Himotadan ang Divinang Paraiso tribe wins Sinigayan Fest 2026 dance tilt

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The “Himotadan ang Divinang Paraiso” tribe was hailed the grand winner of this year’s Sinigay sa Sagay “Saot para sa Dunang Manggad,” sweeping most of the major awards during the competition held on Friday, March 20.

Composed of Barangays Paraiso, Tadlong, Campo Himogaan, Baviera, and Colonia Divina, the winning contingent secured the championship title with a performance centered on pawikan, or sea turtle, conservation.

They took home a cash prize of PHP 100,000.

The group dominated the competition, earning multiple special awards, including Best Streetdancing Costume, Best Saot sa Dunang Manggad Choreography, Best in Endurance, Best Choreographer, Best Designer, Best Visual Artist, Best in Props, and Best in Headdress.

Tribu Bumavira Uno was named first runner-up and received PHP 80,000, while Famopuan Dos placed second runner-up, earning PHP 60,000 in the five-contingent showdown.

Another contender, “Base-ao del Jaena,” won the Best in Upcycled Accessories award. The group was last year’s champion.

This year’s competition marked the first time it was staged in the morning, with arena performances held at the Sagay City Public Plaza.

The streetdance segment also featured free face painting sponsored by the Sagay Water District.

Sagay City is home to the Sagay Marine Reserve, one of the largest protected marine areas in the Visayas, spanning more than 32,000 hectares of coastal and marine ecosystems. The city’s annual festival draws heavily from this environmental identity, with performances advocating for the protection of marine biodiversity.

Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva, in a statement, emphasized that the performances went beyond artistic display, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental protection.

“It is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring bond between the Sagaynon heart and the blue waters that sustain us,” he said, adding that each performance strengthens the city’s advocacy for marine conservation.

“For nearly 60 years, our marine conservation programs have been our legacy,” the mayor noted.

Ashlee Garcia Sibulan of Famopuan Dos was crowned Sinigay sa Sagay Hara 2026, while Clyd Dwyn Deslate of Bumavira Uno was named Hari 2026.

Sibulan also won Best Hara Costume, while Mcklein Hanz Villoso of Famopuan Dos earned Best Hari Costume.

Jenny Ibañez of Old Maluri Himog Bay was recognized as Hara Advocate, while Deslate also received the Hari Advocate award.

The annual Saot sa Dunang Manggad highlights Sagay City’s identity as a coastal community, showcasing advocacy-driven performances focused on marine ecosystems such as pawikan, mangroves, corals, and giant clams.

The event draws inspiration from the environmental initiatives of the late Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and is one of the highlights of the 30th Sinigayan Festival this year.