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Sunday, April 29, 2018

Mr & Ms Hannah's World Tourism Philippines 2018 Press Presentation


Wazzup Pilipinas!

As it enters the big league of national beauty pageants, Hannah's Beach Resort and Convention Center's annual search for Mr & Ms Hannah's Eco-Tourism Ambassador was relaunched and rebranded as Mr & Ms Hannah's World Tourism Philippines.

The grand winners will be given the honor as spokespersons not only to promote the resort and its advocacies but also in addressing national ecotourism concerns and as a catalyst of development for the communities. They shall also be the official representatives of the resort to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNTWO) and International Ecotourism Society (IETS).

Cash prizes are P100k, P50K and P25K for the top three spots for both male and female category.

The 6th season press presentation was held SMX Convention Center of SM Aura located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and revealed the Official Candidates of Mr and Miss Hannah's World Tourism Philippines 2018.

Hannah's Beach Resort and Convention Center of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte was merely just a retirement home of Col. Ricardo Nolasco Jr. but due to sheer determination and hard work, transformed it into a world-class resort with luxurious amenities that are harmonized with the natural beauty of the Blue Lagoon which is famous for its pristine crystal blue waters and powdery white sands. It earned accolades from local and foreign tourists as the Boracay of the North but is equally proud of its own distinction as the Crown Jewel of the North because it stands magnificently and picturesque at the heart of Ilocos Norte's abundant treasure of magnificent tourist attractions.

The resort owners give high value to fostering ecotourism and rendering corporate social responsibilities to the communities, thus the beauty pageant and search for ecotourism ambassadors was born, and continues to be a tool in promoting such advocacies.


Females:

1. Brazmeena Abdurajak - Angeles, Pampanga
2. Loveley D. Bulosan - Tarlac City
3. Juvel Ducay - Bantayan Island, Cebu
4. Kylah Sanchez - Panabo, Davao del Norte
5. Shara Maxine Barber - Puerto Princesa, Palawan
6. Errish Anne Nalus - Dinalupihan, Bataan
7. Stefanoni Nunag - Tarlac
8. Marianne Serenuela - Cagayan de Oro City
9. Elisa Taylor - Mandaluyong City
10. Nicole MiƱano - Caloocan City
11. Jasmine Omay - Tarlac
12. Joanna Ricci Alajar - Davao City
13. Honey Grace Cartasano - Quezon City
14. Daniella Mariz Lamptey - Mandaluyong City
15. Rosechel Templa - Carmen, Davao del Norte
16. Jaya May Bernardo - Lemery, Batangas
17. Novie Shane Leonerio - General Santos City
18. Mitzi Daryl Balatbat - Antipolo City
19. Maria Frencheska Nueva - Makati City
20. Josephine Segovia - Guimaras





Photography by Collin Yap and Edmund Chua

Aliwan Fiesta 2018 Float Competition Winners


Wazzup Pilipinas!
Congratulations to the winners of the float competition!


ALIWAN FIESTA 2018 BEST FLOAT
#12 Fiesta Tarakloban Float

2ND PLACE WINNER
#8 Sinilatan Float

3RD PLACE WINNER

#5 Kapasiti Float


RUNNERS-UP
#2 Ipi-Sinulog Float
#9 Catanauan Float
#10 Abra New Day Float
#11 Tagultol Float
#6 Bangsa Maguiranun Float
#7 Biton Float
#4 Singkaban Festival Float


Pasay City has taken pride in being called the “gateway to the Philippine Islands” and “the travel city,” where visitors get the first taste of the world-renowned Filipino hospitality in its happy combination of modernity and traditional folk culture. The main frame of the float for their Dayang-dayang festival is an amakan – woven bamboo material representing unity and harmony, traits of its citizenry, which have made the city progressive. The image of the SeƱor Sto. NiƱo symbolizes a people welcoming visitors with warmth, generosity, and kindness. The three pillars laden with beads, sinamay and rattan accessories represent the major awards given to Pasay for good governance, literacy, and as a luminary. Pasay: The Travel City, Where the Fun Begins” through the Dayang-Dayang festival!


