FOR the first time in its history, Tagbilaran City participated in the Sinulog Showdown and it made history as the first contingent from Bohol province to ever win at the prestigious competition.
The city’s entry, Pundok sa Nagkahiusang Bol-anon, was declared Overall Champion for the Sinulog-based Category Ritual Showdown and also won First Prize for Best in Musicality (Sinulog-based).
On behalf of Mayor Jane Yap, Congressman John Geesnell “Baba” Yap received the awards during the Awarding Ceremony and Repeat Performance of the Sinulog Festival 2026 on January 19, 2026 at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Vice Mayor Tommy Osmeña, and other Cebu City officials as well as the Sinulog Foundation presented the awards.
Congressman Yap was joined by City Administrator Alvin Acuzar, Ubujan Punong Barangay Mary Jane Ruiz, and the entire Tagbilaran City contingent, who showcased remarkable dedication, courage, and unity throughout the competition.
The city’s participation was a collective effort of the City Government of Tagbilaran, fully supported by Mayor Jane Yap and Vice Mayor Adam Jala, in partnership with Barangay Ubujan, led by Punong Barangay Mary Jane Ruiz.
The contingent included 400 members—100 dancers, 200 props handlers, and 100 instrumentalists—who worked tirelessly to deliver a synchronized and culturally rooted performance during the Sinulog Grand Parade.
Mayor Yap expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all Boholanos, both local and abroad, who prayed and supported the city’s first-ever entry.
“This victory is not owned by one group alone. It belongs to everyone who offered their time, talent, sacrifice, and prayers,” she said.
Barangay Ubujan led the contingent with unity, discipline, and excellence, while KABKAD Productions provided choreography that vividly told the city’s story.
Choreographer Rage Ian Vincent Mabanto received the Best Choreographer Award for his outstanding work.
The performance was further enhanced by musical contributions from Bohol United Symphonic Band, Pentagon Drum and Bugle Corps, Quieta Base Classic Drum and Bugle Corps, Kin Covenant, Tresneo, D’Axis Drum and Bugle Corps, ProHope Drum and Bugle Corps, Community Drum and Bugle Corps, Valencia Symphonic Band, and Kantata Angelika, under the direction of Sir Gary & Christian Noel B. Naparota.
Mayor Yap also thanked the creative, production, technical, hair and makeup, props, media, medics, trainers, coordinators, and volunteers, as well as the Tagbilaran City Tourism Office, City General Services Office, department heads, the Provincial Government of Bohol, and Lite Shipping Corporation, for ensuring safe and smooth participation.
Above all, Mayor Yap credited the victory to Sr. Santo Niño, describing the historic triumph as the fruit of faith and prayer.
“To my Tagbilaran City Hall family and all who stood with us beyond duty, this victory is yours as much as it is ours. We are proud to carry Bohol’s culture and devotion to the national stage,” she said.
