BACOLOD City – For the first time in the province of Negros Occidental, La Castellana town’s “Bailes de Luces” dance festival will be competing in the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), slated for June 28 until July 6 in Long Beach, California.
Mayor Rhumyla Mangilimutan disclosed this in a media interview during the festival highlights. Bailes de Luces was celebrated from Dec. 30, 2023 to Jan. 5, 2024.
She said the municipality is reaching out to the Department of Tourism (DOT) for support for the upcoming world participation since it is not only the pride of the local government but also of the country.
The mayor disclosed that Negros Occidental governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Fifth District congressman Dino Yulo, who were both in attendance during the highlight of the festival, have committed extending financial assistance.
Ten official dancers will be sent to compete in the festival dance category and other dance categories, she said.
Bailes de Luces, or “dances of lights,” is an annual celebration of the townsfolk to express hope and thanksgiving for year-round blessings.
Meanwhile, Barangay Robles and clustered barangays Camandag and Lalagsan were both declared champions for categories A and B, respectively, during the Bailes de Luces arena dance showdown competition.
Barangay Cabacungan was the first runner-up, and Barangay Sag-ang was the second runner-up for category A.
For category B, clustered barangays Nato and Talaptap were declared the first runner-up, while clustered barangays Puso and Biak na Bato were the second runner-up.
The champions of two categories went home with P100,000 cash prizes each, first runner-up – P75,000, and second runner-up – P50,000.
Each contingent received a P200,000 subsidy from the local government./PN