Star City Float  - with festival queens :  Joanna Marie Rabe (Dinamulag Mango festival of Zambales);  Bianca Iraham (Zamboanga Hermosa festival);  Jackie Ruth Urongan (Sinalug festival of Zamboanga ddel Norte); Arl Banquerigo (Munato festival of Sarangani);   Novie Leonerio  (Tuna festival of General Santos City);  Elizabeth Bills  (Kalilangan festival of General Santos City); 


International Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, with the support of the city government of Cebu once again dazzles Aliwan audiences with the float for the Sinulog festival, honoring their patron SeƱor Santo Nino  Aboard is Reyna Juana, wife of Rajah Humabon – the first Cebuano Christians – atop a carved balangay which represents craftsmanship  and seamanship during pre-colonial times.  Depicted is the fluvial procession honoring the sacred image of the Holy Child, who continues to manifest Himself in the lives of devotees seeking His favor for blessings, healing, protection, and patronage.  The float also depicts a feast of thanksgiving, enriching both faith and culture, where everyone dances to the beat of the drums and delights in the rhythm, while joyously shouting Viva SeƱor Santo NiƱo, Viva Pit SeƱor!  Ladies and gentlemen, the IPI-Sinulog festival float with their festival queen Shaila Mae Rebortera!


The Halamanan festival is an awesome and elegant celebration in the town of Guiguinto, Bulacan, held every third week of January and timed with the feast of the town’s patron San Ildefonso.  The festival puts a premium on ornamental flowering plants, which are the town’s main products.  It pays tribute to the renowned landscape artists of Guiguinto, as well as those who create topiaries, bonsai, and figure plants.  The costumes in the town’s dance festival are also inspired by the colorful flora which have found creative manifestations in the hands of gardeners and horticulturists.  Long live Guiguinto’s  Halamanan festival, with their festival queen Micaela Manuel! 



The Singkaban festival is an annual celebration in the province of Bulacan, which features various activities highlighting the rich culture of the province.  It is anchored on the art of whittling called “singkaban”.  Their float depicts the Kneeling Carabao festival of Pulilan, held each year on May 14 in tribute to San Isidro Labrador, wherein the carabao are made to kneel in front of the church.  Bulacan’s renowned whittlers have shaped the wood into various designs, complemented by folded leaves called “puni,” which decorate the homes during the festival in Pulilan along with fruits, vegetables, and plants.  Indeed, the Kneeling Carabao festival as rendered by BulakeƱo craftsmen in the art of Singkaban is a sight to behold in rightful thanksgiving or a bountiful harvest.   From the province of Bulacan – the Singkaban festival float with their festival queen Lady Justerinnie Santos!


The municipality of Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao chose to highlight the traditional Sagayan headdress on its float called the Kapasiti.  Sagayan warriors preceed any procession in Maguindanaoan culture – be it a parade on foot or one featuring vehicles.  The procession, called “kuyog” shows the warrior’s face covered by a red kerchief, symbolically warding off evil.  Spirits are represented by the floor yellow, and the kerchief prevents eye-to-eye contact with the unseen.  Maguindanaoans believe that a Sagayan warrior sees his opponents through the Kapasiti headdress.  He has to continually shake his head as further deterrent to evil spirirts.  From Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao – the Kapasiti float!


