“Base-ao Del Jaena”, the champion.* Ronnie Baldonado photo
“Base-ao Del Jaena” that advocated the protection of sea horses was the champion in this year’s “Sinigay sa Sagay Saot para sa Dunang Manggad”, one of the highlights of the 29th Sinigayan Festival at the Sagay City Public Plaza on Wednesday, March 19.
The cluster, composed of barangays Bato, Sewahon, Taba-ao, Plaridel, and Lopez Jaena was the champion in the street dance and arena competition where participating groups advocated environment conservation and sustainability themes, a press release from Sagay City said.
Base-ao Del Jaena dancers, taking the sea horse as their conservation icon, told a story through a tableau of the effects of harvesting the species on the ecosystem and the people.
The contingent was also the champion of last year’s “Sinigay sa Sagay” edition and will represent Sagay City in the 2025 Panaad sa Negros Festival.
The group also grabbed eight special awards for Best Streetdancing Costume, Best Saot sa Dunang Manggad Choreography, Best Endurance, Best Choreographer, Best Designer, Best Visual Artist, Best Props, and Best Headdress.
“Tribu Bumavira Uno” composed of barangays Bulanon, Vito, Rafaela Barrera, Maquiling, and Poblacion-1 was the 1st runner-up and took home the Best Recycled/Upcycled Accessories award.
Famupuan Dos composed of barangays Poblacion-2, Andres Bonifacio, Fabrica, Molocaboc, and Puey was the 2nd runner-up.
In the Hara and Hari competition, Ashley Fate Ibag Sayon and Reynaldo Lim Delcoro Jr. were declared winners, representing “Old Maluri Himogbay” of barangays Old Sagay, Malubon, General Luna, Rizal, and Himogaan Baybay.
Vice Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva said that the festival is Sagay’s testament to its thrust to conserve the environment and urged the Sagaynons to continue being nature’s champions.
Committee on Tourism and Environment Councilor Arthur Christopher Marañon said that the festival is also for the young generation for them to learn and take lessons on how to protect mother nature.*