HUNDREDS TO CELEBRATE PHL-SPAN FRIENDSHIP DAY IN BALER

Senator Edgardo J. Angara said that Baler is abuzz with activity in anticipation of the many visitors who will take part in the festivities for the 11th anniversary of Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day.

This weekend, members of the diplomatic core, representatives of the business sector and officials from the country's cultural agencies are expected to arrive at the capital of Aurora, Angara's home province.

They are anticipated to attend this Sunday a commemorative program at the Municipal Plaza of Baler, which will be keynoted by Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman.

"Aurorans have always looked forward to this event as it commemorates the historic Siege of Baler where Filipino and Spanish soldiers set aside their arms and decreed they treat each other no longer as enemies in war, but comrades in peace," said Angara, author of the measure which established Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day every 30th of June.

As per tradition, the evening before the festivities will be marked by a Cultural Night at Sentro Baler, featuring this year the University of the Philippines Arco String Orchestra, the Philippine Army Band, and the Shirley Halili-Cruz ballet dance troupe, as well as performances from members of the Ilongot tribe and other local artists.

This year's celebration also coincides with the 1st Annual Phil-Span Swim-Ride-Run for Aurora triathlon, which includes a 2-km open-water swim, a 100-km bicycle course, and a 3-km run.

A ribbon-cutting will also take place for the Hibu ng Aurora Exhibit, which is a painting competition among students and professional artists. The exhibit is a joint project of the Office of Senator Edgardo J. Angara, Office of Rep. Juan Edgardo M. Angara, the Office of Governor Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the Department of Education.

Angara explained that this will be the last Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day that he will help organize as Senator, given his fourth consecutive term officially ends also on June 30.

The outgoing lawmaker added, "We've worked hard to make this year's celebrations more special to signal that now is the time for Philippine-Spanish relations to evolve into stronger, more synergistic partnerships."