Hinulawan fest kicks off June 1

CEBU, Philippines - The Toledo City government promises entertaining activities lined up for the celebration of the 2009 Hinulawan Festival on June 12 in honor of St. John of Sahagun.

On June 1, comedians from Manila will serve as guests of the nightly activity at the Barba Sports Complex; Parish Night will take place on June 2. The Talents Night, Association of Barangay Councils Night, and the government employees night are scheduled on June 3, 4 and 5, respectively. 

The Department of Education will be hosting the sixth night prior to the Senior Citizens Night. Also, there will be a Bike for Peace along with physical fitness featuring taebo exercises at the vicinity of the city pier.

June 8 will be the Toledo City Public Market Vendors Night while the 9th of June will be the coronation of the Miss Toledo 2009. On the 10th is the night for the non-government and people’s organizations as well as for the agriculture and business sectors.

A procession of marine vessels and or craft will take place near the city pier on June 11. In the evening, the Department of Public Works and Highways will host the night activity which is also the Rep. Pablo John Garcia Night.

June 12, which happens to be Independence Day, will start with a flag-raising ceremony and pass in review in front of the Toledo City Hall at 8 a.m. The Hinulawan Festival celebration will officially start at noontime followed by the grand showdown of street dancers. On the same day, Toledo City will be visited by participants of the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo Northwest Escapade.

A trade fair is expected in the afternoon. In the evening, the Battle of the Bands and the search for Little Mr. and Ms. Toledo and Mr. Teen Toledo will take place.

Hinulawan is said to be a combination of two Sinugbuano terms – “hinaguan” (pertaining to labor or toil) and “bulawan” (gold). — AJ dela Torre/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)