‘May in Bloom!’

Here is a raison d'être of the Kabulakan Festival as so articulately put together by acting Tourism Officer Jessica Layumas. “The Kabulakan Festival is about flowers. And more. The festival does not aim to boast that Dumaguete City is a city of flowers. It is not. The festival is not designed to duplicate the Panagbenga Festival of Baguio, nor the Kadayawan of Davao, because it cannot. Rather, the festival aims to set the ball rolling to make Dumaguete a green and garden city. It aims to inspire people to plant flowers, trees, and even vegetables and fruit that will somehow help augment food sustainability. It sends the message that even in the city, in a fast bourgeoning city like Dumaguete, the beauty of flowers and the lush greenery of trees, are not impossible. The Kabulakan Festival pays tribute to Mother Nature and for her kindness and blessings bestowed on Dumaguete City. It is therefore not a coincidence that the Kabulakan Festival is held in May, the month of flowers. Perhaps, someday soon, the Kabulakan Festival of Dumaguete will at last earn its niche as the flower festival in this side of the country.”

Now in its second year and grander than ever, the Kabulakan has finally convinced habitual skeptics and critics that Dumagueteños and its friendly neighbors love what we created, judging by the hundreds of thousands that flocked the streets and party places.

May showers couldn’t wither the May flowers as six barangays slugged it out in color, costume and dance for the coveted best of the best. Barangay Looc interpreted the Ylang-Ylang, Buñao the Rosal or Gardenia, Pulangtubig danced the Everlasting Flower, Taclobo gave us the Cadena de Amor, Daro brightened the horizon with the Sunflower and Poblacion 8 elucidated the legend of the Gumamela or Hibiscus. All in an awe-inspiring manner.

Matinee idols Polo Ravales, Joseph Bitangcol, Frank Garcia, Gabb Drilon (aka Boyz.Com) and alluring beauty Bangs Garcia were an added plus as they rode atop lavishly decorated floats and entertained après.

The minor awards went to Daro for streetdancing, choreography and float, Buñao for costume, and the Festival King and Queen John Rey Ebalot and Ma. Pricilla Mae Bocelli. The “crème de la crème” were Buñao – second runner-up, Daro – first runner-up and Taclobo (the dark horse) champion for their ingenious Cadena de Amor.

So dahlings, plant, color, diversify and fertilize your gardens. Looking forward to next year’s celebrated and grander festival…….NOUS!