Miss Universe candidates will no longer witness the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan festival on January 14.
Superintendent Pedro Enriquez, deputy Aklan police director, confirmed that "Miss U" instead will visit the famous Boracay Island this weekend as part of their pre-pageant itineraries.
Earlier, authorities issued a statement that the candidates might join the festivities of the "Mother of All Philippine Festivals" in Kalibo, Aklan.
Some 16 to 24 Miss U-candidates will have their pictorial in Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa. They will arrive in the morning on January 14 via Caticlan Airport (Godofredo P. Ramos Airport), the nearest gateway to Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan.
The candidates are also scheduled to take the afternoon Caticlan-Manila flight on Saturday, according to Senior Police Officer I Christopher Mendoza, Boracay police community relations chief.
Around 90 candidates will compete for the coveted crown and title of Miss Universe 2017 at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach will crown her successor on January 30.
Meanwhile, high-security measures are implemented by authorities with augmentation force from Regional Public Safety Battalion and Philippine Army to thwart attempts from lawless elements to disrupt the Ati-Atihan festival.
Police assistance centers, staging areas and checkpoints were put up also to ensure security and safety of tourists, balikbayans and devotees. Emergency responders, auxiliary cops, barangay police action teams, uniformed personnel of Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology are deployed to assist the local police.
On January 14, a dawn penitential procession at 4 a.m. will kick off the Bisperas it Kapistahan ni Senor Sto. Nino celebration while Sadsad Ati-Atihan street dancing contest of 30 tribes and groups will start at 8 a.m. along the main streets of Kalibo.
This year's Ati-Atihan will culminate with a Transfer of Senor Sto. Nino de Kalibo image and Pilgrims Mass at 7 a.m. A religious procession of caros and devotees will proceed at 2 p.m. in the major streets of Kalibo followed by a closing liturgical celebrations and the "Paghatod kay Senor Sto. Nino" to the Shrine of Senor Sto. Nino de Kalibo at Cathedral Parish of St. John the Baptist at 8 p.m.
The traditional Paeapak in Cathedral grounds, Hala Bira Ati-Atihan nights in Kalibo Magsaysay Park and Kaean-an sa Plaza in Kalibo Pastrana Park will be until January 15.
Winners of Sadsad Ati-Atihan will be announced during the "Pagpadungog" at Kalibo Magsaysay Park at 9 a.m.
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
No comments:
Post a Comment