Sandugo Festival

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This article is about the festival. For the historical event, see Sandugo.

The Bohol Sandugo Celebration or Sandugo Festival, also known as Blood Compact Commemoration, is an annual historical event that takes place every year in the island province of Bohol, Philippines. This festival commemorates the treaty of friendship between two people of different races, culture, religion and civilization: between Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftain and the Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi, representing the king of Spain. This treaty of friendship occurred on March 16, 1565 through a blood compact. [1] This blood compact is the first international treaty of friendship between Filipinos and Spaniards and is known today as "Sandugo", meaning "one blood".

In honor of this occasion, the late Philippine President Elpidio Quirino established the Order of Sikatuna, a presidential decoration conferred upon diplomats.[1]

Contents

[edit] History

Main article: Sandugo

The "sandugo" or blood compact began with the arrival of Miguel López de Legazpi in the shores of Bohol in 1565 and the swearing of allegiance of Datu Sikatuna to the Spanish crown. The two people were believed to have made a cut on their left arms with a dagger and sprinkled their blood into a cup filled with wine, which both drank in honor of their friendship and brotherhood. This was 44 years after Magellan was killed attacking a Philippine village in Mactan Island, about 50 miles north of Bohol. [2]The blood compact was a traditional way to formalize treaties of friendship in the Philippines. Magellan himself took part in several of these ceremonies before attacking Mactan Island. [2]

[edit] The Festival

The Sandugo Festival is a yearly historical event that takes place every year in the island province of Bohol. This festival honors the celebration of a local Philippine leader Datu Sikatuna's blood compact and association or treaty of friendship with the Spanish king conquistador, Captain General Miguel López de Legazpi in March 16, 1565.[2] The annual celebration of the Sandugo Festivities begins in the month of March. However, the streetdancing competitions have been changed to July to coincide with the annual TBTK or Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan, translated into English, literally or otherwise as a gathering of Boholanos (the people of Bohol) from around the world. Tagbilaran City also celebrates its Charter Day on July 1 while the Province of Bohol became a separate politico-military province on July 22, 1854, known as the "Bohol Day", in commemoration of Bohol's separation from the government of Cebu. Thus, a festive mood pervades the province for the whole month of July.

Hundreds and thousands of people from around the Philippines and the world gather for this special event which involves colorful costumes and loud drum beats, street parades, church services, fireworks, beauty pageants (Miss Bohol and Miss Tagbilaran), cockfighting tournaments and sport tournaments.

The main highlights of the Sandugo Festival is a street parade with a street dancing competition, a re-enactment of the first sandugo or blood compact, and the Search for Miss Bohol Sandugo.

The street dancing competition is held in Tagbilaran City where each local high school develops its own dance custom with special costumes and choreography. A small marching band follows each group of dancers to provide the music. The bands consist only of xylophones, drums, and trumpets. Some of the dancing was very good, and the costumes were very colorful. The parade also integrated the customary entourage of local officials, police department, local business establishments and associations and, of course, the local beauty queens, Miss Bohol and Miss Tagbilaran.[2] The street dancing has since then evolved to include entries not only from high schools but also entries from Local Government Units (LGUs) or municipalities as well as guests from other cities and provinces.

[edit] Bohol Sandugo Festival 2006

The Bohol Sandugo Festival 2006 was spearheaded by the Bohol Sandugo Foundation Inc. or (BSFI). Coinciding with the 2006 celebration was the global homecoming of Boholanos dubbed as Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan, or TBTK, "a summons for all Boholanos from all over the world to gather and the name for such a grand event" which drew in hundreds of Boholanos from around the Philippines and abroad.

[edit] Sandugo Oracles

One of the major highlights of the 2006 sandugo celebration was the "Sandugo Oracles", an hour-long reenactment directed by Lutgardo Labad, founder and chair of the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage Council, which recounted the historic meeting between East and West through interpretive dance, pantomime, song and a narrative soundtrack in Bohol’s native Visayan. The oracles sought to "clarify" the Sandugo legend by going beyond typical reenactments, which only depict Legazpi and Sikatuna meeting, drinking goblets filled with each other’s blood and little else. "The performance highlights the impact on the native population and makes people think anew of their own realities," Labad said.

The oracles presented Boholano priestess Karyapa tugging on Rajah Sikatuna’s arm and imploring him to ignore Miguel López de Legazpi’s arrival in the Philippines in 1565. Karyapa’s prophecy was that the Europeans would destroy local civilization. It also showed the role that a lesser-known datu Sigala played in convincing Sikatuna to accept López de Legazpi’s offer, and the influence of an earlier raid on Bohol by Portuguese slave-traders.

