PRESENTING the Festival Queens of TambaNipa Festival 2024, the vibrant streets of Barangay Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro City came alive yesterday morning, September 9 as the youths in colorful costumes paraded for the much-awaited street dancing competition.
The street dancing, showcasing and promoting the barangay’s unique products of tamban (sardines) and nipa plants, and the Mutya ng Bonbon Coronation Night are the two major events unfolding before the Day of Fiesta on Sept 10 in honor of its patron saint, Sr San Nicolas de Tolentino.
Brgy Bonbon chairwoman Lelit Baal-Molina expressed her enthusiasm for the event as she emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting traditional culture, a source of pride for the coastal barangay and its residents.
“The celebration also serves as a reminder sa atong unique nga produkto sa Bonbon maskin na minos ang kuha sa tamban karon sa atong mga mananagat unya ubay-ubay na sab nga nipa plants ang gipang-ibot tungod sa mega dike project,” Baal-Molina told Gold Star Daily.
Former Bonbon chieftain Allan Mabalacad wrote on his Facebook wall that these resources (tamban-nipa) have historically served as a vital source of income for some locals especially “our fisherfolks as well as the nipa palm weavers and tuba gatherer even to this day.”
Over the years, Mabalacad said the festival has evolved.
“It serves as a reminder of the bountiful blessings bestowed upon us from above and symbolizes the overflowing love of God,” Mabalacad said.
