By CESAR JOLITO III
Silay City’s Kansilay Festival and Isabela’s Kalag-Kalag Festival emerged as the grand winners in the city and municipal categories, respectively, of the Best of Festival Dances Competition during the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival at Panaad Stadium.
Kansilay Festival secured the championship in the city category following a standout performance on Monday evening, April 13, besting other top festival entries from across Negros Occidental.
Known for its vibrant street-dance drama and arena presentations, the festival portrays the legend of Princess Kansilay and is celebrated annually in Silay from June 1 to 12.
San Carlos City’s Pintaflores Festival was named first runner-up, followed by Talisay City’s Minulu-an Festival as second runner-up.
Kabankalan City’s Sinulog Festival placed third runner-up, while Cadiz City’s Dinagsa Festival finished as fourth runner-up.
In the municipal category, Isabela town’s Kalag-Kalag Festival claimed the top prize during the competition held Tuesday night, April 14, surpassing 12 competing municipalities.
The festival impressed judges with its strong cultural narrative and synchronized choreography rooted in local traditions.
La Castellana’s Bailes de Luces Festival was declared first runner-up, with Murcia’s Tinabuay Festival taking second runner-up honors.
Ilog town’s Kisi-Kisi Festival and E.B. Magalona’s Ugyonan Festival placed third and fourth runners-up, respectively.
La Castellana Vice Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan acknowledged the outcome of the competition, emphasizing that all participating municipalities exerted significant effort in their performances and that the judges’ decision should be respected.
Meanwhile, Isabela Mayor Angelo Miguel Yulo expressed pride in the Kalag-Kalag Festival’s victory, describing it as a strong comeback performance.
He announced that the cash prizes would be given entirely to the dancers and hinted at additional incentives, including a possible outing, to recognize their hard work and dedication./CJ, WDJ