Balanga holds motorcade to drum up support for Jessica

BALANGA CITY, Philippines – A fiesta-like atmosphere prevails over the historic Bataan peninsula with Jessica Sanchez’s entry into the grand finale of the popular talent search show “American Idol” Season 11.

Mayor Generosa Malibiran de la Fuente of Samal said a motorcade to be participated in by the 14 barangays and various sectors will be held today to drum up support leading to the much-awaited finale of the high-rating TV show.

A Mass will be held at the town plaza before the motorcade starts.

De la Fuente said they would install a wide screen at the covered basketball court of the town plaza here to accommodate 2,000 supporters, with several tarpaulin tents in other places leading to Barangay San Juan where reside the Bugay family, including retired US Navy serviceman Eddie Bugay who is Sanchez’s maternal grandfather.

“We just like to show our support for Miss Sanchez,” De la Fuente said.

The Bataan Mayors League has approved a resolution commending Sanchez for her noteworthy performance and artistic interpretations of songs that earned her worldwide notice during the contest, De la Fuente said.

“Miss Sanchez’s performance will forever (remain) in the hearts of the Filipino people as the first Fil-Am and Asian to reach the highly competitive, world acclaimed American Idol,” she added.

Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III is preparing the town plaza to accommodate some 3,000 spectators for the viewing of the two-day grand finale.

Garcia said Balanga residents are extending their support to Sanchez.

“We want to invite Miss Sanchez to hold her first concert in the Philippines in her home province, to make it more special we can do the project atop the historic Mt. Samat National Shrine in Pilar town,” he said.

Gov. Enrique Garcia Jr. said whatever happens tomorrow, Sanchez is already the winner in the hearts of all Filipinos.

“We are doubly proud that she has roots in the province of Bataan and that last week, she wore an elegant creation of renowned designer Oliver Tolentino who is also a native of Orani,” Garcia said.

Garcia added the triumph of Sanchez in American Idol should be an inspiration to all aspiring youth with talent and should make them proud of being Filipino.