Sandugo: A Festival Worth Watching For

Sandugo Festival is a cultural performance worth repeating to watch. As a first-time guest, I never thought it would be a wonderful experience. I stand in awe as I watched their synchronized dance performances. The colorful floats and props were all unique and added more cheer to the much-awaited festival.

Bohol Island State University (BISU) Bilar campus Sandugo 2015 Street Dance Champion

Sandugo 2015 Street Dance

Air Asia Partners with Henann Beach Resort and Bohol Provincial Tourism Office for Sandugo 2015

Exactly a week ago, the annual Sandugo Festival was held of course in the city of Friendship, Tagbilaran City. I am privileged to be invited by team Air Asia composed of Ms. Genefer Tan and Mark del Rosario. Our group was composed of traditional media and six bloggers including Jonel and I for our blogs, Seats-For-Two and Woman-In-Digital. A day before the grand dance competition, we arrived at Tagbilaran airport and warmly welcomed by the staff of Henann Resort Bohol (more of our staycation soon), our home in Bohol.

AirAsia was the official airline partner of Visit Bohol 2015 in partnership with Bohol Provincial Tourism Office and Henann Beach Resort for this year’s Sandugo Festivities. Sandugo 2015 was held to commemorate a historical sign of friendship or treaty between the Spaniards and Filipinos. The ceremonial blood compact, the ancient ritual is notably recorded in Bohol where Spanish colonizers led by Captain Miguel Lopez De Legazpi and local chieftain Datu Sikatuna sealed a friendly agreement in 1565 by drinking a cup of wine mixed with their blood.

The performers didn't mind the weather. They were all smiling while dancing before thousands of visitors. It delights me to capture their big smiles.

Blood Compact Re-enactment

A huge crowd gathered at the CPG stadium to witness the re-enactment of Sandugo (blood compact) performed by Governor Chatto portrayed Rajah Sikatuna and Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap portrayed Legazpi

Governor Chatto as Rajah Sikatuna and Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap portrayed Legazpi

The much awaited street dance competition started. Eight groups wowed the crowd with their interpretations of Blood Compact. Bohol Island State University (BISU) was awarded grand champion in this year’s Sandugo Festival street dancing competition. Tagbilaran City was first runner-up while the Municipality of Baclayon finished at second runner-up.

AirAsia Philippines, the Filipino Low Cost Carrier is offering low fares for Manila to Tagbilaran flights with 3x fights daily from Manila’s NAIA Terminal 4 to Tagbilaran Airport. The
airline signed a partnership agreement with Bohol provincial government in November 2014 and
has been fully committed to continuously promote Bohol as an important tourist destination
with world-class resorts such as Henann Resort and well developed eco-adventure parks and natural wonders.

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Each group delivered an outstanding performances depicting the message of Sandugo. The choreography that you won't see in other Philippine Festivals. The experience opened my eyes to look forward to watching more festivals in the country.