Comparsa sa Mandawe

CEBU, Philippines - Mandawe. This was how the name of the city was spelled until the granting of the City Charter in 1969.

Some 60 years ago, a time when most of us were not even neonates, Mandaue spearheaded a movement which may have become the predecessor of the modern day festivals.It was called “Comparsa,” sometimes spelled with a “Z,” which means competition. This was a dance theater competition between different youth groups of the locality. This was to be the golden age of Cebuano dance productions that showcased not only talents but lavish costumes and set designs - a complete drift from the concept that the comparsa was a poor man’s version of the high society entertainment shows.

When the city needed a cultural festival that would uniquely showcase the history, culture, values and character of the Mandauehanons, the “Comparsa sa Mandawe Festival” emerged.

As one of the highlights of the annual Charter Day celebration of Mandaue City this Monday, the main event of the festival, held just yesterday, were the street montage, an hour of stationary performance at the city’s plaza, and, the musical dance theater competition held at the Mandaue Sports Complex last night. Ten clustered barangays vied for the win.

By using the trajectory of the past, the festival allowed its audience and participants to reflect on its present and exhibit the hopes and dreams of the city locals. Thus, in a subtle way, pride of place and belongingness became embedded especially among the youth who were the major participants and beneficiaries of the program.

Happy Charter Day, Mandaue City!