Kasadyahanan 2025 Celebrates Iloilo’s Strength, Tradition

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The highly anticipated Kasadyahanan sa Kabanwahanan 2025 tribes competition kicks off today, January 25, showcasing the heart and soul of Iloilo province under the theme “Fun, Foodie, Friendly Iloilo para sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

Festival organizer Fonz Baldonado from the Iloilo Provincial Government described this year’s event as “Bigger, Bolder, Better, Brighter,” while embracing the local term “Baskog,” which means “strong.” The festival highlights Iloilo’s enduring traditions and rich cultural heritage.

Nine tribes from various municipalities will take center stage, each presenting spectacular performances that reflect their unique identities, histories, and customs.

A Showcase of Iloilo’s Festivals

1. Banaag Festival of Anilao
   Celebrated every November, the Banaag Festival recalls the days when sentinels lit torches to warn of approaching pirates. Known as the Festival of Lights, it features colorful displays and storytelling through light and movement, reflecting Anilao’s rich history.
2. Cry of Jelicuon Festival of New Lucena
   Held in October, this festival commemorates the revolutionaries led by General Martin Delgado during the fight for independence. The Cry of Jelicuon is brought to life through parades, reenactments, and cultural performances.
3. Hirinugyaw Suguidanonay Festival of Calinog
   Celebrated in October, this festival honors the Señor Santo Niño (Child Jesus) and the Sulodnons, Panay’s indigenous people. It incorporates dances inspired by the Hinilawod epic, blending faith and culture in a spectacular showcase.
4. Kaing Festival of Leon
   Leon’s November festival celebrates its status as Iloilo’s “vegetable basket.” The kaing, a bamboo basket, symbolizes the town’s agricultural abundance, emphasizing unity and hard work.
5. Tultugan Festival of Maasin
   Held every December, the Tultugan Festival honors Maasin’s bamboo industry. It showcases bamboo’s versatility in the community’s economy and culture, through exhibits and performances.
6. Tawili Festival of San Rafael
   San Rafael’s October festival highlights Bayanihan, or community cooperation. Vibrant dances and events celebrate unity and resilience in achieving shared goals.
7. Tinuom Festival of Cabatuan
   Celebrated in September, this festival revolves around the town’s signature dish, tinuom, a banana leaf-wrapped chicken dish. It celebrates local flavors and agricultural heritage.
8. Tangyan Festival of Igbaras
   Igbaras celebrates its river system each May. The festival promotes environmental awareness and the importance of preserving natural resources through cultural performances.
9. Haw-as Festival of Dumangas
   Dumangas’ October festival celebrates its aquaculture industry, particularly the harvest of bangus (milkfish). It is a tribute to the blessings of the sea and the people’s gratitude for bountiful harvests.

Exciting Prizes Await

A grand cash prize of PHP 1.2 million awaits the champion. The first runner-up will receive PHP 700,000, and the second runner-up will take home PHP 500,000.

Six non-winning groups will each receive PHP 200,000 as a consolation prize.

Special awards, each with PHP 10,000 in cash, include:

• Best in Performance
• Best in Choreography
• Best in Music
• Best in Costume Design
• Best in Production Design
• Best in Discipline
• Best in Street Dancing
• People’s Choice Award

Kasadyahanan sa Kabanwahanan 2025 promises a vibrant showcase of Iloilo’s rich culture, strength, and tradition, captivating audiences and celebrating the province’s resilience and creativity.