Catbalogan, Samar

Manaragat Festival

Celebrating Catbalogan’s Coastal Heritage and Community Spirit

PUBLISHED April 22, 2017

PHOTOS | WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO

The Manaragat Festival stands as a vibrant celebration of Catbalogan’s coastal heritage and cultural identity, blending traditions, environmental advocacy, and community spirit. It not only highlights the city’s unique history and way of life but also fosters unity, pride, and economic opportunities for its residents. As the festival continues to grow in prominence, it remains a cherished event that preserves and promotes the rich cultural legacy of Catbalogan for future generations.

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The Manaragat Festival, celebrated in Catbalogan City, the capital of Samar Island, is a vibrant annual event that honors the city’s coastal heritage and its deep connection to the sea. The festival’s origins date back to 2004 when a city ordinance established the Catbalogan City Culture and Arts Council. This council was tasked with tracing the city’s roots, highlighting Catbalogan’s identity as a coastal city with a rich history of fishing and trade. In August of that same year, the festival was first introduced as a month-long celebration aimed at showcasing the city’s cultural traditions and emphasizing the pivotal role of Maqueda Bay in shaping local history, culture, and economy.

Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.

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Initially known as the “Mangirisda Festival of Catbalogan,” which draws from the local word “isda,” meaning fish, the festival underwent a significant transformation in 2007. The name was changed to the “Manaragat Festival,” derived from “dagat,” meaning sea, to better represent the essence of the people of the sea. This shift in branding not only refined the festival’s identity but also expanded its appeal, turning it from a local celebration into a significant event that unites the community. Over the years, the Manaragat Festival has grown into a powerful symbol of unity and pride, fostering camaraderie and empathy among the people of Catbalogan.

Main Objectives and Goals of the Festival

The primary goal of the Manaragat Festival is to promote Catbalogan City by preserving its cultural heritage and protecting the region’s natural resources. This annual event aims to highlight the city’s rich traditions while fostering economic opportunities and cultural awareness. Specific objectives of the festival include showcasing the unique talents of Catbaloganons through cultural competitions and educational contests, reviving and celebrating the traditional customs and practices of the community, and creating income-generating opportunities through trade fairs, food kiosks, and stalls set up in the city plaza. Additionally, the festival seeks to attract tourists and business investments to Catbalogan, ultimately aiming to institutionalize and strengthen the cultural identity of its residents.

Manaragat Festival of Catbalogan Samar Apr-22-2017-MAR_3964-Apr-22-2017-marianosayno-marianosayno

To achieve these goals, the festival features a wide array of activities and events throughout August. From beauty pageants to grand parades and cultural presentations, each aspect of the festival is designed to celebrate Catbalogan’s heritage and engage the community in meaningful ways. The festival also plays a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving the city’s natural resources, particularly Maqueda Bay, which has been integral to the city’s history and way of life.

Key Activities and Events

One of the festival’s highlights is the annual beauty pageant, where contestants vie for the titles of Miss and Mister Manaragat. The elected representatives play a crucial role in advocating for environmental protection while promoting the unique cultural heritage of Catbalogan. Another significant event is the Queen of Manaragat pageant, a province-wide contest that includes the election of the “Gay Maqueda Miss.” This pageant supports causes such as environmental conservation of Maqueda Bay and advocates for gender equality and LGBTQ+ pride, reflecting the festival’s inclusive spirit.

The festival reaches its peak with the Grand Parade and Showdown, held every August 23rd, where school contingents from across Catbalogan participate in a vibrant display of colorful costumes and lively performances that depict life above and below the sea. Another notable component of the festival is “Kultura Katbalogan,” which includes competitions that revive ancient traditions such as “sayawit,” “sayaw,” and “awit” (dance and song), along with the famous “curacha” courtship dance and “ismaylingay” (jousts between couples). These events not only entertain but also educate the younger generation about the rich cultural practices of their ancestors.

Economic and Cultural Impact

The Manaragat Festival also serves as an economic driver for Catbalogan, providing income-generating opportunities for local residents. Agro-industrial exhibits and food fairs, held at the city plaza throughout the month, feature local producers and farmers, showcasing the region’s culinary traditions and promoting sustainable farming practices. These fairs not only offer a platform for local businesses to thrive but also highlight the importance of supporting the community’s economy.

Additionally, nightly cultural presentations organized by educational institutions further enrich the festival. These themed performances highlight the talents of young Catbaloganons in music, dance, theater, poetry, and other arts, creating a dynamic atmosphere that celebrates the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. The festival’s ability to attract tourists and investors has significantly contributed to the economic growth of Catbalogan, making it a vital part of the city’s annual calendar.

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Tribu Katbalaugan: The Festival’s Champion Contingent

While the Manaragat Festival is Catbalogan’s official celebration, the city is also represented by “Tribu Katbalaugan,” the official contingent team. The name “Tribu” means “group” or “clan,” and “Katbalaugan” refers to Catbalogan’s original name, derived from “balaug,” a shrub that grew along the sandy banks of the Antiao River. This name came to symbolize the community as a safe haven for seafarers and fishermen. Since its formation, Tribu Katbalaugan has gained recognition in national and international competitions, including the prestigious Sinulog Festival in Cebu, where they achieved notable placements from 2015 to 2018. The group has also excelled at the Aliwan Fiesta in Manila, winning the grand championship title in 2015 and continuing to secure top honors in subsequent years.

Tribu Katbalaugan’s achievements have brought pride to Catbalogan, showcasing the city’s cultural prowess on national and international stages. Their performances, characterized by elaborate costumes and energetic dance routines, reflect the festival’s themes of resilience, unity, and pride in Catbalogan’s heritage. The group’s successes have further cemented the Manaragat Festival’s status as a celebrated event that embodies the religious, environmental, and cultural values of Catbaloganons, making it a source of pride for the entire community.

Since its inception in 2004 and official branding in 2007, the Manaragat Festival has evolved into a cornerstone of Catbalogan’s cultural identity. It serves not only as a celebration of the city’s rich traditions and coastal heritage but also as a platform for fostering community unity, promoting environmental awareness, and driving economic growth. Through its various events and activities, the festival continues to inspire and unite the people of Catbalogan, ensuring that the city’s unique cultural legacy is preserved for future generations.

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