Roxas City, Capiz lit by living stories

By Noel Galon de Leon

Last December 6, 2025, I had the privilege of being invited by my friend Bryan Mari Argos, an award-winning writer and the City Tourism Officer of Roxas City, to serve as one of the judges for the very first Títeres sa Sinadya Barangay Pageantry Competition. From the moment I received the invitation, I felt a wave of excitement and nostalgia. As a child, I was deeply fascinated by television programs that featured puppets and puppetry. Those shows sparked my imagination and made me fall in love with storytelling in visual form, so witnessing this art form come alive on a local stage felt like reconnecting with a part of my childhood that I had not visited in years.

It was also a deeply fulfilling experience to sit alongside fellow judges and friends whom I have long admired, including Dr. John Iremil Teodoro, the talented photographer July Farol, and the award-winning filmmaker Gary Tabanera, a proud son of Roxas who is now based in Aklan. Being surrounded by people who are passionate about art, culture, and creative expression made the experience even more meaningful. Beyond the event itself, coming back to Roxas City brought a familiar sense of comfort and joy. I truly looked forward to the seafood for which the city is famous and to the simple pleasure of tasting dishes I could usually only find in restaurants by the sea. Roxas has a way of welcoming you home, not only through its flavors, but through its people and atmosphere.

Títeres, or puppetry, is a traditional and expressive art form where stories are told through movable figures operated by skilled performers. It is a beautiful combination of theater, craftsmanship, movement, voice, and music. Through puppetry, inanimate objects are turned into living, breathing characters that can make audiences laugh, cry, and reflect. It is not merely entertainment. It is education, heritage, and storytelling woven together. In many cultures around the world, puppetry has long been used to teach moral lessons, preserve folklore, and communicate social realities, and seeing it embraced in a local festival setting felt both timely and powerful.

For us as Filipinos, puppetry resonates deeply with our identity as a people who love stories. Our culture is rich with legends, folktales, epics, and oral traditions passed down from one generation to another. Through storytelling, folktales, and traditional performances, we express who we are and where we come from. Títeres fits naturally within this cultural landscape. It reflects our love for colorful costumes, music, rhythm, and drama, and it mirrors the Filipino spirit of creativity, resilience, and community. In this way, puppetry becomes more than a performance. It becomes a cultural bridge that connects the past with the present.

At a time when Roxas City is in search of a stronger and more distinct festival identity, the intention behind this competition felt both clear and inspiring. What moved me most was that the event did not simply focus on dance skills or visual spectacle. Instead, it gave importance to storytelling through puppets, allowing each participating barangay to present a narrative with meaning. This educational aspect made the competition stand out. In a country where many festivals have gradually shifted toward pure commercial appeal, it was refreshing to witness a celebration that prioritized substance, creativity, and cultural value.

Throughout the competition, the immense talent of the people of Roxas City was fully displayed. The grace and confidence of the performers, the creativity poured into the costumes, and the careful craftsmanship of the puppets all spoke of a community rich in artistic potential. Every performance felt like a labor of love. Hours of practice, collaboration, and imagination came together on stage. It was evident that this was not just about winning, but about telling stories, expressing identity, and honoring culture.

This is precisely why this kind of competition deserves to be continuously supported and embraced by the community. It nurtures young artists, encourages cultural awareness, and strengthens the bond among barangays. It also gives Roxas City an opportunity to be known not just for its seafood or scenic beauty, but for its commitment to meaningful and educational cultural expressions. Festivals like this can shape a generation that values art not only as entertainment, but as a powerful tool for learning and unity.

I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the entire team behind this pioneering event, most especially to Bryan Mari Argos, for having the vision and courage to bring this idea to life. It takes a special kind of dedication to introduce something new and culturally significant, and this competition is a testament to that passion. As someone who grew up loving puppets and storytelling, being part of this moment was truly an honor.

Títeres sa Sinadya is more than just a pageant or a competition. It is a celebration of imagination, identity, and community. It is a reminder that culture is not something we simply inherit, but something we actively create and protect. Witnessing this event in Roxas City gave me hope and inspiration, and I look forward to seeing how this beautiful beginning will continue to grow in the years to come. Mabuhay ang sining, mabuhay ang kultura, at mabuhay ang malikhaing kasingkasing ng Roxas City, Capiz.