AMID THE ongoing crisis surrounding Kanlaon Volcano, the town of La Castellana in Negros Occidental still has a reason to celebrate.
Why?
The town’s world-renowned Bailes de Luces (Dances of Lights) Festival has been honored as this year’s Ani ng Dangal awardee in the dance category by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). The award was presented at a ceremony held at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila on May 5.
The festival’s inclusion in the prestigious Ani ng Dangal Awards is a recognition of its outstanding achievement. Bailes de Luces was crowned the overall champion in the dance group category at the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA), held last year in Long Beach, California, USA.
Now in its 24th year, Bailes de Luces was originally conceived as a celebration for hacienda workers each time they received their pay for labor in the fields. The festival was one of 39 individuals and groups honored at the 17th edition of the Ani ng Dangal Awards, which recognizes Filipino excellence across five artistic disciplines:
* 15 in music
* 8 in cinema
* 7 in architecture and allied arts
* 6 in dance
* 3 in visual arts
The Ani ng Dangal is the highest honor bestowed by the NCCA, recognizing Filipino talents who have achieved the pinnacle of success in various international competitions.
HEARTWARMING
“It’s heartwarming to note that the NCCA recognized Bailes de Luces with an Ani ng Dangal Award. This is no ordinary recognition in the field of art,” said Apol Embang, who, along with the late La Castellana Mayor Enrico Elumba and Ali Guanzon, conceived and brought Bailes de Luces to life in 1999 and 2000, respectively.
Embang, a teacher-turned-couturier and gown designer, explained that Bailes de Luces originally started as a simple street dance to bring light and color to the town’s founding anniversary every January 5. It was meant as a tribute to the hardworking men of the fields, who toiled in the hacienda lands of La Castellana. When they were paid, they would “celebrate” as though it were a fiesta.
Using bamboo torches, or “sulô” in Hiligaynon, to light their way, farm workers in La Castellana would parade from the payout center to the town proper to buy their weekly necessities—food and other essentials.
In its early editions, Bailes de Luces featured dancers holding well-lit bamboo torches during street and arena dance competitions.
The week-long celebration begins every December 30 and culminates on January 5. However, as the festival evolved, it began incorporating modern elements, now using LED (light-emitting diode) lights for costumes and props. These additions have made the performances even more colorful, captivating, and spectacular.
TESTAMENT TO HARD WORK
La Castellana Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilumutan said that the Ani ng Dangal award serves as a testament to the hard work invested in making Bailes de Luces truly world-class.
“This award is also an affirmation that Bailes de Luces has really reached its peak,” she remarked.
“Moreover, this Ani ng Dangal award comes at a timely and relevant moment for us La Castellahanons, especially amid the ongoing Kanlaon crisis. It’s a boost to our spirit, encouraging us to remain resilient despite the many challenges we are facing. A true morale booster,” she added.
Currently, La Castellana is still home to 4,400 evacuees, who are being cared for in nine evacuation centers following the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on December 9, 2024.
Meanwhile, to sustain Bailes de Luces, some of the regular performers behind the 25-member group (for both national and international competitions and performances) receive a monthly stipend from the local government of La Castellana. Additionally, some performers are also scholars from the town who attend college.
Several alumni of Bailes de Luces have gone on to become professionals, with many now serving as public school teachers. These alumni also give back to the festival, acting as trainers for new members.
“That’s how we maintain the Bailes de Luces group of performers,” Mangilumutan shared.
SOUGHT-AFTER FESTIVAL
Bailes de Luces received its first international recognition when it was hailed as the Best Foreign Performer at the Chunjang World Festival of Recollection in Gwangju City, South Korea, in 2022.
Since then, Bailes de Luces has become a sought-after performer on both national and international stages, including high-profile events at Malacañang Palace.
Its most recent outstanding performance was at the ILOmination Festival of Lights, which is part of the renowned Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City, held from January 25 to 26, 2025.
Bailes de Luces bested four other contingents from Tuguegarao, Cagayan; Mindoro; San Jose del Monte, Bulacan; and Zamboanga City to clinch the crown.
The group was also named Best in Costume, Best Lighted Costume Design, Best Light Design, Best Production Design, and received the People’s Choice Award.
THE SACRIFICES
However, Bailes de Luces’ journey to the pinnacle of the art world has been anything but ordinary.
Much of the credit goes to Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilumutan for her relentless perseverance in transforming this unique festival into a truly world-class event.
Yet, the road to success was not without its obstacles. The lady mayor herself faced numerous intrigues and criticism along the way. Despite this, she never bowed to the naysayers. Instead, she displayed remarkable courage and persistence in pushing Bailes de Luces onto the global stage, ultimately elevating it to the highest peak in the world of dance and performance.
Her sacrifices were not in vain, as they led to this hard-earned triumph.
Now, La Castellana, though tested by time and nature’s wrath, remains undeterred in its shining moment in the arts. Bailes de Luces has helped the municipality rise above its challenges, symbolizing resilience and hope.
Let’s call it a “good faith exemption,” one that the people of La Castellana can truly be proud of.
So, kudos to Bailes de Luces, kudos to Mayor Nicor-Mangilumutan, and kudos to all the people of La Castellana.
Amid the darkness, the lights of Bailes de Luces never fade; they continue to illuminate La Castellana, serving as embers of hope for its people to move forward and grow stronger.
What an inspiring message to reflect on. Truly a remarkable achievement./PN
