Tarlac City’s 5th Melting Pot Festival Kicks Off

City Mayor Gelacio “Ace” Manalang on Thursday spearheaded the formal opening of the 5th Melting Pot Festival as he invited everyone to come and witness the various arrays of activities on a week-long festivities.

The event started with an 8 a.m. mass at the Covered Court which was attended by the mayor, Sangguniang Panglungsod members, the department heads and employees of the city government, Tarlac City police headed by Supt. Bayani Razalan, non-government organizations and others.

The mass was followed by the formal opening of the trade fair showcasing different native products of the city.

On the second day Friday, there will be a Traditional Palaro or Palaro ng Lahi to be participated by 76 villages all over the city.

At 6 p.m., celebrity dancers Regine Tolentino and Luningning will lead the Zumba sa Piyesta at the Ninoy Aquino Plaza to be joined by the City Hall employees and other Zumba enthusiasts.

On Saturday evening, after the Casino Filipino Bingo sa Plazuela, the most awaited Grand Coronation night of the Ms. Melting Pot Festival 2016 will be held.

At least 15 beautiful ladies from villages and colleges will vie for the title. The night will end by a fireworks display.

Sunday and Monday will be sponsored by Smart with a variety show and dance battle.

There will also be a mega job fair at the Plazuela on Monday.

On Tuesday, there will be Balikbayan night and a ballroom dancing music by Caranto Orchestra back-to-back with Crazy Nuts to be ended by a grand aerial fireworks display.

Finally, on the day of the fiesta, there will be the Piyesta Pancitan sa Ligtasan.

In the afternoon, the traditional grand parade, followed by the most awaited star-studded variety show with live band and various artist like Angeline Quinto, Bella Padilla and others.

Manalang said that during the season, politics should be set aside and Tarlaquenos should be united to enjoy the festival and show hospitality to visitors from here and abroad.

The annual festival is an opportunity for business sectors in the city to earn from visitors, local and foreign, who will come to witness the event and buy different products and delicacies of the city.

The hotels and inns are occupied during the festivals and those who are coming from far places booked earlier. (PNA) FFC/ZST/EGG/PS