18/02/2026
A little background on the name of our page and why it was chosen.
As an event photographer, our goal is to capture the meaningful moments of our clients’ special day, whether it’s a baptism, birthday, wedding, or any milestone worth celebrating. Event photography, especially weddings, is best expressed through photo storytelling, where every frame becomes part of a bigger narrative. That is where the word “Sigulanon” comes into play, a Masbateño term for storytelling, perfectly reflecting what this page is all about.
SIGULANON
The Old Masbateño Way of Storytelling
In the province of Masbate, long before televisions, VHS, and other forms of modern entertainment became part of everyday life, people had their own way of spending time and staying connected. This tradition is known as Sigulanon—a Masbateño practice of storytelling that usually happened during quiet evenings, especially during blackouts. Sigulanon was more than just a pastime; it was a meaningful part of life where stories, laughter, and lessons were shared within the community.
During those days, electricity was not always available, and entertainment was limited. When darkness covered the neighborhood, families and sometimes neighbors would gather outside their homes, sometimes under the moonlight or beside a small lamp such as a lamparahan. Elders would naturally become the center of the gathering. It was during these moments that the Sigulanon would begin. Someone often an elder, a witty uncle, or a well-known storyteller, would start narrating a tale that quickly caught everyone’s attention.
The stories told through Sigulanon came in many forms. Some were filled with mystery and fear, featuring aswang, spirits, and enchanted creatures that made children cling tightly to their elders. Others were lighthearted and funny, sharing village experiences, pranks, or memorable moments from the past. There were also stories of love, hardship, and family struggles—stories that felt real because they reflected the everyday life of many Masbateños. With every tale, listeners became fully engaged, reacting with laughter, gasps, and excitement, as if they were watching a live performance.
What made Sigulanon truly special was that it went beyond entertainment. It became a bridge that connected generations. Through storytelling, elders passed down not only legends and personal experiences, but also values, wisdom, and life lessons that helped shape the younger ones. In many ways, Sigulanon preserved the culture and identity of Masbateños, keeping memories alive and reminding people of their roots and traditions.
In a world without gadgets, the voice of the storyteller became the main attraction, and the presence of family and neighbors became the greatest comfort. The darkness of a blackout did not feel empty, it felt alive, because stories filled the night with imagination and warmth.
Today, while technology has changed how people spend their evenings, the memory of Sigulanon remains deeply meaningful for many Masbateños. It represents a time when entertainment was built through human connection, and when stories were not simply told, but experienced together. Sigulanon is more than a tradition—it is a reminder that even in the simplest moments, people can find joy, unity, and belonging through the power of storytelling.
