CalacAtchara Festival, a brainchild of incumbent Calaca Local Chief Executive, Honorable Sofronio “NAS” C. Ona, Jr., begun in 2004, during the LCE’s first term. It desires to regain the prominence of the Atcharang Calaca that was rendered unessential for a while due to lack of backing from among likely stakeholders and perhaps, the use of outdated manufacturing procedures. In addition, rightly so, CalacAtchara has caught the eyes of several and various entities, which have passionately, and enthusiastically poured support. Today, the Atcharang Calaca, the central idea of CalacAtchara, has reclaimed its rightful place in the market - world renown.

The CalacAtcahara Festival 4 opened with a Bang! On the pre-dawn hours of October 17, 2008, the cast and support staff of the popular show “Unang Hirit” of GMA-7, are already round and about for its live coverage of the festival. Beauteous Dance Diva Regine Tolentino hosted it. Before the sun rose, colorfully dressed students from various elementary and high schools already assembled for their respective renditions.

After the motorcade along the main thoroughfares of the municipality attended by MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, Emerald Energy Corporation President John Guidry and a number of national and local luminaries, the ribbon was cut to formally open the festivities.  

Activities consequential to the CalacAtchara Festival are likewise profuse. Simultaneous with the opening ceremonies is the Best Decorated Barangay (won by Barangay Salong); Best Landscaped Barangay (won by Barangay Poblacion 2); and Best Float (won by Barangay Tamayo). The Drum and Lyre Exhibition is a show of the musical prowess of schoolchildren from seven elementary and high schools. The Agri Fair is a showcase of the results of Calaca’s newfound cash crops that include lettuce, red and green bell pepper, broccoli, cauliflower and carrots.

The DepEd Presentation entitled “Calaca: Natatangi. . .Angat. . .Sagana” displayed the cultural history of the nation in general and the Municipality of Calaca in particular. In the morning of October 19, the much awaited 1st Mayor Nas Ona Mountain Bike Extreme Challenge was staged (won by Bernardo Ballan-Local Level and Robert de los Reyes-Professional Level) as a test of endurance and mettle. On the evening, Contestant No. 9 – Ms. Jerielle Kristina Miranda of Barangay Poblacion 4 topped the Highlight of the Festival, the Binibining Calaca Pageant, participated by 19 young and beauteous lasses from different barangays of the municipality.
    
The three-day CalacAtchara Festival 4, as is the Atcharang Calaca, packed with flavors and zest, to evoke from within the passion of the people of Calaca . . . Onward to New Aspirations.

Meanwhile, the days outside the 3-day CalacAtchara Festival 4 but still within the 10-days Town Fiesta celebration is likewise replete with merrymaking and competition.  

On 15 October, the Caracol de San Rafael is a fluvial parade where the image of Saint Raphael Archangel, the patron saint of Calaca started at Barangay Quizumbing. It was attended by a significant number of motorized bancas from Calaca and adjoining towns carried devotees from different places. Colorful buntings added life to the already colorful vivacious parade. The 1st Mayor Nas Ona National Bancathon Competition was well attended by Motor Boat Race aficionados while the Grand CALACAtchara Modern Dance Contest’s participants awed and amazed the audience with the spectacular and jaw-dropping moves and aerobatics.

October 16th was a day in contrast. It was like sunrise and sunset. The sunrise was meant for Children’s Day. An activity emphasizing the significance of children in our lives, while the evening meant for a party of the “Walang Kupas” Older Persons’ Grand Ballroom with Live Orchestra.” But in a day, the sun shines in all its intensity at noon. The noontime sun intently shining over Calaqueño children is the celebration of the first birthday of Mayor Nas and Dra. Sharon Ona’s beloved daughter, Frances Faye. This made the 16th of October doubly meaningful. Simultaneous with the celebration is the staging of Karambola, another Calaqueno culture as a means of merrymaking through cock fighting.  

