Let's have fun in DAANBANTAYAN!

The Municipality of Daanbantayan, Cebu which is located the northern most part of Cebu celebrates its annual Haladaya Festival every 30th of August in time of the feast of its patron saint, St. Rose of Lima. From the words “Halad kang Datu Daya”, the leader of the first Malayan settlers in Daanbantayan. The highlights of the festival are the search for Festival Queen and a talent competition, street dancing competition or grand parade and the ritual showdown called “Haladaya.” It is a dance where people of Daanbantayan show the heroism of Datu Daya and a celebration of victory, life and good harvest.

What is Haladaya

Kandaya was the old name of the town taken after Datu Daya – the head of the first Malayan settlers known for his good deeds and bravery by driving away invading foreigners and marauding Moros. It is believed that a watchtower, locally known as “bantayan” was built atop a hill to have a close watch of the approaching enemies.The Haladaya Festival is a celebration of the victory over the oppressive Moro pirates

It is more than just a prayer and dance; it would give us an identity as Kandayan-ons – a people of grateful hearts for being so blessed with almost everything. It also tells the heroism of Datu Daya and showcase the glorious historical past of the town, through colorful street dancing followed with ritual showdown, depicting the Moro dance with the concepts of victory and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.

Haladaya performance

Hadalaya Festival stages spectacular performance of competing contingents from public elementary and secondary schools students in their colorful ethnic inspired costumes as they show the intricate steps of the dance as they move along, chanting on the street with the clicking, rolling and the thunderous beat of the drums.

Food in Haladaya festival

In every festival there should be a dance competition. Dance competitions are held to uphold and remember the dance of the old and in every festival there should always be food. The people of Bantayan have been fishermen for many years. this trade has been passed on from father to son so naturally you can see lots of seafood in the area.

A festival where the food is mainly seafood! YUMMY!!!! And the best part is they are fresh! By the way bantayan is three to five hours when riding a bus. I suggest you take a comfortable airconditioned bus coz five hours is very long. As for food there are people selling local delicacies on the roads so that will be of no problem. The bus will have one pit stop to have people take a pee if they needed. Other than that the bus will not stop unless someone is taking off.

Location in Daanbantayan