Tan-ok ni Ilocano: The Bicentennial Edition

Tagged as “Tan-ok ni Ilocano” or Greatness of Ilocano, a phenomenon that exhibits the rich history, culture, and lifestyle of Ilocos.

In light of the 200th Founding Anniversary (Bicentennial Celebration) of Ilocos Norte, twenty one towns and two cities vowed thousands of people at the center of Ferdinand Marcos Memorial Stadium Laoag City, on Friday night of February 02, 2018.

Witnessing right infront of the big stage, performers from different municipalities of Ilocos Norte literally took my breath away, from it’s picturesque back drops (windmill post, grassy mountains, etc.), dramatic scenes, shining shimmering costumes, to eye-catching props and buttresses (honey bees, life size ants and sea creatures, etc.), this seventh installment of Tan-Ok ni Ilocano is genuinely the grandest cultural affair to date. And this will not be possible without the initiation of the Media and Communications Office of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, bringing me and my co-bloggers, and other social/media influencers in one platform showcasing the great stories (and the untold ones) of the province. It was the warmest welcome and a fun-filled happening. A big thanks.

And to sum up my experiences during the Tan-Ok ni Ilocano Festivals of Festival, here’s to the event’s highlights.

First who performed and landed a 12th spot in the competition, MUNICIPALITY OF CURRIMAO with their DAKLISAN FESTIVAL. This year’s presentation of the town centers on the power of friendship of three young men strengthened by a common bond – the vast and bountiful sea.

Next up, the historical hometown of the great President Ferdinand E. Marcos, SARRAT and BINAKOL FESTIVAL. Truly remarkable in its local products. The Tupig is the favorite genuine Ilocano treat for the process of making it reflects the important values of patience, perseverance, forbearance of the townspeople.

Making the cut of 10’s best, AMIAN FESTIVAL OF BANGUI, the home of the first wind farm in Southeast Asia.

Moving forward, the MUNICIPALITY OF BANNA which earned the 6th stake with their ABUOS FESTIVAL.  Ilocos Norte’s tales of triumphs are likened to the weaver ants’ eggs which are products of unselfish dedication, fearless determination, and untamed devotion.

PASUQUIN on the other hand, gave us a background on the Sunflower Organization, being the 1st gay organization in Asia. These members of the LGBT community are considered to be the front runners of the town and for that they gained respect and loved.

One of my early picks, the SIWAWER FESTIVAL of VINTAR and it’s tale of greatness as both the Vintarinian people with their unique history and their diverse culture; and the land with all its abundant blessings contrasting with its austere beauty.

Taking the fifth spot in the match, my favorite (I am rooting for them to win huhuhu) the BASI FESTIVAL of PIDDIG. A story of a revolution led by the brave Ilocano tribes which became a significant realization for the neighboring towns and provinces that eventually led to a fierceful bloody war between the locals and the colonizers.

Still in the running, the Sunshine City of LAOAG –home of the PAMULINAWEN FESTIVAL. A festivity that reflects the Loagueños culture of love, religiosity, resiliency, hospitality and bayanihan spirit.

I’m almost halfway when I witnessed the story of the famous empanada maker and her love conquest, the EMPANADA FESTIVAL of BATAC CITY.

They said they’re in the finals, Diro of NUEVA ERA, the harvest of the UYUKAN or honey. A story of a young man in the community and his journey of finding a medicine that can cure his son’s illness. Honey now became a very popular product of the town. Ladies and lads, the TADEK FESTIVAL of Nueva Era (See also my blog about the town just click this link, https://wp.me/p8vMgd-2C).

The winning stake continuous for the LA VIRGEN MILAGROSA BADO-BADOC FESTIVAL. Truly, when in doubt, in trouble, or in sheer misfortune, there is no one that the Badoceños and the whole people of Ilocos Norte can cling to if not the Patron Saint of the province – the one that has blessed and guided us through the course of our 200 years of living, growing, and achieving as a province and a people.

On the number four spot (my forecast: 2nd stake), MAGDARARAN TALIP FESTIVAL of the Municipality of CARASSI. Deals with a story of simplicity, faith and self-contentment- the values that the people of Carasi are known for. Very clean story line!

One step closer to the title, the very consistent Rice Granary of the North –DINGRAS, who never fails to amazed the big stage of Ilocos with their ANI FESTIVAL. A fitting rite to celebrate the fruits of love and labor of the Ilokano mannalon (farmer) and their contribution to the province’s economic development.

Others who performed were BACARRA, DUMALNEG, SOLSONA, SAN NICOLAS, PAOAY, PINILI, PAGUDPUD, BURGOS, and the Municipality of MARCOS, who all gave us a glimpsed of their history and back stories, but sadly  fails to make it to the cut. However, I still get to enjoy their performances

WHO BROUGHT HOME THE BACON?

In celebration of the history of a complex romance and greatness of the Yapayao men, the townspeople continue enriching their culture, in a festive celebration.

Surprising to see on the number one spot, the MUNICIPALITY OF ADAMS with their GINUBGUBAT FESTIVAL (Cue in: Slot Machine Sound with Confetti) Adams Photo Credits to Tan-Ok Ni Ilocano Festival of Festivals Facebook Page

Minor Awards are also given to:

Tan-ok Ni Ilocano 2018 Best video: Badoc

Best Festival Music: Adams

Best in Production Design: Dingras

Best Choreography & Direction: Adams

Male Performer: Glendelwin Salmasan of Nueva Era

Female Performer: Jamaicah Domingo Balai of Piddig

Gracing the event is the head of the province, Governor Imee Marcos with Senior Board Member Matthew Marcos Manotoc, also with us are Senator Bongbong Marcos (who initiates the setting of fireworks and the opening of the 200th Founding Anniversary/Bicentennial Celebration) and his two equally smart sons, Simon and Vincent Marcos (Presented the 2018 Vlog Contest with a theme, “What Makes You Proud To Be Ilocano”. And Guest of Honor, Presidential Spokeperson Harry Roque.

With special participations from Ms. Ariana Cuanang, and the Batac Rappers.

(Backstory Credits: Revised words from each town thru PGIN Media and Communications Office. I am not forgetting Ian Marcelo and his generous soul for giving me background stories of every municipalities. And to Radz Bismonte for the warm invite. Yay!)