Consolacion holds Sarok festival today

CEBU, Philippines - Fifteen contingents, including those from Consolacion Community College and a private school are set to show their talents in today’s Sarok Festival in Consolacion town in celebration of "Adlaw sa Consolacion."

The Sarok Festival is a street-dance competition participated by different primary and secondary schools in the municipality.

The Sarok Festival is the main highlight of the 92nd founding anniversary of Consolacion as a town from a mere barangay of Mandaue City.

A parade, which will kick off all activities including the Sarok Festival, will start at Orosia Food Park in barangay Lamac up to barangay Poblacion Oriental and end at the Sta. Lucia Subdivision vacant lot for the festival proper.

Expected to join the Sarok Festival are contingents from Consolacion Community College, Our Lady of Joy Learning Center, Consolacion National High School, Garing National High School, Jugan National High School, Lanipga National High School, Consolacion National High School (Night Class), Pulpogan National High School, Tayud National High School, Tolotolo National High School, and Tugbungan National High School.

Government officials and private individuals who have been extended invitations, include sixth district Rep. Gabriel "Luigi" Quisumbing, Gov. Gwen Garcia, and Provincial Board members Thadeo Ouano and Arleigh Sitoy.

Consolacion is known for its sarok, a head cover made of woven bamboo strips and banana leaves.

Saroks were made by farmers in the 1920s to protect themselves from the heat of the sun or the cold rain while at work at the farms.

A 20-minute motorcycle ride from the national road will begin from barangay Tolo-Tolo, the home of the many sarok weavers and makers of Consolacion.