The contingent from Brgy. Bil-isan during the street dancing competition of Hudyaka sa Panglao 2024. | Contributed photo
Barangay Bil-isan was chosen as the ritual showdown champion of the 39th Hudyaka sa Panglao held on Wednesday, Aug. 28, in Panglao town, the tourism jewel of Bohol province.
Bil-isan defeated nine other contingents as it defended its 2023 title. The contingent also won best in costume, best in musicality, best in choreography and best in street dancing.
Placing second was Brgy. Tangnan that was also named second placer in the best in street dancing competition, followed by Brgy. Bolod on third place.
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Hudyaka sa Panglao is held every August 28 in honor of the town’s patron saint, St. Augustine.
This year’s celebration was extra special because of the centennial celebration of the San Agustin Parish Church.
| Contributed photo
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“Hudyaka” means merrymaking or revelry in Cebuano.
“This is our way of expressing our gratitude to San Agustin for a wonderful harvest and for all the good things he showered to Panglao and its people,” Mayor Edgardo “Boy” Arcay said.
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Moreover, he said that the festival was organized to serve as an opportunity to also showcase the Panglaoanons way of life and rich cultural and heritage.
Arcay said their town has so much more to offer other than its white sand beaches and the beautiful dive spots that they are known for.
Anthony Ceniza, the town’s culture and arts officer, said that the Hudyaka sa Panglao that started in 1985 is now considered as the oldest festival in the province of Bohol.
“It is one of the local festivals that the Bohol province always looks forward to boast its local tourism,” he added.