A contingent from barangays Casili, Cubacub, Tingob, Canduman, Tawason and Pagsabungan joins the Panagtagbo Festival street dancing at Rizal Street, Mandaue City Sports Complex. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
Thousands of spectators yesterday filled a main street in Mandaue City to watch street dancing by six contingents in Spanish-period costumes for the Panagtagbo Festival.
Dancers performed to lively, pre-taped music as the parade occupied A.C. Cortes Avenue and headed to the Mandaue City sports complex where a showdown would be held at 8 p.m. and contest awards announced.
“Panagtagbo” which means “meeting” in Cebuano was originally Mandaue’s participation during the ritual transfer of the Sto. Nino icon from Cebu City to Mandaue city during the religious feast of the Holy Child in January.
Yesterday was the third year of the festival, this time as a runup to Mandaue’s annual fiesta on May 8.
Performers chanted ‘Panagtagbo sa Mandaue’ with bright smiles as they started the street dancing at 4 p.m.
“It’s nice!” said Mark Morris, a spectator from San Francisco, USA.
“It showcases how dancing and fiesta is part of Filipino culture.”
Contingents from barangay Guizo, Tipolo and Subangdaku formed one cluster.
“We aim to win the contest. Many of our members are beginners, but who knows?” said Joseph Billy Tacatani, the choreographer.
“This is not just about dancing. Panagtagbo’s theme this year is portraying Maria Clara. It is a matter of discipline for dancers to portray her,” he said.
Images of Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Joseph and the Sto. Niño were carried in floats decorated with flowers for the reenactment of the “meeting” of the Holy Family.
Mirasol Baton,36, stood out in the dance troupes of much younger teenagers. Her graceful moves and bright smile captured the crowd.
“Ganahan ko muapil kay alegre man. Ako ning gihalad alang sa mga patron” she said happily. (I joined because it’s fun. I also dance as my offering to my patron saints.)
“Mura ko ug nibalik pagkabata!” she laughed. (It’s as if I’m a youngster again.)
Baton belonged to Contingent No.2 from barangays Alang-Alang, Opao, Looc, Umapad, and Cambaro.
This is the second time she’s danced in the Mandaue festival, but has been joining dance contests since her teenage days, and even danced in Cebu City’s Sinulog for five years.
She said her passion for dancing was also a way to ask God to bless her family with good health and prosperity. /Anie M. Paujana and Rosemarie R. Cananea CNU Communication Interns