THE unparalleled desire to continue paying homage to culture and history despite challenges is what makes Pavia the home we would always be proud of.
The renowned Carabao-Carroza Festival, which just turned 49, has been consistently celebrated since 1973.
“It is Iloilo Province’s oldest municipality-based festival, and it would be a disservice to the people of Pavia if we cannot continue this legacy,” Pavia Tourism Officer Dexter Dizon told Panay News.
Unlike last year’s celebration, the world saw a Carabao-Carroza Festival Parade and Carabao-Carroza Festival Queen Coronation this time! Both plowed into the virtual world.
“Yes, we did film a simulated parade complete with adorned carabaos and carrozas decorated with indigenous and industrial materials found in the municipality,” Dizon shared.
Pavia formed this assemblage of wonderful lasses across the municipality as they rode atop beautiful carrozas, parading at their location of choice. They were accompanied by their barangay officials.
Barangay Purok 4 ended the authentic plow-fest as Best Carabao and Carroza.
Meanwhile, the festival pageant boasted of “Asian Invasion” theme.
The Production Number was Philippine-inspired with Sara G’s “Tala” as background music. The 18 lovely muses showed off pride wearing the country’s colors.
Summer Wear category, on the other hand, was inspired by the street scenes of Tokyo and Bangkok, featuring big bikes and sexy shiny “night out” cropped tops and shorts for the muses as they sashayed to the music of “The Fast and the Furious” and “Crazy Rich Asians.”
It was the right-in-the-feels moment for the Korean-inspired Evening Gown portion, as the muses gracefully got the stage aglow with ball gowns, glam and all with soundtracks from the Korean hit-drama “It’s OK Not to Be OK”.
“Pavia is celebrating its centenary this year and the theme is reflective of its aspirations to be at par with its Asian neighbors in terms of culture, heritage and progress as it ventures into a new era,” said Dizon.
He added: “Municipal officials, headed by Mayor Luigi Gorriceta, believe it’s their obligation to let the people feel that Pavia is slowly easing into the new normal of life… as much as they are doing their best in the fight against the pandemic, other equally important aspects of life have to be taken care of also, especially the psychological impact of the previous months.”
Facilitating the activities amid the pandemic was a challenge, Dizon said, but the event organizers made sure all health protocols were put in place.
Arielle Justine Panistante was crowned this year’s festival queen, a back-to-back win for Barangay Aganan as last year’s queen Elaisha Losaria Pomida passed on the crown.
Pandac’s Lindy Mae Janolino was 1st runner-up; Alessandra Mae Galilea of Purok 3 won 2nd runner-up honors.
Balabag’s Marie Rheann Lasaga finished 3rd runner-up; and Anthonette Zanne Victoria Angelitud of Jibao-an ended her quest as 4trh runner-up.
“Through these activities, the people will see that it is possible to get on with life, enjoy it and aspire once again for a bright future,” Dizon said. (SDP/Photos by Steve Quiatchon/PN)
