Patricia Aleckzandra | YoManila
Fiestas is a part of the colorful Philippine culture. It means fellowship, food, and fun activities. It is also a time for thanksgiving. Whether it is religious, cultural, or both, it is an important part of every Filipinos lives. These festivities have always brought smiles to us.
There are different kinds of fiestas in the Philippines. Isabela’s Bambanti Festival is one of it. Being bestowed by many gifts both economical and environmental, Isabela has every reason to be thankful for. The colorful festival may not be as popular as Baguio City’s Panagbenga, but it is as colorful and fun. Luckily, I was invited to witness this beautiful festival of the scarecrows this 2017.
BAMBANTI FESTIVAL
In honor of the diligence and utmost dedication of Isabelino farmers to provide for their family and produce for their community is the Bambanti Festival. Bambanti, Ilocano term for “scarecrow”, perfectly symbolizes the heart and soul of Isabela. Though it may not be as popular as other festivals in the country, the Bambanti Festival is slowly making its way on top. Recently, they have been awarded by the ALIW Awards Foundation for having the Best Festival Practices and Performances nationwide twice. This annual celebration was first organized as an independent event on January 2013. Up to date, it still sees to it that it gives everyone (Isabeleños and tourists) a good show.
With the theme Isabela Para Sa Daigdig, this year’s Bambanti Festival showed the beauty of what Isabela can offer to the world. This week-long celebration highlighted the creativity of Isabeleños through the creation of their Giant Bambanti and Agro-Ecotourism Booth, costumes for the Bambanti King and Queen, and their Festival Dance Showdown.
To acknowledge their creativities which constantly shows colorful scarecrows, they announced winners in every category:
OVERALL WINNERS
First Place: Roxas
Second Place: Quirino
Third Place: Cauayan City
Fourth Place: Alicia
Fifth Place: Luna
ISABELA HIP-HOP BBOY DANCE COMPETITION
First Place: Santiago City
Second Place: Cauayan City
Third Place: Cabagan
Fourth Place: Alicia
Fifth Place: Jones
ISABELA INABRAW DOT-KULINARYA COMPETITION:
First Place: Tumauinin
Second Place: San Mateo
Third Place: Cabatuan
Fourth Place: Cauayan City
FESTIVAL KING AND QUEEN COSTUME
First Place: Luna
Second Place: Ramon
Third Place: San Mateo
Fourth Place: Cauayan City
Fifth Place: Roxas
FESTIVAL KING AND QUEEN
First Place: Roxas
Second Place: Cauayan City
Third Place: Luna
Fourth Place: San Miguel
Fifth Place: Echague
GIANT BAMBANTI
First Place: Roxas
Second Place: Quirino
Third Place: San Agustin
Fourth Place: Delfin Albano
Fifth Place: San Mariano
AGRI-ECOTOURISM BOOTH
First Place: San Agustin
Second Place: Quirino
Third Place: Dinapigue
Fourth Place: Palanan
Fifth Place: Jones
STREET DANCE COMPETITION
First Place: Quirino
Second Place: Alicia
Third Place: Echague
Fourth Place: Cabanatuan
Fifth Place: Cauayan City
DANCE SHOWDOWN
First Place: Alicia
Second Place: Mallig
Third Place: Luna
Fourth Place: Cauayan City
Fifth Place: Echague
The gloomy weather and a little bit of rain from time to time did not stop Isabeleños from having fun. Being organized by one of the biggest television network in the Philippines, ABS-CBN’s talents also took part of the celebration highlighting their very own Divas – Yeng Constantino, KZ Tandingan, Angeline Quinto, and Kyla. Bambanti Festival 2017 ended with a grand celebration.
Isabela Para sa Daigdig
Not only is Bambanti Festival the pride of the Queen Province of the North because it is also home of massive agricultural development, extraordinary biodiversities, beautiful pacific coasts, and remarkable man-made attractions.
Being the primary producer of rice, monggo, and corn, Isabela contributes largely to the annual national yellow corn output and the annual rice production of the Philippines. Its million of hectares of rich farmland is supported by Southeast Asia’s biggest hydroelectric dam which is the Magat Dam. The province is also blessed with an intensely beautiful ecological environment that offers a lot of activities. You can go cave exploring, beachcombing, trekking, and taste delicious delicacies of the province. You can also visit manmade tourists spots that will show you the long history of Isabela. Yet, it does not stop there. Because of its proximity to developed Asian countries, putting up your business in the province will be a good choice. Investment opportunities are everywhere.
The province of Isabela is continuously moving upwards. There are more the province can offer. For your next travel trip, book Isabela as your next destination.
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