Article contributed by Ken Michael Escamillas

Batanguenos are really clever! We are fond of creating unique yet ingenious things which will surely create a mark to everyone. As I have searched about festivities here in the province, I have discovered one unique festival which reflects Batangueño creativity. And that comes from Tuy – the Salagubang Pestebal.

A Festival with Purpose

Sugarcane farmers from Tuy thought that having this festival is the best way of killing the pest – the June bee or locally known as the Salagubang. The sand colored, thumb-sized winged insect is small but is the terrible enemy of farmers that damage of all their crops being produced. The white grubs or the larvae bites the roots of sugarcane while the beetles eat up the leaves and stems.

Imagine, they can make 97 million-peso damage every year. The towns of Balayan and Calaca had also experienced 66 million-peso loss on crops due to salagubang infestation.

And with this, Salagubang Pestebal existed which pursued to have an economic and environment-friendly way of controlling the salagubang infestation.

Tuyused to celebrate the Salagubang Pestebal in June 15 and 16 of every year which I assumed to be filled with unusual yet exciting activities.

What’s in the festival?

Well, you never heard of the word “Ug-og” right?

Primarily, one of the aims of Salagubang Pestebal is the massive collection of salagubang which is their own way of controlling the infestation. This is done by doing ug-og. People shake the trees, catch and put the fallen salagubangs in the sack. The one who collected the most number of salagubang wins a cash prize.

To add up zing, Salagubang Pestebal begins with parade of floats and Salagubang mascots. There are also games like salagubang race and wrestling and “That’s my Salagubang” where contestants were dressed up with Salagubang costumes. Another one was the Salagubang Fear Factor Challenge, which dares the contestants to do challenges like eating a live salagubang or lie on a bed of salagubang for the longest time possible.

The much awaited event of the festival was the Langhap Sarap Cooking Challenge. The prime ingredient, of course salagubang. Participants were allowed to create their own dishes but it should highlight the salagubang.

Salagubang is actually edible. It is said to be rich in protein and contains vitamins and minerals found in sugarcanes.

Now, I can say that Salagubang Pestebal is purely strategic and fun. It is so amazing to know that Batanguenos are also good thinkers of feasible solutions. Yet, above all, they see to it that there’s teamwork among the people showed in the most festive way.

I shall say that Salagubang Pestebal is one of the strongest trademarks of Tuy. And I hope this mark will be remembered for years.

Source: newsflash.org, batanggenyo.net

Photo credit: pilya.deviantart.com, batanggenyo.net, kabeetmaps.com

Related Posts

1. TUY Fiesta Celebration (Calendar of Activities)
2. Show Us What You’ve Got Tuy!
3. Tuy Policemen Undergo Retraining Course

Much has been said about how festive our very own Ala Eh! Festival is. But for the past years of documenting the what we dubbed as “the mother of all Batangas Festivals”, we say it could only get better and better.

If you were there to witness the festival yourself, you would understand why a lot of spectators got teary-eyed. For a positive reason, that is. The festival which showcased extremely talented young Batangueños was more than just an event typified with drum beats, gaudy costumes, and numbered dance steps. This festival is a representation of everything that Batangas is. And the Batangueño spirit lingered all throughout the venue on that jovial day of December 8th.

The Competitions

Ala Eh! Festival 2011, the competition per se, was divided into four contests: Street Dance, 5-Minute Court Dance, Festival Float, and Festival Costume competitions. Sixteen contingents competed in the Street Dance Competition while there were 17 groups who contended for the 5-Minute Court Dance Exhibition.

The Street Dance competition is far different from the 5-Minute Dance Exhibition as the latter was characterized by stunts, more arduous dance routines, and full-size backdrops, rolling stages, and props.
The dancers of the Tawilis Festival of Agoncillo were the best ones in the Street Dance Competition, seconded by San Juan’s Lambayok Festival dancers and then followed by Tuy’s Kambingan Festival on the third spot. Although they were the third best in street dancing, Tuy’s group bested the rest in the 5-Minute Court Dance Exhibition. Dancers of San Juan’s Lambayok Festival and Lemery’s Sigpawan Festival came in at second and third places respectively.

Meanwhile, 18 towns and the City of Lipa, overwhelmed the streets of Calaca (the host municipality) with their festival floats. The Float Competition is a battle of both mechanical and aesthetic geniuses in which the towns’ festivals or significant trademarks were depicted. Agoncillo’s giant-looking maiden following a smaller float amazed the audience and apparently the judges as well because they won the Best Festival Float. Lambayok Festival was also a big winner this year as they placed second again in the float competition which was once more followed by Kambingan Festival.

