Bigger Aklan Talibong festival next year

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Organizers of the 1st Aklan Talibong Festival announced the winners, with blacksmiths from the towns of Libacao and Kalibo taking the top prizes.  

 

Emmanuel Soviet Russia dela Cruz, proponent of Talibong festival, said the festival was proven a success this year. 

Arturo Turang from Libacao won P10,000 for first place. Joy Zonio, also from Libacao, received P7,500 for second place and Juanito Natabio from Kalibo got P5,000 for third place. 

Talibongs are individually crafted by a handful of Akeanon blacksmiths, most of them in the hinterlands of Aklan. It was learned that these talibongs were used by defenders against Moros, local Katipuneros and by guerilla soldiers in Aklan. 

The display of talibongs at The Trade Hall in Provincial Capitol grounds from April 22 to 27 was marked by creativity and inspiration of Akeanon blacksmiths and artisans who skillfully put soul into their masterpieces. 

Dela Cruz, also a Sangguniang Panlalawigan member, said “it is high time for Aklanons to support the Talibong festival to promote and preserve the historical and cultural significance of talibongs for younger generations.”

The festival also benefited the local blacksmiths in terms of business opportunities and exposure of their products, he added. 

By next year, Talibong festival organizers are planning for a much bigger and better festival, partnering with the Aklan provincial government, to attract more artists. 

To institutionalize the Talibong festival, Dela Cruz hinted the creation of an association of talibong makers in Aklan. 

This year, there were 10 entries from the towns of Banga, Libacao, Altavas, Kalibo and Madalag in the first-ever Talibong festival. The event coincided in commemoration of the 58^th founding anniversary of Aklan as a separate province from Capiz.