PANDAG-KITAB
Pandang-Gitab was coined from Pandanggo (Fandango) and Dagitab which is synonymous to “light”, adapting basic steps of Pandanggo sa Ilaw (Dance of Lights) which was told to have originated in Lubang, Mindoro Island.
The style of Pandang-Gitab is the traditional “sway-and-balance”, with graceful shallow gyrating of hips and torso, complemented with a side-to-side gentle swing of hands, careful not to drop the candle-on-glass on both palms and on the head of the dancer. Props and other materials are being utilized for added attraction and modifications are allowed but must not affect the fundamental pattern of the dance (pandanggo) itself. The Pandang-Gitab Oriental Mindoro was launched as a street dancing competition and became a much applauded attraction as it was danced in Calapan City’s main avenue.
Banana Festival
Banana Festival, held every March 18 to 19 in Baco, Oriental Mindoro, is a celebration of the abundance of bananas. It showcases the different varieties of banana like the Senorita, the Latundan, the Lacatan and the Saba. It also features a banana cookfest and a “saba”-inspired street dancing competition and beauty pageant. Festivities coincide with the town fiesta held in honor of the patron, St. Joseph.
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