From the town of Mother Kabuntalan in Maguindanao comes the Bangsa Maguiranun float, which alludes to a land of lasting peace among the royal houses, brought about by inter-marriage between the Sultan of Unayan and the daughter of Rajah Buayan.  The couple resided in Tarakuku which has been renamed Mother Kabuntalan.  The float depicts the tradition called Daradiat, during which a fluvial parade is held.  On their beautifully decorated float we see intricate heirlooms and a rendering of the mythical Sarimanok, crafted by the oldest sculptor Kuban Gumacad.  Twin cannons from the Sri Vijayan empire of Malacca are also featured, along with dabakan drums.  At the center is the ornately decorated  bedchamber called the Lemba, all decked in authentic ornamental cloths that reflect the history of Ranao and Maguindanao.  A kulintang ensemble plays the rhythmic music throughout.  From Mother Kabuntalan, Maguindanao – the Bangsa Maguiranun float!


The town of Upi, Maguindanao presents their float called Biton, which depicts the traditional Teduray basket.  It is woven from a thin and light bamboo variety called “pawa,” the commonly used rattan variety called “uway,” and the “nito” vine favored by indigenous folk.  The squarish round basket is used to carry harvested corn, rice, vegetables, and other crops, and later strapped on the forehead when carried by Teduray women.  From the tri-people of Upi, Maguindanao and crafted by the people of barangay Bugabungan – the Biton float for the Meguyaya festival!



The richly exotic culture of Cotabato City is presented in this year’s Aliwan via the Sinilatan – a flotilla centered on a colorful ornamental umbrella carried during a royal coronation, a wedding parade, or other special occasions.  Heavily embroidered,  the umbrella symbolizes royalty in Maguindanaoan culture.  The ornate flotilla is adorned with traditional dĆ©cor like the pandala flags, likos, the bagyontay, and the split cut stripe alluding to the three royal houses.  The Kawai ritual is also enacted, wherein a piece of gold is caught to signify the consent of a bride to a wedding, and the acceptance of the groom into the family.  Sagayan dancers and a kulintang ensemble complete the tableau.    From Cotabato City --  the Sinilatan float!


Manila Broadcasting Company Float  - with candidates for Reyna ng Aliwan:  Sharifa Akeel (Kalimudan festival of Sultan Kudarat);  Chrislyn Jabonero  (Kalivungan festival of North Cotabato);   Maristela Santiago  (Antipolo Maytime Festival);  Keziah Bartolome  (Iloilo Paraw Regatta festival);  Joanna Marie Watamama  (Pintados de Passi festival); Joyce Marie Sebio  (Binirayan festival of Antique); Ashanti Shaine Ervas (Niyogyugan festival of Quezon Province;

The Boling-Boling festival of Catanauan showcases a festival anchored on the art of merry-making, which townsfolk indulge in before the Lenten season begins.  The pyramid structure on the float signifies the face of Catanauan, particularly the wildness of the revelry, which gives way to their strong spirituality,  heightened these days by socio-political concerns of the people and the rest of their countrymen.  Boling-Boling manifests the people’s  craziest dreams and desires without inhibition.  Materials used on the floast are local products artistically crafted in numerous designs.  From the Boling Boling festivalthe Catanauan float with their festival queen Ella Mariz Cayabyab!


The float of the Abrenian Kawayan festival showcases the rich culture and traditions of the Ilocano and Tingguian, as rendered in bamboo and other local materials.  Abra New Day, as the float is called, depicts Abra after celebrating its centennial year.  It features the Bangued Dapil – the traditional method of extracting juice from sugarcane, which is one of Abra’s main agricultural products.  Basi wine, vinegar, molasses and muscovado are some of the by-products of sugarcane.  The float also showcases the La Paza Abel Abra – a burgeoning loom weaving industry based on the colorful Abel.   From Bangued – the float called Abra New Day for the Abrenian Kawayan festival, with their queen Chanel Mistyca Corpuz!


