By Xander Ledesma
Bais City in Negros Oriental captivated the thousands gathered at the Sinulog Grand Ritual Showdown with its stunning performance in the Free Interpretation Category. The city’s Hudyaka Festival, celebrated as the “Festival of Harvest,” emerged victorious, securing the top spot in one of the most prestigious cultural competitions in the Philippines.
Under the dynamic leadership of Governor Chaco Sagarbarria, Bais City’s participation in the Sinulog 2025 festival marked a monumental achievement, not only for the city but for the entire province of Negros Oriental. This victory was a proud moment for the people of Bais and a testament to the city’s vibrant cultural heritage and artistic talent.
The Hudyaka Festival, often referred to as the “Festival of Harvest,” is a lively and colorful celebration in Bais City that honors the rich agricultural traditions of the area. The festival highlights the importance of the harvest season, celebrating local farmers, who are the backbone of the city’s economy, for their hard work and dedication. Through street dancing, vibrant costumes, and grand parades, the Hudyaka Festival reflects the city’s agricultural roots while incorporating elements of Negrense culture and history.
In the Sinulog competition, Bais City’s Hudyaka Festival is recognized for its elaborate choreography, bold visuals, and storytelling through dance. This year, the festival team’s dedication to showcasing the region’s history, pride, and agricultural significance distinguished them, earning them the top award in the Free Interpretation Category.
The Sinulog Grand Ritual Showdown is one of the country’s most anticipated and esteemed cultural events. Held annually in Cebu City to celebrate the feast of the Santo Niño, the Sinulog Festival attracts participants from all over the country, showcasing the vibrant cultural practices of different regions through grand parades and performances.
The Free Interpretation Category, in which Bais City triumphed, allows participating groups to infuse their performances with regional significance, artistic expression, and unique interpretations of the Sinulog dance. This category encourages creativity and provides an opportunity for local festivals to shine and share their stories on a national stage.
In 2025, the competition featured remarkable performances, and Bais City’s Hudyaka Festival stood out for its energy, originality, and portrayal of local agricultural life, ultimately earning it first place.
While Bais City took home the grand prize, other regional entries also impressed the judges and audiences. The top five performers in the Sinulog 2025 Grand Ritual Showdown Free Interpretation Category were:
- **Bais City’s Hudyaka Festival** (1st Place)
- **Toledo City’s Tribu Masadyaon** (2nd Place)
- **City of Lapu-Lapu** (3rd Place)
- **Lumad Basakanon** (4th Place)
- **Tribu Malipayon of Consolacion** (5th Place)
Each of these groups brought something unique to the competition, representing their local traditions and cultures with pride. For example, Toledo City’s Tribu Masadyaon highlighted their city’s rich history and festive spirit, securing a solid second-place finish.
Bais City’s victory at Sinulog 2025 is significant for several reasons. First, it marks a crucial recognition of the city’s growing cultural influence in the Philippines, particularly in terms of its artistic and choreographic achievements. The win is also a proud moment for the entire province of Negros Oriental, showcasing the region’s ability to compete at the highest levels in national cultural competitions.
Governor Chaco Sagarbarria expressed his pride in the city’s achievement, emphasizing that the victory is not just about winning a competition but about preserving and celebrating the unique culture and identity of Bais. The Hudyaka Festival’s performance reflected the deep connection the people of Bais have with their land, history, and traditions.
Furthermore, the recognition of Sherwin Taneo as the Best Choreographer for the performance underscores the skill and dedication of the team behind the Hudyaka Festival. Taneo’s expertise and innovative choreography played a pivotal role in bringing the festival’s vision to life, propelling Bais City to the top.