THE town of Nabunturan in Compostela Valley province is all set for its 16th Simballay Festival on December 12 to 18.

Municipal Administrator lawyer Karen Santiago said Wednesday that this year's theme for the Simballay Festival is "Ako, ikaw, kitang tanan, duyog sa hiniusang pagpasalamat sa naangkong kauswagan ug kalambuan" (I, you, all of us, one in gratitude for our progress and prosperity). "For this weeklong activity, Nabunturan will celebrate the bountiful blessings that its people have received by showcasing the abundant harvest, rich culture and environment, beautiful tourism spots and various talents of the Nabunturanons," said Councilor Mario Angelo Sotto. Municipal Tourism Council of Nabunturan chair Mariano Halog said the Simballay Festival is the platform for Nabunturan to showcase the town's best. "We would be pleased to welcome visitors from within and outside the country. We guarantee that the Nabunturanons have so much to show," he said. Schedule On December 12, a marching band would conduct "Banda Pamukaw" at 4 a.m. every day during the festival period. At 5:30 a.m., a simultaneous liturgical celebration will be held in churches. At 8 a.m., the activities would be kick-started by an ethnic parade to be participated in by different sectors in Nabunturan. At 10 a.m., a trade fair and the launching of the Official Simballay Logo would be opened. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., a free haircut, medical and eye checkup would be held sponsored by the Gays and Lesbians Society of Nabunturan. At 6 p.m., a talent show ad the presentation of the candidates for the "Bea ng Simballay" talent and beauty search will be conducted. On December 13, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Hudyaka sa Simballay will be held. It is dedicated to the special sectors in Nabunturan, namely, the Daycare Pupils, persons with disabilities and senior citizens. At 7 p.m. will be the Governor's Night, with Compostela Valley Province Governor Arturo Uy attending. It will feature Garbo ng Nabunturan for a musical extravaganza. On December 14, at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., a job fair will be held; and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., a grand Teachers' Day celebration would be held. Then at 7 p.m., the search for Ms. Gay 2010 is sure to entertain viewers.

On December 15, starting 8 a.m., Alay Tanim would be held at Barangay Sasa as Nabunturan's way of giving back to mother earth. This is a manifestation of the municipality's advocacy towards a green and clean environment. From 8 p.m. to 5 p.m., "Youth Achievement" activities will be held to recognize the youth as a vital part of the community. At 7 p.m. will be the Search for Bea ng Simballay 2010. "Bea" is a Mansaka word that means a woman leader. It will be held to set a good example to the community. Twenty candidates representing various barangays and schools of Nabunturan vie for the crown this year. On December 16, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Open Volleyball and Chess Tournament will be held at the municipal covered court. At 1 p.m., Kasadya sa Bungtod will be held in San Isidro. At 7 p.m. will be the SMB Battle of the Bands, which is an open competition. On December 17, at 7 a.m., the First Simballey Fun Climb will be conducted, headed by the Nabunturan Mountaineering and Ecology Club at Barangay San Isidro and Magsaysay. Dubbed as "Duaw sa Busay," the climb will highlight the waterfalls located in these two barangays. At 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., activities of the Tribal Day will be held. There will also be cultural presentations. On December 18, the festival will be capped by an awarding ceremony and a grand raffle draw. From 7 p.m. onwards, the Nabunturanons and visitors are sure to enjoy the night with a street party sponsored by the Coca-Cola company. Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on December 09, 2010.