What is Sandataan?

Congressman Sonny Escudero & partner

This is the Sandataan of more than two decades ago when from its inception in 1934, it evolved from a tradition to an institution with primary objectives of promoting the Bicol culture, unity & harmony among Bacongnons and the Bicolanos, render assistance & support to all socio-economic, civic & religious activities and projects that uplift Bacon.

Sandataan is also a silent renewal of the vows of friendships and brotherhood among Bacongnons-a bond that linked them to one another.

A time to relax after a year’s labor, meet old friends; renew acquaintances; dance to old refrains-relive old and fading memories; perhaps rekindle flickering fires of love.

And from among the young new loves are born.Old couples dancing to the favorite tunes of their youth –eyes lit with the fires of love.

Most of them are gone –departed from this world, others far & away. Age & distance renders them incapable of returning & sadly this old haunting poemcomes to mind:

JJ

The Light of Other Days

by Thomas Moore

When I remember all

The friends so linked together,

I've seen around me fall,

Like leaves in wintry weather,

I feel like one Who treads alone

Some banquets- hall deserted,

Whose lights are fled,

Whose garlands dead,

And all but he departed!

Thus, in the stilly night,

Ere slumber's chain has bound me,

Sad memory brings the light

Of others days around me.


Sandataan was organized before WWII primarily for social purpose among Bacongnons in Manila so they can see eachother every year in a very pleasant setting. Alumni Homecoming was also organized I think in early 1990's for the same reason. There was no political, religious or civic motivations. It was purely social. Anyone please correct me if I am wrong.

Simple worker


Actually, the Sandataan started way before WWII in Bacon, when Bacon was one of the leading towns in Sorsogon. The Sandataan was the event of the year attended by many from as far as Legazpi City, Bulan and Irosin. I can still remember that this was still the event to attend up to the early to mid 1950s.As far as I can gather, the Manila Sandataan was formed to replicate the Bacon celebration by those Bacongnons in Manila who could not go home to attend the Bacon event. This was a really good way to remember and re-live the hallowed event of the hometown.But wherever the Sandataan is held, it would and should always reflect the best that Bacongnons are capable of.

Bacongnon man sa ny



If remember correctly, the Maisog na Sandataan was held in Bacon for purely social reasons. All they wanted to do was to have fun and meet the New Year. In fact, there were no elections then. The 4 officers (President, Vice President, Secretary & Treasurer) would be wearing hats or crowns during the Sandataan Ball and whoever they put the hat or crown on will be the next person in that position. But it became one of the top events to go to in the whole province of Sorsogon. People from almost all the towns of Sorsogon and some from Albay made it a point to attend the Sandataan Ball in Bacon.

It's a shame that such an event which has become part of the traditions of Bacon has not been maintained in its former stature as far as social events go.

In recent years, you could see people in the middle of the dance floor in slippers and/or short pants in what is called the Sandataan in Bacon.One has to appreciate the Bacongnons in Metro Manila who are trying to maintain the old tradition of the Maisog na Sandataan. I hope they keep the old practices alive.

However, there comes a time when groups like the Sandataan are called to help their hometown.

And it looks as if the Metro Manila group has organized itself to be so.

If it has evolved into some form of civic association, it must be a relatively recent development. I, too, would be interested to know how it is organized, what its purposes are, what their accomplishments are, so far, and what their plans are to help Bacon.

But what is this I hear that the Metro Manila group has split into two? Is that true? And if so, why?

Anonymous


The Sandataan logo as it is now evolved from a Salakot with Machete but was redesigned to the present because of the adverse connotation the former signified.
Ramon Alcazar Dellosa is credited with the present logo design that was first used when the association was incorporated in 1981.
By:Former BSAI President 1983

Yes, the Sandataan still lives on. We, the present set of officers continue to carry on this tradition. This, somewhat became a commitment that we will share through generations. This tradition will never die. Come what may, we make it a point to celebrate its yearly activity every December 30th. Because we felt that Bacon is still Bacon, the glorious Bacon!

The legend that was Bacon! Anonymous was right, Sandataan was purely for social reason celebrated in Bacon then every December 31st to meet the coming New Year.

Selection of the new set of officers is done during midnight while the social dancing is going on by putting a hat on the prospective officer.

That is why we adapted the hat as the logo of the Sandataan Association here in Manila. But now, election is being done, likewise here in Metro Manila.The Bacon Sandataan Association (Metro-Manila) Inc., is the new name of the organization existing here in Manila and for the information of all Bacongnons, the association here in Metro Manila does not exist purely for social reason. The association has done numerous civic projects in Bacon. To name some:

The welcome arch at the boundary of Bacon and Sorsogon at Gabao, which was damaged by typhoon (Milenyo) which the local government has done nothing to restore it.

A public library located at the back of the former Municipal building is another project. It is now being used as a learning center by out of school youth under the program of the Department of Education. This year it was awarded First Prize as a functioning learning center in the Regional Level.
The Manila Sandataan, the Barangay Council of Bacon District and the DepEd (Non-Formal Education) joined efforts for this achievement. In our little resources, we continue donating old books and other reading materials to the library to make it functional.

Last August 17, 2008, the Metro Manila officers conducted a medical mission at Barangay San Roque, Bacon District in coordination with the Barangay council. Likewise, medicines were also donated to the Barangay of San Juan which was received by the Brgy Chairman.

Anonymous


Sandataan wil live on. Though Bacon municpality was lost but never its tradition.

This association in Metro Manila of Bacongnons is the only organization of Sorsoganon that is actively existing in Metro Manila, according to our beloved Congressman Salvador Escudero, who never fails to attend its yearly celebration, together with Kaka Llamas.

To all Bacongnons, please attend the yearly celebration, 75th Anniversary, at Jade Valley Restaurant located at Scout Torillo coner Scout Rallos, Quezon City (along Timog Avenue) on December 30, 2009. The affair will start at 7PM. Live Band will be assisting the occasion.

BSAI


The Sandataan lives on. third generation Bacongnons are now carrying the banner of Sandataan. I am so proud of you guys.

Ancient one

I am very happy that the Sandataan has embark on more civic and charitable projects. There are so many projects that could still be tackled to help the impoverished, but I am glad that efforts are in the way. Things have to start somewhere.

Anonymous 8877