Central School, San Roque reign in Talisay City’s Halad Festival

CEBU, Philippines — The Talisay City Central Elementary School and San Roque National High School ruled in the Halad Talisaynon Festival Sunday evening in honor of the city’s patron saint Sta. Teresa de Avila.

Both schools bagged P50,000 each as cash prize in the ritual showdown.

In the elementary division, Borromeo Brothers Elementary School finished second place with P40,000 cash prize; Mohon Elementary School, third with P30,000; Lagtang Elementary School, fourth with P20,000; and Tabunok Central Elementary School, fifth with P10,000.

Talisay City Central School successfully defended its title in the competition, which was held amid the heavy downpour.

Talisay City Central School Principal Geronimo Egoña said having been able to defend their title was the best gift they received from the patron saint.

In Secondary level, Jaclupan National High School ranked second; Lawaan National High School, third; Pooc National High School, fourth; and Talisay City National High School, fifth place.

Lawaan National High School also swept all four minor awards winning additional P25,000 for best in audio band(P5,000); best in Andas (P5,000); best in costumes (P5,000); and best in street dancing (P10,000.)

Tabunok Central Elementary School was hailed best in audio band for the elementary division. Best in Andas went to Borromeo Brothers Elementary school while Talisay City Central School won best in costumes and street dancing.

Talisay City Mayor Eduardo Gullas said he is proud of all the students who participated in the festival despite the downpour. He said it was not easy to dance on a muddy stage.

"Best in tenacity silang tanan, ngilngig kaayo," Gullas said.

Each contingent received P125,000 subsidy from the city government. Festival Chairman Edgar Mabunay said the subsidy this year was bigger compared to the P80,000 last year.

He said the city government raised the subsidy upon the request of the contingents who also promised to enhance their presentation.

"Successful kaayo bisag gaulan unya lapok.   Ilang gihatagan og dako nga effort,  pwede na sila mo-compete sa other festivals," he said. (FREEMAN)