Feature: Perangat Festival 2023: A cultural spectacle of Subanen heritage

Subanen cultural heritage is alive and thriving in Misamis Occidental as shown in the second Perangat Festival — the heart of the province's 94th Anniversary Celebration. The Festival is also a thanksgiving event for the abundance of blessings among the Subanen tribe. (PGMO)

Highlighting the vibrant showcase of Subanen cultural heritage, Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental, was filled with the sounds of revelry on November 11, 2023, as hundreds of Misamisnons gathered to celebrate the grandiose Perangat Festival. This annual celebration not only celebrates a successful harvest but also represents the province's growth and development each year.

The province came alive with the mesmerizing performances of students from various schools and out-of-school youth groups who participated in the annual ritual dance competition.

As the province celebrated its 94th anniversary, the Perangat Festival served as the central event, doubling as a heartfelt thanksgiving for the blessings bestowed upon the Subanen tribe. Vice Governor Rowena Gutierrez emphasized the festival's significance, describing it as an exemplification of people's solidarity in the face of challenges.

"This year's Perangat Festival was a great success, highlighting unity among us throughout the challenges that we are currently facing," Gutierrez said. The festival, she noted, stands as a tangible manifestation of Governor Henry S. Oaminal's strong leadership and his genuine desire for unity and peace among the people of Misamis Occidental.

The Ritual Dance Showdown Competition witnessed the triumph of the contingent from the Local Government of Calamba-Baliangao. Crowned as champions, they not only earned P500,000 in cash and a trophy but also secured P5 million worth of tourism projects.

Recognized for their excellence, the contingent also bagged awards for Best in Costume, Best in Musicality, and Best in Storyline, each fetching P20,000 in cash. The festival director of the champion contingent was honored with a substantial P50,000 cash prize.

Oroquieta City claimed the first runner-up position, winning P300,000 in cash, P3 million worth of tourism projects, and an additional P30,000 for the festival director. Don Victoriano secured the second runner-up position, receiving Php 200,000 in cash and P2 million worth of tourism projects. They also earned accolades for the best performance, along with a Php 20,000 prize for the festival director.

Tangub City's outstanding choreography earned them the Best in Choreography award, a trophy, and a cash prize of P20,000. The city also received P100,000 as a consolation prize.

The Perangat Festival extended its spirit of celebration and triumph to all participating contingents, providing each with a P100,000 consolation prize. As the rhythmic beats and vibrant hues subsided, the festival left an indelible mark, not just as a cultural extravaganza but as a testament to the unity, resilience, and cultural richness of Misamis Occidental. (JMOR/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)