'Bayawan's Tawo-Tawo'

Progressive is the best adjective that aptly describes this southern new city that only a few years ago was a place that seemed "at the end of the world." Getting there was such an ordeal that one went there only out of necessity, and "tourism" was an unknown term. Now the miracle of its transformation is mind-boggling; excellent roads, commerce, first rate lodging houses, nice eateries, accessible nature gifts, good attitude, festivals galore, and a picture pretty boulevard and bay walk carved out of slums, make Bayawan a major destination in Oriental Negros.

"Moi" would surmise that all this growth are the fruits of good leadership and political will. As it was twenty years ago, the lowly scarecrow reigned supreme in this year's "Tawo-Tawo Festival." Six barangays costumed in ingenious getups, created from indigenous materials, mostly straw and hay, hued in earth tones, dance, shimmied and swayed to the mesmerizing sound of a drum corp. Much like the "batteria" of far-off "Rio." Fiesta day started in reverse for the "Tawo-Tawo"; mid morning was the showdown followed by an afternoon of street dancing. Snaking around the cemented city streets, cooled by an afternoon drizzle, the spectacle pleased the thousands hat cheered and clapped their favorites that ended in the picturesque boulevard. The high profile panel of judges composed of dance dignitaries from the "Sinulog" capital - Cebu, the likes of Junjet Primor, Vince Escario, Peter Cuenco, Vince Escario, Dolly Suzara and Ms. Ybañez gave Barangay Nangka it's grand slam win.

After a quick change and a hearty dinner at perennial most sought-after bachelor Herman Lacson's manor, it was off to select the 2006 Festival King and Queen, also to be crowned 2006 Mr. and Miss Bayawan City Tourism. A welcome address by handsome (with movie star looks) Councilor Jack Raymond and a message from well-loved and an old friend, amiable Vice-Mayor Rene Gaudiel got the show going. Six pairs of attractive ladies and gents showed off their poise, looks, elegance and intelligence. All donned in "razzle-dazzle" costumes of exquisitely crafted sinamay, straw and native "what-have-you", and their sensible and often-times humorous answers to questions asked, the six pairs were a hard choice for the jurors. All said and done, the unanimous choice was John Rey Jumilla and Honey Belle Castrudes - 2nd runners-up, Adrian Cerrado and Lily Pearl Elmido - 1st runners-up and with his Caucasian good looks Viel

Christopher O'Neil (aahh, the luck of the Irish!) and bright Cindy Secor, King and Queen.

Cher lecteurs, let Bayawan beckon you and see what progress and hard work is all about. An enthusiastic thank you to my host for a fun-filled day……….Till next week…NOUS!*