BILIRAN PROVINCIAL MOBILE FORCE COMPANY

This costume is a representation of the main source of income for the whole biliran
province. This costume is inspired by a Manaragat characterized by varied movements and
intricate steps of the different species of fish and sea shells and beautifully presented by dancers
in exotic and colorful costumes.
Merging culture with nature and environment, the Manaragat reflects the whole biliran
province sentiment of remaining faithful to its origins, while remembering its past to build its
present and future. It tells a story of resilience, the story of every Biliranon and as a Filipino.
The Manaragat has contributed to increase the confidence of small and micro
entrepreneurs by enabling local producers, suppliers and small business owners to display their
products and crafts, thereby ensuring sustainability of the craftsmanship as well as sustainability
of agricultural and local products.
The festival also triggered social change within the whole Biliran Province community,
through being able to protect and promote cultural diversity, and the right, fair access and active
participation of all individuals to culture.
The costume was also able to raise the awareness of citizens towards the protection of the
sea and the provincial coastal areas, through the regular conduct of clean-ups, and the
designation of ambassadors and ambassadresses responsible for promoting environmental
protection and cultural preservation, as a way to champion young people.

MUNICIPALITY OF KAWAYAN
MUNICIPALITY OF NAVAL
This Bagasumbol Festival costume is a warrior Mardigras Inspired creation as a symbol
of defense of the Biliranon against the colonization of the Moro's and its intricate design and
soft, beautiful aura is to honor the blessed Virgin Mary of the Rosary inspiring the folks in
making the town a diocese. It's vibrant colors symbolizes navaleños colorful and rich history and
the festive spirit of every Navaleño. Celebrated in Naval during its town fiesta on every 1st
Saturday of October, the festival depicts the birth of Christianity in the town during the Spanish
time, “Bagasumbol” means somewhat pointed, as what passers by describe the settlement in the
old days.. The town of Naval is the center of commerce and trade in the province. And even with
it's growing population and scope, the town's cultural heritage and religious values is instilled
within the hearts of its people. Blessed with rich cultural background, talented and joyful people,
truly, Naval is the home of Madasigon and Maanyag nga Katawhan sa Biliran. Bagasumbol is
the old name of Naval, the Capital Town of the Province Biliran.
Dasig, Naval!

MUNICIPALITY OF CAIBIRAN

Thia costume depicts the history of Caibiran. The town of Caibiran started from a group
of immigrants from Leyte mainland. They settled near the mouth of the river four kilometers
from the present town sites. The river was teeming with a fish and abounded with lizards called
“Ibid” which suggested the name “Caibiran”( a place where there are plenty of “Ibid”). the
woven mat symbolizes the simple living of the CAIBIRANHON. The dried rice hay surrounding
the woven mat illustrates the abundance of the rice in Caibiran as well as the main source of
living of the CAIBIRANHON, which is farming.

MUNICIPALITY OF MARIPIPI
Isla De Rosa. A story of Maria and Pepe who is believed to be the 1 st settler of the place.They
portray  a strong and beautiful history of Maripipi. The costumes portrays of a beautiful Maria
who possesses the good quality of a woman with strong heart and a beautiful soul.Likewise the
other costume portrays Pepe’s quality of a warrior dedicated in protecting the lands from
danger.Both are indigenious reprentation of a rich history striving for progress and excellence.
USWAG MARIPIPI
MUNICIPALITY OF CABUCGAYAN
Cabucgayan is a coastal municipality in the province of Biliran. It is known for its bountiful
capture of fish which is one of Cabucgayanon’s basic livelihood. Aside from fresh fish, the
municipality is one of the highest trader of dried fish or bulad in the province. Hence to highlight
Cabucgayan’s aquatic blessing our creative costume features fish and trade.

MUNICIPALITY OF BILIRAN
Boro Biliran Festival was derived from “ BoroBiliran” a type of native grass
grew abundantly in the Municipality of Biliran. Its 11 Barangays are near in rich
coastline, rugged mountains and waterfalls. The beauty, culture, its history, and the
thrill of discovering a new flora and fauna are what appeals and attract tourists.
Boro-Biliran Festival is celebrated every 9 th and 10th day of September, an
annual celebration in Honor Sr. San Juan Nepomuceno as the miraculous saint who
maintained the richness of the coastal sea and farmland where fishimg and farming
are the means of the subsistence of the local folks.
The costume of Mr. and Ms. Biliran are the representation of the fisherfolks
or “mandaragat” in advocating the preservations of the environment and the rich in
beating odds and calamities. Most of all, their festival Costumes are an on-going
call for the people to be responsible in all that they do, remain resilient despite the
odds, and to keep moving forward.

Mabuhay Boro-Biliran Festival.

Abante pa Biliran!
#WOWBILIRAN
MUNICIPALITY OF ALMERIA
Female: In the municipality of Almeria lies a mermaid sitting on the rocks amidst the shores of
Barangay Lo-ok. Legend has it that the mermaid statue becomes real as the moon becomes full.
Splashing across the seas of Almeria and basking on the moonlight as it gives the mermaid
strength.
Male: Along with the mermaid is her brother in the sea. Sworn to protect marine life from the
disasters brought by humans. This merman is fond of sharks and often rides with them near the
Island of Dalutan, sometimes even sitting on its white sand until the sun goes down. Legend has
it, although it is prohibited, the merman has eyes for a human girl residing in Ilaya.
The costumes are created with recycled materials such as plastic bottles and yoga mat as well as
flour sack turned into a corset. Adorned with pearls and shells picked by their merfriends.
Designed by Gerald Denver Sacay. Fashionig is assisted by Kate Parado, Alea Dublin, Mikaela
Broñula and Jay Mark Amador led by the magical touch of Gerald Denver Sacay.

Amamba-laba Costume (Municipality of Culaba)

The costume is inspired from the legend of how Culaba got its name. The legend: One
day, a foreigner was wandering the stream of Rio de Amambahag and met some locals washing
their clothes. The foreigner ask one of them the name of the place and the locals without
understanding the question presumed that the foreigner was asking what she was doing and
answered “AKO-LABA”. That is how our town  Culaba was named from the word
“AKOLABA”. The tittle Amamba-laba is coined from two words Amambahag and Laba. The
costume is also inspired from the painting of one of our famous painter Fernando Amorsolo on
his “Labandera”.