Regional youth camp opens Binirayan '08
The Binirayan Festival was conceptualized by the late Gov. Evelio B. Javier, 34 years ago, to give the Antiqueños especially the youth their own identity as a people and to be proud of their noble heritage. The Binirayan Foundation Inc. has considered this premise in the launching of the Binirayan 2008 on April 13.
This year, the celebration will be launched with the culminating show of the Kampo Kabataan 2008, a region-wide youth program of the TEATROKON: The West Visayas Theater Network. The program is a three-day workshop/conference among members of school and community-based theater groups, organized and managed by the Binirayan Foundation Inc. Its curriculum includes theatrical forms with emphasis on local tradition, social awareness, theater skills and hands-on production with Teatrokon's network of theater practitioners as resource persons. Its sessions will start on April 11 and will close on April 13 in time with the opening of the Binirayan Festival at 4:00 p.m. at the Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park to be followed by the Kampo Kabataan's culminating show. Kampo Kabataan is also supported by the National Commission for Culture and Arts.
This also coincides with the theme of the festival this year "Manggad nga Antiqueño, Paranubli-un kang Filipino" (Antique's wealth is a Philippine heritage) which affirms the province's contribution into the diverse and colorful heritage of the Philippines as a nation. The launching will be graced by Commissioner Raul Dominic I. Badilla of the National Youth Commission.
After its kick-off, a series of cultural caravans will be held in other towns. Tukib Talento in Barbaza Public Plaza on April 16, Senior Citizen's Night in Patnongon on April 19, Children's Festival in Hamtic on April 21 and Komedya Valderrama at EBJ Freedom Park on April 22. The first ever Search for Mr. Antique will be held at CAP Auditorium on April 18. The festival's highlight will be on April 25-27.