A showcase of Cebuanos love for festivals

CEBU, Philippines - As the first ever international literary extravaganza in Cebu came to a close last February 12, the organizers, headed by The FREEMAN’s very own Executive Lifestyle Editor Marlinda Angbetic-Tan, made sure that it will be a finale that will make an impression to some of the countries most prolific writers.

The highlight of the evening was the first-ever Taboan Awards, giving recognition to writers from the Visayas who have made significant contributions to the country’s maturing body of literature.

But equally as jaw-breaking was the introduction that would justify Cebu’s merit as the country’s festival capital. To the pleasure of the participants, the Taboan’s closing ceremony showcased a chapter in the city’s festive history drawing the Cebuanos’ love for the good life—and a cultured love at that.

As the emcee signaled the start of the show, a band reminiscent of colonial Philippines entered ushering the dramatic arrival of the Karnabal Queen Señora Doña Penny Sarmiento in her most elaborate and intricate terno, accompanied by two of her cutest courts, Princesitas Meg and Zoe.

The emcee explained that carnivals first came to the Philippines to showcase the    country’s progress under American rule. Center to this celebration is the crowning of the Carnival Queen which, as well-known writer Kerima Polotan would describe it, would happen “amidst the noise of numberless bands treading their way through the milling throng, over ground carpeted ankle-deep in confetti and the air swirling with serpentines.”

That night, the showcase of Sugbuano culture did not end with the entry of the Karnabal Queen, singers serenaded the queen with the most beautiful and meaningful Sugbuano songs like Matud Nila and Babayeng Sugbuanon, a poet interpreted a balak written by Sam Costanilla, and a couple performed the balitaw, a song debate on love’s declaration.

After the presentation, the first recipients of the Tabo-an Literary Awards were presented. The awards honor outstanding writers from the Visayas, intended to “celebrate a writer whose extraordinary contributions and professional achievements exemplify the NCCA ideal of literary excellence.”

In her message, Tan, who served as secretary of NCLA and a current trustee f the Arts Council of Cebu, said, “Through this long-overdue accolade of local writers, we hope to entice young readers to be aware of the treasure trove of their works, especially in the major Visayan languages.”

The awardees were chosen by the Awards Committee from a list of nominees given by members the National Committee on Literary Arts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

This year there were 12 awardees: Resil Buagas Mojares, Magdalena Jalandoni Gonzaga, Esrtella D. Alfon, Austregelina Espina-Moore, Edilberto Kaindong Tiempo, Erlinda Kintanar Alburo, Temistokles Adlawan, Gremer Chan Reyes, Leoncio P. Deriada, Gumer M. Rafanan, Msgr. Rodolfo Escalon Villanueva aka Renato E. Madrid, Rene Estella Amper, and Merlie M. Alunan.

Truly a highlight, the ceremony would surely leave a mark in the memories of the participants of this year’s three-day Philippine International Writers’ Festival.

Major Sponsors: Globe Telecom, Province of Cebu and University of Southern Philippines Foundation. Minor Sponsors: San Miguel Corporation, Madame Amparito Lhuillier, Department of Tourism, Chateau de Busay and Customized Giveaways by Tropical Souvenirs International. Official Media Partners: The FREEMAN, The Philippine Star and The Manila Times