Saturday, 8 February 2014

History of Borbon


Borbon is a fourth class municipality in the province of Cebu, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 31,598 people.

Another story circulating on how Borbon got its name is that when the Spaniards landed in the place, it didn’t have a name. So they asked a local couple what the name of the place was but unfortunately the couple did not understand what the Spaniards asked, so they answered by giving their nicknames, “Bor” and “Bon”. So, that’s how the place came to be named Borbon. According to the Panublion publication, Borbon was established as a parish on 15 September 1862 and had San Sebastian, martyr, as patron saint. Today, St. Sebastian’s fiesta is celebrated every January 20th. Borbon was formerly a visita or an extension community of the town of Sogod. That is why many of the very first settlers of Borbon are families with roots that can be traced back to relatives in Sogod.

In addition, Redondo (1886, 163) describes the Borbon church made of wood and tabique resting on a base of mortar, dimensions 22.5 fathoms long, 7.5 wide. The church was thatched with grass. The original church mentioned here is believed to be one of the oldest churches in Cebu prior to its burning during World War II.






~Silmugi River

The Silmugi river is an eco-tourism site in northern Cebu. Located in between the barangays of Poblacion and Cadaruhan, the river stretches for about 12 kilometers from barangay Vito to Suba.

The river played a big part during Borbon’s formulation as a town because in the past, the river was knowned to be so big and wide that many boats travelled by it. It is where the rainwater from the many mountain barangays cascaded and flowed into the ocean.


Silmugi River is part of the municipality of Borbon, Cebu. The Silmugi River Park has small bancas that can take you on short river cruises. However, the park is not fully operational as of yet; but people like to go there to take pictures of the beautiful scenery.



There are many activities in Sulmugi. In January 2011, it hosted the Miss Silmugi beauty pageant. And now in May, it is the venue of a photo contest open to all amateur and professional photographers in Cebu. The project is co-sponsored by iLuvCebu and the municipality of Borbon.


~Silmugi Festival

Silmugi Festival is a celebration that takes places in the town of Borbon, Cebu in giving honor to patron saint, St. Sebastian Martyr. The highlight of this event is the street dancing that involves a traditional prayer for a bountiful harvest with which variuos barangay are taking part of.




"Silmugi" is an old name of the town of Borbon during the Pre-Spanish period which was named after the enchanting and enthralling river which was served as the nearest route for devout Catholics attending mass in Saint Sebastian Parish. The river has also become the main gateaway for locals who live hillsides of Borbon in their business trades with coastal barangays surrounding it.


The local residents of Borbon consider the Silmugi Festival as their act of gratitude and reverence to God for giving them the Silmugi River that also played a major role in the development of the trade and industry of the province. Locals are high-spirited in celebrating this festival and they make it a point that younger generation will able to catch the heart of this event.




If you want to see videos of SILMUGI FESTIVAL just click this link
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=silmugi%20festival%20borbon%202013&sm=3

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