Mandaue Mid-year Cultural Summit launches

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City government officially launched yesterday the Mid-Year Cultural Summit 2025 with over 35 activities lined up for over a month.

With the theme “Tradition soars, celebration roars,” City Councilor Dante Borbajo, who is this year’s summit chairman said this event is an important platform to showcase the diverse tradition, vibrant arts, and inspiring people to make Mandaue truly special.

“Beyond our city's continuing progress and development, it is our culture that truly defines who we are. Today's gathering is a testament to the reflective effort of our community, working hand-in-hand to strengthen the pride in being Mandauehanon,” said Borbajo in his speech.

Borbajo is inviting everyone to take part to support these activities so that they can continue sharing the pride and love they have for Mandaue.

The activities include the inter-barangay mixed gateball tournament, national push bike race, BPSO Day, Fiesta Fun Run, Tau Gamma Phi medical mission and Mandaue Triskelion Fest, Reina de Mandaue, Mandaue Food Fair, Miss Palengke 2025, Bangkareta Paddle Boart Race, Miss Mandaue, Panagtagbo sa Mandaue, DepEd Night, Mandaue Fiesta Convert Night, Thanksgiving Night, R’Cebu Tourism Expo, CDRRMO Day, 3rd Mandaue City Drum and Bugle Corps Competition, Multi-Discipline Criterium Bike Race, Gabii sa Kabilin 2025, 3rd Mandaue City Open Karatedo Championship, and LOMA Night Market.

Mandaue City Mayor Glenn Bercede, whose fiesta message was read by City Councilor Maline Cortes Zafra said the summit honors their roots as they also celebrate how far they have come and how far they can still go together.

“This is not just any celebration, this is for every Mandauehanon. From the barangays, to the business sector, from our youth, to the senior citizens. Our traditions make us proud and our joy brings us together,” said Zafra.

With this, the mayor is encouraging everyone to join, watch the events, be part of the activities, and enjoy with their family and friends.

“This is our celebration. Let's celebrate with heart, with love for our city. Let's make every moment count. Let's make every moment meaningful and memorable. Mandaue is more than just a place, it's our home. And when we move together, we grow stronger,” Zafra added.

Kristian Marc Cabahug, the summit’s executive director said that this year's theme, captures the essence of this year's Mid-Year Cultural Summit, where vibrant heritage meets festivity.

“Tradition soars highlights how much Mandaue continues to honor its cultural roots and values, such as the continuous practice of our annual Panagtagbo Festival. On the other hand, celebration roars represents our joy as a community, and the way we express unity and the shared pride with fellow Mandauehanons,” Cabahug said.

The Mid-Year Cultural Summit is held annually, with its main highlight being the Feast of St. Joseph every 8th of May.

Cabahug added that the summit is not just a calendar of events, but it is a movement of people.

“It is a celebration of who we are, where we've been, and where we are actually going. To our media partners, we invite you to help amplify the voices of our artists, performers, heroes, and the community. To our partners and sponsors, let us work hand-in-hand to make this celebration not just successful, but meaningful. Let us fill the streets with color, the stages with talent, and our hearts with pride and joy. Tradition soars, celebration roars,” Cabahug added. — /BRP (FREEMAN)