by EJ Deus, PGIN-PIO
A triumphant return.
Laoag Cityβs Pamulinawen Festival rose back to prominence on February 28, capturing the championship at the 13th Tan-ok ni Ilocano: Festival of Festivals held at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium.
The Pamulinawen Festival had previously clinched three consecutive titles in 2012, 2013, and 2014, a feat that earned Laoag City βHall of Fameβ distinction. After a yearβs absence, the cityβs contingent returned, delivering a winning performance.
This yearβs staging honored the cityβs heritage through the lens of the kutsero, the carriage drivers whose craft has long defined Laoagβs identity. The performance unfolded through the poignant tale of Lolo Jak and his grandson Bryan.
Bryan, captivated by his grandfatherβs devotion to their horse and craft, dreams of following in his footsteps. Though Lolo Jak reminds him of the hard work β feeding before sunrise, cleaning stables, and surviving on modest earnings β Bryanβs determination shines through. The performance culminated in a grand parade of kalesas.
Laoag City also received the Best Production Design award.
The event was graced by officials led by Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, Congressman Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, and Congressman Angelo Marcos Barba.
Representing Laoag City were Mayor James Bryan Alcid and Tourism Officer Mary Jane Pascual-LeaΓ±o, with creative direction helmed by Christian Mark Espiritu.
The 13th Tan-ok assembled a distinguished panel of judges from the Philippine creative industry. The Board was chaired by Dexter Santos, acclaimed choreographer and director, alongside Lyle Villahermosa, Davidson Oliveros, Jeremy Domingo, Childe Libertad, JM Cabling, Jeremy Reuel Dela Cruz, Dennis Marasigan, and Edna Vida-Froilan.
The Basi Festival of Piddig secured second place, while the Abuos Festival of Banna finished third. Runners-up included the festivals of Pinili, Burgos, Currimao, Batac City, and Nueva Era.
The 13th Tan-ok served as the highlight of the month-long celebration of Ilocos Norteβs 208th Foundation Anniversary.