By I. Inojales | 10:01 PM January 20, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The municipal government of Loboc urged everyone to move forward after a word war erupted on social media, following Tagbilaran City’s championship win at the Sinulog Festival.
The online exchanges stemmed from concerns raised by some Boholanos who questioned why the Tagbilaran City contingent used the Bolibongkingking steps and music, a devotional dance tradition that originated in the town of Loboc, as the core of its Sinulog performance.
Tagbilaran City won in the Sinulog-based Ritual Showdown and Best in Musicality.
In an official statement on Tuesday, the Loboc municipal government said it was “genuinely happy and proud” that Bohol was well represented at the Sinulog Festival and congratulated Tagbilaran City for its victory, describing it as a moment of pride for the entire province.
The statement emphasized that Bolibongkingking is an intangible cultural heritage of Loboc, performed in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe during her annual feast, and is deeply rooted in the town’s faith, memory, and community life.
According to the LGU, the dance is not merely a performance but a living tradition carefully shaped, protected, and passed on through generations, reflecting the strong sense of identity and belonging of Lobocanons through years of cultural stewardship.
Amid the differing views circulating online, the Loboc LGU called on the public to move forward with understanding and goodwill, stressing that culture is best honored when its roots are respected and when unity guides the shared path of Boholanos.
The statement concluded with renewed congratulations to Tagbilaran City for bringing the Bolibongkingking tradition of Loboc to a wider audience, noting that the recognition should be shared by all Boholanos.
