HUBON Balsahan of the Municipality of Sibunag was declared champion of this year's Manggahan Festival Cultural Competition in Guimaras.

Hubon Balsahan took home the cash prize worth P1.5 million, while Hubon San Lorenzohanon received P1 million as first runner-up, and Hubon Bulantihan of Jordan got P500,000 as second runner-up.

Hubon's stellar performance also won several minor awards: Best in Costume and Props, Best in Choreography, and Best in Performance.

The Hubon Balsahan performance shows the bountiful harvest from the seas and the thriving aquaculture industry that sustains the economic growth of the municipality.

The Hubon's dance emphasized the importance of "balsa" made of bamboo shafts in transporting the harvest of the people of Sibunag from the seas.

The cultural competition is one of the highlights of Manggahan Festival 2023 that is staging its sweet comeback after a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Five competing hubons from the five municipalities and one non-competing hubon from Guimaras State University comprised this year's participants for the cultural competition.

Here are the results of Manggahan Festival 2023 Cultural Competition:

Champion: Hubon Balsahan of Sibunag

1st Runner-Up: Hubon San Lorenzohanon of San Lorenzo

2nd Runner-Up: Hubon Bulantihan of Jordan

Minor Awards:

Best in Street Dancing: Hubon San Lorenzohanon of

Best in Costume and Props: Hubon Balsahan of Sibunag

Best in Performance: Hubon Balsahan of Sibunag

Best in Music: Hubon San Lorenzohanon of San Lorenzo

Best in Choreography: Hubon Balsahan of Sibunag

(PR)