100-day countdown to Sorteo begins

MANILA, Philippines - Today, Carmona, Cavite Mayor Roy Loyola will launch the start of the 100-day countdown to Sorteo Festival 2010.

The show will feature glimpses of events that will take place in the festival proper on Feb. 16 to 22, 2010. A cultural presentation explaining the history of the Sorteo will be performed by the Carmona Performing Arts Group. The singing contest semifinals will be held and judged by Mon del Rosario, Nonoy Tan and Tito Cayamanda

Originally known as Subasta delas Tierras Communales del Pueblo de Carmona, Sorteo celebrates Carmona’s roots as agricultural haven. Starting in 1857, the festival features the lottery of Carmona’s remaining communal lands.

Townsfolk flock to the Sorteo for a chance to win the right to cultivate farmlands rent-free for three years. It starts with residents’ family names being fished out of a giant tambiolo. Before the lease is awarded, the host barks out the winner’s complete family background to his townmates’ amusement.

Raffle winners may hold an instant auction at the venue. It is part of tradition for local folks to shower winners with sales offers for their seedlings, poultry and pigs and other produce and wares.

On Feb. 16, 2010, the 100th day after its launch, the week-long celebration will start with Parada Sorteo, a parade of Carmona’s government officials, public servants, prominent families followed by street dancing and capped by a group dance competition.