By Helen Castaño | 11:33 AM July 28, 2025
TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL — The municipality of Loboc was hailed as the grand champion of Sandugo sa Bohol 2025: Festival of Festivals, captivating audiences and judges alike during the grand showdown held Sunday, July 27— the highlight of Bohol’s month-long Sandugo Festival.
Loboc’s performance, titled “Bolibongkingking Festival – Lumad Lobocanon,” fused tradition, spirituality, and cultural artistry in a vibrant tribute to their patroness, Our Lady of Guadalupe de Extremadura.
During the grand showdown, the town showcased “Awit sa Suba (Song of the River)” which portrayed Loboc’s deep-rooted relationship with music, faith, and the river that has long shaped its identity.
The storyline followed a young boy’s journey to discover the soul of music through the guidance of his grandmother, weaving in Loboc’s rich history—from the ancient river kingdom of Datu Sigala, the arrival of Jesuit missionaries in 1597, to the town’s signature Bolibongkingking dance, an indigenous and spiritual expression of faith.
With synchronized street dancing, rhythmic gimbaw drumming, and colorful musical pageantry featuring choirs, rondallas, and brass bands, Loboc’s contingent earned not only the grand prize but also bagged Best in Street Dancing and Best in Musicality awards.
The town received P1.4 million in cash prizes and trophies for its victory.
Tagbilaran City and Loay also shine
First runner-up was Tagbilaran City’s “Pundok sa Nagkahiusang Tagbilaranon,” which also clinched Best in Production Design for their poignant performance titled “Dugo ug Panaghiusa.” Their presentation retold the heroic Battle of Ubujan in 1942, where Boholano guerrillas fought against Japanese forces. Through dramatic choreography, they honored fallen heroes and celebrated peace, culminating in a message of reconciliation reflected in Philippine-Japanese Friendship Day.
Loay, known as the cradle of the original Sandugo, placed second runner-up with their contingent “Banay Loayanon.” Their performance revisited the historic blood compact between Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Si Katuna, highlighting the town’s maritime heritage, faith, and craftsmanship.
The appearance of a sculpted image of San Francisco Xavier led to the famed fluvial procession, symbolizing Loay’s spiritual journey along the waters of Hinawanan Bay.
Dimiao and Anda complete top contenders
Dimiao won third runner-up with “Banay sa Kulturang Dimianon,” a performance inspired by the love story of Carlos and Bening, which reflected the town’s traditions of courtship and devotion to San Nicholas de Tolentino. Their story celebrated unity through love, faith, and the communal sharing of Dimiao’s local specialty—Lomboy Wine.
Fourth runner-up Anda, with their contingent “Hiyas Quinale,” presented a tale of faith, environmental stewardship, and resilience. Set against the town’s natural treasures like Lamanok Island and Cabagnow Cave Pool, Anda’s story followed a fisherfolk family whose daughter grew into a leader and steward of heritage and nature, embodying the town’s enduring spirit.
A showcase of culture and heritage
Twelve contingents from across Bohol participated in this year’s Sandugo Festival of Festivals, delivering spectacular performances rooted in storytelling, cultural pride, and artistic excellence.
This year’s festival is particularly meaningful as it continues to highlight Bohol’s distinction as the Philippines’ first and only Unesco Global Geopark, showcasing the province’s rich cultural and natural heritage on a global stage.
The Sandugo Festival commemorates the 1565 blood compact between Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Boholano chieftain Datu Si Katuna, a historic event symbolizing peace and friendship.
Festival organizers said the event is not only a celebration of history but a vibrant reminder of the values of unity, creativity, and identity that define Bohol and its people.
