Lubang will celebrate its cultural heritage with “Pandanggo sa Ilaw 2024” on August 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the Bulwagang Bayan ng Lubang. Organized by the local government and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the event will feature traditional dance, music, and community pride.
Derived from the traditional folk dance, Pandanggo sa Ilaw, which originated in Lubang, Occidental Mindoro, the festival was established to honor this rich cultural heritage. The Sangguniang Bayan of Lubang has enacted an ordinance mandating the participation of all barangays in the municipality every 12th of August. This yearly festival is not only a competition but also a celebration aimed at promoting and enriching the culture of Lubang.
The evening will kick off with an opening ceremony, including invocation, singing of the National Anthem, and the Lubang Hymn by the renowned Koro Lubangueño. Following this, a welcome address will be delivered by Ms. Anna Cilito O. Tria, President of Kapatiran 2024, and Hon. Michael L. Orayani, Mayor of Lubang.
Highlighting the evening will be the Pandanggo sa Ilaw Dance Competition, where various groups will showcase their talent and creativity in this traditional Filipino folk dance. The event will also feature a cultural presentation by Koro Lubangueño and a performance by the HipHop Dance Champion group, providing a modern twist to the evening’s festivities.
In recognition of the participants’ efforts, an awards ceremony will be held to honor the best performances. Special awards will be given for categories such as Best in Costume and Best Street Dance Performance. The night will culminate with the announcement of winners, including the Grand Champion of the Pandanggo sa Ilaw competition.
