• ANDREW ALTAREJOS
Tribu MALAFENOB, composed of Barangays Malasibog, Hacienda Fe, and Jonobjonob, was declared this year’s 26th Manlambus Festival dance competition over-all champion in Escalante City on May 30.
The tribe took home the championship trophy and P50,000 cash prize. It also took three minor awards: Best in Costume, Best in Production Design, and Best in Manlambus sa Dalan.
Other winners were Tribe ALIWACER, composed of Barangays Alimango, Washington, and Cervantes, which was first runner-up, and received the runner-up trophy and P40,000 cash prize. It also won Best in Music/Rhythm, Best in Choreography, and Best in Paindisay sa Manlambus.
Tribu MAGTAMBI-AY, composed of Barangays Magsaysay, Tamlang, Binaguiohan, and Dian-ay, was adjudged second runner-up and received the runner-up trophy and P30,000 cash prize. It also won Best in Merry Making.
Three consolation prizes were awarded to Tribu MAPILIPA, composed of Barangays Mabini, Pinapugasan, Libertad, and Paitan; Tribu DAANG LUNGSOD, of Barangay Old Poblacion, and Tribu RIUDTO-LAJAVISTA, composed of Barangays Rizal, Udtungan, Japitan, Langub, and Buenavista.
This year’s dance competition has two major parts which are the “Paindisay sa Manlambus,” an arena showdown showcasing Manlambus as a place where each barangay tell their own story and present their own festival; and “Manlambus sa Dalan,” showcasing the literal meaning of manlambus, which is to strike with a club, where all the participants have to execute the five basic steps of Manlambus during the street dance competition.*
