Bontoc, Mountain Province – April 4–5, 2025
For the first time in its 18-year history, the Lang-ay Festival welcomed a new kind of celebration—“A Day for Marching Bands.” Held on April 4, 2025, along the main streets of Bontoc, this event brought together nine marching bands from across Mountain Province in a lively competition that blended youthful energy with cultural pride.
While Lang-ay has always been a festival rooted in tradition, the addition of this new event proved that culture can grow and evolve, without losing its heart.
Paracelis North District took home First Place, winning P50,000. Paracelis South District followed in second with P40,000, and Besao claimed Third Place and P30,000. All other bands were given a P15,000 consolation prize in recognition of their effort and talent.
“It’s a big moment for us,” shared one student from the winning group. “We usually perform for school events, but this time, it feels like we’re part of something much bigger.”
The next day, on April 5, the focus returned to the festival’s roots with the Cultural Showdown, held at the Eyeb Open Gym. Each of the province’s ten municipalities came to showcase their heritage through dance, music, and storytelling, expressed through vibrant attire and powerful performances.
In the Children’s Category, Sabangan earned the championship title, followed by Bontoc and Barlig.
In the Adult/Mixed Category, Bontoc claimed the top prize, with Natonin and Besao placing second and third, respectively.
Paracelis also stood out in the Open Category, taking home P70,000 and a participation prize.
Each group, whether on the podium or not, received warm applause and financial recognition for its efforts. More importantly, it was honored for keeping its communities’ stories alive.
Messages of support poured in from national and local leaders. Senator Imee Marcos joined the celebration in person, while Atty. Jeffrey Exiomo, speaking on behalf of DMW-CAR Regional Director Helen S. Liu, expressed hope for future partnerships in creating livelihood opportunities for returning OFWs.
Outside the formal program, the celebration spilled into the plaza, where indigenous and fun games brought people of all ages together. Events like guguyyod (tug of war), kadang-kadang, sangkhor (arm wrestling), and even depap si baboy (pig catching) were held side by side with sack races, crab walks, and calamansi relays.
The laughter and cheers that filled the plaza reminded everyone that Lang-ay isn’t just a showcase of culture, it’s a reunion, a homecoming, and a joyful reminder of what it means to belong to a community.
Lang-ay Festival 2025 made space for something new without letting go of what matters most. From marching bands to mountain chants, from youthful rhythms to ancestral echoes, it was a celebration of Mountain Province in all its color, sound, and spirit – past, present, and future marching together. – CCT
