Instead of using firecrackers, homemade horns called “torotot” is a fast-selling product during Christmas and New Year season in Davao City. The city has Ordinance No. 060-02 which prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession or use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices and similar explosives. The ordinance was signed in 2002. (Ace R. Morandante/davaotoday.com file photo)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Organizers of Davao’s 4th Torotot Festival announced Thursday that the city will not aim to be included in the Guinness World Records next year.
“We want the Dabawenyos to gather during the Torotot festival not just to beat the Guinness World Records, but because they are there to support the local government’s advocacy on zero causality, no fire cracker and no smoking ordinance,” Arnold Dellosa, regional development head of Smart Communications Inc. said in a news conference in Grand Men Seng Hotel here Thursday.
Dellosa said they are targeting to reach at least 10,000 participants for this year’s Torotot festival.
“Our opponent in the Guinness World Record is Japan where they hold the record of the most number of people simultaneously blowing party horns. We can’t beat them as Davao City will be the only one that will take the challenge as it should be Philippines versus Japan,” he said.
Dellosa also said that this year’s Torotot festival aims to promote the uniqueness and the local pride of the Dabawenyos.
Various events will be conducted all through out the duration of the festival such as Torotot inspired costumes, hip-hop dance contest, among others.
Under the Torotot costume inspired contest, Dellosa said there will be competition for most creative Torotot costumes and Cosplay competition. The grand prize winners will receive P50,000 each while the winner of the Zumba Torotot-inspired competition will receive P15,000.
The event will kick-off with a parade on December 31 at 4 p.m at Freedom park en route to People’s park. The program will be held at the Rizal park which will officially start from 6 p.m until dawn.
City Tourism Officer Generose Tecson said the festival is already part of the “Pasko fiesta” event of the city annually.
“Since it’s now on its 4th year, it is already part of our Pasko fiesta, so this will be a partnership of smart and the local unit,” she said. (davaotoday.com)
