No amount of bad weather can stop the
spirit of Sillimanians to officially open Hibalag festival, as indicated by the
amazing Torch Parade participated by all organizations and colleges of Silliman
University last August 20, 2017.
It has always been a tradition to
begin the Founder's Week celebration with an inspiring promenade of lights,
symbolizing the unity and life of Sillimanians. Alumni from different parts of
the country as well as the world go back to their alma mater to reminisce and
relive their experiences, as students create new memories with their friends,
strengthening bonds and to meet new peers.
Everyone was excited to see and start
the parade of lights around 5 pm, unforunately it was raining cats and dogs.
Nevertheless, the event started after an hour as different colors of lights
speckled and illuminated the whole Silliman amphitheater. Cheers of joy echoed
as students started to march towards the Hibbard Avenue going to its final
stop, the Hibalag Booth Festival area.
This event was also a venue to
introduce the top organizations that holds the pride and dignity of the
university, together with all organizations that comprises the school's spirit
of camaraderie.
Hosts of the event introduced Silliman University Medical School as
the top organization that made its mark with the previous year spearheaded by
Ms. Essel Suan, President of Silliman University Medical Students Association for academic year 2016-2017.
Hibalag means "meet" in the
local dialect. This annual event is a chance to see, come across and know
people from all walks of life. Hibalag Booth Festival is open to all people not
only from Dumaguete but also from other nearby provinces. Different stalls from
food, bags, local shoes and sports activites such as wall climbing are
showcased. People will be entertained by live bands and programs every night
starting at 6pm. The highlight of these booths are the gimmicks promulgated by
the diverse organizations that are truly catchy. Some are also informative and
raises self awareness such as BP taking and blood typing.
-Ching Castillo
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