23/07/2026
Sandugo sa Bohol Ukulele Festival 2026 celebrates music, culture, and Boholano talent
The Sandugo sa Bohol Ukulele Festival 2026 brought together local and international ukulele enthusiasts for a day of music, learning, and competition through a workshop at the Provincial Capitol Ceremonial Hall and the Festival Night and Ukelympics 2026 Finals at Bantawan Old Airport on July 18.
Organized by the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) under the leadership of Gov. Aris Aumentado, through the Bohol Center for Culture and Arts Development (BCCAD) headed by Emerson Pinos, in partnership with the Ukulele Society Bohol, the event formed part of the Sandugo sa Bohol 2026 celebration 'Bibo' Stream, highlighting Boholano identity, unity, and creativity.
The festival likewise reflects the PGBh's Strategic Change Agenda of cultivating a vibrant creative sector as a UNESCO Global Geopark, where cultural heritage, arts, and sustainable tourism are recognized as essential pillars of inclusive development.
The evening program opened with Governor Aumentado's message, delivered by BCCAD Head Emerson Pinos, who welcomed participants and underscored the significance of the festival.
"Today we celebrate more than just music. We celebrate the spirit of Sandugo—Ang Panaghigalaay—a symbol of unity, friendship, and shared purpose that continues to define our Boholano identity," the governor said.
"As we celebrate Sandugo sa Bohol, may the melodies we hear tonight strengthen the bonds that unite us and remind us that our shared heritage continues to thrive through the talents and aspirations of our people. To all performers, thank you for sharing your gifts and for inspiring others through your music. Whether you bring home a trophy or simply the joy of performing, your passion already makes you a winner."
One of the festival's highlights was the Ukelympics 2026 Finals, which showcased the talents of young and adult musicians in several competitive categories, including Solo Vocal-Instrumental Performance (Youth and Open Divisions), Solo Fingerstyle Instrumental Performance, and Group Instrumental Performance.
Contestants impressed the audience with performances that demonstrated the ukulele's versatility and expressive musical character.
In the Youth Division for Solo Vocal-Instrumental Performance, Francine Noelle Roferos won first place, followed by Aquila Bastasa in second and Camisha Athena Gudito in third.
In the Open Division, Angel Rose Tagud claimed the championship, while Arvin Avergonzado and Loulle Jeanne Lorzano finished second and third, respectively.
Meanwhile, James David Pedida emerged as champion in the Solo Fingerstyle Instrumental Performance category, with Keziah Brianne Jamora
and Joseph Katigbak placing second and third, respectively.
In the Group Instrumental Performance category, UB-LI secured first place, while San Isidro Elementary School earned second place.
Earlier in the day, participants attended an educational ukulele workshop featuring local and international artists.
Diane Leigh Dumagdag, founder of the Ukulele Society Bohol, introduced participants to the different types of ukuleles, proper tuning, basic chords, and various strumming patterns.
International guest artist Winson Tam then demonstrated basic plucking techniques, mixed strumming while plucking, chord integration, and fingerstyle methods using the thumb, middle, and index fingers.
Pao Gumba concluded the workshop by teaching looping techniques, demonstrating basic looping, and emphasizing that timing is the most important element in creating successful loops.
The workshop concluded with a ukulele jamming session, allowing participants of all ages to apply their newly learned skills.
Adding excitement to the celebration were performances by international guests from the Hong Kong International Ukulele Association (HKIUA) & Friends, founded by Winson Tam, and Lee Hieu Nguyen of Australia. Featured performers also included Joseph Gara, Ukulele Society Bohol, Diane Leigh, Paul C**a, Randy Gimenez, Pao Gumba, Novus PH, and Ukulele Cebu.
Guest performers from the Ukelympics 2025 winners included April Remolador & Amabi, Samantha Mari, Ethiopian Dream, Jo Wong, and Jihan Claire & Sev Daniel, TERI, Dane Smith, Isser Libres, and RJ Dacumos, further enriching the festival's musical showcase.
The competition was evaluated by respected musicians and judges Pao Gumba, Winson Tam, and Joseph Gara, whose expertise helped determine the winners across all categories.
Through initiatives such as the Sandugo sa Bohol Ukulele Festival, the PGBh continues to strengthen cultural tourism, empower local artists, preserve the province's vibrant artistic heritage, and provide opportunities for musicians to showcase their talents while fostering unity and cultural pride among Boholanos.
For more 'Sandugo sa Bohol' updates, visit sandugo.bohol.gov.ph or the official pages of Sandugo sa Bohol, the Provincial Government of Bohol, and the Provincial Information and Media Office. (PIMO/ARB)
