Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Surigaonon’s celebrates 39th year with Bonok-Bonok Fest

Collage of Photos taken from Bonok-Bonok Fstival 2008. This
years is more merrier with participants from other part of the Mindanao Region.

by PJTremedal

Surigao City – Dubbed as the shining jewel of Northeastern Mindanao continues to glitter amidst rich natural beauty and community initiatives to build an environment truly befitting that of a most livable City.


As a former capital town of Surigao del Norte, thru the initiatives of then Congressman Constantino “ Oguing” Navarro Sr thru Republic Act 6134 in August 31, 1970 and approved by President Ferdinand Marcos, it become a charter city.


Founded as a town in June 29, 1955, Surigao has 54 barangays, 21 of which are in more than 17 islands and islets with its jurisdiction, It become a destination of choice in the country today.


Mining as its primary economic base coupled with a robust services sector accounting for 49% of its total employment and followed by agriculture and fisheries, it become a compatible small city globally.


As of now, Surigao is growing strong small as it is but it had been adjudged and again nominated to compatible globally in the small category by the national government, and we will strive more after our 39th year.” Mayor Alfonso Casurra said.


In 2005 Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project of the Asian Institute of Management, Surigao City was chosen among the most competitive and even topped in the field of cost of doing business.


In 2006, was chosen as a finalist of the Most Business Friendly LGU Award of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Last August 31, 2009 it celebrated its 39th year.


Bonok-Bonok Festival 2009


Parallel to natural attractions and tourist destinations found only in Surigao City is the cultural traditions showcased in its annual festival, “Bonok-Bonok” A street dancing mardi-gras combining the pagan rituals of bountiful harvest of the Mamanwa Tribe with Chirstian adoration honoring the feast of city Patron, St Nicolas de Tolentino.


Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karajaw depicts the native’s merry making to show gratitude for bountiful and healthful harvest.


As one of the oldest and still existing tribes in the country are the mamanwas who are quite similar to the negritoes in physical profile, tho’ force to settle in the hinterlands because of advent development they still practice their customs and tradition. One of this is the belief about “Kahimunan”, a tribal festivity which offers dances called bonok-bonok.


Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw (Good Ridance)is a reflection of Surigao’s Rich cultural heritage.


Two days before the feast day, (Septmber 8) A streetdancing competition will be one of the happiest activities, this year ,six(6) groups will be participating, The Butuan City Delegation comprises of 250 street dancers together with their musical band, Tirbu Taga-Kanam of Abuyog, Leyte, the Misamis Oriental (MOIST) Kaamulan Champion 2009 of the Kagayan Festival 2009, locals Surigao West Central elementary School with its 230 streetdancers, the General Luna , Dive and Surfing greats contingent of Surigao del Norte, and the original Surigao Norte National High School street dancers with a participaton of 190 dancers.


With its cretiria this yar, Storyline and concept (20%), choreography (30%), Performance (35%) and production Design (15%) with a total of 100% big amount of cash prizes awaits the winners.


Grand prize wins 250-thousand with trophy, 1st runner-up will get 200-T with trophy, 2nd runner-up 150-T with trophy and the 3rd runner-up will get 100-T with trophy. Bonok Bonok Culture and Arts Foundation, Inc will also give special prizes; Best in Street Dancing 50-T with trophy, Best Choreography 25-T with trophy, Best in Costumes 25-T wth trophy and Best in Musicality 25-T with trophy.


“Amidst challenging times in our country, one cannot help but feel proud and strong that despite seemingly growing adversity, our city manages to surge forward through the years.

With our sustained unity and dedication, we have stood through the test of times and our resolve to collectively craft our destiny continue to be strong. Rest assured that this administration will not rest on our laurels but shall remain focused in the attainment of our vision for better and competitive Surigao” Mayor Alfonso Casurra in his anniversary message.





PHILIP JAMES MONGAYA TREMEDAL
CALL OR TEXT ME : 0929-589-6390
OR E-MAIL ME : pjtremedal@gmail.com
visit my website: www.pag-enews.tk

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