• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Sidlak Kadalag-an Festival of Victorias City clinched a grand slam victory, while the world renowned Bayles de Luces of La Castellana, as expected, emerged the champion in the municipal category during the Panaad sa Negros Best of Festival Dances 2025 which was held Monday night at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.
With 80 dancers, 10 characters, and 90 propsmen, the Sidlak Kadalag-an Festival team delivered an electrifying performance, earning their third consecutive championship in the city category and solidifying their place in the Panaad Hall of Fame.
Victorias City also achieved a back-to-back victory in the Best Introduction Video category, directed by Kurt Soberano in collaboration with Jerancy Antonio Productions.
With this historic grand slam victory, Victorias City is now exempt from competing in next year’s Panaad sa Negros Best of Festival Dances, to return in 2027.
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez has been a steadfast supporter of the festival’s journey since his election in 2023, a period that saw Victorias City achieve its first victory in the Best of Festival Dances, a statement from the City Public Information Office said.
Victoriasnons, city officials, and employees rallied behind the team, making their presence felt with the loudest cheers at the stadium, with Ricky Parel Lapidante Jr. as the mastermind behind the three-peat triumph.
On the other hand, Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan said winning the championship in the municipal category was a product of their best effort. She recalled that during the stint of her father, Alberto Nicor, as mayor of La Castellana, the municipality also emerged as champion, not only once, but twice in the best of festival dances.
Last year, La Castellana’s premier Bailes de Luces dancers were named the Senior Grand World Champion – Dance Group of the World during the 2024 World Champions of Performing Arts (WCOPA) held at Westin Long Beach California, U.S.A.
Silay City, San Carlos City, and Bago City were the 1st, 2nd and 3rd runners up, respectively, in the city category, with Manapla – 1st runner up, Calatrava – 2nd runner up, Murcia – 3rd runner up, and Don Salvador Benedicto the 4th runner up in the municipal category.*
