Barangayanihan, Open Christmas Carol Choral Contest, Garbo ng Nabunturan Season 8, and Iwag sa Kadalanan. This was the events that was showcased in the recent 23rd Simballay Festival of the Municipality of Nabunturan.
Simballay Festival is an annual festivity that was initiated by former mayor Joel O. Bugas on 1994. Simballay was molded from the Mansaka word that means, "Togetherness, sharing and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest."
During the duration of Simballay, I was unfortunately sick caused by my tonslis at that time but that didn't stop me to get first-hand experience of the festival and it is especially for the blog. Yes, you read that right, I love you guys so much that I'd do anything for the blog. To tell you honestly, I just attended the last two days of Simballay festival where there was a Celebrity vs. Clergy Basketball game during the afternoon of the first day I participated, Garbo ng Nabunturan Season 8 in the night, and Iwag sa Kadalanan on the last day.
I already told you a small history and an overview of the Simballay festival so let me get straight to the point. I had fun on the basketball game, not just fun, money. I participated the game that was done for fun to kill time and I didn't expect to see celebrities for free and get free money at the same time (Gonzaga Nambawan). In the evening of that day, there was the Garbo ng Nabunturan but I did not watch the competition, I only watched Andrew E who performed later in the evening. In Iwag ng Kadalanan, I also did not witness the competition but just strolled around to get a photo, for this blog of course.
For the summary of my experience, you can say that I only went to see the celebrities but no. As I walked around, I saw the beauty of Simballay. Even if I did not look at the events I can hear the Nabunturanons scream for their chosen winner and it opened my mind and I realized that Simballay festival is not all about the lights, umbrellas, booths and the events itselves. I realized that it is all about the heart, the hearts of people who didn't even knew they participated Simballay festival. The hearts of the random screams, shouts, cheers and yells where they've unconsciously done. For me, Simballay festival is for the hearts of every Nabunturanons.
