The town of Zamboanguita in southern Negros Oriental, will start its centennial celebration on February 3, to culminate on May 13, 2008.

Highlights of the opening salvo for the 100th year celebration of Zamboanguita are a "diana" or morning reveille and a Eucharistic celebration to be held at the grounds in front of the town plaza.

Zamboanguita earned its independence from Dauin town on May 13, 1908, councilor Glenson Alanano said.

Former parish priests of Zamboanguita and priests who originally hail from the town have been invited to concelebrate the Mass.

Other activities through May 13 are sports competitions, an open house featuring the heritage of the town to include mayors and beauty queens, a search for the outstanding Zamboangnon, and a Ms. Centennial Zamboanguita to be contested by 14 candidates.

Zamboanguita was coined from the Visayan phrase "Sab-ongan ug Kugita", or a place where dangling octopus can be found.

Although May 13 is the official charter day of Zamboanguita, the town also celebrates its feast day on May 15 in honor of its patron saint, San Isidro de Labrador, the farmer.

Meanwhile, several areas in Zamboanguita also celebrated last Sunday the feast of the Señor Sto. Niño.

Tessie Eltanal, former town councilor and organizer of the Sinulog activity in Barangay Maluay, said this is to propagate the faith and bring the youth closer to Jesus Christ and learn of His life on earth.

Eltanal said that while it is not as grandiose as other Sinulog festivals such as the internationally-famed one in Cebu , the Sinulog in Maluay brings with it the true meaning of paying homage to the Sto. Nino.

Men, women and children always look forward to participate in this yearly activity, which is already into its 11th this year.

Zamboanguita assistant parish priest Fr. Jay Enriquez lauded the people who work to celebrate the feast of the Child Jesus even with meager resources.*JG

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