San Joaquin, Iloilo
there is always a fun-filled cultural event during their annual fiesta
celebration scheduled this year on the 14th – 19th of January. There are events
to celebrate heritage, there are those that celebrate music genres, and events
that celebrate beauty. The Bayluhay Festival is the most popular and well-known
event during its municipal fiesta to take place of January 17 (Thursday) at 2
p.m. with its street dancing and tribe competitions.
So, If you are
planning to visit Iloilo you could plan your trip to include this festival in
your tour as it celebrate its 109th annual Municipal Fiesta with the theme,”
Padayon nga Paghiliusa sa Pagtuo kag Pagalagad.” The event opens on January 14
(Monday) with a Mass at the Barangay Siwaragan Coastal Area at 8 a.m., Fluvial
Procession, Multi-Sectoral Parade at 2 p.m., Opening Ceremony, LIga Night at 8
p.m., and the Talent’s Night for the Search for the Dayang kang Bayluhay 2019;
January 15 (Tuesday) The Search for Dayang kang Bayluhay 2019 at 8 p.m.; January
16 (Wednesday) Parade at 7:30 a.m., Elementary Day Coronation at 2 p.m., San
Joaquin Central Elementary School Alumni Night with the Band Performance of
Ritmo Tambores at 8 p.m.
January 17 (Thursday)
Opening Program at 2 p.m., Bayluhay Festival Street Dancing and Tribe
Competition at 3 p.m. with guests Elha Nympha and Lyca Gairanod of the Voice
Kids Philippines; January 18 (Friday) Parade of the Fiesta Queen and Balikbayan
Night with Talent’s Unlimited and a Band at 8 p.m.; January 19 (Saturday) Eucharistic
Celebration with a Con-Celebrated Mass at 9:30 a.m., Pasungay 2019 at 10:30
a.m., Coronation of the Fiesta Queen at 8 p.m.
Bayluhay, coined from
a Hiligaynon word “baylo” or “exchange” showcases a mixture of indigenous
rituals, and later Spanish traditions and customs from an oral and intangible
heritage of the historic landing of the 10 Datus and showcased through a
re-enactment during the most famous part, the height of the festival, the tribe
dance-drama presentation.
Coming from the
kingdom of Bornay (now Borneo), they escaped from the wrath of an oppressive
regime of Sultan Makatunao in 1225 A.D. Finding a place where they can live in
peace and harmony, the 10 Datus or chieftains namely Datu Puti (the leader),
Datu Bangkaya, Datu Dumalugdog, Datu Sumakwel, Datu Lubay, Datu Paiburong, Datu
Dumangsil, Datu Balensusa, Datu Paduhinog and Datu Dumangsol, along with their
followers boarded on their balangays (vintas or boats) without knowing where to
go, sailed across the Sulu Sea on their quest for the Promise Land.
The group skirted to
the southern tip of the island of Panay, towards the Siwaragan River in San
Joaquin and proceeded to navigate inward to Andona creek just within the
settlement of Sinugbuhan.
It was said that when
Datu Puti along with his men landed in Sinugbuhan where they met an Aeta who at
that time was fishing along the riverbank. Through him the datus learned about
Marikudo, his people and his territory. And through this fisherman, they sought
an audience with the Aeta chieftain. They sat down with the natives, negotiated
and agreed to purchase the lowlands of Panay for their abode. According to the
folk legend, they purchased the island from the Negritos led by their chieftain
Marikudo and his wife Maniwantiwan, for a golden sadok or salakot (hat) and a
manangyad (long golden necklace) that was said to have touched the ground. The
datus then settled in the coastal areas of the island, while the natives agreed
to live in the mountains and hinterlands.
Not only is it a fun
and colourful festival, it is also a good avenue to learn about some of San
Joaquin’s rich culture of folklore and storytelling. And along with the
Bayluhay tribe competition is the annual Pasungay, one of the more popular,
well-organized special event featured during the annual fiesta celebration.
Pasungay is a great way to immerse yourself in the typical fiesta celebration
of the town.
Pasungay is a water
buffalo or carabao fight held as part of an ancient tradition of San Joaquin.
Scheduled this year on January 19 (Saturday) at 10 a.m. at the San Joaquin
Sports Stadium situated at the back of the Municipal Hall, is the culminating
event of its municipal fiesta.
Along with Pahibag or
the traditional horse fight, the carabaos, bull and horse fights provide entertainment
and harmless fun to thousands of spectators. The fight starts as a pair of
carabaos or cows or horses attack and lock each other’s horns, trying to push
each other until one gives up and flee from the pursuing winner. Many San
Joaquinhons breed prized bulls that they present during these contests and are
nourished both physically and psychologically in preparation for the annual
event.
While Pasungay and
Pahibag are well-established cultural celebrations in the province, many are
catching attention. The festival season has just began, so it is time to start
marking your calendars and getting out to discover some of the myriad municipal
festivals and celebrations that this province is famous for.
The Second-Class
municipality of San Joaquin, last town south of the province of Iloilo is 85 -
kilometers away or an hour and twenty minute drive from Iloilo City. It has a
land area of 23,135 hectares subdivided into 85 barangays.
To get to the town,
one can take a San Joaquin jeepney at the Don Benito Q. Acap Sr. Southern
Iloilo Perimeter Boundary in Barangay Mohon, Oton or when in the city, take any
bus at the Antique Terminal in Molo or at the market situated at the back of
Robinsons Place Iloilo. For more information, please contact Miss Erlyn Alunan
– Municipal Tourism Officer at 09176619120.
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