spirit afloat the air. You will notice the many colorful and creative Christmas decorations made of reused, recycled, and reduced materials. The project was initiated by our beloved Mayor Alicia D. Pizarro.
Every baranggay in Pilar participated in this festive competition. For two nights, Mr. Ceasar Cuayson, former Provincial Tourism Officer, Mrs. Lorely Del Rosario, First Lady of Bagac, Mrs. Renee Angeles, and our dynamic Mayor Alice roamed the town to see which baranggay deserves to be named as the Best Baranggay in Christmas Decorations.
During Mayor Pizarro’s SOMA last December 15, 2014, the much-awaited announcement of winners transpired. The audience was in excitement to know which baranggay won. Each one has his bet but only the best will bag the prize.
You will see the twinkle and excitement in the eyes of Mayor Alice D. Pizarro and Hon. Albert S. Garcia, Governor of the province, as they wait to award the winners. Each baranggay was given consolations prizes of P5,000, which Gov. Garcia doubled. The applause from the spectators became louder.
Finally, the winners were announced.
Baranggay Sta. Rosa bagged the special prize 12 Days of Christmas and Baranggay Landing bagged the Init ng Kapaskuhan special prize. As Mayor Pizarro explained, the two baranggays have showed exemplary participation in the competition and that their entries were indeed striking that they both deserve to be given these special surprise awards.
Baranggay Panilao bagged third place, Baranggay Poblacion got the second place, and the best among the best is Baranggay Wawa which bagged the first place. The applause was jubilant.
The criteria in choosing the winners are the creativity on how they used the recycled, reused, and reduced materials, the camaraderie and team work, as well as how they were able to put together all their skills in putting up the most impressive Christmas decorations.
Mrs. Nancy Ferol from Baranggay Panilao shared how they stayed up until wee hours in the morning waiting for McDonals to take out their garbage. The baranggay used the plastic cups, spoons and forks, and the gravy container of the said establishment to make Christmas trees and lanterns.
Mr. Emy Pizarro, kagawad of Poblacion, also shared their experience on how each one helped in cutting out newspapers and putting them into shape to come up with the Nativity scene in Baranggay Poblacion. The used tires they made as as lanterns in the street of Poblacion were also the fruit of labor of everyone in the baranggay.
Mr. Edgar Austria of Baranggay Wawa shared how everyone from the baranggay participated, young and old, for a month just to finish their decorations. They used ipil-ipil seeds, old newspapers, cartons, coconut husks, and many other materials to make sure that the entire baranggay was lighted and decorated impressively.
Finally, the lighting of the municipality building ceremony was done. After the Koro Romano, chorale of Pablo Roman National High School sang Christmas carols, the audience was surprised by the 100 teachers and students holding laser lights in their hands while dancing. Then, everyone counted down and behold, a magnificent fire works display added to the audience’s amazement and alas, the lighting of the lovey and very impressive Christmas decors created by Amore Productions of Mr. Jhun Duque.
“Ang saya-saya po! Ang ganda-ganda po ng decorations. Parang ito po yong pinakamagandang nakita ko sa lahat. (It’s a very happy feeling here. The Christmas decors are very beautiful. I think this is the best that I’ve seen.)”, said Rowena, a high school student.
“Pag ganito po, laging masaya ang Pasko sa Pilar.(If its like this, Pilar will always have a happy Christmas.)”, shared Estrella, a mother from Baranggay Panilao.
“Bongga po. Nag-eenjoy po kami sa picture taking. (It’s awesome! We enjoy taking pictures here.)”, Mark said, a college student from Balanga.
“Nakakatuwa na may ganito na ngayon sa Pilar. Alam natin ang nangyayari sa bayan natin dahil nirereport ni Mayora. Tapos, ang saya-saya pa ng mga pa-contest. Mas maganda ang Pilar ngayon. (I am happy that Pilar has this kind of event now. We know what is happening as Mayor reports the progress of our town. The contests are entertaining as well. Pilar is indeed more beautiful now.)”, Edward, a young professional from Wakas shared.
It was truly a successful SOMA and Christmas lighting ceremony that left the Pilarians very happy citizens looking forward for more wonderful happenings in this simple town of heroes.