A sanctuary beneath Lamon Bay is the inspiration of Atimonan’s Tagultol float.  It features a colorful display of marine life and the underwater kingdom using artistic rendering of corals, whale sharks, sea urchins, jelly fish, and other sea creatures.  Adding life is a 14-foot statue of Atimonan’s famous landmark – the mermaid --  embellished with coconut shells.  Atimonan  is home to the biggest artificial reef in the country, hence coral growth is promoted.  A whale shark regularly visits the seabed precisely because of the coral reef.  On the float, a huge net is crafted from woven coconut husks, with abaca as the waves of the sea;  the fiber is also used on the town’s official seal together with sinamay and vines.  On the whole, Atimonan’s float makes creative use of various coconut by-products, from copra, to the spathe, the sheath, palm ribs, and the fruit.  After all, the economy of Quezon province is anchored on the coconut, which for them is indeed the tree of life.  Once again, the Tagultol float from Atimonan Quezon with their festival queen Radhell Berbon! 


Tacloban has derived inspiration from  its patron’s fiesta in designing their festival float.  Celebrated every year on the 30th of June in honor of the Sto. NiƱo de Tacloban, it commemorates the miraculous return of the image 129 years after being lost at sea – an event that also marked the end of a cholera epidemic in the town.  The central figure on the float is the venerated image of the Sto. NiƱo, enclosed by the “taklub” – a fishing implement from which Tacloban got its name.  At the head of the float is a representation of the E-jeepney, a concession of the city, slowly rising and modernizing from the ravages of another disaster – super typhoon Yolanda.  The canopied platform at the center represents the San Juanico bridge.  Completing the tableau are extension platforms laden with regulation fiesta fare such as the lechon.  The tailend carries the Rose of Tacloban, reminiscent of generations of beauty queens.  Tana Pamatron Kamo Ha Tacloban with the Fiesta Tarakloban float with Sangyaw festival queen Chelsea Fernandez! 


Aliwan Fiesta 2018 Streetdance Competition Winners


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Here are the winners for the street dance competition! šŸŽ‰

MAIN AWARDS
✔️

Aliwan 2018 Street Dance Champion

#16 Kasadyaan Festival


2nd Place Winner
#7 Manggahan Festival

3rd Place Winner
#12 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival

✔️4th Place Winner
#10 Meguyaya Festival

5th Place Winner
#1 Binirayan Festival


✔️

✔️
✔️5 Runners-up
#17 Pandang Gitab Festival
#11 Bato Art Festival
#3 Pandan Festival
#8 Panagbenga Festival
#14 Abrenian Kawayan Festival

SPECIAL AWARDS


✔️Best Music
#16 Kasadyaan Festival

✔️Best Costume
#7 Manggahan Festival


✔️Pride of Place Award
#14 Abrenian Kawayan Festival




The province of Antique, known for its tagline “where the mountains meet the sea,” mirrors the rare resources  and diverse ways of living in the countryside.  First-time participants in Aliwan, the town of Caluya traces the story of one man who sources out his living in the middle of the night, exploring the dense waters  so he can bring home palatable viands for his family.  Amid lush green coconut trees, we are introduced to the AntiqueƱos’ delicacy – the tatus or coconut crabs, along with other flora and fauna,.  They also highlight the famous hand-woven patadyong, with its multi-colored hues, the crystal clear waterfalls and mystical rivers that speak of intertwined beliefs and traditions.  In the quaint greeting “kruhay” welcoming visitors to Antique, we  are embraced buy a warm and generous people.  Represented by Tribu Tatusan – here is Antique’s Binirayan festival! 

In 1991, a group of native aborigines called Aetas feld the mountains of Iba after the devastation brought about by ther volcanic eruption of  Mt. Pinatubo.  They lost their homes and livelihood.  Their faces reflected their sorrow asnd hopelessness.  As they travlled, their leader “Mang:” and his wife “Ga” saw some seeds scattered along the path.  Awed by what they found, they called their tribesmen, to gather the seeds.  When they reached the town of Iba, they were given land to till and live inb.  They planted the seeds they gathered, which, after several years, grew and produced much fruit that were smooth, big, and very sweet.  They called this “Mangga” after their chieftain and his wife.  Their children were named “Dina” and “Mulag” – children who were much bigger than normal aetas.  From then on, they called the fruit Dinamulag.  The mango variant became known all over and eventually provided economic prosperity to the town.  Every year, they give thanks for the abundant harvest and to their patron St. Augustine.  From Iba, Zambales – the Dinamulag Mango Festival!


