Meet the Hudyaka sa Panglao Festival 2021 Grand Winners

It was a unique way of mounting the Hudyaka sa Panglao Festival 2021 Ritual Dance contest.

Panglao Mayor Nila Montero 

With strict implementation of the safety protocols like social distancing, safety masks and handwashing, the festival came up with a virtual edition where only the ritual dance category was retained. 

All ten barangays of Panglao sent a dance contingent each with a reduced number of dancers. 

With the shift from face- to- face interaction and live performances to cable TV viewers and users of social media like FB Live and YouTube, dance trainors, choreographers & barangay officials had to recalibrate and adjust their respective presentations to get the judges' nod and audience approval without losing the essence of the contest. 

The video presentations were also a great way of promoting the barangays' places of interest as they also showcased their white sandy beaches, swanky resorts, businesses and famed landmarks like the watch tower, the parish church and their international airport. 

The three- hour event which showcased all pre- taped presentations was beamed as a live presentation from Panglao Cultural Center with only the town & barangay officials led by Mayor Nila Montero, contest judges, the event emcees, technical crew and safety marshalls in attendance. 

The panel of judges chaired by multi awarded director & choreographer  Victor Hao Cuenca also had socialite Lady Cely Chiongbian, cultural impresario Marianito Luspo, arts & culture advocate Fiel Araoarao-Gabin and dance diva Nila Itac as members. 

Spicing up the event were the national & provincial officials who gave video greetings In between the presentations. 

Named Grand Champion for the third straight year was Brgy. Bil-isan led by Capt. Albert Bompat and Justine Milay as Best Choreographer

Grand Champions

Brgy. Bil-isan also scooped four special awards, namely; Best Andas, Best Choreography, Most Creative Interpretation and Best Hudyaka Ambience. 

Rounding out the top five winners were 1st RU Brgy. Bolod, 2nd RU Brgy. Poblacion, 3rd RU Brgy. Tangnan and 4th RU Brgy. Danao. 

1st RU: Brgy. Bolod

2nd RU: Brgy. Poblacion 

3rd RU: Brgy. Tangnan 

4th RU: Brgy. Danao

Other special awards were Best AVP to Brgy. Bolod and Best Festival Costume to Brgy. Danao. 

All the winners & non- winners received cash prizes, and trophies from Mayor Nila Montero, ABC President Hon. Higenio Lorejo & SK Fed President Jonah Loretero

Brgy. Libaong

Brgy. Tawala 

Brgy. Lourdes

Brgy. Looc

Brgy. Doljo

Beyond the pomp and pageantry, the festival which fused music and colors into one joyous activity was Panglao’s way of giving homage & thanksgiving to their patron saint Sr. San Agustin for the gift of life and for blessings received through his intercession. 

Congratulations to everyone involved! Special thanks to the creative team headed by Junary Cañabano

Emcees: Chandy, Mary Rose & Raul