BEHIND TAGBILARAN CITY’S VICTORY

(Erico Joseph T. Cañete)

KUDOS to the City of Tagbilaran for being awarded as Best in Musicality, Best in Choreography, and the grand champion of the Sinulog Festival 2026 Grand Ritual Showdown Sinulog Based Category. It was a historic victory courtesy of a concerted effort of the participants gifted with varying talents and abilities harmonized into one. The enormous support of the provincial government, Congressman Baba Yap, city government under the leadership of Mayor Jane Yap, barangay Ubujan, the benefactors, advisers, the musicians/instrumentalists, choreographer, trainers, and the Boholanos, all paved the way to victory. Yet, what really made them victorious? What contributed to reaping all those major and championship awards?

My take, the Holy Family! Divine presence!

You can’t imagine the hardship, sacrifices, and struggle of the participants preparing for such a world class presentation like sleepless nights, reprimands, pressure for quality output, financial constrain probably, among others. Yet, the final result determines the worth of the entire endeavor. Indeed, the end crowns the work. I could see the hands of St. Joseph the Worker tuning the harmony of the instrumentalists or the musicians producing the music though their musical instruments. No doubt the music was so euphonic and apt enough to depict the water current like motion of the sinulog dance. 

From what I learned as a tour guide, Bolibongkingking is derived from the sound of bolibong (drums) and kingking (gong). The good people of Loboc, where this festival originated, celebrate this 

in a form of music and dance depicting the culture and traditions of the town. Above all, and most importantly, with Loboc’s unique way of expressing their religiosity, celebrate this in honor of our Lady of Guadalupe de Extremadura every 23rd – 24th of May. No wonder why the jubilant Blessed Mother looked with favor beholding these performers showing this form of devotion to the world. This made the  choreography so graceful and fluid like God’s act dancing the dance of creation.

The Sinulog Grand Ritual Showdown depicts the culture of the Filipinos specifically on faith and belief through music and dance. Yet, it is primarily intended to give honor and adoration to Sto. Niño, (Child Jesus). It’s more than just a devotion. It is a form of adoration to the Child Jesus spiced with our prayers to obtain the virtues of innocence and being childlike.

The presence of the Holy Family, on top of all the rigid preparations, vigorous efforts, resilient sacrifices, ora et labora (prayer and work), is the main ingredient and the wind beneath the wings of the participants of Tagbilaran contingent. 

This I believe!

Kudos!