Even as a fourth-place winner, the municipality of Asipulo stood out during this year’s Gotad ad Ifugao grand float parade with their unique “hamul”-themed float entry.
Ifugao recently celebrated Gotad ad Ifugao 2025, a cultural festival and founding anniversary celebration in the province, held every June. During the festival, the grand float parade remains as one of the highlighted events. Many people from nearby municipalities visit Lagawe to watch the parade. 9 out of 11 municipalities participated this year.
Asipulo’s float entry last year was criticized by the public for being in the top 3, describing it as “too simple”. Even with the controversy, Asipulo returned this year as 4th placer with the same simplicity and uniqueness, but now capturing public interest and attention. While the final result is honored, the public assured Asipulo that their float was well appreciated.
Kherwin Remandaban, Asipulo’s Designated Municipal Information Officer, said that they are overwhelmed by the public support for the float that their creative team worked hard for. The support reaffirms their notion that they aim not just to compete, but to connect.
“We’ve been reading through the many online sentiments, and beyond those who were rooting for us in the competition, what touched us most were the stories it stirred. We’re grateful for the way it brought people together, reminding them of home, of shared meals, and of the stories that live on in our culture”, Remandaban said.
Regardless of being placed fourth, Asipulo’s eye-catching “hamul” float became the talk of the town during the parade while creating a buzz on social media. “Simple but with a unique concept” is a common description from the viewers when describing the 4th placer float, along with a “hamul is life” remark.
Inspired by the Gotad ad Ifugao 2025 theme—“Gotad di nitaguwan, pun-oh-ohaan ya kipkiphodan” (A celebration of culture, solidarity, and progress) Asipulo was able to come up with a “hamul” float idea, since the Ifugao life is perfectly reflected in the theme, “hamul and the revered rice wine”.
The municipality was able to clearly explain their concept and its relevance to Asipulo’s traditions and way of life. According to them, “hamul” a shared meal in the community during celebrations is a profound cultural statement that directly reflects solidarity and progress. The very acts of preparing and partaking in it together, strengthen social ties while deepening communal and familial bonds.
The Ifugao rice wine complements the hamul. The sharing of the rice wine itself embodies the spirit of solidarity. Partaking in the wine is a shared experience that transcends individual differences that unite the community in cultural continuity.
This inspired theme was represented by the key elements used in the float. Four meticulously crafted oversized bottles represent Asipulo’s renowned rice wine, along with traditional bamboo cups. Beside them is a banana stalk, laden with rice, pancit, and meat, which symbolizes the hamul.
Even with the expectation of a better outcome, Asipulo respects the judges’ decision and the criteria they followed. While considering that artistic competitions are subjective in nature. Nevertheless, Remandaban assures the public that their commitment to excellence and support for the Gotad ad Ifugao steadily remains.
“Whether we return next year is something that will be carefully deliberated by our leaders, but one thing’s for sure, we will always find ways to showcase our rich heritage in true Asipulo fashion, like our floats that are unconventional, meaningful, and truly worth remembering,” Remandaban concluded. By Peachy Clarisse L. Tillay
