Rains fail to dampen Soli-Soli Festival

CEBU, Philippines - The uncooperative weather yesterday afternoon failed to dampen the spirits of thousands of residents and tourists who flocked to San Francisco town in Camotes Island to witness the celebration of the town’s eighth Soli-Soli Festival.

Unmindful of the drizzle, the participants enjoyed the street dancing that ended at the central school where at least 10 contingents, consisting of the elementary and secondary categories, performed in front of guests that include officials from the Cebu Provincial Government led by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Provincial Board member Agnes Magpale, who represents the fifth district of the province, was also in attendance to give her full support to the initiative of the local officials.

When the rains started to pour, some participants and revelers sought shelter under their umbrellas —and anything else available— to shield themselves from the rain. But the show went on.

The 10 contingents that joined the presentations were Pundok Timubo of the Sonog Elementary School, Tribu Pag-ambakan of the Unidos Elementary School, Pundok Kan-ising of the San Francisco Central School, Pundok Daang Lungsod of the Talisay Elementary School and Consuelohan of the Consuelo Elementary School. for the elementary category

For the secondary category, it was the Pag-ambakan of the Santiago Elementary School, Kasikas of the Camotes National High School, Daang Lungsod of the Lorenzo C. Tanza Memorial National High School, Consuelo National High School and Timubo of the Cabonga-an National High School.

San Francisco mayor Alfredo Arquillano said the festival would not have been successful without the support of the provincial government.

According to him, Soli-Soli Festival is a celebration of thanksgiving to St. Joseph, the town’s patron saint.  The costumes and props are made of soli-soli grass, from which the festival is named after, that are abundant in the town.

The street dancing and performances of participants depicted the arrival of the image of St. Joseph in San Francisco, the town’s Christianization and the legend of Lake Danao, one of the tourist attractions in the town.

According to the legend, Lake Danao came to be when a couple, Insiong and Insiang, had a heavy fight and ended up summoning thunder and heavy rain. When the floods came, the couple allegedly swam away from each other, resulting in the creation of the lake that resembles the number “eight”. — Garry B. Lao/WAB (THE FREEMAN)