Ilocos Sur celebrates life with Kannawidan Festival

 As the Philippines starts to recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, fiestas and celebrations are starting to return, giving Filipinos a well-needed dose of levity. In Ilocos Sur, the provincial government officially launched Kannawidan 2022 early this month, with a bevy of activities aimed at celebrating life and spreading joy.

Opening the celebrations were the provincial government of Ilocos Sur, headed by Governor Ryan Luis Singson along with Vice Governor Jeremias Singson, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, and officials and employees of local government units and national government agencies.

During the opening ceremony, the Suyo Indigenous Peoples Community Group from Suyo, Ilocos Sur performed an ethnic dance 'Tadek Ken Balliwes,' a traditional dance that expresses jubilation over victory, thanksgiving and other important events.The first night saw a dancing fountain show, a drone light show followed by a fireworks display that brightly blazed at the top of the New Legislative Building. The drone light show highlighted the strong spirit of Ilocosurians not to give up amidst pandemic. It also served as tribute to all frontliners. Following this was a comedy night held at the Quirino Stadium.

The second day of Kannawidan featured the coronation of the Saniata Ti Ylocos beauty pageant with Vigan representative Richelle Anne Presto standing out and taking home the crown.

The 'Chef Wars Cooking Competition' was held the same day to showcase the creativity and skill of aspiring culinary masters. Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College-Sta. Maria Campus took home the grand prize for the college category, with Divine Word College of Vigan as the first runner up and University of Northern Philippines as the second runner up. In the industry category, the team from Du-Lang Restaurant emerged as the champions with Ichtus Beach Resort and Bugis Bistro coming in first and second runners up respectively.

The third day wrapped up with the LGBTQ Night. It had 'Your Face Sounds Familiar, The Lip Sync Battle' to cap the event. John Angelo Malamion who impersonated Nicki Minaj was declared the grand champion.The Kannawidan Festival also had other events aside from competitions — a dog show featuring American bullies; a car and motor show; Tinattoan; bike race; game fowl, rhythm fest; and the much-awaited Bakbakan sa Ilocos Sur.

All individuals entering the Tamag Grounds and other venues for the Kannawidan Ylocos activities are asked to wear masks and present their vaccination card and ID. The provincial government of Ilocos Sur ensures to maintain and follow minimum public health and safety protocols amid the celebration of the 15th Kannawidan Ylocos Festival 2022.