What make a festival more appealing are the vibrant, inventive costumes the contingents are wearing. Can you imagine what a huge effort were spent (plus the money invested) in creating such costumes? The Best Festival Costume went to Lambayok Festival of San Juan followed by Tawilis Festival of Agoncillo and then Coco Festival of Mataasnakahoy.

A Collaborative Effort

Ala Eh! Festival 2011 would not be a grand feat if not for the efforts put forward by the Executive Committe headed by the Over-All Chairman, Mr. Pedrito Martin Dijan, Jr. and the man who welcomed the entire Ala Eh! Festival participants, Mayor Sofronio “Nas” Ona of Calaca.

Of course, all these were supported by the HEARTS and SOUL of Batangas Province – Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto and Vice Gov. Mark Leviste. Each year, Ala Eh! Festival ignites solidarity among the locals. It’s hard not to feel the spirit of oneness when people from all walks of life – pure-blooded Batangueños or not – move together to one beat of the drum, sway to one rhythm of Batangas pride.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ALA EH! FESTIVAL 2011 PHOTOS.

Related Posts

1. A Prelude to the Grand Ala Eh! Festival 2011
2. It’s the Grand Opening of Ala Eh! Festival 2011 in Calaca!
3. Makisaya sa Makulay na ALA Eh! Festival Bukas sa Lipa City

It was a gigantic opening day full of enthusiasm and excitement showed by everyone. There were early morning visitors from different towns who joined the Calaqueños in preparing for the grand opening of the festival. These include the float that was built exclusively for the candidates of Mutya ng Batangan, the attractive booth designs for the trade fair, and the colorful street decorations artistically made by the Calaqueños.

The highlights of the grand opening day are the parade of beauties which include the gorgeous candidates of Mutya ng Batangan 2011, the opening of booths for the trade fair competition, the official declaration of the opening of Ala Eh! Festival, and the ribbon cutting for the Provincial Trade Fair and Photo Exhibit.

All these are spearheaded by our provincial Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Mayor Nas Ona and the Sangguniang Barangay of Calaca. Also present are the different Mayors from the different towns of the province to show their support and cooperation for this one big event.

Despite the hot temperature, the opening celebration was indeed a great success for it was attended by a lot of Batangueños not just from Calaca but from all over the province. It is expected that a lot more visitors will come in the upcoming days to witness the week-long
celebration of Al Eh! Festival 2011.

So what are you waiting for? Come and see the pride of Batangueños and join the most luxurious festival ever!

Check out this schedule of activities for the week-long celebration of the 430th Foundation Anniversary of the Batangas Province.

Thursday, December 1, 2011
6AM Parade of Mutya ng Batangan
8AM Mass
9AM Opening Ceremonies
Photo Contest : Opening of Exhibit
Trade Fair : Opening Ceremonies
Cheer Dance Competition
Dog Show
DepEd Night – Cultural

Friday, December 2, 2011
Deadline of Submission : Town-Level Event Photo Contest
8AM Job Fair
8AM Cosplay United : Batangas Cosplayers Group
8AM Painting and Photography Workshops – AVA (ARIDFASS VISUAL ARTS of BSU)

Saturday, December 3, 2011
7AM Shoot Fest (Firing)
8AM Mountain Bike
7PM Mutyan ng Batangan : Pageant Night

Sunday, December 4, 2011
8AM Shoot Fest (Firing)
8AM Car Show
8AM Shoot Fest (Airsoft)
7PM SK Night (Dance Evolution)

Monday, December 5, 2011
8AM Mini Olympics
7PM LGU Night – MAyor’s Night

Tuesday, December 6, 2011
8AM VSR Rehearsals and Set-up
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
7PM VSR Grand Finals

Thursday, December 8, 2011
7AM Concelebrated Mass
8AM Street Dancing and Float Parade

Related Posts

1. A Prelude to the Grand Ala Eh! Festival 2011
2. WOWBatangas Joins Ala Eh! Festival 2011 Provincial Trade Fair
3. Ala Eh! Festival 2011 and the Spirit that Stirred the Batangueño Community

Ala Eh! Festival is fast approaching. The mother of all Batangas festivals will still be the highlight of the foundation anniversary celebration of the province. On December 1 to 8, Batangueños will come together in this year’s host town, Calaca.

