Wayboga Festival 2017

The celebration of the Wayboga Festival Showdown in Amlan was made yet again a successful event for both locals and guests. The Wayboga Festival is an annual celebration that marks the importance of the “No Smoking”policy in Amlan.

No Smoke Festival

‘Wayboga’ in Visayan dialect is translated as ‘no smoke’. The unique festival revolves in everything that is related to smoking, cigarettes, health and environment. The Wayboga Festival was first launched and celebrated in 2009. This year, the 8^th Wayboga Festival and Smoke Free City of Amlan celebrates a guaranteed clean fresh air.

The showdown was behind schedule for about 30 minutes yesterday July 21, 2017. But it was quite reasonable with the gloomy and wet weather. The four contestants of the showdown gathered at the Amlan Gymnasium and immediately started the show.

As mentioned before, the Wayboga Festival is set apart from the rest of the festivals in Negros Oriental. Unlike thanksgiving festivity, the Wayboga Festival is celebrated as a reminder for a none smoking community. Each contingent acted out some drama situations regarding the use of tobacco and cigarettes. Not long, the actors in the play realizes that smoking does not do anything for the environment nor the body.

After the short drama, the festival dancers floor the floor with their modern rhythmic moves. There were no live drummers during the performance, however, the festivity didn’t really call for one. Most dancers of the festival were high school students representing their specific schools.

A short party in the gym was held prior to the joyful announcements of winners. Happy Smoke-Free Amlan!