The need to revitalize  the municipality of Mapandan in Pangasinan brought forth the town’s Pandan festival.  A brainchild of their former Mayor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr, who is now Vice Governor of the province, it has inspired the townsfolk to discover and develop artistic talent while promoting the pandan industry, thereby creating more jobs and generating greater income by enticing investors.  The different barangays take part,  strengthening their unified effort to assert their identity and independence as a community.   The champion goes on to take part in other provincial competitions as well as in festivals throughout region 1.  Represented by Tribu Pandan,  let us witness the Pandan festival !  


Every month of April, the municipality of Balud in Masbate celebrates its agro-industrial fair featuring the Pangumagat festival.   The term is derived from the words “panguma” meaning “farming,” and “panagat” which means “fishing.”  Since the place is surrounded by water, most of its townsfolk are fishermen.  Adventurous, strong, and self-reliant, they are proud of the richness of the ocean, and their excitement after a good catch brings out their sense of humor and cheerful disposition.  Farmers, in turn, feel a lot of joy with the scent of abundant farmland.  Tourists are also drawn to the spectacular glassy surface of the water and the shimmering white sand of its beaches, complimented by the gentle breeze aglow with fireflies at dusk.  Their thanksgiving feast honors the Almighty for His unceasing guidance and bountiful blessings.  Here is the Pangumagat Tribe presenting the Pangumagat festival!  


The Dumagat are one of the ethno-linguistic groups in the Philippines, sharing the same roots as Aetas, Mangyan, and Negritos.  Studying the Dumagat allows us to trace our anthropological history as they were among the first groups of people who crossed land bridges in Asia.  The term “dumagat” comes from the term “rumakat” or “lumakad,” meaning “to walk, ” indicating that they arrived by land and not by sea.  They are now divided into two  -- the remontados or fair-skinned Negrito mestizos, and the pure Agta who live in the mountains of the Sierra Madre and in populous towns of Rizal and Quezon provinces.  There is a big Dumagat population in the town of Montalban, also known as Rodriguez, Rizal -- whose culture is based on hunting, farming, and fishing.  Dumagat people are very loving, have a strong sense of community, and care a lot for mother nature, on whom they depend for their survival.   Ladies and gentlemen – the Rodriguez Dumagat festival ! 

The term Dulansangan is a contraction of the phrase “dula sa lansangan,” referring to the street theater performances which are part of the annual Fiesta Republica, celebrated by the city of Malolos on January 23.   Dulansangan begins with a parade about the Malolos Congress.  The different participants come from various towns in Bulacan and other places throughout the country that figured prominently in our struggle for independence.  The groups portray various events that happened in their respective areas,  within the realm of  history.    Dulansangan aims to remind audiences of our nationhood,  and the important role that Malolos played in the establishment of the First Philippine Republic.   Please welcome Fiesta Republica!


Guimaras is an island province southeast of Panay, and northwest of Negros in Western Visayas.   It is blessed with white sand beaches, vast agricultural land, a panoramic view of the hills, picturesque coves, and offshore islets.  It consists of five municipalities – Jordan, Buenavista, Nueva Valencia, Sibunga, and San Lorenzo.  It is known for its Manggahan festival, a yearly celebration anchored on the bountiful mangoes dubbed as the sweetest in the world.  The festival’s  representatives  portray dances featuring several steps involved in rice farming and mango production.  It also depicts the development of the province into a must-see destination.  With its tagline being “the province that fits your taste,” Guimaras takes pride in presenting Hubon Mangunguma for the Manggahan festival! 

