• ROGER D. BELTRAN
The Himaya Festival Street and Arena Dance competition was a resounding success, showcasing the stunning performances of 19 barangay contingents from Himamaylan City on Sunday, April 6.
The competition served as the grand highlight of the city’s Himaya Festival 2025 celebration.
Barangay Buenavista emerged as the champion, outshining 18 other contingents during the finale held at the Himamaylan National High School grounds. In addition to claiming the championship, Barangay Buenavista was also awarded Best in Costume, Best in Choreography, and Best in Production Design. Its Himaya Muse secured the first runner-up title.
The first runner-up in the competition was Barangay Mambagaton, with its muse earning the second runner-up award.
Barangays Sara-et and San Antonio were named second and third runners-up, respectively. San Antonio also won the Best in Street Dance award and Best in Himaya Muse.
Barangay Aguisan, on the other hand, received the Best in Concept award for their creative presentation.
Meanwhile, 11 schools from different towns and cities in Negros Occidental participated in the 1st Himamaylan Drum and Lyre competition.
The Himamaylan National High School grounds echoed with cheers and applause as each participating school executed their respective performances, captivating the audience with rhythm, energy, and school pride.
San Blas Academy Inc. from the municipality of Binalbagan was declared champion, with Isio Private Academy from the municipality of Cauayan, and Gil Montilla National High School from Sipalay City, as first and second runners-up, respectively.
Other contingents were San Enrique NHS (San Enrique), Tabao NHS (Valladolid), Our Lady of the Pillar Academy (Bago City), Lopez Jaena NHS (Murcia), Kabankalan Catholic College (Kabankalan City), Handumanan NHS (Bacolod City), Vito NHS (Sagay City), and Francisco Infante Memorial HS (Valladolid).
Mayor Raymund Tongson expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are grateful to see the great improvement of our Himaya Festival. This is not just a festival; it’s a legacy that reflects the hard work and triumph of every Himamaylanon.” The mayor and other city officials extended their heartfelt thanks to all the participants from each barangay for their active contribution in making this year’s celebration both memorable and fun. | Cover photo from Raymundo Tongson III FB
