BACOLOD CITY – The City of Victorias was hailed as the Best in the Festival Dances competition during this year’s Panaad sa Negros Festival here.
MAYOR Javier ‘Javi’ Miguel Benitez poses with Victorias City's Sidlak Kadalag-an Festival performers who were hailed champion in the Best of Festival Dances during this year’s Panaad sa Negros Festival held at Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City on April 18. (Photo courtesy of Panaad sa Negros Festival 2023)
Mayor Javier “Javi” Miguel Benitez said that for the first time in the 27-year-old Panaad sa Negros Festival, Victorias City barged into the win column, thanks to the gold victory of the Sidlak Kadalag-an Festival dancers.
“It has been 27 years (excluding the three pandemic years) of Panaad Festival, 25 years of Kadalag-an Festival. The highest ranking previously was sixth place. We never made it to the Top 5, except for this time,” Benitez said in a Facebook post.
The Kadalag-an Festival dancers showcased the rich history and culture of Victorias City.
“We triumph together and present Victorias City as a victor and a survivor,” added Benitez. Kadalag-an means victory.
Benitez lauded the dancers and choreographer Ricky Lapidante, as well as tourism officer Rica Calseña, and the entire team. They received a trophy and cash prize of P100,000.
Murcia’s Tinabu-ay Festival took first runner-up place and the P75,000 purse, with Kansilay Festival of Silay City second runner-up (P50,000 cash prize).
San Carlos’ Pinta Flores Festival clinched third runner-up and the P30,000 cash prize, while Ilog’s Kisi-Kisi Festival was fourth runner-up (P20,000).
The special award for Best Festival Video Introduction went to San Carlos City. They received a P20,000 cash prize.
A total of 25 local government units took part in the competition held at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan here on April 18.
It was part of the grand comeback of Panaad sa Negros Festival after it was halted for three years due to the pandemic.