Tradition and culture runs deep within the veins of the Filipinos. The passage of time may alter how they approach these traditions but the foundations and core values from which they are built continue to persist even with the younger generations. It is part of a Filipino’s identity, a common trait that steers each individual together to form a unified community. Town Fiestas or Festivals serve as an excellent reminder that these values live on. 
Whether it is in celebration of a patron saint, a valued commodity, or a special holiday commemorating a past event it is to be expected that Town Fiestas are grand spectacles defined by each town or city’s unique style. The province of Zambales is a melting pot of town fiestas. Olongapo City’s Mardi Gras held every October, the Subic-Ay Festival closing April and greeting May, San Marcelino’s Singkamas Festival mid-February, and Iba’s Dinamulag Festival during March or May are just a few of the festivals that encapsulates the clashing cultures present in Zambales. 

Most recently, the Municipality of Castillejos introduced the Suman Ibos Festival – a day-long celebration, running concurrently with the Farmers’ Week, themed after the Suman sa Ibos. The festival is also an improvement over the town’s previous Camote Festivals. 
The first Suman Ibos Festival was held on March 17, 2018, which is also the death anniversary of former President Ramon Magsaysay. Highlights of the festival were the Kuliglig Parade, the Street Dance Competition, and the Suman Making Contest. The success of the first Suman Ibos Festival was unprecedented. The attendance was massive, and the performance of the competitors for the various contests were highly commendable. The people of Castillejos were warmly receptive of the festival and ensured that it is a tradition that would stay rooted in Castillejos.

Improving upon the shortcomings of the first event, the second Suman Ibos Festival altered its schedule to further increase its audience. The Kuliglig Parade was held in the afternoon starting at President Ramon Magsaysay State University to Barangay Magsaysay before making its way back to the Municipal Park. The Festival’s Opening Ceremony featured a performance by the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) Silent Drill Platoon, and the PMC Drum and Bugle Team. Also serenading the people of Castillejos with their powerful voice and electric music in-between contest performances was the PMC Band. 
Though the Street Dance Competition and Field Demo were taken quite literally last year, being held on the National Highway, the contests for this year were held on the Municipal Pavilion foregoing the need to close the road and rerouting traffic for an extended period after the Kuliglig Parade. The new venue also gave the audience a better view of the performances, and a more spacious area for the performers. 
Similar to last year’s Festival, the Suman Ibos Festival this year ran concurrently with the Farmers’ Week Celebration where fresh farm produce were featured in booths alongside the Festival’s namesake – the Suman sa Ibos.

he second Suman Ibos Festival concluded late in the evening of March 17, 2019 but the cheers and support from the audience did not wane. Many stayed in support of their barangay’s performers until the announcement of this year’s contest winners. But beyond the accolades won by any single team or individual the Festival did not have any so-called losers or runners-up. The massive success of the second Suman Ibos Festival spells a complete victory for the Municipality of Castillejos as a whole winning the continued loyalty and support of the people of Castillejos, the Castillejeños.