San Joaquin 's ‘ Pasungay '
An age-old town fiesta exhibition

Text by Ronelo S. Ladiao

If you think bullfight spectacles only happen in Spain and cockfight is the eminent traditional betting game that exists in the Philippines , then think again! In this side of the continent we do have our won bullfight. Yes, in the town of San Joaquin, Iloilo, the last southwestern town in the province that celebrates its annual fiesta in devotion to the Child Jesus every second Saturday of January. For centuries this traditional and spectacular event coinciding with San Joaquin 's most revered town fiesta bring excitement and lavishness to the celebration. The setting of gladiator-like event is traditionally held in the seaside of the age-old Augustinian built town church wherein people of all walks of life gather to witness, cheer and enjoy the ferocious display of power and motions by male carabaos (Water Buffallo ), bulls and stallions (horses) to win the fight…and well, the victorious stallion have a mating session with the female horse in front of the crowd.

Like cockfights, there's also betting for this event that made it more sensational and exciting for those who would love to play with luck. Mostly, the bets are between barangays and prominent people in the town. But in this game there's no presence of the barkers or callers for the bets like in the usual cockfight. We arrived a little late for the popular event in the morning of January 15, 2005 . luckily , however, the fight didn't began yet as if the bulls, carabaos and stallions were rehearsed or conditioned before unleashing their rage. An hour later the bullfights began. First, between the male bulls followed by carabaos and the stallions that truly stunned the spectators upside down from the great display of motion, force and the clouding dust that enveloped the place. Definitely, the event and the whole scene were filled with excitement and roaring cheers of the crowd.

This year, the “ Pasungay sa San Joaquin ” was a finale and part of the weeklong attraction of the town's well organized “ Bayluhay ” Festival that reflects the cultural history how Panay was bartered by the Aetas to the Malayan Datus . The week was also highlighted by the making of the biggest “ Bandi ”, the native delicacy of San Joaquin . The weeklong festival especially the “ Pasungay sa San Joaquin” was spearheaded by its dynamic Mayor Ninfa Garin , public officials, parish priest and festival committees who made everything successful in their quest to attain progress, camaraderie and a brighter glimpse of the town's future.

(Express your views about festivals and tourism event, text the author at 09265722874 or e-mail at rslphoenix@yahoo.com)