Bago City’s Babaylan Festival costume entry and the Lilas Pandan of Calatrava were grand winners in the Festival Costume competition, colorful and indigenous categories, respectively, in the ongoing 29th Panaad sa Negros Festival.
Designed by Bagonhon artist Jeremiah Gazo, the city won the Best Colorful Festival Costume award, followed by Pulupandan and San Carlos City in second and third places, respectively.
Dubbed “Manugbulong”, the Babaylan healer costume is inspired by the traditional spiritual and healing practices of the Babaylan, ancient Filipino shamans, and spiritual leaders, city said in a press release March 27.
The attire blends elements of indigenous Filipino clothing, ceremonial accessories, and spiritual symbols, Gazo said.
This costume is not just about appearance but is deeply connected to spiritual significance, invoking a sense of respect for nature, ancestors, and the healing arts, he added.
In the indigenous category, the Lilas Pandan Festival costume of Calatrava was the grand winner, with Pontevedra and Manapla in first and second places, respectively.
Calatrava Mayor Marilyn Era congratulated Kenny Salem, who designed the town’s winning entry. “Your efforts and vision manifested into reality and deserved its place in history of this competition as champion. Congratulations Kenny!”
Salem said the costume “embodies the meticulous craftsmanship that has placed Calatrava on the map, not only within the province but internationally, as its banig (handwoven mats) products reach shores at far as Hawaii and Europe.”
The costume breathes life into the essence of Lilas Pandan, honoring the intricate weaving tradition passed down through generations.
“The materials used in this masterpiece are no ordinary fabrics, they are the very fibers that make up the distinguished banig bags – carefully woven strips of pandan leaves, dried under the golden embrace of the sun, dyed with the vibrant hues of polog, and shaped by the skillful hands of artisans, who have mastered the delicate art of weaving,” Salem said. ||
