The Grandest of Celebrations in Ilocos Sur!

For years of hosting this big annual event in the country’s heritage province, I must say that it keeps getting better and grander every year!

Under Gov. Jerry Singson’s first term, my first two events were the Grand Festival Opening with co-host Angelica Maranan-Maglanoc and Governor’s Night & One Ilocos Sur Party (closing event) with co-host Joy Barcoma during the-then Kannawidan Festival 2023. Having been worked with Director Ian Alcanzaren of Creative Flow Events Manila plus Provincial Tourism and Administration Offices, we all really pulled out our energies to give the greatest start and conclusion for this major festival.

Ilocos Sur Kannawidan Festival 2023 - Opening with Ms. Angelica Maranan-Maglanoc.

Ilocos Sur Kannawidan Festival 2023 - Governor's Night and One Ilocos Sur Party with Ms. Joy Barcoma.

In 2024, this edition rebranded the festival’s name to Ilocos Sur Festival – a festival name that speaks and stands alone when we talk about the Ilocano heritage and culture of the province. As such, more blessings poured as I hosted five of their major events in the 18-day celebration. These include: (1) The Grand Opening with Joy Barcoma; (2) Illumina Music Fest; (3) LGBT Festival Queen Pageant with Matmat Centino; (4) A Night with the Balikbayans and; (5) Diva Duel: Lip Sync Battle. It was also our first collaboration with Launch Pad Events, the festival’s production team.

The Ilocos Sur Festival 2024 Grand Opening with Ms. Joy Barcoma.

A vibrant and music-filled evening at the Illumina Music Fest!

The Ilocos Sur LGBT Festival Queen Pageant with Matricamae "Matmat" Centino.

With our balikbayans from all over the world through this gathering!

Colors and talents are flying in the The Diva Duel Lip-sync Battle!

This year of 2025, it has been made grander with its tagline, “The Grandest of Celebrations”. More competitions, culture-centered and music-, color- and fun-filled events were included from January 28 to February 14! Jampacked with excitement, I also hosted five events with the same incredible co-hosts that shared the same energy and hype. These were: (1) An Evening with the Balikbayans with Angelica Maranan-Maglanoc; (2) Ilocos Sur Pride Queen Pageant with Matmat Centino and DJ JhaiHo; (3) Miss Ilocos Sur Pre-Pageant with Angelica Maranan-Maglanoc; (4) Street Dance Competition and (5) Grand Finale of the Festival with Joy Barcoma on both of these events.

While the presence of special guests and performers really made the gatherings thrilling and electrifying, the very center of the celebration is the people. It’s a reason why they gave a special term to recognize them – the Valuable IlocosSurian People (VIP). This term was revealed during the final evening of the festival and it really prioritized the Ilocano audience to witness their favorite stars up close onstage. It’s true that this festival is centered towards heritage and culture, it’s also the locales who uphold, practice and treasure these for generations. It’s what keeps the celebration meaningful and alive every year.

Being one of those who have witnessed and worked on these thrilling and remarkable programs, I have always been grateful to the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur especially to Gov. Jerry Singson, Provincial Administrator Mr. Marlon Flavier Tagorda and Atty. Jannah Singson. They were some of all the key people who have made these festivals powerful and exciting and I’ve seen how they tirelessly worked to ensure that the twelve-month anticipation is worth it. Of course, it's never an option to reject these happenings as everyone deserves great shows throughout the fiesta!

Congratulations to everyone and see you all again next year for another version of the Grandest of Celebrations, the Ilocos Sur Festival 2026! ~ #ApplauseNCHeERs