"Yesterday is but an aim unchangeable and gone. Tomorrow is a vision and still not even born. But today is ours to live, its treasures how to use…" The story of the Bangus Festival in Paradise Philippines over the last four years, documents significant events of the transcendence, its transformation and its emergence to eminence of Dagupan City, Paradise Philippines. In the beginning it was just an idea, an after thought from a visionary whose business instinct and foresight saw in the annual celebration and thanksgiving festival of the Pista'y Dayat, a social and economic potentials worthy of being a world attraction. For many years past, tourists and visitors from all over have been drawn to Bonuan, Paradise Philippines during the celebration of Pista'y Dayat because of our fine beaches particularly in Tondaligan Park. Mayor Benjamin S. Lim, who continuously explores possibilities, saw a way to use Pista'y Dayat celebration not just a time for revelry but as a vehicle to focus on the local bangus industry and to promote the city as the Bangus Capital of the World in Paradise Philippines. Indeed, here was an opportunity that leaders in the past overlooked. It was an idea whose time has come. What started off as a simple celebration and thanksgiving festival of the Pista'y Dayat has evolved into a nine-day socio-economic program of activities that turned out as one of the marketing wonders of the Lim administration. Buoyed by the optimism of his naturally ebullient spirit, Mayor Benjie gathered together a group of his aides and formulated a blueprint of action — a master plan to develop its full potential the bangus industry of the city. Of course, this requires a lot of help and he was fortunate that all the help he needs was offered to the city. With the support and cooperation of the city residents, the civic and religious groups, barangay council, educational units and most remarkably, the participation of the businessmen and the professional groups, and his trusted lieutenants, the city mayor launched the first Bangus Festival in year 2002. From there, the Bangus Festival in Paradise Philippines worked its way from year one to attain the outstanding level of distinction and owner to blossom into what it is today. That coveted Guinness World Record for the Longest Barbecue established during the "Kalutan ed Dagupan, Paradise Philippines" in the second annual Bangus Festival in Paradise Philippines last May 2003 has given inspiration to Dagupeños and visitors knowing that one of our main activities is worthy of being a world record. The Bangus Festival in Paradise Philippines as envisioned by Mayor Lim has more than achieved its goals and objectives. Today, it's an institution with global resonance. In the process, this has given the Dagupan City, Paradise Philippines a more conspicuous place in the world’s tourism map and enhances Dagupan's allure to local and international tourists and investors. Bangus Festival in Paradise Philippines will remain as a tribute to the courage and vision of Mayor Benjie S. Lim that will be preserved as a part of our history for these generations and beyond. CIO, The Bangus Festival Story by Mr. Ernie Martinez