Debut victory earns Tagbilaran City its 

first crown at Sinulog Showdown 2026

By Elvira Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — Tagbilaran City made history with a winning debut at Cebu’s biggest cultural celebration, emerging as grand champion of the Sinulog Base Ritual Showdown 2026 on Jan. 18 in Cebu City.

The city’s first participation in the Sinulog Showdown proved triumphant, as the Tagbilaran contingent also won first prize for Choreographer and first prize for Sinulog Base Best in Musicality, taking home a total of P3.1 million in cash prizes.

The victory marks a milestone for Tagbilaran City, which joined one of the country’s most prestigious religious and cultural festivals for the first time.

A collective effort

Tagbilaran’s participation was a joint effort of the Tagbilaran City Government and Barangay Ubujan, a multi-awarded cultural group.

Barangay Ubujan has previously won grand championships in the Saulog sa Tagbilaran Festival in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2025, and placed first runner-up in the 2025 Sandugo sa Bohol Festival.

The city’s Sinulog contingent was composed of about 400 members, including 100 dancers, 200 props men, and 100 instrumentalists, who worked in unison to deliver a synchronized, culturally rooted performance during the Sinulog Grand Parade.

Their presentation featured Bolibongkingking, a sacred healing ritual from the town of Loboc, honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe de Extremadura, and expressed deep devotion to Señor Santo Niño.

The performance was choreographed by KABKAD Productions, with music by the Bohol United Symphonic Band, whose powerful musical arrangement helped bring Bohol’s cultural story to the national stage.

A victory of faith and unity

Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap expressed gratitude to the performers, organizers, and supporters after Tagbilaran City was declared grand champion of Sinulog Showdown 2026.

She described the win as a triumph of faith, unity, and perseverance, dedicating the victory to all Boholanos, Tagbilaranons, and Señor Santo Niño.

“This historic victory reflects the heart of every Boholano devoted to Señor Santo Niño and one another. United in faith and love, this win is not just a title, but a testament to our unwavering faith and devotion to God and Señor Santo Niño,” Yap said.

Praise from the church and provincial leaders

Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy also congratulated the Tagbilaran City contingent, expressing pride in the city’s achievement.

“Being a Boholano myself, what can I say? Sr. Santo Niño, salamat kaajo. Congratulations, Tagbilaran City! Congratulations to Mayor Jane Yap and all City Officials of Tagbilaran,” Uy said.

Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado echoed the praise, saying the victory reflects the unity and richness of Bohol’s culture.

“Kini nga kadaogan usa ka matahum nga panaghiusa sa nagkalain-laing tunog ug kultura sa Bohol, ilabi na ang impluwensya sa Bolibongkingking Festival sa Loboc,” Aumentado said.

(This victory is a beautiful fusion of the diverse sounds and cultures of Bohol, especially the influence of the Bolibongkingking Festival in Loboc).

He added that the achievement also honors Bohol’s cultural bearers, particularly elders who have worked to preserve the rhythms and movements at the heart of the tradition.

“Pasidungog usab kini sa atong mga cultural bearers, ilabi na sa atong mga katigulangan nga naningkamot aron mapadayon kining maong ritmo ug mga musical steps nga maoy kasingkasing sa maong tradisyon. Tima-ilhan kini sa atong malamboong lokal nga kultura ug pakiglambigit sa tanan,” the governor said.

(It is also a tribute to our cultural bearers, especially our ancestors, who have strived to perpetuate these rhythms and musical steps that are the heart of this tradition. It is a sign of our thriving local culture and engagement with all.) (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

The Tagbilaran City contingent showcased Bolibongkingking, a sacred healing ritual from the town of Loboc honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe de Extremadura and expressing deep devotion to Señor Santo Niño during the Sinulog 2026 in Cebu City on January 18. (Tagbilaran City Gov’t. photo)

Permit to carry firearms, transport of explosives 

suspended ahead of ASEAN meetings in Bohol

Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — The Philippine National Police-Bohol Police Provincial Office (PNP-BPPO) has announced the temporary suspension of the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR), and banned the transport of firearms, explosives, and explosive ingredients as part of security preparations for the 2026 ASEAN Summit Meetings in the province.

In a Facebook post, the PNP-BPPO stated that the suspension and ban will take effect from 12:01 a.m. on January 15, 2026, until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2026.

Suspended during the period are the PTCFOR, permit to transport firearms, permit to transport and purchase explosives and explosive ingredients, and the license to manufacture and deal in firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

The suspension covers members of gun clubs, dealers, manufacturers and repair shops, fireworks and pyrotechnics dealers, and private firearm owners.

Only members of the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies who are in uniform and on official duty are authorized to carry firearms during the period.

According to authorities, the measure is part of heightened security efforts, ensuring peace, safety, and public order during the ASEAN Summit 2026.

The public is urged to cooperate and strictly comply with the directive. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

Authorities have announced the temporary suspension of permits to carry and transport firearms, explosives, and related materials in Bohol in line with the ASEAN Summit Meetings 2026. (PNP-Bohol/PIA-Bohol)