THE municipality of Basista is gearing up for a vibrant and music-filled celebration as local officials and orchestra managers convened for the first coordination meeting for the upcoming Basista Town Fiesta in March, highlighted by the much-anticipated Orchestra Festival.

Mayor Jolly Resuello said the initial meeting focused on planning and coordination to ensure the success of the Orchestra Festival, one of Basista’s most celebrated cultural events. The festival showcases the town’s deep love for music and the remarkable number of orchestras rooted in the community.

The Orchestra Festival, a tradition that began during the administration of former Mayor Joy Perez, continues to be a source of pride for Basista and is being sustained by the current local government. Organizers expressed excitement over the plan to bring the sound of Basista’s music to a wider audience across the province of Pangasinan.

The festival is scheduled for March 21, featuring seven orchestras performing simultaneously along a route starting from the Public Market and extending past the Municipal Hall. The participating orchestras are assigned to different stages as follows:

• First Stage: Joe Caranto Orchestra
• Second Stage: Don Podring Orchestra
• Third Stage: Original Esting Caranto Orchestra
• Fourth Stage: Harmony Orchestra
• Fifth Stage: Alex Caranto Orchestra
• Sixth Stage: Rudy Mac Orchestra
• Seventh Stage: Rubie Caranto Orchestra (Ben Caranto)

Resuello invited all Basistans to join the celebration and support the event, emphasizing unity, culture, and music as the heart of the town fiesta.

“We are excited to once again hear the music of Basista echo throughout the town and beyond,” the mayor said, encouraging residents not to miss the festive occasion. (Eva Visperas)