Rain, Rhythm, and Reverence: Hanopol Dances in Faith at the First PANATA Festival 2025
By IVY BETALMOS
Rain fell steadily on the streets of Hanopol, but devotion poured even stronger as the community made history with the first-ever PANATA Festival 2025, a celebration of faith, culture, and collective promise in honor of the Feast of Señor Santo Niño.
Led by the Local Government of Balilihan under the visionary leadership of Mayor Atty. Esther Patrisha V. Chatto, the inaugural festival transformed Hanopol into a living stage where faith moved through rhythm, color, and human resolve.
The celebration began with a Street Dancing Competition participated in by ten barangays of Hanopol.
Despite the unexpected rain, the competition pushed through, proving that neither weather nor challenges could dampen the enthusiasm of the performers. Dancers remained energized, their movements synchronized and expressive, as loud cheers and chants from the audience filled the streets. The rain, instead of halting the celebration, became a symbol of resilience as performers passionately continued, offering their dances with joy and devotion.
As night descended, anticipation rose for the Final Showdown of the PANATA Festival 2025, an evening that blended solemnity with celebration. The program was solemnly blessed by Rev. Fr. Raindy Alpuerto, grounding the celebration in its true purpose, honoring the Holy Child, Señor Santo Niño. The crowd was warmly welcomed by Vice Mayor Lorenzo Baliong Jr., who expressed gratitude to the participants, organizers, and supporters who contributed to the success of the historic event.
Mayor Atty. Esther Patrisha V. Chatto then delivered her inspirational message, underscoring the deeper meaning of the festival. She emphasized that PANATA is not merely a performance but a vow, a sacred offering of gratitude, faith, and hope to Señor Santo Niño. The mayor highlighted that the festival reflects the people’s shared promise to honor their blessings, preserve their culture, and remain united as one community under faith.
The competition was evaluated by a panel of esteemed and credible judges, composed of Mr. Anecito Laroga Josol, Mr. Marvin A. Ablao, and Mr. Nelson Lamparas Relayosa, whose expertise ensured that every performance was judged with integrity, depth, and respect for cultural expression.
One by one, the competing barangays took the stage, each performance unfolding as a prayer in motion. Dances were not merely choreographed routines but heartfelt offerings, stories of struggle, gratitude, and faith presented for the glory of Señor Santo Niño.
At the end of the street dancing segment, Barangay Cogon claimed the title “Best in Street Dancing”, captivating the crowd with precision, energy, and spirit.
From among the ten competing barangays, Barangay Tagustusan emerged as the Champion of the First PANATA Festival 2025, earning admiration for their powerful storytelling and disciplined execution. They also received the Best in Costume Award, highlighting their artistic excellence and cultural symbolism. Barangay Cogon secured First Runner-Up honors with their fierce and compelling warrior-themed performance, while Barangay Hanopol Weste placed Second Runner-Up, stunning the audience with their bold tattoo-inspired presentation.
The night also witnessed the coronation of the PANATA Festival Queen 2025, Ms. Lyn Shea Tiempo. Judges emphasized that the title was bestowed not merely on beauty but on grace, humility, and devotion, qualities embodied by a queen who dances not for applause, but as an offering to Señor Santo Niño.
The first PANATA Festival concluded with applause echoing through Hanopol, but its impact lingered far beyond the final beat of the drum. It stood as a declaration of faith unbroken by rain, a culture alive in movement, and a community bound by shared devotion.
More than a festival, PANATA became a promise, one that Hanopol has now etched into its history, ready to be danced again in the years to come.