Ala Eh! Festival 2011 (the dance and costume competition) has three (3) components: Dance Parade Competition, Costume Competition, and Float Competition. Like in the past years, the contingents will have to dance on the streets (this is called the Dance Parade now) then will gather on the assigned venue for their court dance performance. Who will bring home the P190,000 grand prize this year?

What attracts most of the spectators at first are the costumes. They are made of detailed pieces out of indigenous materials which reflect the things their town or city is known for. The design, the color, the overall ingenuity — these will all be judged. We bet there would be more intense competition this year as P40,000 is at stake for the best festival costume.

Adding grandeur to this year’s festivity is the Float Parade Competition. This one is really exciting. The float entries must ‘depict Filipino culture, values, and tradition’. The best float will win the LGU P75,000.

If you would like to know about the guidelines and criteria for judging in the competitions comprising the Ala Eh! Festival, click this link.

Of course, part of the Ala Eh! Festival celebration are other events which you can take part of. We have the Provincial Trade Fair, VSR Grand Finals, Mutya ng Batangan 2011, events organized by the host municipality which is Calaca, and the Photo Contest spearheaded by WOWBatangas. Visit the official website of Ala Eh! Festival for more updates.

For those who are not familiar with the festivals of Batangas, here’s a rundown for you.

Tawilis Festival (Agoncillo)
Tapusan Festival (Alitagtag)
Parada ng Lechon (Balayan)
Pabitin Festival (Balete)
Sublian Festival (Batangas City)
Sublian Festival (Bauan)
Calacatchara Festival (Calaca)
Tinapayan Festival (Cuenca)
Kulambo Festival (Ibaan)
Bay-ongan Festival (Laurel)
Sigpawan Festival (Lemery)
Balsa Festival (Lian)
Lomi Festival (Lipa City)
Anihan Festival (Lobo)
Yamang Dagat Festival (Mabini)
Nata de Coco Festival (Malvar)
Fiesta de los Torros Festival (Nasugbu)
Kabakahan Festival (Padre Garcia)
Sinukmani Festival (Rosario)
Eggstravaganza Festival (San Jose)
Lambayok Festival (San Juan)
Bangcaton Festival (San Nicolas)
Pastulan Festival (San Nicolas)
Mahaguyog Festival (Sto. Tomas)
El Pasubat Festival (Taal)
Karakol Festival (Talisay)
Kambingan Festival (Tuy)

Related Posts

1. It’s the Grand Opening of Ala Eh! Festival 2011 in Calaca!
2. Ala Eh! Festival 2011 and the Spirit that Stirred the Batangueño Community
3. Ala Eh! Festival 2009 Highlights Batangas Province 428th Foundation Day (Images by WOWBatangas)

Please click the photo to enlarge.

The term “Calacatchara” was coined by Mayor Nas C. Ona. It’s a contraction of Calaca and atchara (pickled papaya). To know more about Calaca’s best atchara, click here.

Related Posts

1. Calacatchara Festival 2010 Photos
2. Enjoy the Festive Activities in CALACAtchara Festival 2010!
3. CalacAtchara, the best appetizer in Batangas

June 24, the feast day of St. John the Baptist and of course, the celebration of the King of Philippine Festivals — Parada ng Lechon!

Parada ng Lechon 2009

Storm signal no.1 was announced over Batangas but like what I’ve said in the intro, nothing can stop Balayeños, not even Typhoon Feria. Tuloy pa rin ang Parada ng Lechon kahit anong mangyari! It even made the celebration more enjoyable with the downpour since this is all about getting soaked with water all around town.

Parada ng Lechon 2010

It was one of the best and the most unforgettable events the team had experienced. And I mean it to the superlative degree!

We arrived in Balayan shortly after dawn and just in time to witness pig roasting on every street. I can still remember vividly the pigs being showered with Royal (tru-orange) and how we were so excited to peel off the roasted skin too early.

The Kings

Of course, the stars of the day were the roasted pigs dolled up by participants of the Parada ng Lechon. The participants are not only from Balayan. There are groups and businesses who join this festival every year, and I mean big companies and organizations ha.

May mga lechon na ginawang boksingero, superhero, driver ng motor, beauty queen, model ng alak, atbp. Pabonggahan ang labanan!

Wet and Wild

It’s a wet and wild party for General Patronage! Haha. Young and old, Batangueños and non-Batangueños, party animals and homebodies — everyone get to experience the thrill of being fired with water guns or being poured with a pail of water from a stranger’s window.

