The renowned Cebuano dance group, Lumad Basakanon, showcased their talent and cultural pride by emerging as the overall champion at the 2024 Kasanggayahan Festival National Festival of Festivals in Sorsogon. Their captivating performance, featuring impressive costumes and dynamic choreography, celebrates the spirit of Cebu’s Sinulog Festival and stands as a proud testament to Cebu’s vibrant cultural identity.
The Lumad Basakanon of Cebu City [Photo courtesy: GMA Regional TV News | gmanetwork.com]Cebu’s Lumad Basakanon Wins Big at Kasanggayahan Festival
Held on October 16, 2024, the Kasanggayahan Festival in Sorsogon drew participants from across the Philippines to celebrate and compete in the country’s National Festival of Festivals. As part of this year’s event, which commemorated both the festival’s golden anniversary and Sorsogon’s rich heritage milestones, Lumad Basakanon from Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City’s Garbo sa Lapu-Lapu Festival represented the pride of the Visayas.
The contingent from Cebu City, the Lumad Basakanon, performed the Sinulog at the 2024 Kasanggayahan National Festival of Festivals held in Sorsogon [Photo courtesy: The Freeman | Facebook]Lumad Basakanon’s electrifying performance not only secured them the overall championship title but also won them prestigious awards for Best in Costume and Best in Moving Choreography. As shared by Arkel Castañarez, one of the group’s dance masters, the champion prize amounted to ₱4 million, along with ₱200,000 for choreography and ₱200,000 for costume design.
Here’s a video* performance of the Lumad Basakanon on their moving cheorography (street dancing).
*Video courtesy: Pinoy Fiesta on YouTube.
Celebrating Cultural Identity and Regional Pride
For Cebu, the triumph of Lumad Basakanon reflects the city’s enduring cultural legacy and commitment to sharing its artistry with the nation. Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City, bagged the fourth runner-up spot, continued to inspire with its own cultural showcase, emphasizing the island’s warrior spirit and heritage.
“It is showcasing the power of arnis in the Kadaugan sa Mactan, bringing our history to life and carrying the legacy of our city’s greatness. This is more than a victory—it’s a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Oponganons,” said a representative from the Lapu-Lapu Arnis de Abanico on social media.
Here’s a video** presentation of Lapu-Lapu City’s Kadaugan sa Mactan winning performance.
**Video courtesy: Don Amador Oco on YouTube.
Both Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City’s participation at the Kasanggayahan Festival reflects the deep pride of the Visayan region, inspiring audiences and competitors alike with their dedication to preserving and elevating Filipino culture.
ALSO READ: Sinulog Festival returns to original venue in 2025
Here’s a video*** presentation of Lumad Basakanon on their Grand Champion performance.
***Video courtesy: Pinoy Fiesta on YouTube.
Here’s the list of winners
| Placement | Festival | City | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Champion | Sinulog Festival | Cebu City | ₱4,000,000 |
| 1st Runner Up | Tanglawan Festival | San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan | ₱3,000,000 |
| 2nd Runner Up | Cagsawa Festival | Daraga, Albay | ₱2,000,000 |
| 3rd Runner Up | Gayon Ciudad Festival | Sorsogon City | ₱800,000 |
| 4th Runner Up | Garbo Festival | Lapu-Lapu City | ₱500,000 |
| Special Award | Winner | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| Festival Queen | San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan | ₱100,000 |
| Best in Music | Gayon Ciudad Festival, Sorsogon City | ₱200,000 |
| Best in Costume | Sinulog Festival, Cebu City | ₱200,000 |
| Best in Moving Choreography | Sinulog Festival, Cebu City | ₱200,000 |
The victory of Lumad Basakanon at the Kasanggayahan Festival showcases the power of Filipino cultural expression and the unifying force of artistic competitions. As the dance troupe brought home top honors, Cebuano pride soared, emphasizing the importance of celebrating heritage, art, and unity.
Celebrate the spirit of Cebuano culture and share in Lumad Basakanon’s victory! Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram to follow more local festival highlights.
News reference: GMA Regional TV News
