Mantawi: A call for celebration

Nine competing and two guest contingents. That's all it took to create the bomb celebration as the city of Mandaue celebrated its fourth Mantawi Festival last Sunday.

As its most ambitious grand presentation to date, the epic journey took the audience back to its rich history, to the time of Datu Lambuzzan who was its first ruler.

The presentations of the participating contingents were, as expected, grandiose with Surigao del Norte portraying tribal aetas leading the pack of top three winners. The other two were Municipality of Consolacion's Sarok Festival and Tribu Guardo of Barangay Sambag I, respectively. Surigao del Norte also won best in streetdancing, best in andas, best in musicality and best in costume. The coveted best in choreography was awarded to second placer Sarok contingent for its ASEAN theme in typical rural setting.

Cabangahan National High School, representing Sarok festival, was bereft of adequate financial assistance, manpower and dancers. So they initially opted to render a courtesy presentation. The agreement to register as a contestant just three days before the competition shocked the unsuspecting choreographer and the LGU, as well. But taking up such a challenge rewarded their sacrifice with a blessing, as the contingent ended up being the major winner.

The event was graced by Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano, Governor Gwen Garcia and numerous local government officials of the participating contingents, including Consolacion Mayor Avelino Gungob.

On Mantawi

A mimetic vine dance, four basic steps were carefully created by a team of researchers some two years ago.

Figure I. Bending the trunk forward and hopping lead by the right leg, hands extend forward in a vine motion slowly reaching upward as trunk raises simultaneously. Then turn right by bending trunk again with arms extended downward to the back of the body.

Figure II. Grapevine footwork using right foot sideward to the right. Arms extended and raised alternately upward and downward. Doing the same to the left.

Figure III. Slide-close footwork with arms extended forward diagonally upward alternately.

Figure IV. Right arm extending forward. Left arm extending upward above head. Both hands simulate a wave motion. Right and left foot extending forward alternately. Turning left about face, the figure is done again.

Cabangahan National High School principal Mrs. Rosemary Oliverio, contingent head of the Municipality of Consolacion, would like to thank the following for their whole-hearted support: Gov. Gwen Garcia, Hon. Avelino Gungob, Hon. Alfie Ouano, Hon. Binggol Villo, Hon. Taboy Abinales, Ms. Analy Fernandez, barangay captains Mangubat and Alegria Singson.