Tribu Linabuanon Secures Back-to-Back Championship at Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival
In a stunning display of cultural prowess, Tribu Linabuanon has once again emerged victorious at the Kalibo Sadsad Ati-Atihan Contest, successfully defending their championship title in the Tribal Big Category. This remarkable achievement marks their second consecutive win, solidifying their dominance in one of the Philippines' most celebrated festivals.
Grand Victory and Substantial Prize
As the grand winner for this year, Tribu Linabuanon outperformed six other competing tribes in the Tribal Big Category, taking home a substantial P1.1 million cash prize. This category is considered the major contest of the highly anticipated Kalibo Señor Santo Niño Ati-Atihan Festival, featuring the largest allocated cash reward, making their triumph all the more significant.
Leader's Reflections on the Win
Rendel Bonifacio Ortega, the group's leader, expressed immense joy and gratitude after maintaining their championship this year. He emphasized that their sacrifices and efforts over nearly seven months of preparation were well worth it. This extensive period involved meticulous costume creation and rigorous drumbeat practice before the competition proper.
Ortega shared that while they believed in their chances, they did not overly expect victory, acknowledging that other participants were also beautifully prepared and highly competitive. For him, their success is a testament to their devotion and vow to Señor Santo Niño, highlighting the spiritual and cultural depth behind their performance.
Additional Accolades and Awards
Beyond the championship title and grand prize, Tribu Linabuanon also clinched five special awards, each accompanied by a P5,000 prize. These honors include:
- Best in Costume
- Best in Beats and Sounds
- Best in Street Dancing
- Best in Headdress
This sweep of awards underscores their excellence across various aspects of the competition, from visual artistry to rhythmic precision.
Other Winners in the Competition
In the Tribal Big Category, other notable winners included:
- Black Beauty Boys as first runner-up, receiving P400,000.
- Vikings as second placer.
- Tribu Alibangbang, which earned the Most Disciplined award.
Meanwhile, in the Tribal Small Category, Tribu Tampogaling led the way, winning three special awards, followed by Tribu Kabog and Tribu Bukid Niñolitos in third place. A total of 31 tribes and groups registered and participated in this year's Kalibo Sadsad Ati-Atihan Contest, showcasing the vibrant and competitive spirit of the festival.
Cultural Significance and Community Impact
This back-to-back win not only celebrates Tribu Linabuanon's artistic and performative skills but also reinforces the cultural heritage and community pride associated with the Ati-Atihan Festival. Their dedication serves as an inspiration for future participants and highlights the importance of preserving and promoting Filipino traditions through such dynamic events.
