BODONG FEST 2026: Tinglayan, Lubuagan, and Tabuk recognized for Best Performance in Diddiga Cultural Showdown

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Demonstrating excellence and authenticity in representing Kalinga’s rich cultural heritage, the Municipalities of Tinglayan and Lubuagan, along with the City of Tabuk, were recognized for the Best Diddiga Performance this year.

The seven municipalities and one city, together with three major ethnolinguistic groups, showcased various cultural traditions during the 2026 Diddiga Cultural Parade and Showdown held on February 12 at the Kalinga Sports Center.

Diddiga, which means “pride,” is one of the highlights of the 7th Bodong Festival and the 31st Kalinga Founding Anniversary celebration. The event honors Kalinga’s vibrant identity through traditional dances, music, chants, rituals, and authentic cultural attire.

After the cultural showdown, Tinglayan, Lubuagan, and Tabuk City were each awarded ₱100,000 for their outstanding performances.

Tinglayan (Funong-Araag Ta Mangili)

Tinglayan’s award-winning performance depicted the practice of “Funong-Araag Ta Mangili,” which embodies the values of unity, hospitality, camaraderie, and equality. The town portrayed the “Mamnung,” the act of coming together where people bring “Saliw,” or in-kind offerings such as rice, basi, tapoy, clothes, blankets, or money, to the host family or Bodong holder. The performance culminated in the “Paranoy,” or communal feast.

Lubuagan (Gabbok)

The Municipality of Lubuagan performed the “Gabbok,” a traditional practice of welcoming firstborn sons and daughters with thanksgiving and prayers for protection and strength through rituals, movements, and offerings. In the performance, Gabbok was symbolized by bamboo and rattan for strength and resilience, woven “bya-ing” and “lawod” for peace and protection, and the “obeyn” for enduring love and family unity.

Tabuk City (Dornat)

Tabuk City portrayed the “Dornat,” a sacred Bodong peace pact ritual that renews tribal bonds through the exchange of gifts and feasts. The practice restores harmony after disputes or strengthens dormant pacts. Elders affirm the “Pagta’n di Bodong” provisions through “lonok” and “al-al-lonok” steps, offering bongor, livestock, panay, and gusi.

Meanwhile, Lubuagan also swept the special awards for Best in Musicality, Best in Choreography, and Best in Attire and Props.

Other participating municipalities—Balbalan, Tanudan, Pasil, Rizal, and Pinukpuk—received ₱80,000 each, while the ethnolinguistic groups Bag’o, Ga’dang, and Maranao received ₱50,000 each.

The 2026 Diddiga Cultural Parade and Showdown concluded with a grand finale, as all participants danced together to the live vocals and music of the United Voices of Kalinga, a renowned group of local singers and musicians in the province.