SAKAY-sakay (boat-riding), still happening this morning, September 11, as of this writing, capped the highly successful eleven-day-long TambaNipa Festival 2024 of the coastal Barangay Bonbon in Cagayan de Oro City.
“This traditional event may attract more blessings for Barangay Bonbon which is known for its bountiful resources of tamban (sardines) and Nipa plants,” Fr. Jefferson Palasan told Gold Star Daily.
“Kini nga kalihokan agi’g pasalamat ug panalangin sab sa mga residente ilabi na sa mga mananagat nga sila proteksyonan sa Kahitas-an nga mahilayo sa mga katalagman,” added Fr Palasan who performed the religious rites of pouring holy water to all the fishing boats that will be used for the crowd-drawing festivity along the Macajalar Bay.
Tasked by Barangay Bonbon chairwoman Lelit Baal-Molina to lead the fiesta committee in organizing its major activities, Kagawad Michael Adame has reassured that vital safety nets in conducting sakay-sakay have been coordinated well with the Coast Guards personnel.
“Gisayohan ko gayod ang baybay nga maka-meeting kita kanila aron plastado ang tanan ug hapsay ang parada sa dagat,” Kagawad Adame said.
One incident in the past, it can be recalled, had almost cost the life of a child who fell from one of the overloaded boats, but was timely rescued from getting drowned.
“Para sigurado dili na lang gyod apilon og pasakay ang mga bata,” suggested Barangay Tanod Carmelita Estrella.
To add colors to the merriment, Kagawad Neil Bacud said that brgy Admin head Kenneth Granido suggested letting the Mutya ng Bonbon winners join the fluvial parade.
And it has two separate destinations.
One will proceed to the so-called Bulod or under the newly-constructed bridge connecting Barangay Macabalan for the continuous dance-filled fun and joy by the Catholic faithful. The other will go to the Raagas beach for the equally festive Iglesia Filipina Independiente celebration.