FIRST VANGA FESTIVAL celebrated in Talalang, Balbalan

Balbalan, Kalinga – The festive spirit lit the entire Barangay Talalang in a vibrant celebration of culture and camaraderie as locals and visitors gathered to mark the first Vanga Festival of the barangay on April 24-26, 2025 at the Talalang Elementary School.

Barangay Talalang institutionalized Vanga (clay pot) as their festival to give tribute to the historical significance of ‘vanga’ in the life of iTalalangs.

Among the highlights of the event is the cultural performance ‘Diddiga’, which had three ‘puroks’ and one sitio displaying their traditional practices in the form of dancing, showcasing the rich heritage of Balbalan.

Vice Mayor Rowina Damian personally graced the festival.

In the three-day activity, Talalang also held its 2025 Mr. Macho Gay where Bjay Duguiawe of Upper Talalang was crowned as the 2025 Mr. Macho Gay, showing the community’s inclusive society. Other macho gays who brought home titles include Orville Tabanganay of Sesec-an Talalang, first runner-up; Johnridge Cardinal of Upper Talalang, second runner-up; Hayn Balangui of Eastern Talalang, third runner-up; and Eirskin Martinez of Sesec-an Talalang, who emerged as the fourth runner-up.

Other highlights of the festival include ball game competition, cultural game competition, cultural night, and the musical and dance night, which demonstrated the talents of iTalalangs.