Consolacion to hold Sarok fest

CEBU, Philippines - Eleven contingents including those from Consolacion Community College will participate in tomorrow's Sarok Festival in Consolacion town.

The affair precedes the 91st founding anniversary of Consolacion as a town from a mere barangay of Mandaue City, which will be marked on February 14, known as "Adlaw sa Consolacion."

Expected to join the Sarok Festival are contingents from Consolacion Community College, Consolacion National High School, Garing National High School, Jugan National High School, Lanipga National High School, Consolacion National High School (Night Class), Pulpogan National High School, Tayud National High School, Tolotolo National High School, and Tugbungan National High School.

Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado has invited sixth district Rep. Gabriel "Luigi" Quisumbing, Gov. Gwen Garcia, Provincial Board members Thadeo Ouano and Arleigh Sitoy to attend the celebration.

Alegado said Consolacion is known for its sarok, a head cover made of woven bamboo strips and banana leaves.

The weaving process takes two to three hours.

Saroks were made by farmers in the 1920s to protect themselves from the heat of the sun or the cold rain when they were doing the chores in their farms.

A 20-minute motorcycle ride from the national road is barangay Tolo-Tolo, the home of the many sarok weavers and makers of Consolacion.

The Sarok Festival is an annual festivity in Consolacion celebrated every February 14.

The festival holds a street dancing competition participated by different primary end and secondary schools in municipality. (FREEMAN)