More Cebu festivals coming up

CEBU CITY – Despite glitches that marred the recently concluded Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival in Carcar City, the provincial government said it would not stop from organizing a more memorable and entertaining “festival of festivals” next year.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said the grand festival in the “chicharon capital” of Carcar City remained successful despite the technical hitches in the middle of the performances from different towns and cities. “The hitches did not affect the performance. They have really leveled up,” Garcia said, as she lauded the performers from 44 towns and five of the six component cities in Cebu, citing their efforts to make the grand festival in line with the province’s 454th founding anniversary.

Garcia said she observed the performers’ determination to finish their dance ritual performances, dancing without the accompanying music. The Kabkaban Festival defended its title as the Best in Ritual Showdown champion during the festival held in their city.

Outshining 49 other participating contingents, Carcar City won first place in the street dance competition. Carcar City’s Jhesidy Thea Alberca was named Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2023 Festival Queen.

The other winners in Best in Ritual Showdown were: Sugat Kabanhawan Festival of Minglanilla (2nd); Hinulawan Festival of Toledo City (3rd); Sarok Festival of Consolacion (4th); Dagitab Festival of City of Naga (5th); Palawod Festival of Bantayan (6th); Kagasangan Festival of Moalboal (7th); Panagbagat Festival of Poro (8th); La Torta Festival of Argao (9th); and Rosquillos Festival of Liloan (10th).

After Carcar City, the 2nd to 10th placers for the Best in Street Dancing were: Sugat Kabanhawan of Minglanilla; Humba Festival of Ronda; Utanon Festival of Dalaguete; and Halad Inasal Festival of Talisay City.

The Best in Festival Jingle was the Rosquillos Festival of Liloan town while the Best in Festival Costume was Sugat Kabanhawan of Minglanilla. The Kabanhawan of Minglanilla was adjudged as the Best in Mayor’s Introduction while the Best in Decorated Van award was given to Sarok Festival of Consolacion. The award for Best in Group Production Presentation went to Toledo City, and the Best Solo Performer to Cordova. (John Rey Saavedra)