Horsemen vie for honors in Kabayo festival

Horsemen, equine owners and breeders will troop to the Cebu Boardwalk at the North reclamation area today as the Kabayo Festival 2006-Governor Gwen Garcia and Mandaue Mayor Thadeo Ouano Cup National Horseshow and Competition kicks off.

The festival, which is organized by Cebu Equine Owners, Breeders, and Sportsmen Association (CEOBSA), supported by the Department of Tourism, will highlight the parade of horses, horse racing competition and best decorated tartanillas.

Horsemen from Davao, Ormoc, Malaybalay Bukidnon, Dumaguete, Tagaytay are among those who will see action as they vie for titles in the expert division, youth, ladies, executives and auxiliaries. The event will also feature competitions like obstacle race, barrel, oval, tartanilla and show-jumping.

JP Remegio, one of the prime riders in Cebu, will make a comeback and is touted as one of the best bets as well as the Miñoza's Francis, Louie and Jun.

With Malaybalay posing a threat being the strongest competitor, CEOBSA vice-president Jake Mendez said the Cebuano riders are not to be outdone as they will also unleash their top form.

The three-day event also features bazaar and flea market "Tabo sa Rancho" where companies and local government units from the Visayas and Mindanao will merchandise and promote their products.

Luminaries who will attend the event are Governor Garcia, Mandaue City Mayor Ouano, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and First Lady Margot Osmeña.

This project will benefit Gawad Kalinga of Pakna-an, Mandaue City.