Tisa to celebrate second Siomai Festival

CEBU, Philippines - Aiming to introduce the entrepreneurial activities of its residents, Barangay Tisa in Cebu City has allotted at least P1 million for its 2nd Siomai Festival next week.

Tisa barangay captain Phillip Zafra said they will showcase the best of Tisa, especially the siomai delicacy, which makes the barangay distinct from the other barangays in the city.

“We have a lot of new activities to offer this year, compared to last year’s. But, we hope that there will be more spectators this year,” said Zafra.

The one-week activity will include siomai-making contest and street party with fireworks display on September 18; fun run and zumba party on September 19; Mini Me and Super Mom contests on September 20; Tisa Elementary and High School Night on September 21; The Voice of Tisa on September 22; Parish Night on September 23; Tisa All Star, a dance competition, on September 24; Barangay Night on September 25; Pinoy Palaro and Siomai Festival Queen on September 26; and street dancing competition and street party on September 27.

Zafra said the highlight of the event would be the Siomai Festival Queen, which would present 13 beauties from the barangay.

“Bag-o na pud atong Siomai Festival street dancing competition karon because we will have our carousel route just like the Sinulog. At least 13 contingents from different sectors of the barangays will participate in the street dance competition,” he added.

Barangay Tisa is the second largest barangay in the city next to Guadalupe.

Tisa barangay councilman Joel Alcazaren, chairman of the Siomai sa Tisa Festival, said prices have increased for this year’s street dance competition.

The first placer will get P50,000; the second will get P30,000 and the third, P20,000. The barangay has given P10,000 to all 13 contingents, though, as seed money. —  (FREEMAN)