Panagbenga is a month-long flower festival celebrated in Baguio every year, in thanksgiving to the Almighty Kabunyian for a bountiful harvest.  The term is of Kankanaey origin, meaning "time to bloom".    Held in February,  the festival is highlighted by a parade of floats that are covered mostly with flowers, and a streetdancing competition anchored on an Ibaloi dance of celebration.  Aside from boosting the economy through tourism, the festival is offered to the people with the ultimate goal of imparting the culture and heritage of the Cordilleras.  Depicted by this year’s champion St Louis University – the Panagbenga festival!


One of the most popular tourism events in Bacoor, Cavite is the Bakood festival – an annual celebration in honor of the town’s patron saint St Michael the Archangel.  Spiced with a generous dose of service-oriented and fun-filled events,  it instills a sense of pride among townsfolk.  The highlight is the grandest marching band parade in the country, featuring 55 ensembles, which gave Bacoor the reputation as the Marching Band Capital of the Philippines.    The name Bacood, derived from “bakod” - the Tagalong word for fence - alludes to its role as a former suburb of Paranaque, and constituting the boundary between Kawit and Silang.  Bacood used to be covered with thick groves of bamboo from what is now Zapote, Las PiƱas to sitio Talaba.  A visit to the town is a real treat, with superb gastronomic delights such as fresh oysters, 101 ways of cooking mussels called tahong, and the famous Digman halo-halo.   Here is Teatro Baile de Bacoor presenting the Bakood festival!  
Meguyaya is a teduray term for thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest, which the people of Upi, Maguindanao celebrate annually.   Their god Tulos, the great spirit who created all things, abundantly blessed their land with verdant mountains, fertile soil, and a cooler climate.  The town produces acres and acres of corn, as far as the eyes can see – from the plains to the mountainsides.  However, one day, worms attacked their cornfields, and stalk borers left them devastated.  Using traditional clappers and native rituals, they tried eradicating the pests but failed.  With the help of Christian settlers and modern farming methods, they learned to use organic pesticides, bringing back the bountiful harvests.  From Bagabungan National High School, please welcome the Meguyaya festival!  

The local government of Luna, Isabela brings us an old Ilocano tradition revitalizing an appeasement ritual called “Atang”.  Even among the sophisticates, there persists a belief in the existence of dwarves called  “kaibaan” or “ansisit,” – tiny, unseen spirits that proliferate among trees, rocks, and abandoned places, who, when befriended,  exercise mythical powers like cooking endless supplies of rice for humans.  When harmed, even innocuously, through a careless act when passing through their domain, they cause rashes or irksome maladies.  When this happens,  a  healer called “mang-aatang” is asked to cure the illness through a ritual offering  using grated coconut, husks, shells, or even poultry and cigarettes.  Garbed in the famous abel iloko while celebrating life and bounty, here is Tribu Antatet  depicting “Atang” for the Bato Art festival!



Inspired by the richness of the culture and heritage of Panay, this group zealously conceptualized the barter of Panay with grandeur and fervor, reenacting history in a confluent pageantry of color, music, and dance.  The early inhabitants called the Ati indulged in hunting, fishing, and foraging edible plants from the wild.  Living in close-knit communities, they were ruled by the chieftain Datu Marikudo and his wife Manluantiuan.  Interaction with other ethnic groups changed their way of living, especially when introduced to the concept of trade.  The arrival of the 10 Bornean datus led by Datu Puti  first terrified the inhabitants of Panay, but initially agreed to barter their land for a golden salakot.  Manluantiuan also asked for the golden necklace of Datu Puti’s wife, in exchange for a cavan of crabs, a wild boar, and fully grown deer.  With the arrival of the Spaniards and the introduction to the devotion to the Holy Infant Jesus, the Atis’ expression of thanksgiving took on an added dimension.  From Iloilo City National High School, here is Tribu Panayanon for the Iloilo Dinagyang festival!


