By PR | 11:01 PM April 18, 2024
Elevating the festival identity of the new Sandugo sa Bohol was the focus of a two-day workshop held on April 16–17 at the Governor’s Mansion.
Organized by the provincial government Center for Culture and Arts Development (CCAD), the workshop’s objective was to strengthen the name, brand, and experiential recall of the Sandugo sa Bohol.
The event was attended by municipal culture and arts focal persons, choreographers, Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage (BACH) council members and CCAD employees.
Highlighting the workshop were discussions from resource speakers, including the context of 1565 Sikatuna-Legazpi Sandugo by Marianito Luspo, BACH Council Historical Studies committee head.
Luspo shared important notes on the Sandugo ritual, which took place on March 25, 1565, while Legazpi’s ship was anchored at Hinawanan Bay (now Villalimpia, Loay).
It was also clarified, according to a book entitled, “Collection de Documentos Ineditos de Ultramar,” that there were two blood compacts held: one with Datu Sikatuna and another with Datu Sigala, the ruler of Loboc.
Engr. Patricio Primor presented the production design, with meticulous attention to detail in costumes, props, and visuals that showcase the authenticity and cultural richness of a celebration, while Victor Hao Cuenco talked on stage and in dance production.
Dr. Anthony Damalerio, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, also took part in the discussion of risk reduction preparedness during a street dancing event.
Vince Villafuerte Escario, founding chairman of the Sinulog Festival Queen, presented the concept building and common mishaps of Philippine festivals.
Escario emphasised the importance of conceptualizing a festival of being “real, representative and recall” that has a name, brand, and experience that resonates.
He also recommended looking into various forms of creative resources from history, occupation, natural resources, religious heritage, and cultural traditions of the originating festival.
Workshop participants reached a consensus on the basic steps of the new Sandugo sa Bohol aimed at having a unified dance movement for the upcoming festival competition.
The basic steps, named “Panaghigalaay,” mean friendship and connote a combined movement of the Kuradang and neo-ethnic dance forms, embodying a fusion of traditional Boholano rhythms with a contemporary flair.
Emerson Pinos, CCAD head, said in an interview that the Sandugo sa Bohol will be the “festival of all festivals in Bohol”, which will showcase the diverse cultural diversity and heritage of each town’s cultural identity.
Pinos revealed that his office is currently preparing the guidelines for the said festival, gearing to a near-free interpretation category to widen each municipal contingent’s creative presentation that reflects their town.
Sherwin Sapong, BACH Council Arts Section head, closed the event with a message and led the giving of certificates to resource persons and participants.
The Sandugo sa Bohol this year will start from June until August, following the fiesta concept of ‘bisperas’, ‘katumanan’, and ‘liwas’, which will be celebrated through different event streams, namely, Tabo (craftsmanship and skills), Bibo (festivals and pageantry), Tigi (sportsmanship), Tapok (reunions), Sinati (heritage and hospitality), Atiman (care and sharing), and Bantawan (home). (PiMO/JSS).
