June 16 - 30 , 2018 PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY
Aritao , Nueva Vizcaya Mayor Hon . Lucita Tan visited friends and relatives in Toronto and Vancouver , and was asked to be a guest speaker at the UFCABC 120th Philippine Independence Day Gala at the Westin Bayshore in Downtown Vancouver .
Tan said that she is honoured to have been invited to the Gala .
“ Vancouver is so beautiful , more beautiful than Toronto if I may say so ,” she shares with a smile . “ I am so happy I was able to come for the celebration of the Filipino community at this Gala .”
Asked about Aritao , she was very happy and proud of her little municipality .
“ We are only 37,000 in population but we are proud of the accomplishments that we have ,” she adds . Aritao is found in the Cagayan Valley , and its domestic products include pottery , and agricultural produce such as onions , mango , tomatoes , and rice . She says that they have an annual celebration called Panagsisibuyas Festival . The Panagsisibuyas Festival is a town fiesta with parades , street dancing and drum & lyre competitions , exhibit on agriculture featuring the town ’ s best products and socialization night during the last day . One highlight of the fiesta is also the cookfest of exotic and local dishes featuring their otop or onion .
Tan is very proud of Aritao-born UFCABC President Joel Castillo , and what he has accomplished
Aritao Mayor Lucita Tan visits Vancouver here in Vancouver . “ I will certainly share his success with the people of Aritao when I go home . We are always proud of our own kababayans , especially those who continue to serve their countrymen even when they are abroad .”
She hopes to come back to Vancouver soon , as she is very much enamoured by the beauty of the nature surrounding her and the hospitality of the Filipinos in Vancouver .
“ I will certainly be back soon ,” she says with much appreciation . ●
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