Sports events spice up Dapitan’s Kinabayo Festival

CEBU, Philippines — A string of sports-related activities will spice up the Kinabayo Festival, a yearly observance of Dapitan City’s fiesta in honor of their beloved patron Saint James the Greater next week.

First to be staged is the Rizal Cup Golf Tournament at the world-class Dakak Golf Club on Saturday, July 20. Tee off time is at 8 a.m.

The following day (Sunday, July 21), three events will take place - the ‘Bugsay’ Aquathlon, the 1st Dapitan Kinabayo Mayor Bullet Horse Show, and the Invitational Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight card.

The fortnight show fully supported by Dapitan Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos will culminate with the half-marathon race on June 28.

Over the years, the famed “Shrine City of the Philippines” make use of sports as instrument to bolster its tourism industry.  Testament to that, the Dapitanons have already hosted several major tournaments, both national and international, in arnis, chess, MMA, and triathlon.

Last year, the inaugural 5150 Triathlon Dapitan sanctioned by the Ironman Group has brought hundreds of foreign racers all over the world to their shores. — (FREEMAN)