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| Twelve stunning floats and vibrant contingents will depict the captivating story of El Capitan's journey and the city's fiesta on the main streets. Photo: Gaye Gaspay/Facebook |
TACLOBAN CITY – The Sangyaw Parade of Lights, scheduled for June 29, 2023, will showcase twelve beautifully illuminated floats and twelve enthralling contingents of dancers. This grand procession will take place along the main streets, offering a mesmerizing spectacle highlighting Tacloban's rich history and cultural heritage.
The City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) revealed that this year's Parade of Lights will feature the participation of seven local schools, three barangays (neighborhoods), and two contingents representing local government units (LGUs).
With their meticulously designed floats and captivating dance performances, these enthusiastic participants will creatively portray the historical narrative surrounding the image of Sto. Niño's, El Capitan, tragic loss at sea during the 1880s and his eventual return to Tacloban. This event also serves as the foundation for the city's current fiesta date.
Acting City Tourism Chief Ma. Lumen Tabao emphasized the importance of aligning the participating contingents with the historical and cultural significance of the event. The Leyte-Samar Heritage Society, Inc., has provided guidelines to ensure that the performances harmoniously reflect the essence of Tacloban's captivating story.
The contingents consist of educational institutions such as Tacloban City National High School, Tacloban Institute of Electronics, and Sagkahan National High School, along with other notable participants, including local barangays and LGUs.
Recognizing the efforts of these dedicated groups, the city government has granted each contingent a cash subsidy of 150,000 pesos.
Each contingent will comprise twenty members who will dazzle the spectators from their respective floats. The parade will pass through Real, Imelda, Rizal, and Justice Romualdez streets at 5:30 p.m. on June 29. The entries will be assessed throughout the parade route based on their exceptional design, captivating costumes, and remarkable performances. Meanwhile, the winners will be announced at the Balyuan Amphitheater.
A nine-member panel of judges, including two officials from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), will evaluate the entries and determine the champions. The Festival Float Competition will award the Grand Champion an enticing prize of 500,000 pesos and a trophy.
The second and third placers will receive 300,000 and 200,000 pesos, respectively, for their outstanding efforts. Non-winning contingents will be rewarded with a consolation prize of 20,000 pesos.
In addition to these prestigious awards, exceptional performances will be given special recognition. The "Best in Street Dance" will receive a prize of 20,000 pesos, while the "Best in Costume" and "Musicality" categories will each be awarded 10,000 pesos. —iTacloban (Source: CIO)