Hubon Balsahan of the Municipality of Sibunag was declared champion of this year’s Manggahan Festival Cultural Competition which highlighted the festivity last March 22, 2023.
Hubon Balsahan took home the cash prize worth Php 1.5 million while Hubon San Lorenzohanon received Php 1 million as first runner-up and Hubon Bulantihan of Jordan got Php 500,000 as second runner-up.
The hubon’s stellar performance also won several minor awards: Best in Costume and Props, Best in Choreography, and Best in Performance.
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 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 San Lorenzo
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
MANGGAHAN FESTIVAL 2023 RECORDS ZERO MAJOR CRIME INCIDENT
Meanwhile, no major crime incident was recorded on the duration of the Manggahan Festival activities.
Guimaras Police Provincial Office (GPPO) chief PCol. Richard Baluis thanked the successful and peaceful conduct of the festivity.
“I would like to express my gratitude towards the PNP personnel of this unit, partner law enforcement agencies, force multipliers, and other committees for the success of the recently concluded Manggahan Festival. Your dedication and hard work in order to keep the peace and security of the visitors during the whole duration of the festivity is greatly appreciated. Congratulations to all of us!” PCol. Baluis said.
