CAGWAITS 20TH KALIGUAN FESTIVAL

Famous as the tourist haven of Surigao del Sur, the municipality of Cagwait has been
renowned because of its C-shaped beach with its refined shining white sand and clear, blue water. Tourists ,
local and international have been captivated by its enchanting beauty. To promote tourism in the municipality,
the local Government Unit led by Mayor Lilian Yu Lozada has advocated the annual celebration of the Kaliguan
Festival in honor of the patron saint, St. John the Baptist.
Now on its 20th year, Kaliguan Festival with the theme On beach, one dance, one GREAT
Cagwait started its grand opening on June 24, 2016 with a fluvial parade at 6:00 am. It was then followed by
the celebration of a thanksgiving mass at John the Baptist Chapel. After the mass, a motorcade was done. At
10:00 am the grand opening ceremony was held followed by Tampisaw ug salu-salo sa Lapyahan at 11:00. In
the afternoon, the beautiful candidates for Perlas ng Kaliguan 2016 took a pose along the beach for their
pictorials. Volleyball women elimination round was played simultaneously with Tug of War participated by
residents from the different barangays of Cagwait at 3:00 pm. At 7:00 pm , a cultural show dubbed as
Pasundayag showcased the different talents of Cagwaitnons. This was through the effort of the Cagwait
District Dep.Ed. Family. Amidst heavy pouring rain and blowing wind, the performers depicted the culture and
tradition of the Filipino community. It was then followed by the Perlas ng Kaliguan 2016 Talent Night. The
famous Siakol Band heated up the night party with fireworks display. On June 25, the second day, at 8:00 am a
Sand Art Competition for the elementary and secondary category was held along the shoreline. This
competition portrayed how can humanity save marine lives through sand sculpture. This was simultaneously
done with the Beach Relay, Swimming Contest and Tug of War sa Baybay. The Volleyball Women
Championship game was played at 1:00 pm. At 8:00 pm, the beauties of the Perlas ng Kaliguan mesmerized
the crowd during the pageant night. Partygoers rocked the night away with the Naughty Notes Band and
fireworks display at 11:00 pm.
On the third and last day of the festival, June 26, a beach dance showdown also termed as
Sayaw sa Kaliguan took place. The beach dance competition was participated by the secondary schools from
Cagwait District. After the dance showdown, awarding ceremonies then followed. The fun and excitement
never ended even after the awarding of prizes because the Rocksteady band graced the rock n roll beach
party for the last and final night of the festival.

Sydney Marie R. Olayan

Unidad Elementary
School