CEBU, Philippines — Tabogon in Northern Cebu recently hosted two different outdoor activities that were all considered “first” in the town as part of its town fiesta this month.
The 1st Mayor Edward Francis Salimbangon 4x4 Challenge and 1st Mayor Edward Salimbangon Jigging Tournament were organized by Reels and Events and Berol Lubricant Philippines.
Tabogon residents got a chance to witness the first off-road 4x4 competition from the different 4x4 clubs and off-road enthusiasts in the country.
The two-day competition had two different categories: the stock/modified level and the expert level category, which is more challenging for having more difficult obstacles.
The 4x4 Challenge is won by competitor who finishes in the shortest time. Three minutes are added for every penalty committed.
The stock modified category was dominated by a single team, the Carmen Offroader led by the Champion Jhed Abarquez. First placer Judy Capuno and second placer Ian Capuno also came from the same team.
In the extreme (expert) category, Joseph Julius Tan of O. L. O. X. Leyte captured the championship trophy. First Place is Jeff Francis Lim of Team C. O. A. P while the second place goes to Rejiv Villamor of Carmen Offroader.
Fishing Event
In the fishing tournament, Tabogon Port was the staging point where more than a hundred anglers, professional and newbies from all over Cebu, joined to compete with whoever landed the heaviest fish wins the competition.
The tournament kicked off at four o’clock in the morning and finished at four o’clock in the afternoon.
Anglers were assigned to different boatmen who brought in their own motorized bancas and guided the competitors to the fishing spots they know.
The purpose of including local fishermen was to promote the town, which is rich in marine resources.
Angler Dennis Tulod won the championship with his 6.20 kg Diamond Trevally. First runner-up John Edrick Tan hoisted his 4.60 kg Pacific Pomfret while second runner-up Charles Bas showed his 2.90 kg Barracuda.
Not only the anglers got the chance to win cash and trophy, the winning angler’s boatman also received cash and trophy.
For the Boatman Category, local fisherman Alvin Aroa was declared champion for helping Tulod in catching the heaviest fish of the tournament. First runner-up was Junrey Brigola while second runner-up was Roldan Brigola.
Special Awards were also handed for most number of landed fish. Marven Boyles landing Barracuda, Grouper and Ruby Snapper; Jay-R Bañez has the longest fish with his Conger Eel; for the Toothy Fish, Rocky Duterte was rewarded with his Barracuda. Albino Noynay Jr. was awarded for his rare catch with his Giand Squid (Dalumpapa). Catch and Release is given to Ryan Lobitaña for landing and releasing endangered Thresher Shark.
Mayor Salimbangon, in his opening speech, was elated and thanked the organizers for bringing the events to their town, believing that the tournaments will greatly help their tourism industry.
He wanted to make the tournament a regular activity in his town. — Banat Associate Editor (FREEMAN)