By Helen Castaño | 11:31 AM August 29, 2025
PANGLAO, BOHOL — Barangay Libaong reigned supreme at the 40th Hudyaka sa Panglao 2025, sweeping top honors in the grand street dancing and ritual showdown held Thursday, August 28, in celebration of the town’s patron, Saint Augustine of Hippo.
The Libaong contingent not only claimed the overall championship in both street dancing and ritual showdown, but also bagged major special awards—Best in Costume, Best in Musicality, Best in Hudyaka Ambiance, and Best in Choreography.
Barangay Lourdes secured second place in the street dance competition and was also recognized as the Most Disciplined Contingent, while Barangay Bil-isan finished as 3rd Placer in street dancing and 2nd Placer in ritual showdown.
Barangay Tangnan rounded out the winners, taking the 3rd Place in the ritual showdown, while Barangay Tawala was cited as the Most Punctual Contingent.
According to Panglao Culture and Arts Officer Anthony Ceniza, this year’s competition drew participation from 10 barangays, all showcasing their creativity, devotion, and unity.
First staged in 1985, Hudyaka sa Panglao—from the Cebuano word meaning “merrymaking”—is recognized as the oldest festival in Bohol. It highlights not only the community’s devotion to Saint Augustine but also the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Mayor Edgardo “Boy” Arcay said the festival plays a vital role in strengthening tourism and community pride.
“Kini nga Hudyaka timaan sa kalipay ug panaghiusa. Karung gabii nagatigum kita uban ang atong kalipay ug pagpasalamat sa Diyos samtang nagsaulog alang sa atong patron San Agustin,” Arcay said.
He added that the celebration is not just about dancing and revelry but also about “faith, culture, and unity as one community.”
Arcay also shared that Panglao, once a fourth-class municipality, has now risen to first-class status, driven largely by its thriving tourism industry.
Renowned for its powdery white beaches and world-class dive sites, Panglao remains one of the country’s premier destinations—where culture and tradition meet natural beauty.
HUDYAKA SA PANGLAO 2025 RESULTS
=Minor Awards=
Most Punctual – Tawala
Most Disciplined Contingent -Lourdes
Best in Costume- Libaong
Best in Musicality- Libaong
Best in Hudyaka Ambiance- Libaong
Best in Choreography- Libaong
=Streetdancing-=
3rd Placer – Bil-isan
2nd Placer- Lourdes
1st Placer- Libaong
=Ritual Showdown=
3rd Placer- Tangnan
2nd Placer- Bil-isan
1st placer- Libaong
