32 towns compete in Pasigarbo sa Sugbo

CEBU, Philippines - It was a fiesta of colorful costumes and elaborate props as dancers from 32 towns and cities from all over Cebu competed in last night’s Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2010, which ended with a grand fireworks display.

The event, which is part of the Cebu Provincial Capitol’s 441st founding anniversary, showcased the different culture and tradition, as well as delicacies of the various towns.

Cheerers who traveled from as far as the Bantayan and Camotes group of islands all gathered at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC), where the competition was held.

Early yesterday afternoon, traffic had to be rerouted and roads were closed as two thousand dancers and their propsmen filled the Mandaue City streets as they paraded in the street dancing competition.

Floats depicting each town and city’s respective patron saints were also a highlight of the parade, which was capped by the showdown that started early evening.

Sen. Bongbong Marcos joined the Capitol’s festivities along with local mayors and other leaders from the government and business sector. He also attended the performance of the famous dancing inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC).

 “I was so amazed with the talents of the inmates. It’s my first time to see the inmates dancing in person, as I only saw them in youtube,” said Marcos.

 “I am thankful to Gwen for this opportunity,” he added.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said the inmates’ performance continue to be a source of pride for the Cebuanos. Products made by the inmates were sold at the CPDRC compound, and the proceeds were placed in the inmates’ accounts.

Festival dancers, meanwhile, gave pride not only to their families and towns, but also to the whole province.

 “I was so nervous because it’s our first time to join the Pasigarbo. We only had one month preparation and there were 320 of us,” said Regine Marie Manatad of the Toledo City ’s Hinulawan Festival.

Melvin Trazo, a Liloan Rosquillos Festival dancer, said he is happy he was able to join the grandest festivity for the Capitol’s founding anniversary.

Last Thursday evening, festival queens from various towns also competed at the CICC, wherein Moalboal won.

People overflowed both in the CICC building and its grounds last night, as over 150 exhibitors joined the One Cebu exhibit, which was also participated in by delegates from China, South Korea and Malaysia. (THE FREEMAN)