SAN FERNANDO — The Poro Point Freeport Zone sparkled with spectacular displays of lights and colors at the Sillag Festival 2018 held over the weekend.
This year’s three-day festivities (April 6 to 8) drew thousands of crowd to the former US military base. The air shows, silent drills from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, zumba dance sessions by the bay and sunset fun run wowed the spectators during daytime.
The nighttime filled this part of the city with lights through street dancing competition, separate concerts of bands Shamrock and 6CycleMind, lantern parade, fire and LED performances. Guests held their smartphones and tablets up high to take photos and videos of the 12-minute breathtaking display of fireworks.
The floats for Lights Parade featured floats sponsored by businesses, government agencies and other organizations.
A section of the festival venue was brimming with food stalls. Attendees had a variety of choices offered by local restaurants and food vendors.
The BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19), one of the Philippine Navy’s active ships, docked nearby, also conducted an open house or a guided ship tour.
Alab Poi Fire and LED dancers sizzle with their fire dancing acts during the Sillag Festival in La Union. Photo courtesy of BCDA
The term Sillag originated from Ilocano word “sellag” which means moonbeam or illumination from the moon. The summer festival aims to pay tribute to the role of the old old Poro Point lighthouse in guiding the fishermen home.
Now on its 6th year, the Sillag Festival hopes to be La Union’s answer to Baguio City’s Panagbenga Flower Festival and Clark’s Hot Air Balloon Festival, the north’s more popular festive tourist attractions.
Poro Point Management Corporation President and CEO Atty. Felix Racadio said they hope to attract domestic and foreign tourists to encourage business investors not just in the city but the rest of La Union.
“The success of Sillag will also translate to the success of San Fernando and throughout the province of La Union. Poro Point is synonymous to San Fernando City, so the attendance of local and international tourists will be the success not only of PPMC but the city of San Fernando,” he said.
The festival is organized by PPMC, a subsidiary of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, in partnership with the Provincial Government of La Union. This year also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Poro Point Freeport Zone and the 15th anniversary of the PPMC. /jpv
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