USJ-R de Balamban joins Lingaw Sadya Festival

Balamban, CEBU–The town of Balamban expresses its praise and thanksgiving to their Patron Saint, Francis of Assisi, through “Lingaw Sadya” Festival. This Annual Festival is on its third year and widely participated among the different sectors of Balamban both from private and public sectors. “Lingaw Sadya” is also an avenue to celebrate with spiritual meaning the different activities in preparation for the big fiesta celebration of the town.

On the 24^th of July, the 12 Contingents prepared themselves for the most awaited showdown in Street Dancing and Ritual Showdown. USJ-R Balamban was third on the list to do share their prowess in the Lingaw Sadya Festival. The Administrators, Faculty and Staff supported the Josenian Contingents or simply dubbed as, “Banay Josenian” during the different performances. Behind the superb choreography is Mr. Harley Tan, Senior High School MAPEH Teacher of USJ-R Balamban together with his assistants, Mr. Charles Dennis Dumdum, another MAPEH Teacher of the Junior High School Department. Mr. Jade Butaya and Mr. John Jason Labasano provided technical assistance especially in the voice over recording.

Before the start of the Ritual Showdown, the Religious Administrators – Fr. Sixto M. Bitangjol, OAR, School Director, Fr. Domingo Saladaga, OAR, the newly appointed Prior of the Community and Bro. Agustin Culaton, OAR together with the lay administrators, faculty and staff led the entrance of the dancers and propsmen inside the Balamban Oval/Sports Complex. It was a display of unity and teamwork. It was a morale boosting to the participants. As the 24 Festival Dancers with the propsmen started their performance, literally, they wowed the audience at the Balamban Sports Complex which was undeniably one of a kind rendition, as accounted by many. Fairy tale dramatic theme was used to showcase the image of the world today – a world of good and evil – and it is through the intercession of the omnipotent power of an intercessor that healing is possible. It is an invitation to see from fantasy to a real leap of faith. 

The most awaited announcement of winners was a complete surprise for the “Banay Josenian” when it gathered awards in all categories. The Best in Costume was the first to be announced and was given to USJ-R Balamban. It was followed by the Best in Street Dancing, 3^rd Place, Best in Ritual Showdown, 3^rd Place and Best in Audio and Festival Float, 3^rd Place.

Added to the pride of USJ-R Balamban’s participation in the Lingaw Sadya was Josenian’s Lingaw Sadya Festival Queen that garnered an award as the First-Runner Up and Best in Cocktail Wear, represented by Ms. Rachel Tingal, a Senior High School student.

Congratulations! Adelante!