Sandugo sa Bohol: Celebrating friendship, unity, cultural fusion
TAGBILARAN CITY—For Jhomar Salces, every step, spin and beat of the drum during Sandugo sa Bohol 2025 was not just choreography—it was a heartfelt prayer, a declaration of identity and a promise to his hometown of Loboc.
On July 27, Salces, who is in his 20s, and his fellow dancers from Loboc claimed victory in the “Festival of Festivals Grand Showdown,” winning grand champion, best in street dancing and best in musicality.
But for him and many Boholanos, the real triumph lies beyond trophies and titles.
“We offer this to Our Lady of Guadalupe and to all Lobocanons around the world,” Salces shared.
“It is never just about winning. It is about showing the world who we are—and how much we love our culture.”
Leading up to the street dance showdown, Salces juggled work and rehearsals, often practicing late into the night with tired limbs and weary eyes.
“There were nights we barely slept. We practiced after our daily responsibilities—sometimes until midnight,” he said.
“But we pushed on, because this was our devotion. We want to show our true selves as Lumad Lobocanons.”
Mary’s miracle
Loboc’s contingent performed the “Bolibongkingking Festival,” a sacred dance that honors Our Lady of Guadalupe de Extremadura. The ritual dates back to 1843, when the people of Loboc were spared from a deadly cholera outbreak—a miracle they attribute to the Virgin Mary.
Salces’ performance, along with others who portrayed saints and religious icons, moved thousands of spectators, bringing many to tears.
When Loboc was announced as grand champion, Salces recalled the overwhelming emotion.
“We cried tears of joy. All our fatigue and pain vanished. We knew other towns worked just as hard, but we are grateful that our efforts were not wasted,” he said with a smile.
Loboc won P1.4 million in cash prize and trophies.
Following closely behind, Tagbilaran City’s contingent, “Pundok sa Nagkahiusang Tagbilaranon,” claimed first runner-up and was lauded for best in production design with their intricately choreographed performance that highlighted the city’s role in Bohol’s rich history.
The municipality of Loay, through its “Banay Loayanon” contingent, was named second placer, while Dimiao’s “Banay sa Kulturang Dimianon” placed third, and Anda’s “Hiyas Quinale” rounded out the top five as fourth runner-up.
A total of 12 contingents from across the province lit up the streets and stage during the grand showdown, each one showcasing a spectacular blend of creativity, cultural pride and storytelling—a fitting tribute to Bohol’s diverse heritage and its distinction as the Philippines’ first and only Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark.
Blood compact
The Sandugo Festival commemorates the historic blood compact between Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Boholano chieftain Datu Sikatuna on March 16, 1565—the first seed of international treaty of friendship. But the festival itself, which was started in 1989, is being held every July, starting with Tagbilaran City’s Charter Day on July.
Over the years, the festival has grown from modest beginnings into a monthlong celebration featuring trade fairs, nightly entertainment, the Miss Bohol Sandugo pageant, street parades and the reenactment of the blood compact.
It was suspended for three years, from 2020 to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It resumed in 2023.
Boholano identity
While the colorful costumes, rhythmic drums and festive dances are what many see on the surface, Sandugo sa Bohol is far more than a street spectacle. It is a living expression of Boholano identity, a symbol of unity and a catalyst for economic and social growth.
Emerson Pinos, head of the Center for Culture and Arts Development (CCAD), said the Sandugo connects Boholanos to their roots, reminding them of the unity symbolized by the blood compact 460 years ago.
“It celebrates who we are as Boholanos, and in today’s digital world, it helps us share our unique culture with the global community,” he said.
“As the Philippines’ first Unesco Global Geopark, Bohol’s cultural and natural heritage must be preserved—and Sandugo is at the heart of that mission.”
For the people of Bohol, Sandugo is deeply personal. It is a time of community pride, economic opportunity and cultural affirmation.
During the monthlong celebration, local businesses thrive. Hotels are mostly fully booked, restaurants are packed and vendors showcase local products at the trade-agri food fair. Tourism peaks, providing jobs and income for many.
Community pride
For young performers, Sandugo becomes a platform to shine. It fosters confidence, discipline and pride in heritage.
Indigenous groups like the Eskaya and Badjao, along with the Muslim community, joined this year’s street parade, reflecting Bohol’s inclusive spirit. Their participation highlighted the richness of cultural diversity and shared history.
Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado emphasized Sandugo’s role in fostering community pride and inspiring the youth.
He encouraged the public, especially the youth, to take pride in this cultural inheritance who highly value both their spiritual heritage and education.
He announced the introduction of an Open Category in next year’s Street Dancing and Grand Showdown competition to welcome participants from outside the province.
“Let us always remember that we are not only celebrating our past but also looking forward to the future of our beloved province,” he said.
“We are committed to promoting a sustainable, inclusive and culturally grounded future for all Boholanos,” he added.
