Piddig town wins 2025 Tan-ok ni Ilocano festival, stirs tribute to Basi Revolt
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) — The municipality of Piddig claimed its first-ever Tan-ok ni Ilocano (Greatness of Ilocano) Festival of Festivals championship. on Feb. 15, with a performance that retold the Basi Revolt of 1807—a defining moment in Ilokano history.
Held at the Ferdinand E. Marcos (FEM) Memorial Stadium last Feb. 15 as part of Ilocos Norte’s foundation celebration, the annual festival gathered 21 municipalities and one city, each presenting choreographed performances that showcased their rich cultural heritage.
Bringing history to life
Piddig’s performance stood out for its storytelling, production, and choreography, earning it the grand prize of P1 million and special awards for Best Production Design, Best Choreography, and Best Direction.
Inspired by the struggles of the Piddigeños against Spanish colonial rule, the performance recreated the bravery of the 1807 Basi Revolt—a rebellion ignited when the Spanish government seized control of basi (sugarcane wine), banning locals from producing or selling it independently.
Under the leadership of Pedro Mateo and Salarogo Ambaristo, the revolt spread from Piddig to nearby towns, symbolizing resistance and the enduring Ilokano spirit.
Despite their eventual defeat, the legacy of these local heroes lives on—now celebrated through the Basi Festival, which Piddig proudly honors every year.
Celebrating Ilocano excellence
Beyond Piddig’s historic win, other municipalities also delivered winning performances.
Vintar and its Siwawer Festival claimed second place and the P500,000 cash prize, while Batac City’s Empanada Festival secured third place with a prize of P400,000.
The festival is more than just a cultural competition—it serves as a platform for economic and artistic empowerment, generating job opportunities for local dancers, musicians, choreographers, and costume designers while boosting tourism and small businesses.
Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc underscored the deeper meaning of the festival, emphasizing that culture and identity are the true wealth of the Ilokano people.
“In line with our theme, Gameng ni Ilokano (Treasures of Ilocanos) we once again celebrate our culture, our art, our dance, our music – the very things that make Ilocos Norte special. It’s on nights like this that we are reminded that our true treasures are not in material possessions but in who we are and what separates us, and that always goes back to the arts,” he said.
The Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival continues to be a testament to Ilocano resilience and pride.
From a rebellion born out of hardship to a victory on the cultural stage, the Basi Revolt now serves as an enduring symbol of strength, unity, and the power of storytelling. (CCMT/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)