[edit] Other activities

The other activities for the 2006 celebration included:

  • Agriculture, Food, and Trade Fairs which showcase Bohol's artistry and creativity through its distinct products
  • month-long Nightly Presentation which would sustain Sandugo revelry after sundown - at the world-class City Tourist Port.
  • Tagbilaran City Pop Music Festival, presenting original composition composed and interpreted by local talents
  • Search for Miss Bohol Sandugo
  • Little Big Sandugo Star
  • Ginoong Bohol Sandugo
  • Little Miss Bohol Sandugo
  • Ten Outstanding Boholanos All-over the World or TOBAW - awarding Boholanos who have excelled in their field of endeavor
  • TBTK activities:
    • Mrs. Bohol International
    • Miss Bohol International
    • Group Tours
    • Youth Camp specifically tailored for young balikbayans involving the much-vaunted Heritage and Eco-Challenge, and performances by Boholano talents abroad
  • Economic Forum - audienced by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
  • Street Dancing Extravaganza divided in two categories: the Contest and Non-Contest. The Contest category was contended by Bohol-based delegation while the Non-Contest brought in the Champions of other province's festivals as Guest Performers, which was preluded last year with the participation of Masskara (Bacolod City), Dinagyang (Iloilo City), Ati-atihan (Kalibo, Aklan), Mantawi (Mandaue City), and Yagyag (Sibulan, Negros Oriental). Public and private schools, organizations, business establishments and clans also joined the merriment in the streets.
  • outreach medical and surgical mission - by Floating Mercy Hospital of the Physicians for Peace which is an international, humanitarian, non-profit, medical education organization dedicated to building peace and international friendships through medicine.
  • Grand Alumni Homecoming of Holy Name University Alumni
  • Holy Spirit School Alumni Homecoming [3]
  • DJs in Drums - at Lazer Party Club of Bohol Tropics Resort Club.

Spearheading the celebration preparations were the Chairman of the Foundation, Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim and Co-Chairman Bohol Governor Erico B. Aumentado. To further the efficacy of task delivery, two groups were created, one based on the City Hall focusing on Sandugo activities while the other, based in the Capitol, focused on the TBTK; both of which were coordinated by Loreto M. Palapos, the executive director

[edit] TBTK or Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan

The Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan or TBTK is a summon for all Boholanos from all over the world to gather and the name for such a grand event. TBTK is not an umbrella organization that would gather Boholano organizations under its fold; neither does it exist as a regular socio-civic organization. Rather, TBTK works as a steering committee that would handle activities related to the international homecoming and reunion of Boholanos. Among the involved organizations are: the Confederation of Boholanos in the United States and Canada (CONBUSAC); the Bohol Association of Metro Manila, Inc. or BAMMI; the Boholano Organizations from other Countries; Boholano organizations from Philippine Provinces; as well as all Boholanos in Bohol, around the Philippines and around the world.

This international homecoming and reunion of Boholanos is hosted by the Provincial Government of Bohol, the Bohol Congressmen, the City Government of Tagbilaran, the Diocese of Tagbilaran and the Diocese of Talibon.

It began during the sixth biennial CONBUSAC convention, held in Houston, Texas, when then Governor Rene Relampagos, as an invited guest, took the opportunity to invite the CONBUSAC to hold its Seventh Biennial Convention in Tagbilaran City. Seeing the convention as a venue where the showcase province can be presented, the Bohol officials at that time, headed by Governor Rene Lopez Relampagos, laid out the much-needed base for the convention to materialize. On the part of the CONBUSAC, the plan was finalized when a cultural and investment group led by Gov. Rene Relampagos and a select Bando-Bandilyo Bol-anon was sent to the USA in early 1999. This sealed the agreement for the Boholanos to come home and re-experience Bohol. The Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK), a global convention of Boholanos, surfaced from that trip.

The TBTK is also seen as the re-tracing of the roots of Boholanos who have long left the land and are now bound on that long journey towards home. Presenting Bohol is a rather challenging job, especially when the province has just completed its initial steps in batting for a showcase of its tourist spots, preserved traditions, historic landmarks, beaches, dive spots, diverse flora and fauna, unique landforms, and daily unfolding of the arts.

[edit] Bohol Sandugo Festival 2004

The 2004 month-long activities of the Sandugo Festival in Bohol was the usual festivity of music, dancers, arts and culture. It was also considered as a celebration of life of the Boholanos. In 2004, the Department of Tourism included the Sandugo or blood compact as Bohol's participation in the Fiesta Islands program - a promotion for the country as a premier tourist destination. The Sandugo, significant in the country's history and culture, was the very first international treaty of friendship, cooperation and amity between the brown and white races, represented by native chieftain Rajah Sikatuna and Spanish conquistador Gen. Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, on March 16, 1565.

