Tacloban City (13 August) -- All is set for the staging of the 14th PASAKA Festival on August l4, 2005. Ten PASAKA contigents will vie for the coveted prize starting at 12: 00 noon at the Tanauan Ampitheater.

Tanauan Mayor Roque Tiu disclosed that popular health advocate and tv personality Ms. Cory Quirino is expected to keynote the festival. The popular Mark Logan of ABS CBN will also cover the festivities starting on August 12.

Mayor Tiu added that this year's presentation is made more significant with the participation of the Tulo Usa Festival of Tolosa, Leyte and the Karatong Festival of Dulag, Leyte.

The PASAKA groups will have a ten minutes presentation, the storyline of which revolves around the town Patroness, the Lady of the Assumption.

The street dancing and parade will follow the presentations. This will be participated in by the competing and non-competing Merry Makers groups from the various sector of the municipality.

PASAKA Festival was initiated in 1992 with Ms. Olive Tiu as the founding president. It is a manifestation joy, homage and praise as the Blessed Mother is assumed body and soul into Heaven. It is an act of thanks-giving for blessings received, a warm welcome to visitors into the Tanauananons' homes.

Since its inception in 1992, PASAKA Festival became the highlight in the celebration of the town fiesta and the Tanauan Day. It is one of the few festivals that holds a yearly presentation and contest.

The PASAKA Festival won as first runner up in the Aliwan Christmas Festival at the Star City in December, 2003. (PIA-8)