Sibit-Sibit Festival

In coordination with the Olongapo City Government and Beach Boulevard Business Association (BBBA), Subic Bay Resorts Association (SUBRA) is all-set as lead organization for the celebration of the annual "Sibit-Sibit Festival" on April 23-25, 2009 at Barangay Barretto, this city.

The annual event in the city depicts its rich and colorful history. The term sibit-sibit is a word derived from the small banca used for fishing in the early times when Olongapo was still a fishing village.

The festival started as a barangay event of Barangay Barretto. Mayor James Gordon, Jr. elevated the festival into a city event because of its potential in promoting the city's tourism industry.

Carlito Baloy, SUBRA Chairman and Barangay Barretto Chairperson, said that the festival is a come- one activity for both local and foreign tourists visiting the city and adjacent communities this summer. This kind of event further boosts Olongapo’s potential as one of the country’s promising tourism hub.

Below is the series of acitivities for the Sibit-Sibit Festival '09:

April 22

Motorcade (around the main streets of the City to Driftwood Beach)
Thanksgiving Mass (Driftwood Beach)

April 23

Fluvial Parade
Sibit-Sibit Banca Races
Chili Cook-Off Competition
Kite Display and Flying
Bangkang Buhangin Sculpting Competition
Sibit-Sibit Street Dance Showdown and Live Entertainments

April 24

Fun Run
Continuation of the Sibit-Sibit Banca Races
Kite Team Philippines - Kite Display and Flying
Curry Cook-off Competition
Parade of the Summer Goddess - Bikini Open and live entertainments at night time

April 25

Spectators and Guests with the different Sibit banca races and motorized exhibition games and at night time, the Battle of the BBQ's, awarding ceremonies and the Beach Mardigras.

[via]