TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The streets of Tagbilaran will shimmer with the story of salt this Sunday, July 26, 2026, as the Municipality of Alburquerque presents the Asin Tibuok Festival at the Sandugo Festival of Festivals. The Asinderos De Alburquerque contingent will transform the ancient craft of artisanal salt-making into a vibrant street dance and grand showdown performance.
A Dance Rooted in Ancient Tradition
The performance traces the meticulous process of creating asin tibuok, the rare unbroken salt that has been produced in Alburquerque for centuries. Dancers will depict how coconut husks are soaked in seawater pools for months, then dried and burned into ash. Seawater is filtered through this ash to create a concentrated brine, which is then boiled for hours in clay pots suspended over open fires.
When the pot is finally cracked open, a solid, smoky, egg-shaped salt globe emerges. This labor‑intensive craft has earned global recognition, inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. The festival performance ensures that this endangered tradition is celebrated and passed on to younger generations.
A Parade Through the Heart of Tagbilaran
The contingent will march along Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, bringing the story of the asinderos (salt makers) to thousands of spectators lining the streets. Colorful costumes will mirror the elements of fire, sea, and ash, while rhythmic drumbeats echo the intense labor of the salt beds. The parade culminates at the Bohol Sports Complex, where the grand showdown will take place before a panel of judges and a roaring crowd.
Mayor Ritchie P. Buates leads the contingent, with artistic direction by Jerrey David Aguilar and musical direction by Rex Anthony Sarigumba. A team of choreographers—Justin Milay, Aile Joed Aranzado, and Paolo Javier Requilme—have crafted a performance that balances historical accuracy with theatrical flair. The production highlights Alburquerque’s identity as the home of this globally protected culinary treasure.
Beyond the Salt: A UNESCO Geopark Celebration
The Asin Tibuok Festival is more than a competition entry; it is a centerpiece of Bohol’s cultural tourism. As part of the month‑long Sandugo Festival, the event draws visitors from across the Philippines and abroad, eager to witness the province’s living heritage. Bohol’s designation as the country’s first UNESCO Global Geopark further amplifies the significance of this performance.
The festival also supports the salt‑making community by generating tourism revenue and raising awareness about the need to protect this craft. Tourists who watch the performance often seek out Alburquerque to see the salt makers in action, creating a direct economic link between culture and livelihood. The event transforms heritage into a tangible asset for the community.
An Invitation to Witness Living History
For travelers, the Sandugo Festival of Festivals is a rare opportunity to experience the soul of Bohol. The Asin Tibuok Festival promises to be one of the most visually striking and culturally profound entries, telling a story that spans centuries and continents. With the street dancing and grand showdown set to unfold on July 26, the stage is ready to honor the salt, the fire, and the hands that shape them.
