Isabela’s Tigkalalag wins Panaad dance tilt

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Isabela, Negros Occidental’s Tigkalalag Festival clinched the championship in its comeback performance in the Best of Festival Dances competition in the municipality category at the Panaad Park and Stadium here on Tuesday.

The Tigkalalag Festival is Isabela’s distinct, morbid-themed cultural celebration held from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 in observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

The festival serves as a creative expression of thanksgiving for life and a tribute to departed loved ones, reflecting remembrance, artistry and cultural identity.

First runner-up was La Castellana’s Bailes de Luces, which also won Best in Introduction Video and highlights the resilience and hope of its people amid adversity.

Murcia’s Tinabuay Festival placed second runner-up, followed by Ilog’s Kisi-Kisi Festival as third runner-up and E.B. Magalona’s Ugyonan Festival as fourth runner-up.

The other eight participants were Valladolid’s Pasundayag Festival, Moises Padilla’s Magayon Hinupatanan Festival, Calatrava’s Hudyaw Lilas Pandan Festival, Cauayan’s Lubay-Lubay Festival, Candoni’s Dinagyaw sa Tablas Festival, Hinoba-an’s Pagbana-ag Huba-Huba Festival, Pulupandan’s Salapan Festival and Manapla’s Manang Pula Festival.

Isabela Mayor Miguel Angelo Yulo dedicated the victory to every Isabeleño.

“This is a testament to the passion, hard work, and unity of our town. Thank you for carrying the pride of Isabela with excellence,” he said in a Facebook post.

Yulo said in a media interview that he was happy and grateful for the achievement.

He thanked the performers and everyone who supported the group.

He said the town’s festival is one of the province’s beautiful and unique celebrations and showcases Isabela’s identity.

He said the town will continue to innovate every year to make the festival better.

He also told the performers he would give them additional prizes in recognition of their hard work and dedication.

Meanwhile, La Castellana Vice Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan said the Bailes de Luces dancers had been invited to perform in Jeju, South Korea, in October.

She added that the festival has also been showcased on various international stages.