BAGUIO CITY – The Saint Louis University Center for Culture and the Arts and El Tribu D.Lucban, of Lucban Elementary School emerged as champions in the street dancing and showdown competition of the 29th Panagbenga Festival with the theme “Blossoms Beyond Boundaries” in Baguio City, on February 22.

First runner up is Bibyun Lubuagan, of Lubuagan, Kalinga, who is known to have been the champion in the previous Bodong Festival in Kalinga and second place was Tawid A Balitok,of Bacnotan, La Union, all participants in the festival dance open category, who will receive P200,000; P100,000 and P70,000, respectively.

The amazing performance of the SLU-CCA performers, artistry and refined storytelling, brought to life the colorful oral tapestry and co

mmunity of the Cordillera in a beautiful and unforgettable way, called “Bagbagtu”.

“Bagbagtu”as a reflection of lifethrough the element of water, is a fitting and “strong reminder that water is life, and life flows where water thrives.”

Also honored as Best Music and Choreography was SLU-CCA and Best in Costume and Props was Tawid aBalitok ti Bacnotan, La Union.

Coming in second from Lucban Elementary School were Mabini Elementary School, who was named 1st runner-up, and Tuba Elementary School, who was named 2nd runner-up, each receiving cash prizes of P15,000; P100,000 and P70,000, respectively.

In the cultural group, the BIMAAK Cultural Dance Group of Baguio City National School also emerged as champions, with their per

formance of “Ullalim Kalinga”, out of 22 other participants in the Rhythm of the Highland, A showcase of Culture and Dance of the Panagbenga Festival last February 15.

Saeng Ya Kasay Cultural Ensemble won as 1st runner-up and Iyaman Cultural Performance Group as 2nd runner-up. They will receive cash prizes of P100,000, P70,000, and P50,000, respectively.By Zaldy Comanda