Pandi Lechon Parade 2007

The residents of Pandi held last December 7 its annual Lechon Parade as part of the 10-day celebration of the town fiesta. Those who actively participated in the parade were representatives of schools and organizations in Pandi. Kudos to the family of Hermana Mrs. Belen M. Tuason, Mr. Sonny Mendoza (Mayor's Office), and volunteers who made the festivity a success!

Making the event more meaningful was the presence of members of the First Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition (FPMEE) Team, who graciously accepted the municipality's invitation in such a short notice (Thanks, Sir Art Valdez, FPMEE founder and team leader). They are spreading the message to the whole country and to the rest of the world: Kaya ng Pinoy! as proven by the (FPMEE) members Leo Oracion and Erwin "Pastor" Emata by being the first Filipinos to reach the summit of Mt. Everest in 2005, a feat accomplished by three Filipinas the following year -- Noelle Wenceslao, Carina Dayondon, and Janet Belarmino, proving that yes, Kaya ng Pinay! as well.

This is the same message that newly-elected Mayor Bobby Oca wants to emphasize to his constituents, especially to the youth of Pandi --- ang minimithing pagbabago at pag-asenso ng bayan ng Pandi ay posible sa pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan! Determination, team work and prayers are important if we are to achieve our collective goals for Pandi.

But more importantly, we need to change our mindset for the better, uplift the esteem of most of the residents, and believe that we can achieve progress if we work on it!

To the delight of the guests, a lechon was dressed up as a mountaineer complete with a paper mountain and the flag of the Philippines beside it as a tribute. Great job, Mr. Freddie Concepcion, municipal planning and development officer, Ms. Baby Mendoza, community affairs assistant,and Mr. Ato Mendoza, incidental resident artist of the munisipyo!

Thanks to ABS-CBN's Umagang Kay Ganda production staff and crew, by live coverage, we were able to send the message to the public that it is safe to patronize pork meat from Pandi, as well as showcase the creative yet affordable barong tagalog and gowns made by members of the Bagong Barrio Multi-Purpose Cooperative. The BBMPC was recently declared winner of the 2007 Model OTOP (one town, one product) of Bulacan award. Their designs are branded Disenyo Pandi. Watch out for more news as the local government of Pandi continue to promote the Disenyo Pandi brand! Shown here are some of the Gowns and Barongs modeled by young residents of Pandi, together with Ms. Carina Dayondon and Ms. Noelle Wenceslao (Mt. Everest Summitteers), and Dr. RTed Esguerra (expedition Physician). Not on the picture is Mr. Fred Jamili, mountaineering pioneer in the Philippines, adventure races organizer and co-founder of the FPMEE.

FYI: The annual lechon parade is celebrated to support and help boost one of the major industries in the town, hog raising. It is estimated that approximately 60% of pork meat supplies in Metro Manila come from Bulacan.