Balbalan Mayor Malannag invites public to join 17th Manchachatong Fest on March 20-22

Balbalan, Kalinga – As Balbalan is set to mark their 17th Manchachatong Festival, Mayor Almar Malannag invites the public to experience the town’s rich cultural heritage during their fiesta this March 20 – 22, 2025.

The ‘Manchachatong,’ which means gathering and arrival of people, will be receiving its visitors and attendees on Thursday with a Thanksgiving Mass followed by the Palanus Night at 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., respectively.

Attendees of the festival this March 20 will also be witnessing 13 beauties battle for the 2025 Miss Balbalan crown at the KDCM Sports Center at 6:00 p.m.

On Friday, March 21, there will be a grand civic parade and cultural street dancing at 6:30 a.m. The parade will start at the Balbalan Public Market and end at Balbalan Central School, where the formal program will take place.

After the opening activity, street dancers from different schools will be showing off their creativity, synchronized movements, and vibrant performances.

Other events on Friday include the opening of the Manchachatong Agri Fair, dance competitions, and the free concert with fireworks display at 6:00 p.m.

On March 22, there will be schools parade which is followed by a drum and lyre and cultural exhibitions from the STS Salegseg and the St. Paul’s Memorial School of Kalinga Inc.

With these lined-up activities, Mayor Malannag is inviting everyone to come and celebrate with the iBalbalans from March 20 – 22, saying, “maawis tayo amin nga umay ditoy Balbalan tatta. Adu dagitoy activities tayo nga nakasagana. Nagsana iti LGU ken dagiti barangays ken tattao iti Balbalan ta kayat mi ipakita ken ipa-experience nu anya iti Balbalan tatta.”