Syempre, ang mga boys abang na abang ang mga chicks na pumaparada. Maui Taylor’s a consistent guest in Parada ng Lechon. Isa pang syempre, wala s’yang kawala sa bulingan. Haha.

After the grand parade, everyone gathered at the Rotonda. A fire truck stays near and that’s what made the people all cheering and soaking wet, haha. Imagine a fire truck hitting you with water.

Street Party Here and There

Yes, in every corner of the streets (at least in this district where it’s all happening) parties are up until the evening. Beer? Free beer for everyone! Para kang nag-bar hopping ng libre.

You’ll see people dancing, singing, laughing, and still splashing water forever. What an event.

We’re wondering how they celebrated Parada ng Lechon 2011 with Typhoon Falcon?

We’d like to share our collection of Parada ng Lechon photos throughout the years. View the photos of Parada ng Lechon: Then and Now album in our Facebook page.

Oh, if you have photos of your Parada ng Lechon experience, you can share them to us through blogs@wowbatangas.com. We’ll have your photos included in our Parada ng Lechon: Then and Now album. Don’t forget to include important information and the year the photo was taken.

Related Posts

1. Parada ng Lechon: King of Philippine Festivals
2. Parada ng mga Lechon, Balayan, Batangas
3. Parada ng Lechon in Balayan, Batangas June 24, 2009

While we’re on our way, sakto! We all know that lomi is one of the most popular dishes here in Batangas, especially in Lipa. Going back to the event, it was Lipa City’s 2nd Lomi Festival as part of 64th Founding Anniversary of the city. The event was spearheaded by spearheaded by De La Salle Lipa in partnership with the Lipa City Government. The remarks of the occasion were delivered by DLSL Vice Chancellor for Academics and Research, Dr. Alice Botardo; DLSL President, Br. Joaquin Martinez, FSC; Vice Governor Mark Leviste, and Lipa City Mayor Meynard A. Sabili.

The opening program was followed by a dance number of Salindayaw Dance Company and students from Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Lipa (talented Batangueños, I should say) which segued to the cooking proper of the participating cooks from various lomi houses in Lipa — Hanzel, LDC, Von’s, Teboy, Syronn, Renfel, Pando’s, and Liam’s. In addition, the festival also had a contest for Lomi King and Queen — paramihan at pabilisian ng pagkain ng lomi ang labanan!

This was how our food trip started — with lomi (we weren’t able to eat lomi in the event though).

Next is another comfort food we Batangueños love (and I’m sure tourists, too) — ang GOTO.

Related Posts

1. The Best of Batangas Food Trip (Part 2: Goto)
2. Join the 5th Annual Lomi Festival at Summer Hills, April 30
3. JOIN na sa SM City Lipa’s “Bloggers’ Food Treat: Ito ang Trip!”

From the soft and romantic melodies played by the Rosario West Central School Rondalla Group to the festive vibe injected by the invited drum beaters, the event venue was the most jovial place around town for that specific time of the day yesterday.

This street and court dance competition is part of the 324th Founding Anniversary of Rosario. After the judging of sinukmani entries in the Luansing Plaza, the town folks then gathered to cheer on their bets for the competition.

While waiting for the competing groups, five pretty young ladies dubbed as Diwata ng Sinukmani were presented. You can find them in the image gallery below.

The contest proper started a bit late than expected because the first competing group, Mayuro National High School, had a hard time bringing in their huge props. There were too many people inside the gym, that’s why.

The competing groups were Mayuro National High School, Itlugan National High School, Padre Vicente Garcia Memorial Academy, Sto. Niño Formation and Science School – Day Class, and Sto. Niño Formation and Science School – Night Class.

This competition were characterized by colorful costumes, confetti here and there, cheers and loud hoots from the audience, and of course, talented and high-spirited dancers who entertained everyone present.

Do you know that feeling when you’re so overwhelmed with what you see and you feel like you’re about to cry? Ang weird ano? They were all up for a good competition and we knew these kids gave it all out to provide us with such entertaining performances. Ang saya-saya ng sayaw nila pero nakakaiyak kasi alam mong pinaghirapan talaga nilang lahat.

But in the end, only one group will be hailed as the best performing group. And we’d like to congratulate Sto. Niño Formation and Science School – Day Class for bagging the first place in the competition!

