Sapian to hold 2nd Talahong Festival May 7-9
SAPIAN, Capiz – All systems go for this town to hold the much-awaited 2nd Talahong Festival slated from May 7- 9 this year.
Mayor Arturo “Turic” Orosco, Ph.D. and wife Dr. Evangeline Oñas Oroso told The News Today (TNT) that they have added more activities to make the festival more exciting for domestic and foreign visitors.
Among the activities lined up for the festival are: street dancing, trade fair, two nights live band sponsored by San Miguel Beer and 2nd Cong. Fredenil Castro Cup.
Mrs. Orosco also said that television personality in the person of Rojun Cruz will also perform an intermission number during the opening salvo while former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn “Jocjoc” Bolante will deliver an inspirational message.
The mayor said that there will be a cooking contest of “tahong” (oyster) and “talaba” (green mussels) which are abundant in Sapian.
Talahong has been derived from two words “talaba” and “tahong”.
Mayor Orosco and his wife Evangeline organized to festival to promote the two seafood resources abundant in their town.
It was learned that more than 100 sacks of “talaba” and “tahong” are being disposed for sale to other parts of Western Visayas every day.
Originally, Sapian celebrates the Tilibyugan and Religious Fiesta from July 21 - 26 every year. It has been observed for a few decades with its own distinctiveness in preserving the cultural practice and traditions. The feast is celebrated in honor of the Patron Saint, Saint Anne.
On the other hand, the birth of Talahong Festival was very enormous. It was conceptualized based on entrepreneurial and tourism purposes to trigger the economic growth of the whole town.
Hence, showcasing of seafood products particularly the “talaba” and “tahong” is the highlight of the two-day event. It is also the infusion of arts and culture that will serve as a tool in promoting Sapian as its best and provide revenue for the fisherfolks, travel, operators, stakeholders and the local government.