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| photo courtesy of San Joaquin Tourism Office |
Pasungay and
Pahibag, the traditional bull and horse
fighting in San Joaquin stands out as one of the most awaited events in the month
of January. Pasungay highlights this year’s six-day municipal fiesta
celebration and will go centerstage on January 19 (Saturday) at 10 a.m. at the
San Joaquin Sports Stadium alongside other activities: January 14 (Monday)
Opening Parade and Drum Corps Competition; January 15 (Tuesday) Miss Teen San
Joaquin; January 16 (Wednesday) Elementary Day; January 17 (Thursday) Bayluhay
Tribe Parade an Performance at 4 pm., San Jaquin Got Talent and Gabi ng
Parangal; January 18 (Friday) Parade of Fiesta Queen Mardi Gras Competition at
3 p.m. and Disco at 8 p.m.; January 19 (Saturday) Pasungay and Coronation of
Fiesta Queen at 9:30 p.m.
Bullfighting exists
in many countries. Some may consider it as a way of life and a celebrated
tradition. It is regarded as a spiritual experience that represents the battles
between man and nature and man and himself. Although horse fighting is outlawed
in many countries, the people of San Joaquin continue this tradition because of
its cultural importance.
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| photo courtesy of San Joaquin Tourism Office |
These horses are specifically
bred for horse to horse combat with specific considerations of their size and
sturdiness and trained for fighting.
The municipality of
San Joaquin is an unending succession of Marine Protected coastlines with folds
and peaks. At the San Joaquin Sports Stadium, a stretch of open flat land where
spectators are annually cheering a fierce horse and carabao (water buffalo) fight.
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| photo courtesy of San Joaquin Tourism Office |
Bull and horse
fighting is an annual traditional sport of the community. As horse and carabao fighting
increased in popularity, more and more people began to take part, and horse
fights became part of every traditional festival.
Pasungay lasts only for
a day. Into the fight arena come the magnificent and awesome carabaos and horses,
led by their owners. The muscled, sturdy carabaos and horses gather in the
horse-fight ground are itching to fight. Then it starts. The first pair of
horse pounces at each other, they rear up, they bite, spin round and kick with
their hind legs as the exciting and absorbing fight arouses cheers from the
crowds of spectators. If one falls down or runs away, the other one is declared
the winner and another two take their place. The winning horses and carabaos then
fight each other.
Many would lay bets on which one will be standing when the fighting ends. The fight normally goes on for half an hour or more, until one or the other collapses or is simply too exhausted to continue.
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| photo courtesy of San Joaquin Tourism Office |
Many would lay bets on which one will be standing when the fighting ends. The fight normally goes on for half an hour or more, until one or the other collapses or is simply too exhausted to continue.
 |
| photo courtesy of San Joaquin Tourism Office |
Bull and horsefighting
continue to attract audiences from all walks of life. Some come for the
tradition and some for the spectacle. With its celebration of centuries of
custom and tradition, bullfighting continues to be a time-honored practice in
San Joaquin.
To get to San
Joaquin, the last municipality in the southern district of Iloilo Province, one
can take a jeepney at the DON BENITO Q. ACAP SR. SOUTHERN ILOILO PERIMETER
BOUNDARY TERMINAL in Barangay Mohon, Oton, Iloilo or at the market terminal
along Mabini St. in Iloilo City. Metered taxis are also available. For more
information, please contact Mrs. Erlyn Alunan – Municipal Tourism Officer at
09179857804.
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