TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The streets of Tagbilaran became a stage of devotion on July 26, 2026, as Contingent Number 7, Lumad Maribojocanon, brought the Enting‑Enting Festival to life at the Sandugo sa Bohol Festival of Festivals. Their performance transformed the annual street dance into a moving tableau of faith, resilience, and cultural pride.
A Story of Faith Performed on the Streets
The contingent’s theme, “Enting‑Enting: Wings of Faith, Heart of Maribojoc,” traced the miraculous journey of simple driftwood into a sacred symbol. Dancers wearing sculpted white wings and earth‑toned costumes moved through the parade route, their choreography telling a story of hope rising from the sea. The visual contrast between raw driftwood and luminous wings captivated the crowd lining the streets.
The performance culminated in the Grand Ritual Showdown at the Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex, where the contingent executed a dramatic reenactment of divine intervention. Audiences watched as the dancers portrayed how their ancestors’ faith transformed an ordinary piece of timber into an enduring emblem of protection and unity. Every movement was a prayer, every beat a heartbeat of Maribojoc’s history.
Local Leaders and Creative Visionaries
The contingent was spearheaded by Mayor Engr. Jonathan L. Rojas, who served as head of the delegation, with Contingent Manager Nicos Anquilero ensuring seamless logistics. Artistic Director Reigh Sean Salas shaped the visual narrative, while choreographers Clifford Bayron and Neil Jason Julio Obejero translated the town’s spiritual heritage into precise, powerful movement. Together, they led a team of young performers who embodied Maribojoc’s collective identity.
The production team invested months in preparation, from crafting the elaborate driftwood props to stitching the wing‑adorned costumes. The dancers rehearsed tirelessly, blending traditional Visayan rhythms with theatrical storytelling. Their dedication was evident in every synchronized gesture and emotive expression, reflecting a community that takes immense pride in its heritage.
The Enting‑Enting Festival and Tatay Enting
The Enting‑Enting Festival honors Sr. San Vicente Ferrer, affectionately called “Tatay Enting” by Maribojocanons. The town celebrates its local feast every May 5, but the Sandugo stage allows them to share their devotion with the entire province. The festival’s name echoes the sound of wings, symbolizing the angelic presence that believers credit with countless miracles.
Central to the tradition is the Panaad, a devotional vow made by generations of families. They attribute healings, protection during calamities, and guidance to Tatay Enting’s intercession. The performance dramatized these answered prayers, making the intangible power of faith visible through movement and music. For the audience, it was a window into the soul of a town that has built its identity on trust in the divine.
A Tradition of Excellence at Sandugo
Maribojoc’s contingent has consistently ranked among the top performers in the Sandugo street dance competition, previously earning Best in Field Performance and podium finishes. The Lumad Maribojocanon name carries a legacy of artistic excellence that raises expectations each year. This year’s entry aimed to surpass those benchmarks by weaving a more intricate narrative and executing technically ambitious choreography.
The competition draws thousands of tourists who come not only for the spectacle but also for the cultural immersion. Sandugo, commemorating the 1565 blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel López de Legazpi, serves as Bohol’s premier tourism event. Maribojoc’s performance reinforces the festival’s role in showcasing the province’s diverse local cultures and attracting visitors from around the world.
