The cities of Bago and Silay in Negros Occidental have lined up a series of activities to celebrate the 114th Cinco de Noviembre anniversary today.

In Bago City the theme for this year's celebration is “Reminiscing 114 years of Bagonhon bravery for a better tomorrow.”

The events today will kick off with thanksgiving masses in all the churches, to be followed by the floral offering at the monument of Gen. Juan “Tan Juan” Araneta, one of the heroes of Negros Revolution, by the heirs of the general and city officials, a press release from the Bago City government said.

A civic military parade will follow at 8:30 a.m. with the yearly Parada kag Sigabong sang mga Kanyon contest, participated in by the 24 barangays of the city.

The winners in the Sigabong sang Kanyon, and the best reenactment of the historical Cinco de Noviembre will receive prizes from the city government, the press release said.

There will also be a Cinco de Noviembre speechfest sponsored by the Department of Education-Bago City. The Aglipay Church will showcase an exhibit at the Balay ni Tan Juan Community Museum with the theme “The Role of Iglesia Filipina Independiente in the November 5, 1898 Negros Revolution.”

It is to be followed by the Cinco de Noviembre Fellowship and awarding ceremony also at the BTJ Museum.

In the afternoon, nine high schools and a university will compete for the 4th Invitational Fancy Drill Competition at the coliseum.

Bago Mayor Ramon Torres said he is inviting everyone to come to Bago to join and participate in reminiscing the 1898 revolution that continues to be the source of inspiration, pride, and honor of Bagonhons.

The mayor also called the event as the “festive celebration of victory and freedom” as the people not only of Bago but the entire province bring back the heroism of our forefathers during the 1898 Negros revolt.

A grand fireworks display and live bands will cap the Cinco de Noviembre Fiesta in the city.

In Silay City, “Arte Silaynon Week” is being celebrated starting today until November 13, with the theme “Aton Baganihan, Bugal Naton Tanan”, a Silay City government press release said.

Commemoration of the Cinco de Noviembre 1898 Revolution will be held at the 5 de Noviembre Marker today headed by Silay City Mayor Jose Montelibano and Vice Mayor Mark Golez, with special guest Cynthia Villar.

The program will be followed by a flag-raising ceremony at the public plaza.

“Sabor Silay (The Taste of Silay)”, a cooking competition showcasing “lutong-bahay (home cooked-food)” from the 16 barangays of Silay and the sweet native desserts, the press release said.

Pinta Silaynon, an on-the-spot painting contest following the “Letras Y Figuras” theme, and participated in by the various public and private high school students in the city will also take place at the Sen. Jose C. Locsin Cultural and Civic Center

At 1 p.m. elementary schools in the city will showcase their dancing and musical skills in the Drum and Lyre Competition, followed by a fireworks display at 7 p.m. and a special concert titled, “Konsierto sa Kahilwayan” featuring Charles Kevin Tan, 1st runner-up of PAGCOR and OPM (Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit) Nationwide Search for the Total OPM Performer.

The week-long celebration also coincides with the Fiesta ni San Diego that will be highlighted on November 13.*

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