By Recthie T. Paculba
CAMIGUIN (PIA) — The municipality of Mahinog emerged as the overall winner in both the Inter-Agency Street Dancing and Ground Presentation Competitions during the 46th Lanzones Festival, October 25, as the island province celebrated unity, creativity, and cultural pride through music, movement, and spectacle.
The Mahinog contingent—composed of dancers from Colombia Saint Michael Parish High School, Sixto A. Abao National High School, and Mahinog National High School—swept both major contests and took home special awards for Best in Musicality and Best in Production Design, sealing their dominance in this year’s inter-agency competitions.
The Office of the Congressman, in partnership with the Camiguin Constructors Group, DPWH, and Fatima College of Camiguin, Inc., earned second place in the Street Dancing Competition and was named Liveliest Contingent, while the Provincial Government of Camiguin with Yumbing National High School finished third.
In the Ground Presentation category, the Provincial Government of Camiguin once again secured second place, followed by LGU Sagay, represented by Alangilan Integrated School, Eulalio Pabillore National High School, Bugang Integrated School, and Bacnit Integrated School, in third.
LGU Mambajao received the award for Best in Costume, while LGU Guinsiliban earned the No Trace Policy Award for best environmental discipline during the competition.
Provincial Board Member Marivic Jansol, in her message before the performances, said the event embodies the island’s collective spirit and joy in celebrating abundance. “This celebration is a reflection of our unity, creativity, and joyful spirit as Camiguingnons. Indeed, the true measure of abundance lies not in the number of fruits we harvest, but in the gratitude and unity in our hearts,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation to the seven contingents for their efforts and artistry. “To our participating agencies, daghang salamat sa inyong (thank you so much for your) creativity, teamwork, ug (and) dedication. You have shown that public service can also be joyful and inspiring,” Jansol added.
Spectators expressed admiration for the performances that filled the Camiguin Circumferential Road, from the Provincial Plaza to the Mambajao Activity Area. “It’s my first time to witness both activities, and I’m left in awe. Grabe gyud ka tsada, maka-goosebumps. Klaro kaayo nga gi-preparahan gyud og ayo sa kada contingent ang sayaw, ang props, ang tanan-tanan. Congratulations, PLGU Camiguin, grabe gyud kalingaw ug dili basta-basta ang culminating activity sa Lanzones Festival,” said Jia Barbosa, a festival-goer.
(It’s my first time to witness both activities, and I’m left in awe. It’s really wonderful; it gives you goosebumps. It’s clear that each contingent has prepared the dance, the props, everything. Congratulations, PLGU Camiguin, the culminating activity of the Lanzones Festival was really fun and not just a casual one.)
Another spectator, Khevin Lorence Balistoy, added, “Every contestant tsada kaayo ang choreography and also the music. The festival kay very bibo, very festive.”
(Every contestant had very nice choreography and also the music. The festival is very lively, very festive.)
The festivities culminated in a night of music and lights at the Island Lights: The Lanzones Festival Mainstage, featuring performances by Khel Pangilinan, The Yudawans, and the popular OPM band Ben&Ben. The concert drew thousands of festivalgoers who sang and danced along to the performances, celebrating the island’s rich culture and vibrant spirit.
As the final performances ended, a fireworks display illuminated the Camiguin skyline, marking the close of a day filled with pride, passion, and the unbreakable unity of the Camiguingnons. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
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