DIPOLOG CITY, Oct. 10 (PIA) – The city streets were alive with the sound of music as people from all walks of life both in and out of the city came together for the long-awaited Dahunog Marching Band Competition.
Aptly named after the beat of festival drums, the Dahunog Festival is filled to the brim with several activities and events appreciating local music and art spread out for almost an entire month, with the marching band showdown being its most highlighted event.
This year, four schools went head-to-head for the title of Grand Champion; namely, Zamboanga del Norte National High School (ZNNHS), Saint Vincent’s College (SVC), Saint Mary’s Academy (SMA), and to bring a little variety to the show, Sindangan National High School (SNHS) also came to compete all the way from the Municipality of Sindangan, a notable 28.1 kms away with a travel time of around 2 hours.
Starting at Plaza Magsaysay, the parade was headed by noncompeting school, Jose Rizal Memorial State University, and circled the city before arriving at the showdown area by the “Explore Dipolog” landmark at Sunset Boulevard.
Zamboanga del Norte National High School (ZNNHS) shows its musical talent in Dahunog Parade Band Competition 2023 (photo: Dipolog Tourism)
ZNNHS show off both their musical skill and discipline during their performance at the Dahunog Parade Band Competition by the “Explore Dipolog landmark at Sunset Boulevard (photo by: Roden Paul)
SVC was the first among the competitors to arrive at the showdown area, dawning royal blue and gold as they marched their way down the streets and into the people’s hearts.
ZNNHS in their ever-regal colors of midnight blue and white arrived shortly after, greeted with cheers from their supporters.
Saint Vincent’s College (SVC) embodies the local talents in blue and gold (photo by: Dipolog Tourism)
SMA served looks with their pastel pink, baby blue, and aquamarine uniforms as they made their way into the showdown area.
Finally, SNHS completed the lineup in classic gold, white, and blue.
Before officially kicking off the exhibition competition, Mayor Darel Dexter Uy encouraged everyone to enjoy the local sounds of Dipolog, saying that Dahunog would not be complete without the beat of school drums and the participation of the youth.
Cheers and screams from spectators and supporters alike rivalled the pounding drums as the competing schools battled it out, showcasing the local skills and musicality of the city.
After basking in the music of Dipolog, adrenaline was running high as the competitors awaited the results.
In the end, ZNNHS came out victorious, bagging the title of Grand Champion and taking home a cash prize of Php 100k. Meanwhile, SVC went home as the 1st runner up with Php 70k and SNHS got 2nd runner up with Php 60k.
The marching band competition is such a staple to the Dipolognon experience that some even took time off their work simple to come and support their school of choice.
SVC raises their flags to the beat of the drums as they compete during the Dahunog Parade Band Competition (photo by: Roden Paul)
Andrea Tiempo, an SVC alumna based in Dumaguete City, specifically came home to cheer her Alma Mater on.
“There’s just a sense of loyalty that really makes you go all on your support. I mean yes, I graduated years ago, but there’s something inside me that pulls me back and somewhat allows me to relive the moments I used to feel during my time (at SVC),” she said.
“I guess it’s just senti(mental) moments for us alumni that really gives us Dahunog fever,” Andrea joked.
ZNNHS alumna Ma. Faith Anne Gayapa also displayed her school spirit by cheering on her former school.
“As someone who used to study there (ZNNHS) and witnessed their practices and rehearsals for the upcoming competition, the dedication and discipline of each and every band member is impressive,” Faith proudly said.
“A Nationalian is still a Nationalian through and through, and I think I speak for almost every alumnus of ZNNHS when I say that we will never stop supporting out Alma Mater,” she added.
Saint Mary’s Academy shows off their school spirit during the competition (photo by: Roden Paul)
Sindangan National High School proves that they’re still tough competition despite being the only competitor coming from out of town (photo by: Roden Paul)
While the marching band competition might be over, Dahunog itself is not.
The night after the competition, the city held its Dahunog Concert 2.0 featuring talents like Lyka Estrella, Tawag ng Tanghalan Y6 Grand Champion, Aimee Bicaldo, and Marie Beth Dulanas along with bands like Cali Island and other highly talented artists.
Other activities are still coming up for the festival including swim meets, endurance challenges, cosplay competitions, and circuit racing.
The last day of this year’s Dahunog Festival will be on October 15, 2023. (RVC/PJF/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)
