A poster-perfect photo of Bambanti dance showdown on the
stage of Isabela Sports Complex |
A feast like no other, the
vibrant Bambanti or Scarecrow Festival in the province of Isabela, held from
January 19 to 25, 2025, pays homage to the hardworking farmers of the province
and their allies -- the guardians of the rice fields, the scarecrows.
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Gov. Albano III and Vice Gov. Dy III welcomed the Isabeleños at the Bambanti
grand parade and showdown competition at the Isabela Sports Complex. Joining
them are the mayors of different municipalities and Philippine Ambassador to Japan H.E. Mylene Garcia
Albano |
Aptly themed, Ang Piyesta
ng Bagong Pilipinas, Governor Rodolfo “Rodito” Albano III and Vice Governor
Faustino “Bojie” Dy III made sure that all stones were unturned to unlock the
beauty of Isabela and the hospitality of its people. The VIP guests, the
thousands of Isabeleños themselves from the province’s 34 municipalities and
three cities who flocked to the center of the celebration, the City of Ilagan,
and other guests including the national media team were greeted by giant,
gentle bambantis, and treated to the rich provincial heritage and the
generous agricultural harvest of the region.
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Bambanti Festival
2025 Director General and Isabela Vice Gov. Bojie Dy III shared
highlights of the levelled-up festival during the press conference for the
national media. Among them is the first ever visit of 24 diplomats and dignitaries
in the province and the sending off of Miss Universe Philippines Isabela in the
prestigious national beauty contest. Dy also shared how thankful the provincial
government is for the zero casualty it had during the typhoons in November and
December prior to the festival. With him were Tourism Officer Joan Maranan,
Festival Director Agustin, and Creative Director/Fashion Designer Albert
Andrada. |
“We want our farmers
to feel how important they are and the crucial role they play in the economic
growth of the place they call home. We want to make them happy, at least for a
week every year, and treat them in a very special way,” Bambanti 2025 Director General and Vice Governor Dy said during the mediacon.
“If they want to see artists
live in a concert, then we bring the artists here in Isabela instead of them
travelling to Manila or elsewhere,” Dy said adding that the festival is a way
of showcasing to the world the bountiful harvests and the creativity of the
people and helping them in terms of business and entrepreneurship at the same
time.
The 24 ambassadors gather for a posterity shot at the
entrance of the Balai guesthouse
VIP Guests: 24 international diplomats witnessed Bambanti
2025
Twenty-one ambassadors, two
Chargés d’ Affaires, one Deputy Chief of Mission, and the Department of Foreign
Affairs team witnessed first-hand the beauty and grandiose the Bambanti
Festival 2025.
A historical milestone for the province, the 24 visiting ambassadors came from Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Cambodia, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Oman, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Vietnam.
The visit on January 24 and
25 was made possible by the DFA through the Economic Forum at Familiarization
Tour program. The fourth edition of the program after Dagupan City, Zamboanga
City, and Negros Occidental, some dignitaries expressed appreciation to Isabela
leg as their most enjoyable trip so far.
They were received at the Balai Guesthouse by Gov. Albano and her spouse, Philippine Ambassador to Japan, H.E. Mylene Garcia Albano, together with Vice Gov. Dy.
A major highlight of the visit was the presentation of Isabela’s Tourism and Investment Plan by Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer Atty. Paul Angelo Uy. The plan is designed to attract foreign investments and establish Isabela as a prime destination for both business and tourism.
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Gov. Albano joins the ambassadors in
touring the Bambanti Village. With him are HE Johann Brieger, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria, and his wife,
Rosewitha. |
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The ambassadors visited the Church of Tumauini, also known as the Church of San Matias, one of the proudest treasures of Isabela. Built in 1783 and completed by 1805, the famous feature of the church is its cylindrical bell tower (cake bell tower). Photos: Isabela PIO |
Accompanied by the 17 DFA officials including five assistant secretaries, the ambassadors visited the dairy farm in the City of Ilagan, experienced the Inabel weaving of Quezon, tasted the local cuisine, and experienced other elements of Isabela’s cultural identity including the Bambanti Dance & Showdown Competition.
As the event reinforced the nation’s diplomatic and economic standing on the world stage, it also shed light on the province’s dream to elevate the Bambanti Festival at the ASEAN level.
Queen Isabela 2025 & MUPH Isabela 2025 Jarina Kumari Sandhu and her court: Queen Isabela Culture & the
Arts 2025 Johnlene E. Ariola of the City of Ilagan; Queen Isabela Tourism 2025 Mhira Angelene P. Valenciano of Cordon; First Runner-up Jhudiel Eunisse M.
Taguinod of Echague; and Second Runner-up Criselle Anne Gregorio of
Ramon. |
Queen Isabela 2025 &
MUPH Isabela 2025
Isabela is sending its first
Miss Universe hopeful in the person of Jarina Kumari Sandhu, an exquisite mix
of Indian and Filipino, who emerged victorious among 33 candidates from all
over the “Queen Province of the North” at the much-awaited beauty contest held
at the newly-built The Capital Arena.
