Pujadafest is Mati’s First Night Street Dancing Parade
6/16/2012
by The Sambuokan Center Stage was abuzz with lights and music
as it became the venue of the first ever Pujadafest. The Pujadafest serves as
the opening salvo of the 9th Pujada Bay Festival, which will run
from June 15 to 19, 2012.
A night street dancing parade created quite a stir as it is
the first of its kind as seen in the streets of the City of Mati. Dance groups
from the schools RRMCES –I and II and Matiao National High School (MNHS) as
well as the Mala-Mala Dance and Theatre Group gave life to the parade with
continuous drum beating and dance performances. Also present during the parade
were contestants for the Mugna Pantasya (Funtasea), all of whom personified the
various sea creatures found in the Pujada Bay.
The parade began from the Mati City Hall, traversed the
route of Rizal Street then Bonifacio Street and finally ended at the Mati Park
and Baywalk.
The Dagmayani Dance Troupe entertained the crowd next,
followed by a fiery dance presentation from the Firebabes of Davao City. But
what truly captured the attention of the hundreds of Matinians present were the
colorful exhibits painted on human bodies as the ten participants of the first
Obra Pintura (body painting contest) took center stage.
At the end of the night, Lupett Gonzales won first place
with his Pawikan masterpiece painted on his model’s body. Quadro artist Renard
Hibaya won second with his art work entitled “Kinaiyahan sa Pujada” while high
school students from the MNHS-SPA Visual Arts Major won third place with their
colorful depiction of the Pujada marine life.
Meanwhile, of the 12 contestants who joined the Funtasea,
one was hailed as the best. Ryan Marundan was very much in character as he
showcased his “taklobo”-inspired costume.
Jeron Wong and Cloi Molinao won second and third place, respectively, with
their aquatic-themed clothing.
Ega Carreon, an internationally acclaimed painter, graced
the event as judge. Other judges were Ms. Annie Rose Ortiza-Nucos, IHMA’s
choreographer, Dr. Angel Prado, a resident judge and Mr. Miguelito Trocio, the
Provincial Tourism Officer.
The Pujadafest 2012 recorded the most number of participants
with contestants coming from Davao, Maragusan, Tagum, Manay, Caraga and from
the City too.
By: TEI
Arts & Culture, Tourism and Sports Division