A week-long activities-packed lighted the city in celebration of the 250^th year Feast of Patron Saint San Roque which culminated to the traditional Sayawan sa Calle which drew a crowd of more than a thousand devotees and tourists.

San Roque (St. Roche) is the Patron Saint of the sick and invalid, but in Valenzuela City, he is also known as the Patron Saint of the unmarried.  Through the years, the Sayawan sa Calle had drawn single men and women from inside and outside the city to ask for help in finding their true love.  It is hailed as the oldest and the only celebration of its kind in the whole of Metro Manila.

Several street dancing groups, in colorful costumes, from different barangays of Valenzuela and other cities and provinces joined the dance parade held right after the celebrated mass. The largest delegation so far, 22 groups of which, aside from asking for blessings, health and love, also competed for exciting prizes.

Mayor WIN Gatchalian participated in the feast where he was pulled by several groups to join the street dancing knowing that he is still a bachelor.

47 years old Chabby Mediran never misses to partake in this annual festivity which she was getting involved to with her father since she was 5 years old. “Lagi ko lang hinihiling na huwag magkasakit ang aking pamilya at lagi naman akong pinagbibigyan (I always ask for my family’s good health and it was always granted.)” she uttered.   

A total of Php180,000 cash prizes were given away.  The competition, however, was open only to all Valenzuela City residents, Civic and Religious Organizations, and Private and Public Schools.

Each group had 30 to 50 members in full costume.  Although, they danced continuously throughout the parade for the spectators lined on the side of the street, they were judged on the prepared 5-minute choreography at Liwasang Rizal.  Choreography ranged from traditional folk dances to pop modern and fusion.

Out of the 22 groups, Barangay Pasolo placed 5^th, winning Php 10,000 cash prize; Barangay Marulas, 4^th, winning Php 15,000 cash prize; Barangay Maysan, 3^rd, winning Php 20,000 cash prize; Barangay Karuhatan, 2^nd, winning Php 25,000 cash prize and Barangay Balangkas, was held as the champion, winning Php 30,000 cash prize. 20 groups received Php2,000 each as consolation prizes.   

Aside from Sayawan sa Calle, several competitions were held prior to the parade. The competitions were Talentadong Valenzuelano, Ehersisiyo Para sa Puso Aerobics Contest, Gabi ni Lola (Fashion Contest), Group Dance Contest, Singing Contest, Musiklaban and Search for Little Miss San Roque dubbed as Munting Anghel ni San Roque.

Valenzuelanos enjoyed the feast attending to various activities such as Gabi ng Kabataan, Ilabas Mo Pet Mo (Vaccination and Parade of Cats and Dogs) and Gabi ng Kasiyahan Para kay San Roque, a variety show where the list of the winners were announced.

Talentadong Valenzuelano:
Champion with Php 10,000 cash prize – Christian Samsom (Magician)
2nd Place with Php 7,000 cash prize – Bisig Babbies
3rd Place with Php 5,000 cash prize – Underboys

Ground Dance Contest:
Champion with Php 10,000 cash prize – Flick Hounds
2nd Place with Php 7,000 cash prize – D’ Shots
3rd Place with Php 5,000 cash prize – 15 Mug Style

Solo Singing Contest:
Champion with Php 10,000 cash prize – Isaac Zamudio
2nd Place with Php 7,000 cash prize – Mariela Rondina
3rd Placer with Php 5,000 cash prize – Shiela Alcomtin

Senior Citizen Fashionista:
Champion with Php 10,000 cash prize – Josefina Dionisio (Barangay Bisig)
2nd Place with Php 7,000 cash prize – Pacita Marasigan (Barangay Gen. T. De Leon)
3rd Placer with Php 5,000 cash prize – Lolita Uy (Barangay Malanday)

⇒ Watch the video here: