April 27, 2023 – The Plaza Mayor de Balanga all the way to the Bataan People’s Center was once again filled with vibrant colors and festive spirit with the Banga Festival 2023 Street Dance Competition.

The competition was participated by the city’s eight barangays that will be celebrating its fiesta on the 28th, namely Barangays San Jose, Ibayo, Cataning, Malabia, Doña Francisca, Bagumbayan, Talisay, and Poblacion.

The participants danced and performed from Plaza Mayor to the Bataan People’s Center where the competition was held. Each barangays showcased their own creativity and talent, depicting different stories and strategies which touched the heart of the audiences and judges. 

The performances were evaluated by the Board of Judges, namely Former Vice-Head of National Commission for Culture and the Arts – National Committee on Dance Mr. Peter de Vera, Director of Sinukwan Festival in Pampanga Mr. Hilly Vann dela Cruz, and a multi-awarded school administrator, educator, researcher, and currently the Regional Director of the Department of Tourism Region III Dr. Richard Daenos.

In his message, Mayor Francis Anthony S. Garcia thanked the participants for giving their best efforts in this competition. He also expressed his gratitude to Governor Jose Enrique “Joet” S. Garcia, III, Bataan 2nd District Representative Congressman Albert S. Garcia, and Pusong Pinoy Partylist Congressman Jernie Jett Nisay for all their support to the city’s events in celebration of Pistang Balangueño.

City Councilors Jowee Zabala and Christian Manalaysay also gave short messages to encourage and congratulate the participants, as well as to greet the judges and audiences.

The street dance competition is the highlight of Pistang Balangueño 2023, and was attended by the winners from previous Pistang Balangueño events, including Tobacco-Free Generation Hataw Kabataan, Balanga City Idols, Ginang Balangueña, and Munting Balangueña.

After the contestants’ lively and colorful performances, winners were announced:

• Grand Winner – Brgy. Ibayo (received Php 100,000.00)
• 2nd Place – Brgy. Talisay  (received Php 75,000.00)
• 3rd Place – Brgy. Bagumbayan  (received Php 50,000.00)
• Festival Queen – Brgy. Ibayo  (received Php 10,000.00)
• Best in Parade – Brgy. Bagumbayan  (received Php 10,000.00)
• Best in Costume – Brgy. Ibayo  (received Php 10,000.00)
• Consolation – received Php 20,000.00 per barangay

Also present to support the event were Councilor Benigno Meriño, Balanga City Tourism Council President Ms. Sherrie Gonzalo, department heads led by Atty. April Atcheco, barangay captains and councilors, and friends, families, and supporters of the participating barangays.