Tan-ok 2019 Grand Champion (Nueva Era’s rendition of the Tadek Festival on the “Tan-ok")

Описание: Nueva Era’s rendition of the Tadek Festival on the “Tan-ok” stage portrays the courage and bravery of Tingguian men, and the value of healing rituals in their community. The people of Nueva Era are known in Ilocos Norte to be deeply-rooted in their unique traditions that make every area and chapter of their lives.

#TanOk2019 #Bicentennial #IN201 #NuevaEra #IlocosNorte #TadekFestival

AFTER HALF-DECADE, NUEVA ERA FINALLY CAPTURES "TAN-OK" GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP

Following five years of consistent excellence in the Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival of Festivals, the Municipality of Nueva Era finally bagged the grand championship at the event’s eighth installment last night, February 2, at the Marcos Memorial Stadium in Laoag City.

Nueva Era is a member of the Ilocos Norte Cultural Community (INCC). Since 2013, the town has garnered second place three times, and third place twice – including last year. There was no “Tan-ok” in 2017 to make it coincide with Ilocos Norte’s Bicentennial or 200th Foundation Anniversary.

“Tan-ok” is an annual gathering of town and city festivals of Ilocos Norte performed onstage. Twenty-one towns and one city competed this year, portraying the diversity of stories, rich history, and distinct culture of Ilocanos through dance, music, vibrant props, theatrics, and an accompanying video projected from LED backdrop.

Nueva Era’s championship performance centered on the love story of the hunter Apo-ni-tulao and village beauty Apo-ni-bulinawen, who hold fast to the “tadek” dance as a healing ritual in times of difficulty and to prayer before Kabunian (the mountain goddess). The contingent finished off with a “pakalon” (Tingguian wedding) celebrating the main characters’ safety, love, and reunion.

In addition to the grand prize, they garnered three special awards: Best Festival Music, Best Production Design, and Best Choreography and Direction.


Badoc’s Christian Dave Cainglit was recognized as Best Male Performer. Batac also garnered the award for Best Video Presentation and Best Female Performer through Ms. Judelea Pucan.

Meanwhile, the five runners-up were the Kangayedan Festival of Pagudpud; the Ginginubat Festival of Adams, the 2018 “Tan-ok” champion; “Ritritemon, Kayong!” of Sarrat; the Abuos Festival of Banna; and the Siwawer Festival of Vintar.

Winners were decided according to story, performance, choreography, production design, and originality.

Senior Board Member Matthew Marcos Manotoc shared, “We have so many stories to tell… not just in these performances, but also the stories behind the scenes – the sacrifices of every participant, not just the performers; the livelihoods that ‘Tan-ok’ creates; individuals who’ve grown more confident; youth who’ve found their passion in the arts – these are just part of the vast positive impact of ‘Tan-ok.’

“Seeing tonight’s crowd is proof that despite the changing times, we stand together… Daytoy ti makunkuna a ‘tan-ok ni Ilocano!’” (This is what we mean by ‘the greatness of the Ilocano!’)

Theater veteran and film director Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso chaired the Board of Judges. He was elected president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in 2017, after serving seven years in the Board of Trustees.

Alongside Lizaso in ranking each performance were Ms. Marie Venus Tan, chief operating officer of the Tourism Promotions Board; Rev. Fr. Harold Rentoria, commissioner for cultural heritage at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA); and Mr. Childe Libertad, president of the Philippine Folk Dance Society Region I.

Also joining them were Mr. Rommel Serrano of the Kalilayan Folkloric Group; Mr. Lyle Eymard Villahermosa and Mr. Jhunnard Jhordan Cruz of the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group; Mr. Japhet Mari Cabling of the UP Dance Company; and Mr. Armando Sta. Ana and Ms. Allenmarie Alejo, tourism officers of Malolos City and San Juan City, respectively.

Kyle Jennerman, the Canadian travel blogger behind “Becoming Filipino,” also sat among the “Tan-ok” judges.

The eighth “Tan-ok” highlights the 201st Foundation Anniversary of the Province of Ilocos Norte. – Mizpah Grace G. Castro and Blessing Angel V. Agliam, PGIN-CMO

Orinigal video:   / inortefestivaloffestivals