6 TOP CONTINGENTS IN SINULOG SA KABANKALAN 2016

The City of Kabankalan in Negros Occidental, Philippines, celebrated the Sinulog sa Kabankalan which is its premier festival held in celebration of the Feast of Señor Sto. Niño every third Sunday of January showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the people in the pageantry of colors and frenzied movements to the rhythmic beats of the drums January 8-17, 2016.

As Sinulog sa Kabankalan celebrated its Ruby Anniversary (40 years) and as Negros Island debuts as the newest and youngest, being the 18th region in the Philippines, a bright and beautiful beginning looms large in the horizon for both twin provinces moving ahead and soaring high. Sinulog Festival endeavored at gathering in one celebration the festival of the towns and cities throughout the region in the true spirit of unity and harmony.

I was privileged to be part again of the celebration having been invited as one of the judges for several events of the festival: Sinulog Queen Festival Costume Competition; Headdress Competition and the Grand Tribal Dance Competition.

TOP CONTINGENTS IN THE  GRAND TRIBAL COMPETITON

1. CHAMPION: Tribu Atiklan, Brgy. Binicuil, Kabankalan
2. FIRST RUNNER –UP: Tribu Ompong, Brgy. Tabugon, Kabankalan
3. SECOND RUNNER-UP: Tribu Lasang, Brgy Magballo, Kabankalan

CHAMPION: Tribu Atiklan, Brgy. Binicuil,Kabankalan

FIRST RUNNER –UP: Tribu Ompong, Brgy. Tabugon , Kabankalan

SECOND RUNNER-UP: Tribu Lasang, Brgy Magballo, Kabankalan

TOP CONTINGENTS IN THE  OPEN CATEGORY

1. CHAMPION:“Yagyag Festival” by Sibulan, Negros Oriental

About Yagyag Festival:

Yagyag is the vernacular for spawning. The process refers in particular to the crabs and other marine creatures which gather during October to December in Sapa, one of two springs found in Barangay Cangmating of Sibulan. The animals lay and float their eggs during high tide, to mature in the swamps. In the coming months, people from the neighboring barrios from Agan-an to Maningcao would come in groups for nature’s marine bounty which are harvested for food and as materials for crafts. This is also an occasion for trading and barter and celebration. The festival is a showcase of local arts and culture, fashion, and unity.

2. FIRST RUNNER-UP: “Pinta Florez Festival by San Carlos City, Negros Occidental

About Pinta Flores Festival

Pintaflores festival is an annual event that is held in the beautiful city of San Carlos, in Negros Occidental. The festival is marked every 5th November.

The festival’s name is unique, one that piques the interest of many a traveler. This name is a derivation of the Spanish word ‘pinta’ which loosely translates to tattoos and ‘flores’ which means flowers. This festival, in essence, is all about a fusion of arts and nature, making for a very interesting theme.

3. SECOND RUNNER-UP: “Sandurot Festival” by Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

About Sandurot Festival:

Sandurot Festival is a joyful celebration of the people of Dumaguete. Known as the  “City of Gentle People,” people of Dumaguete, Negros Oriental is also known for their innate hospitality, friendliness, and their propensity to live harmoniously with people of different race, religion, and cultural beliefs and is very significant in understanding the religious cultures of the people of Dumaguete.

Sandurot means “fellowship and reaching out” and is derived from the Visayan word “parking-sandurot” for the offering and enjoyment of hospitality. It is a colorful, annual Fiesta event to commemorate Dumaguete’s rich history dating the pre-Hispanic period where peoples of different and foreign cultures, including Chinese, Japanese and Spanish, came together to create a diverse community that is Dumaguete today.

HOW TO GET TO KABANKALAN CITY:

Kabankalan is less than two hours drive south of Bacolod city by a private car while public utility vehicles reach the place in about two hours. The city, which serves as the center of economic activities in southern Negros, is also the take-off point for various destinations down south and links the province to Dumaguete City, capital of nearby Negros Oriental via Kabankalan-Mabinay.