Two months before the annual Sandugo Festival to unfold in July, strenuous preparation spearheaded by the Bohol Sandugo Foundation Inc. (BSFI) is on full swing.

Coinciding with this year's celebration is the global homecoming of Boholanos dubbed as Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) which is expected to draw in hundreds of Boholanos abroad. With this as an expectation, this year's edition promises to be several notches higher.

Among the accustomed line up of activities include the Agri, Food, and Trade Fairs which showcase Bohol's artistry and creativity through its distinct products and the monthlong Nightly Presentation which would sustain Sandugo revelry after sundown; all these happening at the world-class City Tourist Port.

As an offshoot of the successful, jampacked pioneering, the Tagbilaran City Pop Music Festival, presenting original composition composed and interpreted by local talents, will have its year two. Likewise, the famed Search for Miss Bohol Sandugo continues, and hopes to produce another Ana Mariz Igpit, the reigning Miss Bohol Sandugo and Binibining Filipinas World.

Anchored with this year's theme "Transcending Boundaries," the BSFI never ceases to explore new horizons. Breakthrough activities such as Little Big Sandugo Star, Ginoong Bohol Sandugo, and the Little Miss Bohol Sandugo will have their debuts at the heart of family entertainment, Island City Mall Activity Center.

Aligned with the celebration, Boholanos who have excelled in their field of endeavor will be awarded in the Ten Outstanding Boholanos All-over the World (TOBAW). TBTK activities such as the Mrs. Bohol International, Miss Bohol International, Group Tours, Youth Camp specifically tailored for young balikbayans involving the much-vaunted Heritage and Eco-Challenge, and performances by Boholano talents abroad are scheduled. Arrangement for the Economic Forum which is expected to be audienced by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is likewise done.

To cap the festivity is the Street Dancing Extravaganza divided in two categories: the Contest and Non-Contest. The Contest category will be contended by Bohol-based delegation while the Non-Contest will bring in the Champions of other province's festivals as Guest Performers, which was preluded last year with the participation of Masskara (Bacolod City), Dinagyang (Iloilo City), Ati-atihan (Kalibo, Aklan), Mantawi (Mandaue City), and Yagyag (Sibulan, Oriental Negros). Public and private schools, organizations, business establishments and clans are also joining the merriment in the streets.

At the helm of laying the groundwork is the Chairman of the Foundation, City Mayor Dan Neri Lim and Co-Chairman Gov. Erico B. Aumentado. To further the efficacy of task delivery, two groups were created, one based on the City Hall focused on Sandugo activities while the other based on the Capitol focused on the TBTK; both of which coordinated by Loreto M. Palapos, the executive director. (BSFI Secretariat/David S. Maulas)