Wednesday, October 10, 2007 Mascota: a display of Zambo costumes
ZAMBOANGA, Asia’s Latin City, continues to shine with activities as Fiesta Hermosa Zamboanga 2007 enters its 10th day Wednesday.
The Mascota Zamboanga, a showcase of modern Zamboangueño costumes will be the main feature of the Hermosa festivities Wednesday. It will be held at the National Museum Courtyard near the Fort Pilar at 7 p.m.
Conceived in 2003 during the time of the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat, the Mascota is one of the major events of the city government for the Fiesta Hermosa 2007.
Nine local designers are participating in this year’s Mascota presentation and competition. They include Usni Sali, Glady Rose Pantua, Phedy Velayo, Neri Jaruda, Mandrake Servito, Monching Fernandez, Joy Verar, and Dr. Jayson Caranay.
The criteria for judging include design or creativity - 20 percent, craftsmanship - 20 percent, color combination - 20 percent, originality - 20 percent and impact - 20 percent.
At stake are P10,000 for the first prize, P7,000 for the second prize and P5,000 for the third prize.
Records from the City Tourism Division show that the Mascota is a local term that refers to the modern Zamboangueno costume worn on special and formal occasions. It is made of two parts: the upper part or blouse, which is loose with long and wide bell sleeves and the long fitted biased skirt with a long tail.
Mayor Celso Lobregat will keynote the program and later award the winners in the competition of costumes.
Lobregat continuously enjoins people from all over the region, country and the world to come and experience Zamboanga Hermosa, the annual grand festival that features the city’s rich history and culture and unique language.
Other activities set Wednesday are the free clinic at the City Health Office grounds in Pettit Barracks and the Battle of the Champion with Ateneo Blue Eagles versus the Universidad de Zamboanga Wild cats.
Meanwhile, the dance sport competition, another major Hermosa event held Monday afternoon at the City Coliseum was a huge success.
In the high school category, the Montesorri de Zamboanga garnered first and second prizes while the Claret School of Zamboanga ranked third. In the College category, the Universidad de Zamboanga placed first, Western Mindanao State University ranked second, Brent Hospital and Colleges got third place.
Prizes included P5,000 for the first placer, P3,500 for the second placer and P2,500 for the third placer. (Sheila E. Covarrubias)
