Balon Bayambang Sparkles

Chapter I

Thousands of lights glitter like countless stars around the whole town
of Bayambang, thus: Bayambang Sparkles! A Chambered Nautilus adds a
layer in every year of its life. It grows more charming year after year as its
height grows with colors that sparkle. Such is the town of Bayambang as it
has metamorphosed all through the long years of its existence “Balon
Bayambang” has become its trademark as its well-deserved description.
Looking at the marvelous improvements gathered through progress
and prosperity, Bayambang now looks like a lovely city. With its plaza that is
akin to a resort; with the imposing church as its background, who would think
that its people have not been abreast with the speed of time? The stately
municipal building with Aguinaldo monument in its front to catch all eyes
symbolizing its historic importance portrays its history at a glance!
It is then imperative that the present generation should dig into the past
of its town in order to hand it down to the next generation. It is then time to
dig deep into the gold mine of its historic past.
Publishers and researchers who dealt with the history of our country
including regions, islands, provinces, cities and towns were all foreigners in
the past centuries. Our colonizers who were the Spaniards and Americans
had the fortitude to write about us from their points of views. Hence, the real
culture of Filipinos were not well defined.
 It is therefore, imperative that Balon Bayambang will be given its
gorgeous prominence by one who belongs to its local settings. This is to
enthrall the town with its true portrait.
Bayambang Sparkles. Its brilliantly glittering lights; its numerous big
time businesses; its stately municipal buildings; its numerous educational
institutions; its lakes and rivers that symbolize fish abundance; its vast
agricultural fields; and most important of all is its historical significance. It
makes it the “Queen of all the Forty-four (44) Towns of Pangasinan.” It can
also rival the four cities of Dagupan, San Carlos, Urdaneta and Alaminos.
And the Seat of the Provincial Government as its capital once a time during
the Japanese occupation.
The above description is the portrait of Balon Bayambang (New or
Modern Bayambang) as against the background of Old Bayambang. The
town’s metamorphosis is truly an extra ordinary in so fast a time. The
magnificent transformation of the town turns the backs of its citizens to look
at the past. Let me count the ways.
This chapter shows some of the portraits that showcase the town’s
luxurious beauty. (Pictures should be portrayed along the foregoing pages.)
Comes now the glittering pictures of the structures that crown the
glorious beauty of Balon Bayambang. Labeled portraits.
The King of them all is the Monument of General Emilio Aguinaldo who
is an icon as the first President of the Philippine Republic.
And the Queen is the stately Municipal Building that provides the solid
background for Aguinaldo’s Monument.
The Prince is portrayed by the landscaped plaza in which the Princess
Church stands quietly to provide the crown of the magnificent plaza.
 Where in Pangasinan can you find a picturesque town such as
Bayambang?
The main avenue named ___________ is lined with numerous
business buildings such as ______________________________________.
At the western part of the town is the seat of nationally and
internationally recognized institutions of learning.
The next chapter titled Chapter II will showcase Bayambang’s pre-
history.