A letter from:

MS LOIDA NICOLAS-LEWIS
Chair
Balik Sorsogon Committee-USA
834 5th Avenue, Suite 9A
New York, New York 10021


Dear fellow Sorsoganon:

Marhay na Adlaw saimo!

Stated below is the press statement announcing the Balik Sorsogon Program 2003 organized by the Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Council, in coordination with the Kasanggayahan Festival Executive Committee, within the last three (3) days of the 2-week Kasanggayahan Festival 2003, October 17-30, which is the annual celebration of the Foundation of the Province of Sorsogon, with Sorsogon City as center of Festival activities.

As announced, the Festival this kicks off the fund raising campaign for the establishment of the Sorsogon Museum in Sorsogon City itself.  We are inviting you to join us as a Balik Sorsoganon, and participate in the Festival Celebration and help establish the Sorsogon Museum.

Please note also that the Committee intentionally set aside the last three (3) days Festival, October 28-30, so that Balik Sorsoganons can also join their families, relatives and friends in the traditional observance of Todos Los Santos (All Soul's Day), October 31-November 1.

Other Important informational materials are also attached. Thank you.

MAGKIRITAAN KITA SA SORSOGON CITY SA OKTUBRE!  DIOS MABALOS!

Sincerely,

LOIDA

PRESS RELEASE:

KASANGGAYAHAN FOUNDATION TO RAISE FUNDS FOR MUSEUM

SORSOGON CITY--Funds to be realized from the series of cultural, historical and economic activities during the Kasanggayahan Festival, October 17-30, this year, and succeeding Kasanggayahan Festivals thereafter, with this city as main center of activities, will go to the establishment  of a museum for the City of Sorsogon and the whole province.

Identified as site for the proposed museum is the old two-story, wood and concrete Sorsogon Municipal Hall along Burgos St. that used to house the Municipal Session Hall, the Office of the Municipal Mayor, and most of the offices of the old municipio.

The building itself is of American Vintage, constructed during the early American period, with its singularly distinctive architectural feature--its twin winding, or semi-circular, concrete staircases leading, from both sides, to the second floor balcony that forms the imposing facade of the historic building that faces De Vera St., the short street that leads to the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in center of downtown Sorsogon.

The old building now mainly houses, on the ground floor, the Bureau of Fire Protection, with its firefighters and fire trucks.  There are other entities and agencies occupying other parts of the building, including the local youth federation, an NGO taking care of street children, the district office of the Commission on Elections, and a health clinic.  The ground floor used to be the main police headquarters, with a jail cell at the back which served as holding room for local petty criminals, town toughies and trouble makers.

As envisioned, the building will be reconstructed and restored to its original state, especially its facade.  it will mainly be a museum, including a library and exhibition area for local artists.

During a recent meeting of the Kasanggayahan Festival Executive Committee with Sorsogon City Mayor Sally A. Lee and international businesswoman Loida Nicolas-Lewis, the mayor consented to the conversion of the historic building into a museum.

Some of the Festival activities that are expected to generate funds for the museum project include the Agro-Industrial, Trade and Technology Fair, the Search for Miss Kasanggayahan Pageant, some sports competitions and cultural performances, corporate sponsorships, and possible donations or support pledges from Balik-Sorsogons, who are expected to visit Sorsogon and participate in the Festival activities.

Ms. Lewis, who is a native Sorsoganon and now based in New York, promised to generate interest in the project among Sorsogon and Bicol associations in America.

The establishment of the museum is a joint project of the Kasanggayahan Foundation, Inc., the Sorsogon Arts Council, Inc.,  the Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Council, and the city and provincial governments.


Source:  

Reynaldo T. Jamoralin
Publicity and Promotions
Kasanggayahan Festival Executive Committee
toots@sorsogontourism.com