ILOILO CITY (PIA) – The Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan has once again gathered thousands of tourists to witness vibrant and captivating performances of the competing tribes, serving as the province’s display window to the diverse cultural traditions of the different towns in Iloilo.
The dazzling performances of nine tribes from the different towns of the province on January 25 left spectators in awe as the world-class presentations highlighted the rich culture of Iloilo and its diverse offerings to the tourists – making Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan the festival of festivals in Iloilo.
The Tultugan Festival of Maasin, Iloilo, which showcased the town’s growing bamboo industry and its many uses, retained its crown as the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan champion.
Tultugan is a native bamboo percussion instrument used by natives long ago as a tool for communication and as a musical instrument. It also came from the root word “tultog”, which has been defined as an action verbalizing the act of playing the sound on bamboo.
During its performance, the tribe dancers synchronized in clean choreography, coupled with their vibrant costumes and lively music gave them the edge over the eight other contingents, securing their back-to-back championship.
The group, which also dominated the special awards categories – Best in Music, Best in Production Design, Best in Choreography, and Best in Performance, took home P1.2-million prize.
The Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival of Calinog, Iloilo was declared as first runner-up, receiving P700,000; while Kaing Festival of Leon, Iloilo placed as second runner-up and received the People’s Choice award, bringing home P500,000.
Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival’s performance, which also earned them the Best in Costume, Best in Discipline, and Best in Street Dance awards, paid tribute to the late Federico Caballero, an epic chanter from the Tumandok Bukidnon community in Calinog, who is a recipient of the National Living Treasure award.
On the other hand, the six non-winning tribes, which include the Tinu-om Festival of Cabatuan, Tangyan Festival of Igbaras, Banaag Festival of Anilao, Cry of Jelicuon of New Lucena, Tawili Festival of San Rafael, and Haw-as Festival of Dumanggas received P200,000 each consolation prizes.
Meanwhile, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., in his message, congratulated all the people involved in the staging of the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, which was part of the celebration of the Dinagyang Festival 2025.
“It was a good promotion of our fun, foodie, friendly Iloilo province. Congratulations, and we will continue to develop the festival so that it becomes a better cultural stage for the province and city of Iloilo,” Defensor said. (AAL/JNH/PIA Iloilo)
