- GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan enjoins everyone to witness on Jan. 5 “world class” performances during the Bailes de Luces (Festival of Lights) in La Castellana, Negros Occidental.
Mangilimutan said the performances of seven contenders, who participated in the street parade Dec. 30, have leveled up compared to the previous editions of the festival.
She admitted being amazed by the performances that she described as “world class”.
In October last year, the Bailes de Luces of La Castellana won the best foreign performer excellence award at the 2022 Chungjang World Festival of Recollection in Gwangju City in the Donggu District of South Korea.
Mangilimutan congratulated the barangay officials and the handlers of the seven groups from the different barangays of La Castellana, for their efforts in improving the performances.
The opening of the Bailes de Luces Festival Dec. 30 was also attended by thousands of spectators, including foreigners, she said.
Bailes de Luces contingents will again perform during the arena showdown on Thursday. Jan. 5.
The prizes for winning contingents will be increased this year, with P200,000 added by Negros Occidental 5th District Rep. Emilio “ Dino” Yulo, the mayor said.
Previously, the municipal government of La Castellana offered P100,000 in cash prize for the champion, and P75,000 for the 1st runner-up.
The municipal government also extended financial assistance to the participating barangays./GB
