Piddig makes historic "Tan-ok" victory

The municipality of Piddig’s “Basi Festival” made history by claiming its first championship title at the 2025 Tan-ok ni Ilocano: The Festival of Festivals, held at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium on February 15.

This year’s winning performance depicted the Basi Revolt of September 1807, a tragic struggle of the Piddigeños against Spanish oppression. When the Spanish authorities seized control of “basi” or sugarcane wine, it became the final spark for an uprising fueled by years of suffering.

The performance depicted the Piddigeños’ defiance of the Gobernadorcillo’s decree. Armed only with their bamboo spears, they stood little chance against Spanish muskets. As portrayals of executions of locals rose, the people’s hope faltered. Women and children fled, while the men fought bravely, only to be overpowered. In the end, the performance concluded with a depiction of bloodshed, leaving the Piddigeños powerless against colonial rule.

Other winners of this year’s Tan-ok were the municipality of Nueva Era’s “Tadek Festival,” the municipality of Adams’ “Ginginubat Festival,” the municipality of Dumalneg’s “Panagwawagi Festival,” the municipality of Banna’s “Abuos Festival,” and the municipality of Currimao’s “Dinaklisan Festival.”

The municipality of Piddig received a grand prize of Php 1,000,000.00. Meanwhile, the municipality of Vintar and its Siwawer Festival secured second place, earning Php 500,000.00, while the city of Batac and its Empanada Festival finished third, receiving Php 400,000.00.

Recipients of minor awards were the municipality of Piddig for "Best Production Design," the municipality of Dumalneg for "Best in Festival Music," the municipality of Piddig for "Best Choreography and Direction," the municipality of Pinili for “Best Sustainability Program,” the municipality of Currimao for “Best Innovation,” Lance Andrew Wenceslao of the municipality of Banna for “Best Male Performer,” and Janneli Erica Urnos of the city of Batac for "Best Female Performer."

All 22 contingents were judged according to story (20%), performance (20%), direction, musicality, and choreography (20%), production design (20%), and originality (20%).

This year’s Tan-ok once again celebrated the rich culture, artistry, and resilience of the Ilokano people. Through various storytelling techniques, the festival reaffirmed its role as a showcase of heritage, creativity, and unity in the province.