By Helen Castaño | 12:36 AM August 29, 2026
Barangay Danao emerged as the winner of the Street Dancing Competition of Hudyaka sa Panglao 2026. — Helen Castaño
PANGLAO, Bohol — Barangay Danao emerged as the champion in the Street Dancing competition of the Hudyaka sa Panglao Festival 2026, held Friday, August 28, as Panglao celebrated its annual fiesta honoring its patron saint, St. Augustine of Hippo.
Danao claimed the top spot in the Street Dancing competition, followed by Bil-isan in second place and Poblacion in third.
In the Showdown competition, Poblacion took the championship, with Bil-isan placing second and Danao third. Poblacion also won the Best in Choreography award.
Other special awards went to Poblacion for Best in Costumes, Tangnan for Best in Andas, and Danao for Best in Musicality.
Barangay Poblacion wins the Showdown competition of Hudyaka sa Panglao 2026. — Helen Castaño
Ten barangays participated in this year’s festival, showcasing colorful costumes, elaborate andas, choreography and musical performances that highlighted Panglao’s culture and community spirit.
“Hudyaka,” a Cebuano word meaning merrymaking or revelry, is held every August 28 in honor of St. Augustine of Hippo.
Panglao Mayor Edgardo “Boy” Arcay said the festival brings Panglaonons together and serves as their way of expressing gratitude to St. Augustine for the town’s blessings, a bountiful harvest and the good things bestowed upon Panglao and its people.
Arcay also said Panglao has much more to offer beyond its famous white-sand beaches and beautiful diving spots.
“We have so much more to offer other than our white sand beaches and beautiful dive spots that we are known for,” Arcay said.
Rose Estoquia, one of the festival’s founders, said Hudyaka sa Panglao was established in 1987, making it the first festival in the province of Bohol.
The annual celebration continues to showcase Panglao’s cultural heritage and strengthen unity among its communities through music, dance and traditional festivities.
