Contingents from Lapu-Lapu City celebrated their pride and culture at the Mactan Newtown.
For two years, the Garbo sa Lapu-Lapu festival was canceled. The 2020 event was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, while the 2021 celebration broadcasted a pre-recorded show online.
However, in 2022, the Historic Resort City finally organized its first face-to-face iteration of the festival in two years. The festivities brought out thousands of Oponganons to witness the fun activities and performances.
Several mesmerizing dance numbers were performed at the street parade.
This Lapu-Lapu City festival is a part of the celebration of the Feast of the Nuestra Señora Birhen de la Regla, or Our Lady of the Rule, which takes place every November 21st. The festival transpired on the afternoon of November 19, 2022.
A FESTIVAL OF TALENT IN MACTAN
Garbo sa Lapu-Lapu activities included a street parade and a beauty pageant, featuring festival queens from different neighborhoods in Mactan.
The street parade started at the Liberty Shrine, leading up to the Mactan Newtown. Hundreds of residents flocked to the business district to witness the contingents bust their dance moves.
Many Oponganons were excited to see the different contingents perform, as the event had not had a physical audience for two years. It was so festive that one Taho vendor dressed up for the occasion.
This taho vendor went to the street parade attracting customers with his getup.
His traditional Filipino attire complements the barongs and dresses worn by the dancers of the different contingents, giving some color and personality to their mesmerizing performances.
Like many festivals in the Philippines, Garbo takes inspiration from the Cebuanos’ Catholic faith. Contingents brought their grottos of the Virgin Mary, designing them with delicacies or products made in their local towns or neighborhoods.
Introducing these products gave viewers some insight into the different areas in the city and what Mactan Island has to offer other than its many beautiful beaches and resorts.
The event culminated in an open space where the Mactan Newtown Beach used to be. A Ritual Showdown determined the best group performances, while the Festival Queens also showcased their talents.
RESULTS OF THE GARBO SA LAPU-LAPU
The Lapu-Lapu City government gave over a million pesos to the winners of the different competitions, namely the Ritual Showdown, the Festival Queen, the Street Dancing Competition, and the Floats category.
Ritual Showdown
For the Ritual Showdown, Barangay Maribago won the top prize of ₱300,000, with their performances inspired by the guitar-making industry in the city.
The Runner-Up awards went to two joint contingents, Barangay Basak & Suba-Basbas, and Barangay Pajo & Poblacion, going home with ₱200,000 and ₱150,000, respectively.
CHAMPION: Barangay Maribago
1st Runner-Up: Barangay Basak & Suba-Basbas
2nd Runner-Up: Barangay Pajo & Poblacion
Special Awards:
Best in Costume: Barangay Gun-ob & Canjulao
Best in Andas: Barangay Mactan & Pusok
Best in Musicality: Barangay Maribago
Best in Graphics and Video Presentation: Barangay Maribago
Festival Queen
For the Festival Queen winners, Geraldine Caangay from the joint contingent of Gun-ob and Canjulao won the prestigious award for 2022. She was awarded ₱20,000 from the Lapu-Lapu City government.
Meanwhile, Natasha Testa of Barangay Maribago and Kyla Cabasan of Barangay Basak & Suba-Basbas finished as the 1st and 2nd Runner-Ups.
FESTIVAL QUEEN 2022: Geraldine Caangay, Barangay Gun-ob & Canjulao
1st Runner-Up: Natasha Testa, Barangay Maribago
2nd Runner-Up: Kyla Cabasan, Barangay Basak & Suba-Basbas
Special Awards:
Best in Solo Performance: Barangay Gun-ob & Canjulao
Best in Group Performance: Barangay Maribago
Best in Costume: Barangay Gun-ob & Canjulao
Best in Production: Barangay Maribago
Social Media Award: Barangay Looc
Miss Photogenic: Barangay Basak & Suba-Basbas
Street Dancing Competition
CHAMPION: Barangay Gun-ob & Canjulao
1st Runner-Up: Barangay Pajo & Poblacion
2nd Runner-Up: OIango Island
Float Category
CHAMPION: Barangay Basak & Suba-Basbas
1st Runner-Up: Barangay Pusok
2nd Runner-Up: Barangay Punta Engaño
Oponganons were more than happy to take part in the festivities as the Garbo sa Lapu-Lapu festival had its first face-to-face celebration since the staggering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is just one of the many events that will pave the way for the return of other unique cultural festivals celebrated on the island.
Seeing how festivals have been go-to celebrations around Cebu, one can expect that more festivals such as this will take place in the near future. The energetic atmosphere and colorful designs bring the perfect vibe for fun and excitement. It was an unforgettable experience to see what Mactan had to offer and how many Cebuanos participated in the exhilarating event and activities.