From the  words, “niyog”and”yugyog,” the Niyogyugan Festival  combines all the colourful fiestas of the different towns in Quezon Province.  Celebrating the “Tree of Life,” Niyogyugan pays tribute to the coconut industry’s glorious past, which bore fruit in the form of lambanog distilleries, oil millers, heritage houses, and the vast resort-plantations. The provincial government created the festival  to move, shake and bring back the vigor and dynamism of the industry and to promote the products, places, talent and creativity of Quezonians.  Crowd-drawing activities such as the  Sayaw ng Niyog, Karosa ng Niyog, the Bb. Niyogyugan, and the booth competition add excitement to the week-long provincial fiesta.  With the performance of the Hambujan Dancers of Dolores, Quezon… please welcome the Niyogyugan festival!   



The Abrenian Kawayan festival is celebrated by the province of Abra in March to commemorate its founding anniversary.  Focussing on Abra’s most abundant product – the bamboo – it showcases Ilocano and Itneg, or Tingguian, cultures and traditions.  Over the years, the Tingguian have stayed in the mountains to preserve their culture.  But they have literally crossed mountains and rivers to persevere in getting an education until they become professionals, and subsequently return to their communities to help their tribe.  Challenged by socio-economic and technological advancements, they remain grateful for their roots.  Here is Tribu  Dangdang-ay proclaiming  “Raniag!  Ragsak!  Abiag!  Asenso AbreƱo” through the Abrenian-Kawayan festival!


The progressive town of Atimonan lies on the western shore of the province of Quezon, bound by flourishing gifts of nature and the abundance of Lamon Bay.   The creation of the Tagultol Fishing Festival 15 years ago brought new vigor to Atimonan’s cultural awareness, as well as an expression of gratitude to the Almighty and the town’s patroness Nuestra SeƱora de los Angeles for the bountiful catch received by fisherfolk.  The festival shows the old fishing method of “ugtol,” a Tagalog word meaning “bounce”.  Tagultol fishing consists of a rectangular stone tied to a piece of abaca string dipped in honey to make it more resilient in salt water.   The original music was composed by Francisco Laude, founder of Lupong Tagapangasiwa ng Kultura at Sining  sa Atimonan.  Please welcome the Atimonan Community Dancers’ portrayal of the Tagultol Fishing festival!


In the central part of the island of Leyte is a tribe covering 77 communities that live in a land of lush forests and mountain ranges.  Their first datu was named Duygon, and he was the son of a Moro businessman from Mindanao named Dawog, who married a lovely lady named Isak.  Upon the baptism of Reyna Juana and Rajah Humabon of Cebu, Christianity spread throughout the Visayas.  Jesuit missionaries came to Leyte, converting Dawog and Isak.  Duygon was baptized and gifted with an image of the Sto NiƱo.  He became enamored of a gracious lady named Pitik Mingaw, but jealous men caused his early death.  Pitik Mingaw was heartbroken and wandered through the forest, until she became weak and near death herself, praying to the Holy Child for help.  Suddenly, a huge eagle flew over her, warbling “Buraburon, buraburon,” and leading her to a giant spring, which they call “burabod.”  Hence, the town of Burauen is known as the spring capital of Leyte.  Chanting Viva Senor Santo Nino, here is Tribu Buraburon for Leyte’s Kasadyaan festival!  

Pandanggitab comes from the fusion of the words Pandanggo – or Dance – and Dagitab – which means “spark, or the light of electricity.”  They represent the lanterns that Mindoro women use to send their menfolk off when they go fishing.  Their bobbing lights call out to the fishermen when they are out in the dark ocean as symbols of hope and good luck.  As a dance form, the pandanggo sa ilaw utilises oil lamps held by the dancers in glasses balanced on their heads and on the back of each hand.  From Calapan, Oriental Mindoro comes the Pandang Gitab festival!

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