Ben Farrales to showcase designs for Bel-Air 60th anniversary
Bel-Air residents wearing creations by a fellow resident, renowned fashion designer Ben Farrales. Photo release
MANILA, Philippines — One of the country’s most famous villages is celebrating its 60th anniversary with glittering activities putting the spotlight on its talented residents this weekend, May 26 to May 28.
From a village exclusively for Philippine Airline pilots in the late 1950s, Barangay Bel-Air in Makati City has evolved into a community of dynamic, active and charitable residents.
It is a bustling area that includes the happening bars on Jupiter Street, the iconic Saint Andrew the Apostle Church (designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin in 1968 to resemble the X-Shaped cross of Saint Andrew, while the copper cross that hangs in front of the church was executed by National Artist for Visual Arts Vicente Manansala) and the Salcedo Community Market, held every Saturday at the Jaime Velasquez Park in Salcedo Village, managed by the Women of Bel-Air Foundation Inc.
What sets the village apart from other affluent enclaves, however, is the “Pasinaya,” its annual celebration to commemorate its founding started by the barangay capitana, Nene Lichauco, in 1993. “It is our pride and joy,” she enthused in a recent press conference.
This year’s Pasinaya runs on the theme, “Kumikinang,” or brilliance. “A diamond anniversary is as rare and precious as the gem that represents it. It stands for strength that resulted from passing the test of time and for brilliance borne of the many people and events that shaped and decorated the past,” said Pinky Uy, Bel-Air Village Association (BAVA) governor.
According to the village directive, here are the activities to look forward to:
On May 26, Friday, there will be free kalesa rides for children from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It is also yayas’ and drivers’ time to shine with the “Gabi ng Kasambahay” at 7 p.m., featuring singer Jennie Garbriel, as well as the grand finals of “Kasambahay Idol.”
On May 27, a marching band kicks off at 7 a.m., with the opening ceremony for Pasinaya at 7:30 a.m. Kids can enjoy a free kalesa ride from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with a lunch break at noon). At 10 a.m., children will also enjoy a special “Children’s Treat” with kiddie booths, mascots, and tectonics.
Mommies will enjoy the “Salu-Salong Agahan with Kusinerong Pinoy” at 8:30 a.m. Comedians and singers AJ and Le Chaz will entertain guests at noon. The kids can also get up close and personal with their favorite characters with the “Moana Bubble Show” at 2 p.m. and the “Gimme 5 Musical Show” at 2:30 p.m. Games and fun prizes also await participants of the “Bel-Air Challenge” at 3:30 p.m.
At 5:30 p.m., dance groups will groove their way to the grand prize of the “Inter-Barangay Hip-Hop Dance Competition.”
A highlight of the festivities is the exclusive fashion show, “Retrospective,” featuring the designs of Bel-Air residents, Filipino fashion icon Ben Farrales, and Zalora.com, founded by Paolo Campos. Directed by Ogee Atos, it will be at 7 p.m. at the Solar Street Park in Bel-Air 3.
For the final day of Pasinaya on May 28, Sunday, there will be free kalesa rides for kids from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with a lunch break at noon). At 9 a.m., there will be a mass, including a flower offering to Mama Mary for kids and a blessing of pets. At 10 a.m., furry fashion reigns supreme with the “Diamonds are… Fur-Ever Doggie Fashion Show.” Lunchtime entertainment at 12:30 p.m. will be provided by comediennes Boobay and Pepita. At 2 p.m., exciting prizes are up for grabs with a raffle and the “Pa-Bingo sa Bel-Air.” At 7 p.m., the Bel-Air community will gather together for special performances at the Pasinaya Velada followed by a performance by the Power House Band at 8:30 p.m.
“My dream for Bel-Air is that we will always be the number one community. Number one not only in financial resources, but more importantly, number one in human resources, rich because of its unity and community involvement. With the barangay, the association, the Women of Bel-Air Foundation, the Makati Commercial Estates Association all cooperating to take care of the less fortunate--the persons with disability, the seniors and most specially the household helpers,” avowed Barangay Captain Lichauco. “That was my dream when I first became actively involved with Bel-Air, it is a legacy I hope to leave behind and I hope the future leaders of Bel-Air will always remember this a their guiding principle.”
