The streets came alive with vibrant colors and rhythmic dances as Surigaonons gathered for the grand parade and street dancing to mark the 41st Bonok-Bonok Festival, a celebration of culture, resilience, and thanksgiving.

The annual festival, themed “Kultura Surigaonon, Isadjaw! Isangyaw!” (“Surigao Culture, Dance! Proclaim!”), featured 11 contingents competing in two categories – the Bonok-Bonok-based category and the Festival of Festivals category.

Top officials, including Department of Tourism Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao, Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers, and Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II, were in attendance.

“Bonok-Bonok is not just a festival of dance. It is a Thanksgiving festivity. A celebration of the countless blessings we have received throughout the year,” Dumlao said in a message, highlighting the festival’s roots in gratitude and resilience following the devastation of Typhoon Nitang in 1984.

The term “Bonok,” meaning downpour, symbolizes divine blessings through the intercession of the city’s patron saint, St. Nicholas de Tolentino. Repeating the word “Bonok-Bonok” is believed to invoke even greater favor.

“When our dancers perform, they are not only showcasing talents, they are telling our story. When we support our artists, we support tourism, livelihood, and education. And when our children learn our traditions, they gain confidence to lead with pride in their identity as true Surigaonons,” Dumlao said.

The major awards include PHP1 million for the champion in the Bonok-Bonok Festival of Festivals category and PHP500,000 for the champion in the Bonok-Bonok-based category.

Roselyn Merlin, the city tourism officer, expressed gratitude for the success of this year’s festival.

“We are thankful for the support of the administration of Mayor Dumlao, the different departments, line agencies, the security sector, and other stakeholders,” she said. (PNA)