mayor & governorThe 1st launching of the Hinulawan Festival was overwhelming.Mayor Zambo & City Officials were elated.  At 12:00 noon, the contingents gathered at the Toledo City Central School for the assembly .The street dancing competition amidst rain &  intense heat was well-performed. Floats of the winners of the Ms.Toledo 'o8 was glamorous.After the mardigras, the contingents lined up the streets going to the church for  a  victorious welcome to   Hinulawan's guest of honor, Gov. Gwen Garcia and party with utmost 200 tourist from the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo program of the Provl.Capitol. Prior to their arrival, there were welcome party at Brgy.Bato, tour guides, and usherettes made it jovial that tourist are to be excited. Thanks also to the students and every Barangays that as they pass through, flaglets are waved.Around 5:00 p.m., the tourist buses arrived at the City proper and right then, they take off for a grand walk going to San Juan de Sahagun church. Everyone were all smiles as guests pass by clicking their cameras for panoramic views, and delighted with what they saw with the participants. Among the guests were Board Member Agnes Magpale,Director Roa (Tourism),Board Member Victoria Corominas, the press, the photographers, tourist,Brgy.cpts, alike vow to the festive mood of the people as they celebrate the feast day of their patron.Finally, the 1st woman governor in the Province of Cebu alighted, Gov. Gwen Garcia was in full spirits as everyone shake hands with her, wave at her, and loudly clap for her arrival. On top of the stairs of the parish, Mayor Arlene Zambo,Vice-Mayor Rudy Espinosa and City officials awaited in excitement. At their back, were host of angels to welcome Gov. Gwen. Oh! so magnificent was the setting that Gov.kissed a cute angel.

After paying homage to the patron, the group then proceed to the converging area. Some tourist rode on the trisikad while others walk just like the Governor to enjoy more the welcoming faces and crowd.In her arrival, everyone  cheered. And on to the grandstand, the guest and tourist made the fest even livelier with their presence. After series of introductions, the showdown begun. Each contingent gave out their best and they were even graceful and colorful in their costumes & props. They can even compete with Sinulog contingents of Cebu, no less than call each dancer for the competition-a star!

pinoy dream's jay rTheirperformance was well-choreographed and not only that, Jay-R Siaboc,Toledo's pride & Irish Fullerton of Pinoy Dream Academy showed up in the Awihao contingent which made us all cheered.After claps and thunderous applause as one contingent bested the other, the Hinulawan Jingle was launched with City Mayor and City officials dancing. And more in the finale song "Mabuhi" Gov.Gwen joined the group of dancers and the whole quadrangle was filled with excitement and impressive hues of dances and sways. Wrap it on to the awarding where Brgy.Bato came in third, Awihao -2nd and the Grand Prize goes to the Consolatrix College. Trophies and special awards where awarded by Gov. Gwen herself together with Mayor Zambo and City officials. It was superlative ---- superb and indeed great success. Thanks to the host, choreographer, judges, all the organizers, working committees involved and the contingents as well, everyone who made it a booming gusto.

"mabuhi"For that fact, Hinulawan fest boost the City's tourism, bring pride and honor to the City that truly it is a wonderful place to visit, come, relax and enjoy. One tourist aptly said to a DSWD staff "its by far the City with the cleanest comfort room i've seen..tell your Mayor that". It is a plus factor to the City that tourist were impressed with the hospitality,accommodation and warm spirit of Toledanos. And, upon reaching Cebeco III for their dinner,the more they appreciate what Toledo is..a fine dining, all Filipino cuisine, dishes ,souvenir necklace, serenade with Visayan songs from Cebeco III & Toledo choir,  they were vehemently proud to be one of the delegates of Suroy-suroy Sugbo.....Toledo City is world-class in it's own way!    

Feature by: Marissa Rubin