Buyogan Festival 2018

For 30 years of being an Abuyogon, It was actually my first time to witness the entire Linggo ng Abuyog events. Im lucky I was the official photographer of the entire week. It was a hustle and bustle but very extremely exciting and I loved what I did. For now guys, let me share the set that i loved the most. The Buyogan Festival. Pang world class eh, iba eh. Here we go! Soon, ill create a new post for the summary of the entire Linggo ng Abuyog events.

To give you a summary of Abuyog, Leyte. Abuyog is a 1st class municipality in the Province of Leyte. The municipality got its name when the Spaniards came to settle at the mouth of its river to replenish their supplies. During that time, swarms of bees were all over the shore, and the sailors asked the natives “Como si y llama el pueblo?” Not knowing that they were asked for the town’s name, the natives unwittingly answered “BUYOG”, which means bees. The Spaniards then repeated after the natives, muttering, “AH! BUYOG”, thus creating the name, Abuyog, to which Spanish chroniclers often used to refer to the entire island of Leyte. This was also the root of the Buyogan Festival, which the country celebrates in the coastal town of Abuyog each year on the 27th of August, where the locally known “buyog” or bees are the centerpiece.

And to give you a short background of Buyogan Festival. Abuyog is the home of the famous Buyogan Festival. It all started several years ago. (Ill revise this post soon, I have to ask my sources first) I also experienced joining and competing in Buyogan Festival way back my grade school days. I was one of the drummers of B.V Closa Central School. I  am thankful and lucky enough that I experienced this kind of event. Let me check on our shelves and look for some pictures of me in my Buyogan custome. Hehe. Going back, well, Buyogan Festival brings pride to the Leytenos specially Abuyognons like me for representing and winning several contests in various events such as the Pintados Kasadyaan in Tacloban, Sinulog Festival in Cebu and the Aliwan Festival in Manila consecutively. The Buyogan Festival also invited and participated in the 2016 World Culture Festival in New Delhi India. And I also overheard our Vice Mayor saying that Buyogan Festival is going to Australia anytime soon also to perform. JUST WOW!!!!

Going back, what I observed most during Buyogan Festival was that despite the heat and the pressure, every contingent managed to perform very well with enthusiasm and great pride hence elicited too much appreciation and stirred emotions and elation from the audience. Grabe! Pang world class talaga! One proud Abuyognon here. Anyway, here are some of the photos taken during the street dancing. I hope you guys like it. Enjoy!

What to Expect at the Festival?

Well, less talk, let the photos do the talking.

I hope you guys liked the photos. I already submitted all the photos taken during the event. Hopping and praying also that they like the photos so I can shoot again next year. 🙂

How to get to Abuyog?

If you’re coming from Tacloban, take a van going to Abuyog. At the city proper, you can ride a tricycle going to the north bus terminal. Tricycle fare depends on how you negotiate. Or take a tricycle going to the terminals at the back of SM Savemore. There are lots of Vans going to Abuyog. Van fare is 80 Pesos. Once in Abuyog, Take a motorpot going to Prince Mall. At the back of Prince mall is the starting point of the parade for all the Buyogan contingents. They also perform one ritual street Dancing infront of Municipal hall. Make sure to take good spot for better view.

If you’re coming from Baybay Leyte, you can take a van going to Tacloban but make sure to tell the driver to drop you off at Abuyog Junction. Once in Junction, take a motorpot going to Prince Mall.

TIPS FOR YOUR BUYOGAN FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

-Use Google maps first so you will have an overview of the location.

-Once in Abuyog, ask the locals where the parade route is. Dont worry, Abuyognons are friendly.

-To fully enjoy Buyogan Festival I suggest to travel early to take a good spot.

-Bring water. Keep Hydrated.

-Take note. Every AUGUST 27 is the celebration of Buyogan Festival.

-Aug 28 and Aug 29 is the town Fiesta.

-Sunblock, Sunscreen and Shades

-Bring Cameras

-Drone to capture the other perspective view from above.
(There are 2 big signal towers near the area. I think it can also interfere the signal from our RC. Fly safely)

 

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR BELOVED MAYOR, MAYOR LEMUEL GIN TRAYA for trusting me and my photography team. Hoping for another contract next year. Thanks again Mayor! God bless ahead.