Bicol’s epic legend Ibalong turns 25

FROM THE dustbins of history to the street theater of Legazpi City.

This is the unfolding saga of Ibalong, Bicol region’s epic legend which has been given a new lease on life through a festival. Revived in 1992 by the late Mayor Imelda Roces, it is folklore and perhaps the only festival in the country which relives an epic.

Now in its 25th year, the fest is a popular recreation of a mid-19th century fragments of 60-stanza epic poem penned by Franciscan friar Bernardino de Melendreras about the ancient civilization of Ibalong or present-day Bicol.

Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal said that the festival is a source of pride for the townsfolk as it puts to the fore Bicol’s rich heritage and resilient character despite the adversities they encounter in life as can be gleaned from the epic’s story.

In 2013, Ibalong was adapted for the stage as a dance musical at the Cultural Center of the Philippines by playwright Rody Vera and directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio with Carol Bello’s musical direction, as part of Tanghalang Pilipino’s 26th season.

Mr. Rosal noted that the festivity showcases the city’s strides in investment, economic development, governance and tourism.

The locus of the Festival is on Aug. 30 where the scenes of the legend are acted out in a street theater competition.

Another highlight is the modern stage adaption of the epic based on CCP’s dance musical shown to the public at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation.

A much-awaited event in the two-week festivity are the star-studded Mutya ng Ibalong today (Aug. 24), one of Bicol’s biggest pageants, which will have celebrity jury.

Other events are the Mt. Mayon Triathlon, a dragon boat race, and an array of sociocivic and cultural activities.

Dubbed as the “City of Fun and Adventure,” Legazpi is one of the country’s top tourist destinations being the home of the Mayon Volcano, the world’s most perfect-cone.