Mandaue launches "Panagtagbo Festival"

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City launched yesterday the “First Panagtagbo Festival,” a re-enactment, through dance, of the meeting of the blessed Señor Sto. Niño, Mother Mary, and St. Joseph.

The re-enactment is expected to grow to be a competition next year. 

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, wife Sarah, Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede, members of the city council City hall employees and department heads attended the launch.

A holy mass followed the launch. The cutting of ribbons symbolized the opening of the Bibingkahan sa Mandaue City this year.

Last Wednesday night, an exhibit of the Holy Icons of Saint Joseph opened at Parkmall at the North Reclamation Area.

The Taga-Mandaue Inc., a non-governmental organization (NGO), is behind the success of the launch.

The festival is the first of its kind in Metro Cebu, held days before the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City is celebrated.

“Panagtagbo” is the Cebuano term for “traslacion.” 

Students from the Tabok National High School, Mandaue Comprehensive National High School, Pagsabungan National High School and Mandaue City School for the Arts participated the street dancing to the tune of a brand new jingle composed by Elvis Somosot, a known Cebuano composer who composed the Snr. Sto. Niño song. 

The “Panagtagbo” jingle will be sung by the winners of last year’s “Mandaue Idols.” 

The traditional Traslacion will continue since it is a church activity while the “Panagtagbo” is an activity initiated by the TMI in coordination with the city government. - THE FREEMAN