NAGA CITY (PIA)— After two (2) years of battling the COVID-19 pandemic and prohibiting face-to-face activities, especially huge crowd gatherings, San Jose Mayor Jerold Peña, decided to revive one of the hallmarks that made his municipality proud.

The “Harana Festival 2023” with the theme “Kansyon nin Paglaom” [Songs of Hope] brings back the rich culture of the said town as it bounced back and enjoin new breed of singers to breathe new life into Bicol songs and original compositions.

“Before we can continue on our journey of having a "Better Municipality," we must look back and appreciate our roots, our history, and strive to show that we are truly proud of our rich culture. We can only achieve our quest, "Para sa Mas Marhay na Banwaan [ for a better town] " if each one of us will learn to recognize and be proud, that there is a beautiful place called, our very own San Jose, Partido,” Peña said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency-Camarines Sur.

The week-long “Harana Festival” will have its grand opening on February 13, Monday, packed with a line-up of exciting events such as civic parade, float parade and DepEd night as it gives tribute to the teachers who are one of the country’s unsung heroes. Wrapping up the festival is the 2023 Cimarron-San Jose Partido 1st Regional Badminton Tournament (HaRAnaPAS) slated on Feb.18.

“Harana Festival represents each and every single one San Josean who for a long time is behind the limelight. Most of the song compositions in Musical Competitions in Camarines Sur came from San Jose, Partido that is why we have decided from Day 1 of my administration, to re-launch Harana Festival,” the chief executive recalled.

One of the most awaited highlights of the Harana Festival is the Regional Chorale Singing competition happening on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. It will be followed by the Battle of the Bands on Feb.15; Bicol Song-writing competition and Music video competition on Feb.16 and the Bb. Harana Festival on Feb.17.

“It is like reminding every San Joseans that we are a municipality full of amazingly talented, musically-inclined people, rich in culture and history. I truly believe in the potential of tourism in my town which can lead to economic growth and bring positive impact to the livelihood of many. Hope is always there. I am just here to ignite the fire,” Mayor Peña added.

"Harana" or serenade, is a historical courting custom in the Philippines performed by male suitors in order to win the heart of the woman he loves. The man's desire to court the woman is expressed in a song set to the tune of a string instrument, usually a guitar. (PIA 5/Camarines Sur)