Tacloban City’s celebration of its 127th Sangyaw Festival was a success.
The month-long festivities capped off with the inauguration and oathtaking of Mayor-elect Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez and the members of the local city government on June 30.
Three years after the destruction brought about by super typhoon Yolanda, the city kicked off the annual festival in honor of its patron Sr. Sto. Niño de Tacloban on the first of June. The celebration had socio-cultural events for every Taclobanon and guests for the whole month of June such as agro-trade fairs; nightly barbecues with live shows by Calla Lily, 6 Cycle Mind, Banda ni Kleggy, Parokya ni Edgar, Aegis, Itchyworms, Rocksteady, Regine Velasquez, Side A, Yeng Constantino, the REO Brothers, Kitchie Nadal, and Wolfgang; ballroom dancing, the search for Ms. Tacloban 2016, the 8th Sangyaw Awards night, and the most awaited “Parade of Lights.”
On June 29, 10 barangay contingents and 10 school contingents participated in the Parade of Lights which has become a symbol for the city’s resilience and hope.
“Resilient, Vibrant for a Better Tacloban—this is the theme of the festival this year. Through the beautiful lights showcased by the barangays and schools, no doubt, Tacloban shows the world its strength and beauty,” said Romualdez, who replaces her husband, Alfred Romualdez, the mayor of the city for the past nine years.
In one of the nightly concerts, Sofia, the 16-year-old daughter of Cristina and Alfred, surprised her parents and thousands of viewers with her performance at the annual Sangyawan Music Festival June 28. Dubbed the “Next Phenomenal Teen Star,” Sofia said her performance was her gift for her mother, the second female mayor of the city.
“I will continue the seed we planted in Tacloban. With our leadership, the city will continue to flourish,” said the new mayor.
