Remembering Buglasan

By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
Dumaguete Star Informer
25 October 2009

Back-tracking my data bank, it was in 2003 when I first experienced the jovial atmosphere of Buglasan Festivities since arriving from Manila to join the family of my wife in Bacong. Just like any other festival I have witnessed, Buglasan is just as exciting as the others, or so I thought.

In 2004, when I was managing the scenic and enchanting Antulang Beach Resort in Siaton, I was contacted by the local officials and tourism office of the Municipality to assist them negotiating with the owners of the Resort for a replica to showcase in the festival and for some financial assistance.

Through this vehicle, I became a member of the Tourism Council of Siaton which accorded me time to be with the council headed by Councilor Lam. This activity bestowed me the best opportune time to actively participate in the planning, conceptualizing, preparation, and construction of the booth. Apart from this, it granted me another favorable time to meet the executive officers of the municipality.

Luckily, I was able to secure not just the nod of the owners to replicate the resort but the approval as well for financial assistance in the construction. In addition, I also obtained another approval for the raw materials which were just available in the resort and in the farms of the owners in Siaton.

Juxtaposed with the other booths from other cities, towns and municipalities, Antulang Beach Resort’s first-ever replica would have been a best contingent in terms of architectural design and principles (forget about artistry since architecture is one form of art already). Luckily, the replica won for Siaton one special award. I believe, if I don’t have a mental lapse now (forgive me, Madam President for the phrase) it’s the Most Creative Booth.

In 2006, I proposed to the local Tourism Office to write a Coffee Table Book about Buglasan. As an adopted son of the province, I believed my plan and proposal was the noblest I could contribute to the province as a starting-up artist, modesty aside. My proposal was backed up then by the former Vice President for Student Life and External Affairs of Foundation University, Mr. Dinno T. Depositario. Foundation University is said to be the home of the first Buglasan Festival.

During this time, along with young visual artist Hersely Ven Casero, a winner in the Buglasan Photography Contest, we took pictures of the booths and other activities in preparation for the project. Had the project been materialized, Mr. Casero would have been my consultant in photography for the proposed Coffee Table Book.

After I sent them the layout and the cost estimate, I never have heard of anything about the proposed project then. In 2007 when I was then writing a column for another paper, I wrote an article entitled “Putting the Records Straight” which initially detailed the subject.

Despite the distance I had from Negros Oriental and apparently from my humble abode in Bacong, this year’s Buglasan Festival would be just as memorable as ever. Notwithstanding miles of distance and being separated by seas, mountains and large tracks of lands and deserts, the festival to us overseas workers (in Saudi Arabia and in all parts of the Mid-East) from Negros Oriental as a whole is just as worthy to remember as our families.

On the personal note, I will never forget this year’s festivities. Why? My daughter (my eldest) is a contingent for Miss Buglasan Festival search representing her mother’s hometown, Bacong. Bacong is going to showcase “Sinulog de San Miguel” festival.

Hitherto, festivals like Buglasan are very heartwarming to note especially when you are outside of the very place. I became accustomed to the festival that I miss the week-long activities lined-up for the season. I miss the opportunity to be with my family and spend one day in a booth just to dine, take pictures or watch the show. I miss the opportunity to be with friends to reminisce the past or bring back the past. I miss the opportunity to join tournaments especially Badminton organized by the province or city. I miss the opportunity to witness the activities, gather the first-hand information and write stories about them.

I miss practically one and all, absolutely!

About two weeks ago, our group from Negros Oriental composed of professionals from Tanjay, Bais, Amlan, Valencia, Dumaguete, Bacong, Zamboanguita, and from Bohol, gathered and dined in one of the Filipino restaurants in Al-Khobar. We talked about life in the province; we talked about anything that arouses our memories or even our curiosities. And we talked about Buglasan at once: its grandeur, the beauty displayed in the streets, the fun and night life at the Boulevard, barbecue, grills, beers and spirits, its peculiarities, etc., etc., etc.

It was more than just recollecting; it was re-energizing our tired and consumed physical body, revitalizing our bored and frustrated minds and rejuvenating our lost and weary souls that after we talked about it, we felt we were completely refreshed and totally relaxed.

How I wish I was there to witness another splendid presentation, gather fresh memoirs, and write another story to put some records straight.

To people of NegOr, congratulations for staging another magnificent festival.