Contingent No. 11, composed of clustered barangays VI-A and XXI of Victorias City, defended their championship title at the 119th Malihaw Festival street dancing and arena competition, held at the public plaza April 27.
The contingent took home P150,000 in cash prize as grand winner, and also won the street dance category, for an additional P60,000.
They also garnered multiple special awards, like Best in Interpretation, Best in Carroza, Best in Production Design, Best in Costume Design, and Most Disciplined Contingent, with each award having a cash prize of P10,000.
Contingent No. 13, composed of barangays II and VI, was named overall first runner-up, winning P120,000, and was also second runner-up in the street dancing category, for an additional P40,000 in cash prize. They also bagged the Best in Choreography special award, the city said in a press release April 28.
Contingent No. 7, of barangays XV and XV-A, was second runner-up overall, taking home P100,000.
In the street dance category, Contingent No. 5, of barangays XVIII and XVIII-A, was first runner-up and bagged P50,000 in cash prize.
The competition opened with a special performance by the Sidlak Kadalag-an Festival Dancers, grandslam champion of the Panaad sa Negros Best of Festival Dances, showcasing their award-winning performance to set the festive tone of the evening.
In his opening message, Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez emphasized that the Malihaw Festival is more than just a competition, it is a vibrant expression of Victorias’ rich cultural heritage, the boundless creativity of its people, and the enduring unity of the community.
He encouraged everyone to enjoy the celebration, noting its significance as his final Malihaw Festival as city mayor, as he prepares to seek a higher elective position.
This year’s Malihaw Festival street dancing and arena competition was spearheaded by Team Ricky Productions, headed by Ricky Lapidante Jr., together with the Liga ng mga Barangay Victorias City Chapter, led by its president, Councilor Eric Alcobilla.
The event was also graced by Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, punong barangays, department heads, Sangguniang Kabataan officials, and Provincial Board Member Richard Julius Sablan.
Meanwhile, a vibrant fluvial parade filled the Malihaw River in celebration of the 119th Malihaw Festival, in honor of the city’s patroness, Our Lady of Victory, and St. Casimiro. It was held at Daan Banwa in Barangay IX April 25.
Benitez led the fluvial parade and described Malihaw as a celebration of faith and love, emphasizing the importance of revisiting Victorias’ history and humble beginnings.
Councilor Dino Acuña, meanwhile, shared stories of the city’s past, highlighting the resilience and hard work of Victoriasanons, and expressing gratitude for the mayor’s leadership in the city’s progress.
Punong barangay Rema Alsado also shared an inspiring message to the community during the celebration.
Clifford Casis, sponsored by Victorias Milling Company, emerged as the winner in the Malihaw Festival Fluvial Boat Competition, with Ronaldo Dioquete as first runner-up, and Ronaldo Velasco as second runner-up.
The event also featured a reading of “Maragtas sang Daan Banwa” by Trisha Nicole Alsado, and floral offering by the Sang Roque Parish angels. It was capped off by the community’s rendition of “If We Hold On Together”, the city added. ||
