NEWS
JANUARY 20, 2003

BANTON 2003 GOES FULL BLAST

With the start of the Banton 2003 calendar just within three months away, the movers of the Banton 2003 project stepped up its preparations. During the month, it has launched its search for the Ten Most Outstanding Overseas Bantoanons and the Ten Outstanding Bantoanon Families. It has firmed up its plans for the kick-off activities in the first week of April as well as the Valentine Party on February 15. It has started working on the production of the souvenir programs. Finally, it has announced the contests for the Flores de Mayo.

Ten Most Outstanding Overseas Bantoanon. Launched in connection with the first Balik-Banton International Edition in May, the search aims to honor Bantoanons who, as an overseas Bantoanon, have made a difference in the life of fellow Bantoanons and the community where they now belong and who have made fellow Bantoanons proud being Bantoanons. Nominations may be made through the yagting discussion group or directly to the Banton 2003 chairman at 11 Amethyst Rd., Pilar Village, Las Pinas City or to rayabrayab@yahoo.com.

Ten Outstanding Bantoanon Families. The search was initiated by the Executive Committee of the Balik Pamilyang Bantoanon to be held April 19 - 20, 2003. Citations will be given to ten families who have collectively made a difference in the lives of others especially fellow Bantoanons, who have lived with high moral standards, practiced the Bantoanon values and one that Bantoanons can truly be proud of. Nominations may also be sent the Banton 2003 chairman.

Kick-Off Activities. To launch the start of the Banton 2003 calendar and to further spread the traffic of Bantoanons coming home towards the Holy Week, the Banton 2003 Executive Committee approved a series of activities during the first week of April. Intended for the youth especially the college students, these include the Bugsayan, Rayaganan, Pasilakan and Tukaran. Bugsayan is a baroto (an outrigger canoe) race around Banton island to be participated in by teams composed of at least three barotos and six persons. Rayaganan is a simultaneous team run from two starting points, Brgy. Tungonan and Brgy. Balogo to converge at Poblacion. Pasilakan is a quiz contest about Banton, Bantoanons and the Banton 2003 project co-sponsored by the Discount Network, the Ugat-Faigao Museum, Silak and Banton 2003 as part of the tourism education/information campaign. Tukaran is an organized hiking and camping to last for three days and to be spearheaded by Team Banton, a group of Bantoanons who participated in the recent AXN Adventure Challenge. About P 50,000 is allocated for the said activities.

Souvenir Programs. Two souvenir programs will be issued in the first two months of the Banton 2003 calendar, the Banton 2003 April-May Edition and the Balik-Banton International Edition Souvenir Program. The former will cover the Balik-Pamilyang Bantoanon, the 85th Founding Anniversary of the Municipality of Banton and the May Festival. Chosen editor for this program is Romulo A. Faz, Sr. Articles and advertisement may be sent to the editor at Banton, Romblon or to the Banton 2003 office at 11 Amethyst Rd., Pilar Village, Las Pinas City or e-mailed to lffadri@grepa.com or rayabrayab@yahoo.com. Ad rates are pegged as follows: P 2,500.00, P 1,500.00, P 800.00, P 500.00 and P 100.00 for whole page, half page, quarter page, 1/8 page and inclusion in the donor list, respectively.

The stories of the Bantoanon expatriates and overseas workers will be featured in the Balik Banton International Edition souvenir program. Articles may be sent to Ronelo F. Fababeir (ronnie.f@pciltd.com.sg). Aiming to become the first directory of Bantoanons overseas, all Bantoanons abroad are asked to place a greeting or family information. Ad rates are pegged at $ 80.00, $ 50.00, $ 30.00, $ 20.00 and $ 10.00 for whole page, half page, quarter page, 1/8 page and inclusion in the directory/donor list.

Contests for the May Flower Festival. The Executive Committee has allocated P 22,500.00 to cover the prizes for the Best Turno ( P 3,000.00, P 2,500.00 and P 2,000 for 1st, 2nd and third respectively), the best arc in the May 31 Santacruzan (P 3,000) and the best flower offering of the day (P 300.00) and logistics for P 3,000.00.

Banton 2003 Valentine Ball. A grand party awaits everyone at the 9th Floor of the Export Bank Plaza on February 15. Initiated as a fund-raising activity, it will also serve as the venue of the presentation of candidates to the Search for Ms. Banton 2003 and the first canvassing of votes. General entrance fee is P 60.00 while VIP accommodation is worth P 120.00. A VIP ticket holder is entitled to a seat with table as well as food and drinks.

Other Developments. The deadline for fielding of candidates was extended to February 8, 2003. The share of the candidate was also raised to 30%.

Alvaro Fabon, Jr., BHS Class '97 president was appointed Chief Coordinating Officer of Banton 2003. He shall be working on a full-time basis.