The 20th day of October is a demonstration of intrinsic talents. Local artists named (CALASAG) Calaca Senior Artist Group, were given due recognition by having their respective masterpieces exhibited at the Multi-Purpose Gymnasium. The event pushed through with the initiative of CALASAG President Benjamin S. Magpile and participated by its members namely Arnel M. Dueñas, Jonathan L. Pagcaliwagan, Danilo V. Mendoza, Jose C. Catambay, Francisco I. Apego, Jr., Raniel M. Buño and Alexander Padilla.  However, young and budding artists from different elementary and secondary schools in the district pitted against each other in “Iguhit Mo Bayan Ko” On-the-Spot Painting Contest. At the end of the competition, elementary level declared Gian Levi A. Noche of Pedro A. Paterno Elementary School as third place and received PhP2, 000, Arhnie Jeelou A. Mendoza of Madalunot Elementary School grabbed second place and received PHP3, 000 while Eduardo M. De Asis of Calaca Central School went home with Php5, 000.00 as the grand prize winner in the said category. Meanwhile, in the secondary category, which was participated by eight students from different high schools in the district; Eunice M. Adona from Batangas Province Science High School grabbed the third prize with Php2,000, Aljon D. Montante went home with Php3,000 for second prize and Joeyvin C. Bautista got the first place with Php5,000 from Dacanlao Gregorio Agoncillo National High School respectively. On the other hand, in the evening, the center stage belonged to the well-applauded “Folklorico Calaqueño Cultural Presentation,” a folk dancing presentation of ONA Scholars and selected Municipal Government of Calaca employees under the directorship of Mr. Reynaldo “Rene” Avendaño, a member of the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group. It showed Philippine dances of different influences, from local or aboriginal – Muslim, Igorot and Malay – to foreign – Asian, American and European. The inherent and well-honed talents of the performers made the audience at the edge of their seats from start to finish. The high-level performance was punctuated by intermittent applause and approbation.

The 21st of October is marked with the Cook Fest. It was a competition that disregarded conventional cooking style. Competitors showed ingenuity by incorporating the famous Atcharang Calaca into their recipes. The Kangkong Roll con atchara, which was prepared by LUNAS Federation, an organization of volunteer workers, topped the contest while Ampalaya Porkchara of CAMA (Calaca Atchara Makers Asso.) came second and Siomaichara by the organized group from barangay Dacanlao grabbed the third.

The night of October 21 reverberated with the exquisite voices of the 24 contestants; however, the 20-year old Julius Sandoval bagged the top prize.

 Another first in the arena of endurance was launched on the 22nd day of October, the 1st Mayor Nas Ona 21 Kilometer CALACAtchara Marathon. The race participated by 31 runners from places as far as the province of Bulacan, started at 7:30 A.M. in front of the New Municipal Hall. They will race towards the Balayan Rotonda and back. After 1 hour, 11 minutes and 46 seconds, the first runner – Mr. Bernardo Desamito, Jr. of Binangonan, Rizal, arrived at the finish line. It was an intense sprint to the finish line with second placer – Mr. Jujet de Asis – who registered a time of 1 hour, 11 minutes and 50 seconds, a very close 4 seconds differential.

The evening of October 22, 2008 belonged to Calaca Academy with their “Pinoy Academy Night”, a variety show. First, the Academians rocked the venue with the Calaca Academy’s Rock Band resonating piece, and then turned mellow with a song and dance number.

The spectators were treated to a spoof where Panday, Mike Enriquez and Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were impersonated in a skit. The following moments belonged to the Calaca Academy Magicians and Acrobatics. They awed the audience with their collection of tricks and illusions.

The eve of the “Bisperas” was celebrated with a musical variety show, locally known and referred to as “Jamboree”. The star-studded affair was sponsored and made available by B-Meg through Mr. Cayo V. Casanova. Guests include the duo of Chiokla and Martin D’Icon, the Beatguys Dancers and the famed EB Babes. The venue rocked, shook and rattled with thunderous, sensual and entertaining numbers.
 
The 24th day of October 2008 is a red-letter day in the municipality. It was the culmination of the ten-day celebration and merry-making. This is the Feast Day of Saint Raphael Archangel. On this day, Calaca is doubly fortunate because 19 of the 85 entrants in the Ms. Earth 2008 Competition came over for a short promenade along selected Calaca streets and a pictorial at the miraculous and centuries-old Saint Raphael Archangel Parish Church. They were later treated to a sumptuous luncheon hosted by Honorable Mayor Sofronio C. Ona, Jr. at his residence at Barangay Poblacion 3. Mayor Ona thanked each Ms. Earth participant with native baskets containing his symbolic memento.

Once again, the Calaqueños showed their resiliency in the face of difficulties. The financial crunch that the world is going through was never felt. Once again, unity conquered adversities, discipline over turmoil. The visions of Mayor Nas Ona is already fruiting among Calaqueños - and fruiting Opulently . . . Notably . . . Abundantly.