TRIBU CT-IS Tambongon of Cebu Technological School (CTU) and Tambongon Integrated School was named grand champion in the ritual showdown of the 2023 Lapyahan Festival, which was held Wednesday, May 16, 2023, in San Remigio town, Cebu.
The group also bagged the Best in Street Dancing title, as well as the Best in Audio Van, Best in Musicality, and Best in Choreography. Its choreographer Erwin Escurial was named the Best Choreographer.
Escurial, in an interview with SunStar on Wednesday, May 16, said that all the efforts they have exerted were made for the children.
"Gisaad sa mga barangay officials, especially sa mga teachers nga para na sa mga bata kay kibaw mi sa ilang mga sa sakripisyo," he said.
The group had at least 150 dancers and props men ages 16 to 25.
"Inspiration ang mga bata kay kung dili tungod sa ilang pagpaningkamot sa ilang performance, sa ilang ka kugi para sa grupo, dili mi ma inspired sa among everyday na practice. Salamat Tribu CT-IS," said Escurial.
Jonathan Medel Enero, 22, one of the dancers, said he was glad that they were named champion, adding that they had been preparing for one month for the performance.
"In behalf sa tanan dancers, props men, choreographers and barangay officials, mapasalamoton mi ni Mayor Alfonso Pestolante nga bongga kaayo nga gipahigayon nga fiesta karon tuiga," said Enero.
This year’s Lapyahan Festival was said to be the grandest fiesta celebration in San Remigio.
Tribu CT-IS Tambongon received a trophy and cash certificates.
Tribu El Polo of Barangay Poblacion and Looc, meanwhile, won second place in the ritual showdown, while Tribu Punhag of Barangay Punta and Hagnaya won third place.
Other winners are:
* Best in Costume – Tribu El Polo
* Best in Andas – Tribu El Polo
* Best Float – Lamer Beach Resort
* Best in Street Dancing 2nd place - Tribu El Polo-Hugbong sa Mauswagong Kanghagasnon
* Best in Street Dancing 3rd Place - Tribu Larga (Barangay Lawis and Argawanon)
The Lapyahan Festival 2023 was held with a P2.4-million budget allotted for the winners.
The participating clusters were also given P100,000 each for their costumes, props, transportation, and food.
San Remigio Mayor Alfonso Pestolante said he had been envisioning this year’s celebration for years, adding that it was challenging to ensure the presence of expert judges.
He also said that setting up the stage and illuminating a wide area with LED lights is reminiscent of Pasigarbo sa Sugbo.
"This is just the beginning. We will realize all our dreams together, and we will make San Rem a place nga ang tanan mga taga San Remigio makuntento gayod nga nahimo mong Saan Remigiohanon," he said.
Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura and former Bogo City vice mayor Celestino Martinez Jr. attended the celebration.
The street dancing competition started around 2 p.m. It saw 13 contingents in festive costumes dancing despite the heat of the sun.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of San Remigio said its personnel assisted at least 27 dancers who fainted during the street dancing competition.
The street dancing was followed by the ritual showdown, which started at 7:30 p.m.
Authorities said at least 3,000 people had witnessed the Lapyahan Festival 2023 ritual showed Tuesday night, May 16.
The celebration ended peacefully, officials said. (Mary Francis Lynn Caayon, contributor)