FOLLOWING initiatives for a more global exposure for Dagupan’s Bangus Festival through online streaming and a partnership with a local television network, Dagupeños in the USA have vowed to help in promoting the annual festivity in their respective bases.

Dr. Lina Balolong, a resident in Hercules, California, USA and Epee Rafanan of the Dagupan City Association of Northern California in San Francisco, California, assured Mayor Belen Fernandez that they will help raise awareness about the Bangus Festival.

Balolong is from Bonuan while Rafanan is from the Perez Market Site.

Rafanan said he has been working in California organizing events and is willing to do this for the promotion of the Bangus Festival, which he admits is still not widely known to the Filipino community there.

“Bangus Festival is something that we should be proud of. It’s something that represents what we truly have,” said Rafanan.

Balolong, who had a taste of the festival in 2009, said she enjoyed the 101 ways to cook bangus with actress Janice de Belen.

“The event was exciting for me. I was surprised to know that there are many ways to cook bangus pala. I only know about sinigang, prito and inihaw,” said Balolong.

Balolong, who was in town, pledged to help convince more balikbayans to join the festival every year once she gets back to California. (CIO)

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