2nd time as champion
TACLOBAN CITY—For the second time, Calbayog City’s ‘Hadang Festival’ has been declared the grand champion of the Tandaya Festival of Festivals, one of the highlights of Samar Day 2024.
Hadang Festival outshone nine other contingents from various towns and cities across Samar province with their captivating ritual dance performance during the festival competition held on August 5, in Calbayog City.
As the grand champion, Hadang Festival won a P1-million cash prize along with a trophy. They also received the special award for the most festive contingent.
Calbiga’s Pahoy-Pahoy Festival secured second place, winning P500,000.
Matuguinao’s Makarato Festival, which was the second-place winner in 2023, placed third this year and was awarded P350,000.
Catbalogan City’s Manaragat Festival Queen and King were both adjudged as the Tandaya Festival of Festivals Queen and King.
In the float category, Catbalogan City claimed first place, winning P400,000, while San Jose de Buan took second place with P300,000, and Calbayog City secured third place with P200,000.
The Tandaya Festival of Festivals serves as a platform for local communities in Samar province to celebrate their heritage and share their stories with a broader audience.
This competition showcases the creativity, passion, and resilience of Samar’s people, celebrating the rich cultural diversity and vibrant traditions of the province.
Other contingents in the Festival of Festivals included Marabut, Catbalogan, Gandara, Basey, Sta. Margarita, Tarangan, and Tagapul-an.
For the float competition, additional entries came from Sta. Rita, San Sebastian, San Jorge, and Matuguinao.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
