DAGUPAN CITY – More than one million people attended this year’s Bangusan Street Party or “Kalutan Ed Dalan” held at the De Venecia Highway Extension on April 30.
This was the biggest Bangusan Street Party yet as the massive number of Dagupenos and visitors from neighboring cities and municipalities who attended easily topped last year’s impressive 800,000 mark.
As the major culminating activity of the Bangus Festival, the crowd-drawing street party is also regularly visited by the country’s most notable figures. This year’s notable guests included Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, 4th District Rep. Christopher De Venecia, former House Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr., former 4th District Rep. Manay Gina De Venecia.
Also seen were Department of Tourism Regional Director Martin Valera and SSS Commissioner Gonzalo T. Duque.
They were joined by the city councilors, LGU department heads and members of the Bangus Festival Executive Committee during the ceremonial lighting of grills, which formally kicked off the event.
This year, more than 20,000 pieces of the world’s tastiest milkfish were grilled and consumed by the ever-growing crowd as they reunited with friends and families. The attendees were also able to enjoy great music provided by the event performers.
Eight stages were set up along the stretch of the highway with famous bands and artists such as Ben&Ben, December Avenue, IV of Spades, Silent Sanctuary, Gloc9, Moira, Ex Batallion, Spongecola, Parokya Ni Edgar, Bamboo and many more.
Kapuso stars Barbie Forteza, Derrick Monasterio, Juancho Trivino, Kim Rodriguez, Miguel Tanfelix, Bianca Umali, Pauline Mendoza, Kyline Alcantara, Jeric Gonzales and Gabby Concepcion also performed for their fans at the GMA-7 stage.
Local artists of Up North Lokals such as Drifted Castle, Through the Waves, Decibelle, The Bitters and other acts were also able to showcase their talents and perform live at their stage.
Meanwhile, PNP Dagupan Chief P/SUPT. Jandale Sulit disclosed that even with the huge increase in number of people who attended this year, the event was held peacefully. This was due to the Dagupenos and visitors displaying full cooperation and discipline in following the rules and regulations set by the PNP Dagupan and the Bangus Festival Committee.
Dagupan City’s Bangus Festival has been continuously progressing and improving, having already made leaps and bounds since its start back in 2001. This year’s milestone of one million attendees is a testament to the many positive changes set by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez in the city.
As the month-long celebration draws to a close, the success of this year’s festival proved that it truly is the “Happiest Fish Fest for You and Your Family.” (Verdelle De Vera/CIO/May 1, 2018)