Dumaguete City’s Sandurot Festival, represented by Asian College of Dumaguete, will compete in Negros Oriental’s Buglasan Festival of Festivals competitions on Oct. 25, and Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo is urging support from residents.
The Sandurot Festival contingent will compete in the street dancing at 1 p.m. along major streets, and during the ritual/showdown competition, at 6 p.m., at the Perdices Coliseum.
The Sandurot Festival is the story of Dumaguete, the city said Oct. 23.
“Mag-Sandurot” means to “come together in friendship and harmony”, with the early inhabitants of areas around Dumaguete molding urns, jars, and other everyday household items from clay and earth or “yuta”.
The common earthenware evolved into decorated jars and pots – crafted by village artisans. The decorated earthenware represented the wealth of the community. They were treasures given as rewards to village heroes, used to forge political alliances, and bartered in the trading networks.
Dumaguete is a welcoming community, which led to the coming of many peoples to our land, although not all who came meant well.
“Our forefathers built a fortress and four belltowers to keep constant watch for marauders, and to protect the pueblo. Throughout the ensuing years, after shedding the old fears, we have embraced the ‘folding in’ of travelers and visitors, who have brought to this gentle place a melting pot of education, religion, art, music and cuisine,” the city said.
It added that, every third week of September, Dumaguete celebrates its creatives and the weaving into the local fabric of these colorful threads of foreign influences.
Remollo, meanwhile, lauded the Silliman University Dance Troupe, which represented Dumaguete City, for winning first runner-up in the Folk Dance Competition (Western influenced category) in the ongoing Buglasan Festival of the province.
“Our appreciation as well to the West City Elementary School Pamana Folkloric Dance Troupe for representing the City of Dumaguete in the Folk Dance Competition (rural category),” the mayor said. ||
