By Leo Udtohan
Last weekend, the town of Panglao, the jewel tourism of Bohol province, has revived the "Hudyaka sa Panglao" Festival, two years since the pandemic forced most festivals in the Philippines to go virtual.
"Hudyaka sa Panglao street-dancing is back," said Anthony Ceniza, Panglao's Culture and Arts officer. "Sadya kaayo ang Hudyaka namo karung tuiga."
He said the last time Panglao held an in-person street dance competition was in 2019. The festival turned virtual in 2020 and 2021.
“Hudyaka” is a Cebuano word for revelry and merrymaking.
Dubbed the province's oldest festival which presumably started in 1987, the "Hudyaka sa Panglao" is staged every 28th day of August to celebrate the feast of the town’s patron saint San Augustine.
The Hudyaka is an occasion in the Panglao community where faith, culture and tradition converge and oceans of people come together as one.
"It is also to reflect Panglaoanons' strong faith and devotion through an established cultural identity and to express the gratitude to our patron saint," Ceniza added.
The street-dancing had been the main highlight of the Hudyaka sa Panglao festivities. This year, all the 10 barangays (villages) joined the event, together with their respective festival queens.
Mayor Edgardo "Boy" Arcay emphasized that the challenges brought by the pandemic could not stop the Panglaoanons to celebrate the feast of Saint Augustine.
Carousel type
Each contigent was composed only of 31 participants- 20 dancers and one festival queen and 10 drummers-just enough for the fanfare.
The street-dance had a carousel route that started at the front of the church then to the plaza repeatedly on a progressive choreography.
Residents and tourists witnessed the street dance where the performers wore bright-colored costumes and amazing props who danced to the rhythm of drums and native gongs.
The contingent from Barangay Lourdes was declared grand champion.
"Nakita nako ang ilahang diversity of culture, gipakita nila ang ilang pagka-relihiyoso sa Panglaoanon," said Edison Gumapac, one of the judges.
Through the festival, Ceniza said the town was able to showcase the reviving economy and other side of Panglao which was affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.
The tourism makes up 15% of Bohol economic output with Panglao as the principal destination of the province. Many of the town's businesses were closed during the pandemic.
Bohol has suffered greatly during the pandemic when tourist arrival had 177,341 in 2020, the lowest in a decade.
Tourist attractions
The town of Panglao was established as an independent parish in 1782, but Recollect records show that they took charge of the town in 1803.
Since the central theme of the Hudyaka is Saint Augustine, the church dedicated to him is worthy to visit.
The St. Augustine Church, probably one built by the Jesuits before their expulsion in 1768, has facade inspired by neoclassical architecture and includes the typical portico with Corinthian columns.
The centuries-old watchtower built in 1851 is said to be the tallest in the Philippines.
If you’re already in Panglao, then a side trip to emerging and existing destinations are a must. On top of it is the white-sandy beaches on Alona Beach and Dumaluan Beach Resort in Barangay Bolod.
A five-minute drive from Dumaluan, you will reach the South Farm, where you can find a 9-hectare organic land property promoting rural, handmade, handcrafted, hand built tourist destinations.
Other attractions are Virgin Island for swimming, Cliff Dive for snorkeling with shoals of sardines and Balicasag Island for a world-class diving site.
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Most memorable lines from our newsmakers (and why we are moved, if we are moved):
Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite on assuring the public on the purchase of 14 new vehicles: "Rest be assured nga during the budget hearing and approval of the budget for the next year, dili man jud mo makalimtan. Number jud sa amua health, agriculture and tourism, the rest will follow. Ayaw mo kaguol, wala mo pasagdi sa atong governor, sa board members. Naa rami kanunay nagtutuok ninyo. Ang tanan namo nga trabaho masubay kanunay para sa kalambhan kanatong tanan."
Jorryme Lorono- Vodisek, who has recently just parted ways with his husband due to the
latter’s controversial extramarital affair with a friend: "Sa kadaghan sa trials nga atong naagian karun pa ta mo surrender? Beri wrong. Papunta pa lang tayo sa exciting part. Laban Japan."
Shaira Mae Boyonas, the so-called "best friend" of the afam who was allegedly ruined the wedding of Jorryme: "During the wedding day preparation, walang malisya."
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These "practical" tips shared to us by Jeycelle Espejo-Inting of Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School. She got this from Financial Talks on Facebook:
The toxins of the house are:
1. Objects you no longer use.
2. Clothes You Don't Like Or haven't used in a while. Damaged underwear.
3. Broken things.
4. Old cards and notes.
5. Plants that are dead or sick.
6. Receipts and old magazines.
9. Shoes broke.
7. Stuff of all kinds calling the past.
8. If you have children, toys that are not used, that do not work or broken.
WITH CLEANING THEM OUT:
1. Health gets better.
2. Creativity grows.
3. Relationships get better.
4. There is greater reasoning capacity.
5? Improved mood.
QUESTIONS THAT MIGHT HELP CLEANSING:
- Why am I saving that?
- Is it about me today?
- How will I feel if I release that?
Separate and classify:
1. To donate.
2. To throw.
3. To sell.
INSIDE CLEANING REFLECTED OUTSIDE.
1. Avoid extreme noises.
2. Less strong lights.
3. Less saturated colors.
4. Less chemical odors.
5. Less sad memories.
6. Finish unfinished projects.
7. Cultivate positive energy in your home.
Do a general cleaning and use boxes for organization. Start with drawers and cabinets and conclude each piece, do everything at your pace...
a) Trash.
b) Arrangements.
c) Recycling.
d) In doubt.
e) Gifts.
(f) Donation.
g) Sell.
As you cleanse, watch what changes in you.
As we clean our physical house, we also place order to our mind and heart.
Practice detachment with material things that just fill your space and you'll see how you'll slowly be able to do the same with more momentous situations.
Blessed be for you always.
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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.
Photo captions:
"Hudyaka sa Panglao" street-dancing competition is back last Aug. 28, in Panglao, Bohol after it went virtual for two years due to the pandemic. Photos: Leo Udtohan
Contingent from Barangay Lourdes is this year's Hudyaka sa Panglao grand champion. Photo: Leo Udtohan
Bohol Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite (with his chief of staff, lawyer Glenn Rey Anino) says the purchase of new vehicles is timely and relevant so officials could function effectively and reach their constituents easily. Photo: Leo Udtohan
A reliable source said that employees are worried about the ongoing sugar shortage that cause the suspension of operation in Tagbilaran which has some 100 workers. 
