By Robbie Pangilinan
The month-long Sangyaw Festival, dubbed the brightest festival in the Philippines with the happiest people in the world, closed with the Sangyaw Parade of Lights graced by Senator Cynthia Villar, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, Former Senator Bong Bong Marcos, and Former Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez.
Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez was grateful for the successful 129th City Fiesta of Tacloban in honor of the city’s patron saint, Señor Santo Niño de Tacloban.
“I thank my people who had been there to support us, our sponsors, the media, and my family. It’s a great blessing and experience to celebrate with the happiest people in the world,” said the Mayor.
Former mayor Alfred was thankful that the events of the fiesta went peacefully and that everyone helped each other to promote the city’s tourism. He was happy for the big turnout of visitors and foreigners the past month.
“Mahal ko ang Tacloban – it’s Ilocos’ sister city. Taon-taon kailangan nandito ako sa fiesta,” said Bong Bong Marcos.
The Sangyaw Festival featured daily fiesta activities like sports competitions: the 6th Sangyaw Frisbee Competition and National Darts Competition; Sangyaw Mini X Games competition and Battle of Kankabato: 1st Sangyaw Airsoft Tournament; the 2018 Jet Ski Tacloban Race; 1st Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez Regional Chess Tournament; 2nd Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez Pedicab Race; 2nd Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez Cup, National Sepak Takraw Tournament 2018; 10th Mayor Cristina Cancabato Bay Fishermen’s sports competition; and the Sangyaw Adventure Race.
There were also nightly cultural presentations, the 65th Charter Day celebration, Pre-Balyuan Rites and the Balyuan Rites, Sangyaw Awards, Balikbayan Night, Battle of the Bands, and beauty pageants Miss Tacloban 2018, Sangyaw Queen competition, “Ginoong Sangyaw 2018,” and national bodybuilding competition “Mr. Sangyaw Tacloban 2018.”
The most awaited Sangyaw Festival of Lights was held on June 29 with a grand parade around the city and performances from Manila-based and local bands at the Sangyawan Music Festival. A pontifical Mass closed the month-long celebration.