KAWIT, Cavite -– International Bantamweight Federation (IBF) World Super Flyweight Champion Jerwin Ancajas leads the list of outstanding Kawitenyos conferred with the “Dangal ng Kawit Gawad Parangal” on Wednesday as one of the highlights of the 8th Kawit Day festivities at the Pastoral Center here.
The 25-year-old Ancajas, with the moniker “Pretty Boy,” who hails from Barangay Toclong here, emerged victorious against Teiru Kinoshita of Japan via a seventh-round TKO during the “Battle of Brisbane” at Suncorp Stadium in Australia last July 2.
The “Parangal” (tribute) has become a traditional awards rite of the Kawit Day celebration to continuously inspire people, especially the youth, for their unlimited, world class possibilities if they give their best, said Kawit Tourism Officer Angelo Jarin Aguinaldo.
Aguinaldo said the awards highlight the world class achievements in the field of music and arts, science, medicine and sports, to serve as living proof that as Kawitenos bring honor to the country, “the town will be there to support and acknowledge their contributions.”
Mayor Angelo Emilio Aguinaldo, in his message read by town administrator Engr. Rey Santos said the event hopes to inspire the awardees to achieve more, and help the city’s effort towards a progressive community.
Classical musician Florante Aguilar was also cited for his contributions as one of the leading figures that champion the Philippine music art forms in the United States and international market through film, recordings and live performance.
Aguilar, who grew up in Gahak, is also the man behind the award winning 2012 documentary Harana: The Search for the Lost Art of Serenade.
Hair and make-up (HMU) artist Arnulfo Victa Caparas, more popularly known as Bobby, is known among leading advertising agencies for their various media campaigns, and fashion and photo shoot events.
Popular for his reputable image as a consummate artist in the field of beauty and fashion and a favorite among Filipino celebrities and high-profile clients, Caparas prides himself for reaching this far.
From humble beginnings, Caparas reached his status through hard work and dedication, and faith in God.
Another boxer, Toclong resident Mark Anthony Barriga, is also cited for his various accomplishments in the field of sports.
As an amateur, light-flyweight Barriga represented the Philippines at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where he reached round 16.
To pay tribute to the longest living witnesses of the town’s rich cultural and traditional heritage, special citations were given to centenarians Dolores M. Rodriguez of Barangay Samala who is now 103 years old, and Antonio G. Fuentes of Baragay Toclong who turns 100 years old this year. Gladys Señires-Pino/PNA-northboundasia.com