Kalinga Bodong Street Dancers are first-runner up in Panagbenga Festival Street Dance Competition

Baguio City, Philippines – iKalingas danced their way to a big win as the first runner-up in the Panagbenga Festival Street Dance competition, one of the most known festivals in the country which draws thousands of visitors every year.

Representing Kalinga in this year’s Flower Festival is the 2025 Bodong Festival Street Dancing Champion, the Municipality of Lubuagan. The ensemble amazed their kailyans and visitors with their vivacious performance and storytelling during the Kalinga 6th Bodong Fest – Street Dance competition on February 13, earning them the grand champion title and becoming the province’s representative to higher level competitions.

Having won in the province, they were sent to compete in the Panagbenga Fest Street Dance on February 22 where they brought with them Lubuagan’s long woven stories of resilience and unity. The group gave a spectacular performance, highlighted by their energetic moves and storytelling.

Their performance yet again impressed the public and the judges, taking home the first-runner up place and a P150,000 cash prize.

Governor James Edduba lauded the participants for the feat and for their outstanding performance highlighting the rich and vibrant culture of Kalinga.

“Congratulations to the iLubuagan dancers who represented our province at the recently-concluded Panagbenga Festival Street Dance competition. You are the pride of Kalinga. Through you nakita manen dagiti bibisitas ken entero a Cordillera iti tradition ken kultura tayo,” the governor said.