Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Miranda said that activities during the Jan. 6 opening of the 47th edition of the Sinulog sa Kabankalan 2023 was a success.
Miranda said that aside from full-packed hotels and pension houses in the city, a large crowd gathered during the launching night.
He said that even small businessmen and sidewalk vendors are seeing a huge rise in their revenue from the activities in both the public plaza and the football field where music and bands are playing.
Miranda added that he expects a bigger crowd and revelers on Jan. 15, the highlight of the Sinulog sa Kabankalan 2023.
Meanwhile, the much-awaited Grand Tribal parade is slated at 9:30 a.m. on Jan 15, followed by the Tribal Arena Dance competition at 2 p.m., the city information office announced.
Eight tribes will participate in this year’s tribal competition Barangays 1, 3, 6, Binicuil, Camingawanm Tan-awam, Salong, and Tapi.
Twelve barangays will join the fluvial competition, the city added.
Chocolate Factory, a renowned national band, will perform after the awarding ceremonies.
Performing back-to-back are celebrities Maui Taylor, Katya Santos, Vxon, and Zephanie Dimaranan.
Fascia Anne Ravena and Nico Nicolas will also perform in the evening of Jan. 14 at the Kabankalan Public Plaza.
The Sinulog sa Kabankalan 2023 will be capped off by a grand fireworks display.
“I am inviting everyone to come and celebrates with us here in Kabankalan City,” Miranda said.
“Every night is a night to remember in our Sinulog 2023” with nightly concerts and live DJs at both the public plaza and the football field, he added.
Adding color and glamor to the festivities is the display of giant stars, and the longest and brightest “Tunnel of Stars”.
“Come every one and let us thank our creator and Sto. Niño for protecting us during the pandemic and giving us back our happy days,” Miranda said.
Kabankalan’s Sinulog Festival is a celebration of life and a commemoration of the blessings and protection that Señor Santo Niño has given to Kabankalanons.
Meanwhile, acting city administrator, Engr. Randy Siason, said that police and first aid responders are all ready for any contingency.
Siason said that an emergency response command post is situated at the public plaza itself.
“We also installed portalets in strategic areas for the convenience of everyone,” Siason added.
He appealed to the public to dispose of garbage properly to ensure cleanliness for the duration of the 47th Sinulog Festival. ||
