The Caballo de Compostela Festival

CEBU, Philippines - Success stories are made up of painstaking hard work and unwavering headstrong determination. Despite major setbacks established by formidable skeptics who are members of the local government council, the Caballo de Compostela festival culminated with a big successful blast last July 25, 2012.

What is good about it is that without the strong support of the town's mayor, the provincial government and the locals, the festival would have not marked its maximum output. Compostela's festival, even fostering its baby steps after a five-year dormancy may now staunchly and rightfully reclaim its benchmark among established festivals in the province.

On its over-all production impact and preparedness, first time judge Dr. Leo Acibar of Mandaue City College remarked, "It was a world-class presentation". He was joined by fellow judges Ricky Ballesteros of Sinulog Foundation Incorporated, Mrs. Rosalinda Racaza (CTU PE & Sports Chairman), Rene Ferolino (Cultural Coordinator Cebu City Central School), Ronald Ramirez (CTU Camotes), Leonides Niala and Serna Sagolili (ACT PE Dept).

Gracing the occasion were congressman Red Durano and Governor Garcia who surprised the contingents with additional financial subsidy of fifty thousand pesos.

The Caballo festival was expected to make a comeback for the August 11 Pasigarbo contest. Unfortunately, antagonists hampered its ongoing rehearsals and when the LGU finally decided to join because the Capitol was trying to confirm its participation, time became its primal constraint.

Caballo might not enjoy the same exposure next year as the election approaches. Rumors also reveal a plot to replace this festival with a name of a remote town product. Take note - remote - meaning, the product is made by very few people living in one or two upper barangays and production is a closely guarded secret. How can that justifiably represent the town in terms of general livelihood, income and sentiment?

The Caballo, Spanish for horse, an emblem of Christian faith, bravery and compassion, with St. James mounted on it, tells of a rich Spanish history dating back to 334 AD (Battle of Clavejo). This history is handed down from Compostela, Spain to Compostela, Cebu. It is age-old and heritage-rich. Try to beat faith and history with a remote town product!

Nevertheless, the Caballo lives on to tell its tale to future generations. Long live the Caballo de Compostela Festival!