DUMANJUG, Cebu — The municipality of Dumanjug celebrated its cultural heritage and community spirit through the Bisnok Festival Grand Showdown on Saturday, October 3, featuring vibrant street dancing, colorful performances, and festivities honoring its patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi.
The annual celebration highlighted Dumanjug’s local identity through Bisnok, a term derived from Bisayang Manok, or native chicken, which inspired the festival’s performances, costumes, music, and choreography.
Participating groups brought the story of the Bisayang Manok to life through energetic street dancing and the much-anticipated Ritual Showdown Competition, transforming the town into a vibrant showcase of local creativity and cultural pride.
Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro and Provincial Board Member Paz Rozgoni joined residents and visitors during the festivities, which also featured the Festival King and Queen. Cebuano personalities Ellen Adarna, Paul Jake Castillo, and Kaye Abad Castillo added to the excitement of the town’s fiesta celebration.
Beyond its entertainment value, the Bisnok Festival highlighted the importance of preserving Dumanjugano traditions and strengthening community ties through cultural expression. The celebration also provided a platform for local performers to showcase their talents and share the municipality’s heritage with a wider audience.
Proud Bisaya Bai photographers earn recognition
The festival also marked a proud moment for Proud Bisaya Bai as two of its photographers received recognition in photography competitions.
John Togonon secured second place in Theme 2: “Bisnok in Motion” during the Dumanjug On-the-Spot Photo Contest, capturing the movement, energy, and colorful scenes of the festival through his lens.
Meanwhile, Christian Paul Aleser won first place in Theme 1: “Fiesta” at the Dahunog Clickmarathon 2026, earning recognition for his work in the photography competition.
Their achievements highlighted the role of visual storytelling in documenting local celebrations, preserving cultural moments, and bringing Cebuano traditions to a broader audience.
Through the Bisnok Festival, Dumanjug once again showcased how local traditions, food culture, and community participation continue to shape the identity of Cebu’s municipalities.
As the festivities concluded, the celebration stood as a testament to Dumanjugano pride and the continuing efforts of the community to preserve and promote its cultural heritage for future generations.
| Photos by John Togonon | Christian Paul Aleser |
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