Iloilo honors sister cities

Mayor Jose Espinosa III (center, red barong) and officials welcomes guests including Senator Cynthia Villar (beside Espinosa) during the culmination for the 81st Charter Day celebration of Iloilo City last August 25.

The 81st Charter Day celebration of Iloilo City culminated by honoring partnerships with sister cities both domestically and abroad.

Mayor Jose Espinosa III led the cultural night Saturday to honor partnerships forged with General Santos City, San Juan City, Tacurong City, Taguig City, Bacolod City, Mandaue City, Koronadal City, and Municipality of Rosario.

Iloilo City has also forged a sisterhood pact with Stockton City in California, United States (U.S.) as well as Agat and Dededo villages of Guam, a US territory in the Pacific.

Along with Sen. Cynthia Villar, only city officials of San Juan, General Santos, Taguig, and Tacurong were able to attend the Saturday night celebration.

Guests also had the chance to watch a fashion and jewelry show. These are works of third-generation jewelry designer Regine Sarabia Espinosa as well as fashion designers Jaki Peñalosa, Aisha Peñalosa and Hector “Totong” Gellangarin.

This year’s Charter Day celebrations also had other activities including a street dance parade, a dragon boat race, sports activities, a mass wedding, a Senior Citizen’s Day with movie star Gabby Concepcion, and a beauty pageant contest with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.

SOURCE: MANILA BULLETIN

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