• ANDREW ALTAREJOS
Tribe no.1 Sitio Sampok-Maradula, comprising performers from Barangay Concepcion, Barangay Cabatangan, and Don Hilarion G. Gonzaga Memorial High School, emerged as the overall champion of the 26th Minulu-an Festival Street and Arena Dance Drama Competition in Talisay City, Negros Occidental on September 9.
The group triumphed over six other competing tribes in a vibrant showcase of cultural heritage and artistic excellence held at the Talisay public plaza.
In addition to the grand championship, Sitio Sampok-Maradula won several special awards including Best in Street Dance, Best in Fight Scene, Best in Performance, Best in Production Design, Best in Rhythm, Best in Costume, and Best in Choreography.
The tribe also earned minor awards such as Best Costume Designer, Best Lead Banner, and Most Disciplined Cluster, Best Production Designer, Best Kapitan Sabi in Character, and Best Choreographer.
Meanwhile, Tribe no.2 Sitio Katungrania, composed of Zone 2, 3, Barangay Dos Hermanas, Barangay Bubog Zone 1 Sangguniang Kabataan, Inocencio V. Ferrer Memorial School of Fisheries, and Dr. Antonio A. Lizares Memorial High School was the first runner-up.
Tribe no.5 Sitio Dagyaw, composed of Barangays Zone 12-A, Zone 4A, Zone 9, Zone 12, and Technological University of the Philippines – Visayas, was the second runner-up.
Talisay Mayor Rowena “Weng” Lopez-Lizares in her speech during the opening salvo of the festivities, said that Minulu-an Festival is a celebration that honors the rich culture, the vibrant history, and the enduring spirit of the people of Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
“Beyond the showcase of colors, dances, and traditions, Minulu-an Festival is a tribute to our roots, our identity and a reminder of how far we have come as a city,” the mayor said.
The festivities also honor the city’s patron saint, San Nicolas de Tolentino, during the celebration of the 175th Patronal Fiesta of the Parish on September 10.*
