ILOILO – A parish priest in Zarraga criticized some barangays in the town for holding bikini opens amid patronal fiestas.
During the 6 a.m. mass on Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Saint Isidore the Farmer Parish, Rev. Father Rogelio Palmos, Jr. gave a sermon to barangay officials and organizers of the swimsuit events.
“Daw nagadata na ang bikini open diri sa aton fiesta. Ti, basta kon may bikini-bikini kamo kag hambal sang pulong sang Dios sang hubo ako ginpabayoan ninyo ako, pero kon ang hubo inyo palakpakan kag sitsitan kag panihulan indi run ti kristiyano,” Palmos said during the mass after observing that such events have become rampant during religious fiestas.
He added: “Ang kristiyano ya, ang hubo ginapabayoan, ang hublas ginapabayoan. Ti, gani kon indi ninyo mapabayoan ang mga naga-bikini sa babaw sang stage indi ta kamo pagmisahan,”
Palmos was further riled up upon learning that children were watching the event.
In January, Barangay Gines celebrated its patronal fiesta, and one of the highlights was the bikini open.
And this Saturday, Feb. 26, Tuburan held the same amid the barangay’s patronal fiesta.
LIGA PRESIDENT UNDERSTANDS PARISH PRIEST
Liga ng mga Barangay president Nelida Octaviano understood the parish priest’s sentiments.
Octaviano said that when Barangay Gines held the event in January, they immediately called the attention of barangay officials.
“Damo gid man nagareklamo nga mga tawo kay kalaw-ay bala kay daw ka bold gid sang ila nga partisipante sa amo na nga contest,” said Octaviano in an interview with Bombo Radyo Iloilo.
However, the Liga president was taken aback when another barangay, Tuburan, held the same despite the caveat.
Because of this, Octaviano reiterated to all 24 barangays to refrain from holding a ‘bikini open’ and instead conduct other activities or programs during religious fiestas. /PN
