CROWN IS BACK IN LA PAZ!: Tribu Paghidaet claims Dinagyang Tribes championship

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor and Mariela Angella Oladive

Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School in Iloilo City reclaimed its place as a Dinagyang icon, emerging as the grand champion of the Dinagyang Tribes Competition 2025 in a dazzling cultural showcase on Sunday, January 26.

The tribe captivated audiences and judges with its powerful performance centered on the Tree of Life, symbolizing the community’s connection to nature and the cycle of life.

Their dance celebrated the sacred bond between humans and nature’s life-giving power, delivering a profound message of faith, hope, and environmental stewardship in devotion to the Señor Santo Niño.

The tribe took home the PHP 1.2 million grand prize and earned the Best in Costume Design & Headdress and Best in Performance awards.

Tribu Paghidaet first joined Dinagyang in 1999 and was the festival’s grand slam champion from 2008 to 2010, regaining the crown in 2013 and 2020.

This year’s victory dethroned Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School, the 2023 champion.

Top Five Tribes and Prizes:

• 1st Runner-Up (PHP 700,000): Tribu Pan-ay, Fort San Pedro National High School
• 2nd Runner-Up (PHP 500,000): Tribu Ilonganon, Jalandoni Memorial National High School
• 3rd Runner-Up (PHP 250,000): Tribu Salognon, Jaro National High School
• 4th Runner-Up (PHP 250,000): Tribu Parianon, Molo District

Special Awards:

• People’s Choice Award: Tribu Parianon
• Best in Discipline, Choreography, and Music: Tribu Pan-ay
• Powermac Center’s Choice Award: Tribu Paghidaet
• Mang Inasal’s Street Dance Winner: Tribu Paghidaet

Technical Awards:

• Best in Sadad (PHP 10,000): Tribu Ilonganon
• Best in Production Design (PHP 10,000): Tribu Pan-ay
• Best in Costume Design & Headdress: Tribu Paghidaet
• Best in Performance: Tribu Paghidaet

The Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) announced that non-winning tribes will receive a PHP 250,000 consolation prize each.

BACK-TO-BACK WIN FOR TULTUGAN FESTIVAL

The Tultugan Festival of Maasin secured its second consecutive championship in the Kasadyahan saKabanwahanan 2025, taking home PHP 1.2 million.

The Tultugan Festival also dominated special awards, earning Best in Music, Best in Production Design, Best in Choreography, and Best in Performance.

The Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival of Calinog retained its 1st runner-up spot with PHP 700,000, while the KaingFestival of Leon placed as 2nd runner-up with PHP 500,000.

Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay’s performance this year paid tribute to the late Federico “Tay Pedring” Caballero, a National Living Treasure and Filipino epic chanter from the Tumandok Bukidnon community in Calinog.

Other Recognitions:

• Best in Costume, Discipline, and Street Dancing:Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival
• People’s Choice Award: Kaing Festival of Leon

BAILES DE LUCES DAZZLES IN ILOmination

The Bailes de Luces of La Castellana, Negros Occidental was crowned champion of the Dinagyang ILOmination Street Dance Competition, earning awards for Best in Choreography, Best in Lighted Costume, Best in Lighted Production, and Best in Light Design.

The Tanglawan Festival of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, placed as 1st runner-up, earning Best in Performance and Best in Music.

The Pavvurulun Afi Festival of Tuguegarao City claimed the 2nd runner-up spot.

SADSAD WINNERS

Tribu Familia Sagasa – Florete Group emerged as the champion in the Sadsad sa Calle Real Competition, earning the title “Darling of the Crowd.”

Top Winners:

• Champion: Tribu Familia Sagasa – Florete Group
• 1st Runner-Up: Tribu Yrong-Yrong, Dulonan, Arevalo
• 2nd Runner-Up: Tribu Panaad, City Proper

Tribu Familia Sagasa also earned awards for Best in Music and Best in Costume Design & Headdress, while Tribu Yrong-Yrong won Best in Choreography.

FLOATS PARADE AND MARDI GRAS

Sagility and Jollibee Foods Corp. emerged as major winners in the Floats Parade of Lights and Festive Parade Sponsors Mardi Gras, respectively.

Sagility retained its title as the grand slam champion in the floats parade, while Jollibee Foods Corp. claimed multiple Mardi Gras awards, including Best Street Dance Performance and Best Festive Costume.

The IFFI declared this year’s Dinagyang Festival the biggest in terms of prizes, celebrating Iloilo’s rich cultural and religious heritage.