BALANGA CITY, Bataan – Officials and city workers here during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony at the Plaza Mayor de Balanga sent congratulatory messages and gave tribute to American Idol finalist Jessica Sanchez.
“Sa tulong ng ating pagdarasal, magtatagumpay si Jessica naisang Pilipino, isang Bataeno,” Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III said.
Garcia said in a jest that perhaps Jessica has become a good singer because of boneless bangus that other contestants do not have. Bataan, Orani in particular, is known for boneless bangus aside from tasty crabs and prawns.
Jessica’s mother Editha has roots in Orani and Samal towns in Bataan. She is one of three daughters, all in the United States, of retired US Navy man Eddie and Virgie Bugay of Orani. Editha is married to a Mexican.
Garcia said they will send Jessica two congratulatory messages through the internet. “Congratulations Ms Jessica Sanchez – Galing ng Pilipino, Galing ng Bataan – We will always love you!” reads the first message.
“Congratulations Ms. Jessica Sanchez – Talentong Bataeno, Idolo ng buong mundo – Ipinagmamalaki ka namin!” says another message.
A short video clip on the latest performance of Jessica in American idol was shown at the big screen on the stage in the plaza. City hall officials and employees clapped and cheered as Jessica sang “I will always love you.”
All eyes were glued on the screen. They clapped and smiled as the three AI judges gave beautiful remarks on Jessica.
After the showing, the employees and officials voiced the two messages as if they were part of the AI audience and in front of Jessica.
