TACLOBAN CITY- From barbeques, beer parties, popcorns and carnivals at Remedios Trinidad Romualdez (RTR) plaza and Magsaysay Boulevard (Mags) to colorful and captivating Sangyaw and Pintados festivals, Taclobanons and the people of different municipalities of Leyte marked Sto. Niño de Tacloban’s 121st feast day last June 29-30.

Sangyaw and Pintados which were the city’s official festivals highlighted the fiesta celebration last June 29.

The Buyugan Festival of Abuyog, Leyte bagged this year’s championship in the Pintados Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals, receiving P500, 000 cash prize and a trophy. Placing 2nd was the Karatong Festival of Dulag, Leyte while Viajedores Festival of La Paz, Leyte landed on the 3rd spot.
On the other hand, different barangays in the city flaunted their flashy costumes and synchronized moves along with lively bands as they competed with each other during the Sangyaw Festival held at the Balyuan Ampitheatre, Tacloban City.

Tribu Alibangbang of Villa Dolina grabbed the 1st place and received a cash prize of P100, 000 and a trophy. Tribu Maninggete of Brgy. Mangga, Sagkahan District, won the 2nd place while the Tribu Katayuman of Shed, seeded the 3rd spot.

Aside from festivals, different contests and activities that exhibited the talents and beauty of Taclobanons were also done. Included were the Leyte Idol singing contest, Warock (Waray rocks) - a battle of Waray local bands, hiphop or moonwalk dance craze, and beauty pageants both for male and female.

In the beauty tilt for women, Ms. Maybelle Holanda of Palo, Leyte grabbed Miss Pintados 2010 title and Ms. Ivy Severson was crowned Miss Tacloban 2010.

For males, five handsome bachelors, namely Edward Joseph Go, Nathaniel Cañas, Paul Michael Ortega, Reynald Dayola, and Harvey Isaga were proclaimed as the First Sangyaw Festival 2010- Fabulous Five.

Don Dolino was the creative director of the Tacloban Fabulous Five sponsored by Natasha, Duptours, MLhuiller, LBC, Camella Homes and Placenta and Search for Miss Tacloban 2010.

Tacloban’s first lady and councilor Cristina Romualdez was the Sangyaw Execom co-chair while Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla was the Leyte Idol’s organizer.

The EVSU- Samleyaw (Samar Leyte Sayaw) also participated the feast celebration as the University’s dance group joined the province’ prominent performers such as the Leyte Kalipayan Dance Company and the University of the Philippines (UP) Balangaw during the Governor’s Night featuring Stage Crew Pasundayag Leyteño held at the Pintados Kasadyaan Festival Park.last June 21.