Saulog Tagbilaran Festival 2025 kicks off
The Saulog Tagbilaran street dancing competition held on Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Tagbilaran City signals the start of the monthlong fiesta celebrations in Bohol, with a town or village holding a feast at any given day in May anywhere in the province. —LEO UDTOHAN
TAGBILARAN CITY — The Saulog Tagbilaran Festival 2025 kicked off on Sunday, March 16, in time for the 460th Sandugo (blood compact) commemoration.
It started with a Mass at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Shrine followed by a wreath-laying and floral dedication ceremony for the 460th Sandugo anniversary.
The solemn ceremony paid tribute to the historic pact of friendship and alliance which remains a significant part of the city’s identity.
The event was attended by Milka Romero of 1-Pacman partylist, Msgr. Jeff Malanog of the Diocese of Tagbilaran, Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, Tagbilaran Mayor Jane Yap, and city and village officials.
Yap said the Sandugo is a historic event that laid the foundation of friendship between the courageous Boholano chieftain Rajah Si Katuna and Spanish General Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.
“Four hundred and sixty years ago, this act of friendship and alliance laid the foundation of mutual understanding, signifying the Boholanos’ willingness to embrace peace over conflict, cooperation over division,” Yap said.
“These principles continue to guide us as we strive to build a progressive and inclusive city. Tagbilaran City has come a long way since then, and this anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of our shared heritage and enduring strength,” she added.
As Tagbilaran City commemorated the Sandugo, it also launched the Saulog, initiating over a month of celebrations to honor the beloved patron saint of the city, Saint Joseph the Worker.
Yap said with this year’s theme “Saulog Tagbilaran: One with the World,” the city government reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the heritage and promoting the vibrant culture of the city.
Tagbilaran City is one of the 25 Digital Cities for 2025, according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines.
The Saulog also aims to further boost the tourism sector of the city by showcasing the talents, artistry, and craftsmanship of the people and local businesses that aim to gather local and foreign visitors.
Aumentado said Saulog served as a window that would showcase the best Bohol has to offer.
“More than the festivities, it is the people that matter most, and this festival will surely present a society that is warm, hospitable, and welcoming to guests from around the world,” Aumentado said.
Activities will be held to enliven the celebration.
Major events include the Saulog Tagbilaran Interschool Quiz Bee Competition on March 22, Saulog Tagbilaran Sports Opening Ceremony on March 23, Mutya sa Tagbilaran on April 23, Saulog Festival King and Queen on April 25, Saulog Street Dancing Competition and Parade on April 27, DuEkSam Night on May 1, and Maoy sa Mayo Saulog Concert on May 4.
Regular Saulog activities that the public has come to love will also be held, including the Saulog Tagbilaran Bazaar and Nightly Entertainment from April 11 to May 3 at the City Hall Grounds, Kumbira sa Tagbilaran on April 21 at the City Central Market, Himog Huni Original Songwriting Competition on April 28 at Island City Mall, and the St. Joseph the Worker Fluvial Parade on April 29.