RESULTS OF SINUKMANI FESTIVAL 2011 STREET & COURT DANCE COMPETITION

STREET & PLAZA DANCE COMPETITION

1ST – STO. NIÑO FORMATION AND SCIENCE SCHOOL (DAY CLASS) (P150,000.00 worth of project)
2ND – STO. NIÑO FORMATION AND SCIENCE SCHOOL (NIGHT CLASS) (P100,000.00 worth of project)
3RD – ITLUGAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL (P50,000.00 worth of project)
4TH – MAYURO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
5TH – PADRE VICENTE GARCIA MEMORIAL ACADEMY (PVGMA)

PROPS & COSTUMES

1ST – STO.NIÑO FORMATION AND SCIENCE SCHOOL (DAY CLASS) (won P10,000.00)
2ND – STO. NIÑO FORMATION AND SCIENCE SCHOOL (NIGHT CLASS)
3RD – MAYURO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
4TH – ITLUGAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
5TH – PADRE VICENTE GARCIA MEMORIAL ACADEMY (PVGMA)

DIWATA NG SINUKMANI

1ST – STO. NIÑO FORMATION AND SCIENCE SCHOOL (NIGHT CLASS) (won P3,000.00)
2ND – STO. NIÑO FORMATION AND SCIENCE SCHOOL (DAY CLASS)
3RD – MAYURO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
4TH – ITLUGAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
5TH – PADRE VICENTE GARCIA MEMORIAL ACADEMY (PVGMA)

See more of Sinukmani Festival Street Dance Competition 2011 photos by clicking the link.

Related Posts

1. Sinukmani Festival 2011 of Rosario (The Primer)
2. Top Winners of Sinukmani Festival 2011
3. Sinukmani Festival 2010 Schedule of Activities

Yesterday, June 9, the team drove down to Rosario for the Sinukmani Festival 2011 and the street dance competition. We’ve been to quite a number of festivals before which have similar events yet there’s always something new to look forward to.

The Sinukmani Festival 2011 was supposed to be on the street along Gualberto Avenue but due to the not so pleasant weather, it was moved to Luansing Plaza where 117 participants from the LGUs, NGOs, business and education sectors lined up their Sinukmani Festival entries.

Each sinukmani entry was not judged based on how it tastes but rather on how it was presented for the festival. The criteria for judging was 70% for presentation and 30% for the concept.

With more than a hundred of participants packed inside the Luansing Park, parang magkaka-stampede! Haha. The entries, aside from appearing na nakakagutom, were visually attractive. Rosarians are creative people and what’s even more admirable is the thought that the participants spent money, time, and effort on their entries. It paid off, applause to them.

But among the entries, only five were chosen to win (each will take home P5,000) this year’s Sinukmani Festival. The entries by the way were judged by Mr. Ruel Gonzales, DTI-Batangas Provincial Director; Ms. Brida Mendoza, Provincial Assistant Head of Planning and Development Office; Ms. Chona Andal, Administrative Officer of Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office.

Sinukmani Festival 2011 winners (in no particular order) :

> Brgy. Balibago
> Brgy. Colongan
> Cebuana Lhuiller
> Day Care Women
> Russel’s Bread Basket

Congratulations to all the winners! Oh, before I conclude this, we’d like to thank Richard Perez of Nonstop Salon for giving us a piece of his sinukmani. Yummy!

To view more photos of Sinukmani Festival 2011, visit WOWBatangas.com Facebook Page.

Take a look back on the photos of Sinukmani Festival 2010 and what happened a year ago in Rosario.

Related Posts

1. Sinukmani Festival 2011 of Rosario (The Primer)
2. Rosario Celebrates 323rd Founding Anniversary with Sinukmani Festival!
3. Enjoy the Sinukmani Festival of Rosario, Batangas

June 9, 2011 – A year after, the team will go back to Rosario to take part in the celebration of their 324th Founding Anniversary. For the second time, we are about to witness the festival — and this year, we hope to grab a bite of sinukmani!

Last year, around 200+ participants from various sectors of the municipality joined in creating the 520 meter-long line of sinukmani. If you are wondering how many participants will join, then watch out for Sinukmani Festival 2011 coverage tomorrow. For the schedule of activities of the 324th Founding Anniversary of Rosario, click HERE.

See you tomorrow in Rosario at 7:00am for the Foundation Day program, the Sinukmani Festival (Luansing Plaza), and the street dance competition (Laurel Park). If you see us taking pictures, show your best smile.

Take a look back on what we’ve enjoyed last year. You can click this link to see the photos of Sinukmani Festival 2010.

Related Posts

1. Top Winners of Sinukmani Festival 2011
2. Rosario Celebrates 323rd Founding Anniversary with Sinukmani Festival!
3. Enjoy the Sinukmani Festival of Rosario, Batangas