PINTADOS FESTIVAL

On the eve of Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival 2013, heavy rainfall enveloped Tacloban city. An uninvited guest, that goes by the name "Gorio" just arrived and the city was placed under typhoon signal number 1. On the following day, we woke up on a gloomy morning with heavy rainfall and strong winds. Tacloban City and the rest of the province of Leyte is now under typhoon signal number 2. We received messages that the street dancing competition was cancelled by the organizers. 

It was unfortunate that I won't be able to witness one of the festival's highlights. With high hopes, we waited for the weather to improve. The organizers had announced that the "Ritual Showdown" at the grandstand will push through if the weather permits. 

The grace of the Senyor Sto. Niño heard the prayers of the Leyteños. Before lunch time, the weather improved. So, as they say, the show must go on. At around 1:00 PM, we went to the Leyte Sports Development Center to witness the Pintados-Kasadyaan Ritual Showdown.

The Pintados Festival is now on its 27th year celebration while Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals is now on its 18th year. It is one of the most popular festival in the province of Leyte in honor of Senyor Sto. Niño, the patron saint of Tacloban and the Province of Leyte.

Nine tribes coming from various schools and villages of Tacloban competed for thePintados Festival. They are Kasaragyaw, Manarobo, Mangarahoy, Manangguite, Mangarawayan, Kasiruman, Manlarawod, Baybayon and Bungkaras.

Tribu Kasaragyaw

Tribu Manarobo

Tribu Mangarahoy

Tribu Manangguite

Tribu Mangarawayan

Tribu Kasiruman

Tribu Manlarawod

Tribu Baybayon

Tribu Bungkaras

Defending champion, Tribu Bungkaras of San Roque, Tolosa, Leyte went home again this year as the grand champion.

For the Kasadyaan Festival, 6 festivals from the different towns of Leyte competed. They are Pasaka Festival (of Tanauan, Leyte), Buyogan Festival (of Abuyog, Leyte), Tulo-Usa Festival (of Tolosa, Leyte), Viajedores Festival (of La Paz, Leyte), Indang Festival (of Hindang, Leyte), and Lingganay Festival (of Alang-Alang, Leyte). 

Pasaka Festival

Buyogan Festival

Tulo-Usa Festival

Viajedores Festival

Indang Festival

Lingganay Festival

KASADYAAN FESTIVAL WINNERS 

5th Runner-Up: Pasaka Festival of Tanauan, Leyte
4th Runner-Up: Tulo-Usa Festival of Tolosa, Leyte
3rd Runner-Up: Indang Festival of Hindang, Leyte
2nd Runner-Up: Viajedores Festival of La Paz, Leyte
1st Runner-Up: Lingganay Festival of Alang-Alang, Leyte

GRAND CHAMPION: Buyogan Festival of Abuyog, Leyte (also won Special Awards: Best in Festival Music and Best in Festival Costume)

Buyogan Festival's win gives them the chance to compete for Sinulog and Aliwan Festivals next year. Good Luck! I know you will make your fellow Leyteños proud!

Despite the typhoon passing by the province of Leyte on the day of the Festival lastJune 29, 2013, I am still glad to witness Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival 2013. Witnessing such great performances of the contingents, I must say, it's one festival that shouldn't be missed. Congratulations to all the winners!

Thank you to all our friends who hosted us in Tacloban City. Ma'am Karen Tiopes of the Department of Tourism Region 8, Sir Gerry and Ms. Ludette Ruiz of Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours and Calle Z Cafe, Bar-Ko Restaurant at Leyte Park for hosting our lunch and to The Oriental Hotel Leyte for our dinner during the festival day. Thank you for accommodating us and for the warm hospitality.

Thank you also to TigerAir Philippines for flying me to Tacloban City and for letting me experience the grandest festival in Eastern Visayas! Viva Senyor Sto. Niño!