This “hakot-award” queen is
a student leader taking up tourism management at the Isabela State
University-Cauayan Campus. Her court included Queen Isabela Culture & the
Arts 2025 Johnlene E. Ariola of the City of Ilagan; Queen Isabela Tourism 2025
is Mhira Angelene P. Valenciano of Cordon; First Runner-up Jhudiel Eunisse M.
Taguinod of Echague; and Second Runner-up Criselle Anne Gregorio of
Ramon.
The grand coronation night,
with overall direction by Nilo Agustin, staging by Matthew Manalaysay and
artistic direction by Albert Andrada, held on January 25 was hosted by GMA star
Rayver Cruz and Binibining Pilipinas InterContinental 2019 Emma Tiglao with the
iconic Tingting Cojuangco as head of the contest jury.
Fly high, bambantis!
Bambanti Street Parade &
Dance Showdown: The heartbeat and rhythm of Bambanti Festival
Thirteen contingents, in
their most creative and colorful scarecrow outfits, paraded at the capitol,
paying tribute to the province’s hard-working farmers. The City of Ilagan
secured dominance in Category A. The group impressed judges with its clean
performance. The impressive formations and stunning costume changes also gained
admiration. Meanwhile, Luna gained top spot in Category B, captivating
audiences with its energetic performances and music choice.
Dance showdown participants hoist their King and Queen
Isabela-wide friendly
competitions
Yearly, the Bambanti
Festival makes good reason for the leaders of Isabela’s 34 municipalities and
three cities to meet together and engage in friendly various competitions.
Aside from Queen Isabela and the Bambanti Street Parade & Dance Showdown,
there is Makan ken Mainum (Food and Drinks), Festival King & Queen and
costume, and Agri-Tourism Booth and Giant Bambanti contests.
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PAGAY FESTIVAL: BALITOK TI ALICIA booth is a breathtaking display of
creativity and culture, a masterpiece that integrates the values of
inclusivity, communal unity, and cultural pride under the spirit of Bagong
Pilipinas! From its intricate, colorful designs that symbolize agricultural
abundance to its celebration of Filipino solidarity and innovation, this booth
showcases the golden heritage of Alicia, highlighting the resilience,
participation, and mutual support of the community. Alcia took 3rd
place as Best Agri-Tourism Booth and 2nd place in the Best Giant
Bambanti Installation both in Category A. |
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Cauayan
City’s Festival King & Queen attire, designed by Bonsai Cielo, represents
Cauayan City as Ambassadors of Sustainability, advocating the protection of the
planet and inspiring future generations to embrace a more equitable and
sustainable society by uniting tradition and modernity in pursuit of a brighter
future. This year's Gawagaway - yan Festival King Joshua Acosta & Queen Althea
Mendoza both won 2nd place, respectively, as Best Festival King and
Queen, Category A. |
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| The City of Ilagan is grand champion! |
This year, the City of Ilagan was hailed the champ, receiving ₱1 million worth of projects for their outstanding achievements across multiple categories. Luna was named first runner-up and got ₱750,000 in projects. Cauayan City secured second runner-up for a prize of ₱500,000. Alicia claimed third runner-up, earning ₱300,000 while Echague finished fourth with ₱100,000.
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Versatile actress Bea Alonso mesmerized Isabela with her exuberance and beauty. A certified Isabela favorite, having guested in the past festivals, she gamely played the ‘special date’ for Cabatuan Vice Mayor Ben Ben Dy on the concert stage.
Bea also sang Popoy and Basha’s theme song, I'll Never Go, from the movie One
More Chance that made the audience come a swooning. |
ELY BUENDIA MAGIC LIVES ON. Original
Pilipino Music living legend Ely Buendia wowed every Isabeleño, both
young and old, singing the artist's songs to heart like a prayer. Buendia serenaded
Isabela with phenomenal hit songs: “Pare Ko,” “Maling
Akala,” “Ligaya, “ “Alapaap,” “With a Smile,”
and saving the best for last, “Huling El Bimbo,”
before calling it a night. The rock icon and former Eraserheads frontman continues
to be a most-sought artist in concerts in the Philippines and abroad. |
The festival concluded with
a grand concert featuring popular Filipino artists Ely Buendia, Bea Alonzo, and
Moonstar88 to the delight of every Isabeleño, both young and old, singing the
artist's songs to heart like a national anthem. And who would want to miss the
grandest of them all – the fireworks display that could rival exhibits in
international competitions?
This is my 4th year covering
the Bambanti Festival. In the years to come, I wish to see the festival come to
its national and international acclaim while still showcasing Isabela’s beauty,
rich cultural heritage, economic growth, and the country’s source of pride
being the Festival of the New Philippines!
Congratulations, Isabela!
And see you again at Bambanti Festival 2026!
Image credits: George Buid
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