Liloan wins Pasigarbo

CEBU, Philippines - The Rosquillos Festival of Liloan town bagged the P1 million cash prize after emerging as grand champion in this year’s Pasigarbo sa Sugbo.

Choreographed by Cebu’s famous Victor Cuenco, Liloan has upset the perennial festival winners for the first time since the festival started five years ago. Liloan also won the best festival jingle.

 Rosquillos Festival dethroned last year’s defending champion, Kabkaban Festival, which settled second place in the grand showdown of festivals held at the Cebu International Convention Center last Saturday as part of the 443rd Founding Anniversary celebration of the province.

Isda Festival of Madridejos town finished third, a notch below their second place ranking last year. Sarok Festival came in fourth.

Former three-time grand champion Palawod Festival of Bantayan won most of the minor awards but only finished fifth in the grand showdown.

Bantayan won best in street dance competition; best decorated audio van, best in andas; and best in festival costume.

Completing the top 12 are Halad Inasal Festival of Talisay City, Kagasangan Festival of Moalboal, Dagitab Festival of Naga City, Sugat Kabanhawan Festival of Minglanilla, Ani-Anihan Festival of Tabuelan, Hinulawan Festival of Toledo and Panagtagbo Festival of Mandaue City.

Manila-based judge Douglas Nierras, artistic director of Powerdance Company, said that the level of performances and the production designs were very high.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said that it was the best Pasigarbo sa Sugbo she had so far. According to her, all presentations have vastly improved.

Garcia defended herself ahead of possible criticisms because her son-in-law’s town grabbed the crown.

“The scores say it all,” Garcia said.

She said that the panel of judges was distinguished and competent while the result tabulated by SGV and Company is unquestionable.

Garcia said that after the judging, she was informed that almost all the judges picked Liloan and it was confirmed by Pasigarbo sa Sugbo artistic director Junjit Primor.

Garcia congratulated Liloan for trying its best and Mayor Duke Frasco’s effort for always pushing the town for recognition and distinction.

After winning the crown in the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, Frasco said the Rosquillos Festival is set to join the Sinulog Grand Parade next year with Garcia.

Meanwhile, a government vehicle bringing home the contingents of Boljoon has caused a 15-minute traffic interruption in San Fernando town yesterday afternoon after it hit two vehicles when it lost its brakes.

The driver of Isuzu Elf patrol car with plate number SHD-932, Peter Medida, 55, was forced to swerve the vehicle left when the brakes malfunctioned. He hit two vehicles in the process – a Mitsubishi L300 that he was tailing and a Ceres bus traveling the opposite direction. 

SPO1 Francisco Salubre said the Boljoon patrol car was ferrying performers and props of the Pasigarbo Festival from Cebu City back to the town when its brakes malfunctioned while traversing Barangay Balud in San Fernando, six towns away from Boljoon. 

This prompted Medida to swerve left and hit the left side mirror of the Mitsubishi L300 van driven by Anthony Reginaldo, 46.

Medida also did not notice the Ceres bus with plate number GXU-507 driven by Joseph Muit, 43, and hit the bus’ left bumper.

The patrol car’s left side and left side mirror were damaged.           

The three vehicles were stuck in the road for about 15 minutes and interrupted vehicle traffic.

No one was injured in the incident.

Boljoon Mayor Teresita Celis assured to shoulder the expenses incurred in the repair of the vehicles involved. –

with Ria Mae Y. Booc/ FPL (FREEMAN)