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The Diwata Awakens
The Diwata Awakens
Negros Oriental has erupted with energy and anticipation as it officially opened the Buglasan Festival 2025, an event promised to be "one of the biggest and most memorable Buglasan celebrations yet". This grand opening salvo, held against a backdrop of majestic landscapes and rich history, served not only as a celebration of culture but as a powerful demonstration of provincial unity.
A Spiritual Opening: Guardians and the Gift of Life
The opening celebration was steeped in reverence for the land and the divine. The spiritual tone was set immediately with the invocation, known as ang gugma ko, led by the governor’s aide Rodin Sumangka alongside Kristen Marie Bilbao. This was followed by the singing of the provincial hymn, Garbo Sa Kabisay-an.
The highlight of the powerful cultural presentation was the ceremonial "Awakening of the Diwata". The Diwata is regarded as the "keeper of balance and guardian of Negros Oriental," whose spirit is described as being intertwined with the land. In the ceremony, the Diwata accepted a humble offering from a villager and vowed protection in return.
This solemn spiritual connection extended into governance through the symbolic "offering of the water" by municipal leaders. Water, representing the "source of life in the province of Negros Oriental" and one of the earth's most important elements, symbolized the leaders' commitment and "respect for God's creation". The ceremony culminated as Governor Sagarbarria performed the symbolic "watering of the plant," a gesture signifying the wish for the life of Negros Oriental to "continue to grow". This segued immediately into the ceremonial simultaneous cutting of the ribbon, officially marking the festival open.
The Call for Unity: Governor Sagarbarria’s Keynote
Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria delivered the keynote address, conveying the palpable "energy, joy, and anticipation" felt throughout the province.
The Governor emphasized that the Buglasan Festival transcends mere celebrity appearances, stressing that its core mission is to "preserve, showcase and immortalize our culture, our arts, our heritage, and our history".
Sagarbarria highlighted the festival’s most crucial value, calling it a "rare opportunity... where all of the Negros Oriental unite under one province" to celebrate their "shared pride and love for our home".
The Governor also gave a special mention to his father, Dumaguete Mayor Manuel "Chiquiting" Teves Sagarbarria, for going the "extra mile" to ensure the stage was finished on time for the festival showdown.
A Spectacular Lineup and Distinguished Guests
The festival schedule promises a spectacular 11-day roster of events, culminating in a Grand Finale, Closing, Awarding ceremony, and Fireworks Display on October 26.
Highlights of the calendar include:
• The Festival of Festivals
• Street Dancing and Showdown
• Balak and Folk Dance Competition
• The Hara ng Negros Oriental
• Body Building Competition
• Motocross and Dragon Boat
• Hospitality Skill Contest and Parada sa Kahayag
Governor Sagarbarria lauded the competing LGUs for preparing the "most beautiful booths" in the history of Buglasan 2025, noting the difficult task faced by the judges. Twenty-three booths are stationed in front of the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU).
The opening salvo was graced by numerous legislative and local officials:
• Vice Governor Cezanne Fritz H. Diaz, who heads the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
• Second District Congresswoman Ma. Isabel L. Sagarbarria (also known as Maisa Sagarbarria), who is the Governor's mother.
• Third District Representative (prospective candidate) Mayor Janice Degamo.
• Former First District Congresswoman Jocelyn Sy-Limkaichong (also known as Josy Limkaichong).
The PIO team, responsible for spearheading the online events, is headed by Juvi Calago, the Governor's domestic partner.
For entertainment, the audience enjoyed performances by Miss Chini Gaston and the Dance in Motion Kahayag dance company, along with the Bacong Parish performers. Musical entertainment is scheduled to feature the premier band 6Cyclemind on Saturday night and Elias J. TV on Sunday, both free for all attendees.
In closing his enthusiastic address, the Governor delivered the festival’s motto and invitation: "Magbuglasan nata 2025".
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