Iloilo City witnessed a breathtaking cultural celebration as Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School emerged as the grand champion of the Dinagyang Tribes Competition 2025. Their stunning performance on Sunday, January 26, brought the crowd to its feet and solidified their reputation as a Dinagyang icon.
The tribe’s powerful presentation, themed “Tree of Life,” highlighted the community’s deep connection to nature and the sacred cycle of life. Their dance was a heartfelt tribute to the Señor Santo Niño, delivering a message of faith, hope, and environmental stewardship.
Winning the PHP 1.2 million grand prize, Tribu Paghidaet also bagged the Best in Costume Design & Headdress and Best in Performance awards. This victory marks their return to glory, dethroning Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School, the 2023 champion. Tribu Paghidaet, a Dinagyang participant since 1999, previously achieved a grand slam from 2008 to 2010 and regained the crown in 2013 and 2020.
Top Five Tribes and Prizes
- Grand Champion (PHP 1.2 million): Tribu Paghidaet
- 1st Runner-Up (PHP 700,000): Tribu Pan-ay
- 2nd Runner-Up (PHP 500,000): Tribu Ilonganon
- 3rd Runner-Up (PHP 250,000): Tribu Salognon
- 4th Runner-Up (PHP 250,000): Tribu Parianon
Special Awards
- People’s Choice Award: Tribu Parianon
- Best in Discipline, Choreography, and Music: Tribu Pan-ay
- Powermac Center’s Choice Award: Tribu Paghidaet
- Mang Inasal’s Street Dance Winner: Tribu Paghidaet
Technical Awards
- Best in Sadad: Tribu Ilonganon (PHP 10,000)
- Best in Production Design: Tribu Pan-ay (PHP 10,000)
Non-winning tribes each received a PHP 250,000 consolation prize from the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI).
Tultugan Festival Wins Back-to-Back Titles
The Tultugan Festival of Maasin celebrated another victory, winning the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan 2025 for the second consecutive year. The festival earned the PHP 1.2 million grand prize, along with awards for Best in Music, Best in Production Design, Best in Choreography, and Best in Performance.
The Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival of Calinog secured the 1st runner-up spot, paying tribute to the late Federico “Tay Pedring” Caballero, a National Living Treasure. The Kaing Festival of Leon claimed the 2nd runner-up position.
Other Recognitions
- Best in Costume, Discipline, and Street Dancing: Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival
- People’s Choice Award: Kaing Festival of Leon
Bailes de Luces Shines in ILOmination
The Bailes de Luces of La Castellana, Negros Occidental, dazzled spectators during the Dinagyang ILOmination Street Dance Competition, winning awards for Best in Choreography, Best in Lighted Costume, Best in Lighted Production, and Best in Light Design.
Runners-up:
- 1st Runner-Up: Tanglawan Festival of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan
- 2nd Runner-Up: Pavvurulun Afi Festival of Tuguegarao City
Sadsad sa Calle Real Champions
The streets of Iloilo City came alive during the Sadsad sa Calle Real Competition, with Tribu Familia Sagasa – Florete Group crowned champion and hailed as the “Darling of the Crowd.” They also won Best in Music and Best in Costume Design & Headdress.
Top Winners
- Champion: Tribu Familia Sagasa – Florete Group
- 1st Runner-Up: Tribu Yrong-Yrong, Dulonan, Arevalo
- 2nd Runner-Up: Tribu Panaad, City Proper
Floats Parade and Mardi Gras
The Floats Parade of Lights and Festive Parade Sponsors Mardi Gras were major highlights of the festival:
- Grand Slam Champion (Floats Parade): Sagility
- Mardi Gras Winner: Jollibee Foods Corp., claiming awards for Best Street Dance Performance and Best Festive Costume.
Biggest Dinagyang Festival Yet
With record-breaking prizes and unforgettable performances, the Dinagyang Festival 2025 showcased Iloilo’s vibrant cultural and religious heritage, leaving everyone in awe of the Ilonggo spirit. Madamo gid nga salamat, Iloilo!