LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (February 25, 2023) -- President Marcos Jr. graced the celebration of the Tan-ok ni Ilocano 2023: The Festival of Festivals of Ilocos Norte held at the ground of the redeveloped Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium here on Friday evening, Feb. 24.

President Marcos Jr. was accompanied by Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, Ilocos Norte Congressmen Sandro Marcos (Ilocos Norte 1st District) and Angelo Marcos Barba (Ilocos Norte 2nd District), and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco when he arrived at the ground of the FEM Stadium.

"I could not find a better time to visit Ilocos Norte than to join in celebrating Tan-ok ni Ilocano, the Festival of Festivals, to show off to the world the best that Ilokano can offer,” the President said before a capacity crowd inside the 11,000-seater stadium.

“It is always with great pleasure that we see the different municipalities and cities of Ilocos Norte coming together in one grand event to showcase, with pride and vigor, our history and our cultural heritage," the President added.

*Residents in Currimao, Ilocos Norte display the cultures and practices of fishing during the Dinaklisan Festival dance showdown in the celebration of the Tan-ok ni Ilocano 2023: The Festival of Festivals of Ilocos Norte on February 24, 2023. The Dinaklisan Festival wins the championship title and bags the P1 million cash prize. (Freddie G. Lazaro)*

The president, who was the guest of honor and speaker in the festival, cited the significance of the festivals as it promotes tourism, places, and products that would help the economic livelihood of the residents at the grassroots level.

“Beyond today’s revelry, this event is expected to stimulate economic activity and support Ilokano families by driving the tourism industry and sustaining local livelihood. The festival will put a spotlight on our local artists. Small-scale workers will display their skills for arts and talents to serve as a gateway of our rich and dynamic cultures,” he said.

Ilocos Norte Governor Manotoc was overwhelmingly elated over the full attendance of thousands of residents, visitors, and tourists who proceeded to the Marcos Stadium.

“Ilocos Norte, our home, is a little province of just over 600,000 people. We are popular for our natural attractions, cultural heritage, and frugal, but more importantly, hardworking people. We are a proud, unified people who have made our province into what it is now. Nabileg, naandur, ken natan-ok (stronger, more resilient, and greater home),” said Governor Manotoc, the president’s nephew.

This year's Tan-ok is special as it marks a triumphant return after three years and the highlight of the province's 205th Foundation Anniversary.

*Residents in Currimao, Ilocos Norte display the cultures and practices of fishing during the Dinaklisan Festival dance showdown in the celebration of the Tan-ok ni Ilocano 2023: The Festival of Festivals of Ilocos Norte on February 24, 2023. The Dinaklisan Festival wins the championship title and bags the P1 million cash prize. (Freddie G. Lazaro)*

Based on the report of the Communications and Media Office of the Ilocos Norte Capitol, over 50,000 attendees composed of national and local officials, balikbayan, guests, and visitors were amazed by the performance of the 23 contingents during the dance showdown presentations of the festival.

As to the result of the dance showdown competition, the ‘Dinaklisan Festival’ of the Municipality of Currimao was adjudged as the champion for the Tan-ok ni Ilocano 2023: The Festival of Festivals.

The Dinaklisan Festival of Currimao town depicted the serenity of rural communities and the efforts of parents who would go to see their children pursue a career other than fishing.

The show began with a scene portraying a fisherman, his wife, and their only son. The family witnessed the hardships of living along the coast. As a result, the fisherman would wish that his son pursue a different livelihood.

Later, it depicted the fisherman's son aspiring to follow in his father's footsteps after witnessing the ‘beauty’ of his father's job. He then proved and discovered that life beneath the water is more abundant than life above.

The fisherman eventually recognized that he should not hinder his child's happiness, thus he cherished his child's dreams.

Currimao received P1 million grand prize. Meanwhile, the municipality of Carasi’s ‘Magdadaran Talip Festival’ finished second and took away P500,000, while the city of Batac’s ‘Fiesta Empanada copped third place and P300,000.

All 23 contingents were judged according to theme or concept, 25%; choreography, 20%; performance, 25%; costume and props, 20%; and originality, 10%. The panel was composed of eight experts in dance, festivals, indigenous culture, theater production and visual arts, tourism, and cinematography.

Other winners of this year’s Tan-ok were: the Municipality of Piddig’s ‘Basi Festival’ (5th Runner Up), City of Laoag’s ‘Pamulinawen Festival’ (4th Runner Up), Municipality of Nueva Era’s ‘Tadek Festival’ (3rd Runner Up), Municipality of Vintar’s ‘Siwawer Festival’ (2nd Runner Up), and the Municipality of Adams’ ‘Ginginnubat Festival’ (1st Runner Up).

Recipients of minor awards were the Municipality of Currimao for ‘Best Production Design,’ the Municipality of Adams for ‘Best in Festival Music,’ the Municipality of Dumalneg for ‘Best in Festival Video,’ and Mr. Kenneth Wayne Vinluan and Ms. Judelea Pucan-Puyot of the City of Batac City for ‘Best Festival Male and Female Performers.’