On July 1, the month-long celebration kicked off with the celebration of Tagbilaran City's Charter Day. As in the past 14 years, 2004 featured the usual trade fair overseen by the Tagbilaran City government. However, instead of holding the fair along CPG Avenue like in the past, the fair was made at the Tagbilaran City Tourism Port which is the first one of its kind in the country. The fair showcased the city's new promenade with bright lights comparable to the ones along the bay walk of Roxas Boulevard in Manila. Visitors tasted the best Boholano products featured in the agri-fair sponsored by the provincial government and the food fair spearheaded by the Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants. In addition, the month-long series of activities prepared by the Center for Culture and Arts Development of the provincial government featured the best of Boholano art and culture, as well as developed local talents.

On July 17, 2004, 23 pretty ladies representing the different towns of Bohol took part in the Miss Bohol Sandugo beauty pageant.

On July 22, Bohol celebrated its 150th founding anniversary as a province. The celebration highlighted the giving out of the first set of Rajah Sikatuna Awards to the different donor countries as well as to outstanding Boholanos and employees of the provincial government who have made an impact on the development of Bohol.

On July 23, a blood-letting activity of the Philippine National Red Cross was conducted. On the same day, the municipality of Mabini celebrated its centennial anniversary, with Philippine Senator Manuel Villar as the guest of honor.

On July 25 was the traditional Sandugo street dancing along CPG Avenue which winded up at the President Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex for the blood compact re-enactment and the ritual performances.

The Sandugo also celebrated the successes of the Boholano people. The three-day Entrepreneurs' Fair handled by the provincial government, through the Bohol Investment and Promotions Center-Bohol Technical and Livelihood Development Center, drew a big crowd of Boholanos seeking a better life, not abroad but right at home, as the country's future business giants through entrepreneurship. The three-day fair also featured the launching of the Boholano Entrepreneur Award 2005 and the BIPC-Bohol Technological and Livelihood Development Center website, as well as the re-launching of the Bohol Products Display Center.

The Sandugo festivities also included a four-day Civic Action in four towns of the province, namely Loboc, Sikatuna, Sevilla and Corella. An unexpected turnout of almost 8,000 patients took advantage of the free medical consultations, dental services, operation-tuli, dispensing of medicines and multivitamins, supplemental feeding and distribution of goodies to pre-identified indigent families in these towns. A team of doctors from Metro Manila and various parts of the country also performed operations for patients suffering from cataracts. Boholanos suffering from facial deformities and burns became recipients of Operation Smile and reconstructive surgeries at the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital on July 20-22, 2004. These medical missions were sponsored by the Operation Smile Philippines, Operation Smile International, Hildegarians '89, Home Reach Foundation, Cataract Foundation of the Philippines, Rizal McArthur Foundation and the provincial and Tagbilaran City governments.

Bohol Governor Erico B. Aumentado heads the Bohol Sandugo Foundation Inc. which was behind the preparations for the Sandugo celebration. He was formerly co-chair to former Tagbilaran City Mayor Jose V. Torralba. Aumentado was ably assisted by Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan N. Lim. All in all, the month-long festivity commemorated the blood compact and celebrated the Boholano's lust for life.

[edit] Bohol Sandugo Foundation, Inc.

The Bohol Sandugo Foundation, Inc. (BSFI) was organized in 1991 due to inadequate support coming from both government and private sectors, coupled with an overall dwindling public interest, in the yearly celebration of the Sandugo Festival. For the past eleven years, BSFI has ably spearheaded the celebration of Sandugo and has made significant efforts in reviving a nationwide interest in the event which has now become a magnetic by-word in the tourism industry. <ref

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b History of Bohol www.bohol.gov.ph Retrieved 16 November, 2006
  2. ^ a b c d Sandugo Festival Bohol www.philippinecountry.com Retrieved 16 November, 2006.
  3. ^ HSS Alumni Association readies for TBTK reunion www.boholchronicle.com Retrieved 16 November, 2006.

[edit] Related Literature

  • Agoncillo, Teodoro A. History of the Filipino People. GAROTECH Publishing, 1990 (8th Edition).
  • Arcila, Jose S. Rizal and the Emergence of the Philippine Nation. 2001 revised edition.
  • Constantino, Renato. The Philippines: A Past Revisited. Tala Publishing Series, 1975.
  • Corpuz, Onofre D. The Roots of the Filipino Nation. 1989.
  • Scott, William Henry. Barangay: Sixteenth-Century Philippine Culture and Society. AdMU: 1994.
  • Zaide, Gregorio F. Great Filipinos in History: An Epic of Filipino Greatness in War and Peace. Verde Bookstore, 1970.
  • Zaide, Gregorio. Dagohoy: Champion of Philippine Freedom. Manila: Enriquez, Alduan and Co., 1941.

[edit] External links

Bohol Portal
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