Grupo Mamumugon rules Pakuyang sa Tangyan Festival 2006
The Grupo Mamumugon was adjudged champion during the 2nd Pakuyang sa Tangyan Festival held last week in the Municipality of Igbaras, 39.9 km South of Iloilo City.
The group's presentation depicted the important role of Tangyan River in the lives of Igbarasnons, being the major source of livelihood of townfolks other than farming, a watershed, and a venue for recreational and cultural activities.
Tangyan River is Igbaras' main source of water serving the town's domestic, agricultural and commercial needs. The abundant water of Igbaras, especially in the river, also sustain a broad variety of animal life, including shrimps, crabs, awis or fresh water snails, tughod, sili and lobo-lobo.
The Grupo Mamumugon also garnered the Best in Head Dress award and second placer in the Street Dancing competition.
The Grupo Lobo-Lobo landed in the second spot. It garnered minor awards such as Best in Music, Best in Costume, Best Choreography and 1st place in Stationary Drum Beat Competition.
The Grupo Kapawa, last year's champion, was adjudged third and got the second and third prizes in Stationary Drum Beat Competitions and Street Dancing, respectively.
Other minor prizes went to Grupo Kiput, Most Discipline award; Grupo Pamanlu, first prize in Street Dancing; and Grupo Manugdum-ok, third prize in Stationary Drum Beat Competition.
Provincial Tourism Officer Bombette Marin said "Tangyan Festival is a fitting cultural activity not only for the sole promotion of Igbaras' as a tourist destination, but to promote its town's indigenous culture that has long been forgotten."
He also observed significant changes in the presentations and he is happy to note that Igbarasnons are now getting aware of their roots and the peculiar culture they used to possess.
Marin added the festival does not only mean merry-making but also a way of raising people's awareness of the importance of their river that needs to be taking care of and protected from exploitation.
Igbaras Mayor Jaime Esmeralda expressed his delight for the success of the festival as heavy downpours came down from heaven right after the presentation.
He said the rain signified more blessings to be showered upon him and his people in Igbaras.
(Capitol News)