BatoBalani Festival – Considered as Leyte’s Festival of Festivals

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BATOBALANI FESTIVAL

Photo from: https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/20521-photos-batobalani-festival

The Batobalani Festival is regarded as a “festival of festivals” showcasing different festivities in Leyte. It’s also Bato’s version of Sinulog, Dinagyang, and Ati-Atihan — minus the huge crowds and celebrities but with the same revelry. Read More: https://www.facebook.com/events/1071194166339924/

Photo from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rappler/8413403101

Batobalani Sa Gugma is the famous song or hymn dedicated and to honor of the Holy Child Sto. Niño. The song is sung in the middle of the mass in Sto. Niño Church every January of the year in celebration of the Sinulog Festival. The song is written in deep and old Cebuano dialect. Batobalani Sa Gugma literally means “Magnet of Love” in English.

To attend the Sto. Niño novena in January is a highly recommended expeirence. Wave your hands as soon as the Batobalani Sa Gugma song is sung.

Batobalani sa Gugma Lyrics:

Bato balani sa gugma,
Sa daang tawo palangga.

Tubag:
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGGILABA

Continuation : http://experiencesinulog.blogspot.com/2012/01/batobalani-sa-gugma-lyrics-for-santo.html

Photo from: https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/20521-photos-batobalani-festival

The 2nd Batobalani Festival of Bato, Leyte which was conducted on January 25, was deemed successful with the participation in by about seven festivals from the nearby municipalities of the provinces of Leyte and Southern Leyte.

Batobalani Festival is being conducted as a tribute to Senor Sto. Niño who is the Patron of Bato, Leyte. It is held on the fiesta day of Bato on January 25.

This year’s participants to the Batobalani Free Interpretation Dance Competition, include the Tribu Indang from Hindang, Leyte; Karatong of Dulag, Leyte; Tribu ni Nanay of Ormoc City; Baybayanon of Baybay City; Tribu Malitboganon of Malitbog, Leyte; Karatong sa Kabukiran of Bontoc, Southern Leyte and Pasaka of Tanauan, Leyte. Read More: http://www.samarnews.com/news2009/jan/f2024.htm

Photo from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rappler/sets/72157632609575238/