TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Barangay Dagupan Centro came alive with color, music, and celebration as it hosted the two-day 5th Panagdadagupan Festival on May 2 and 3, 2025 in front of the Barangay Hall which brought together residents, visitors, and cultural groups in a vibrant celebration of unity and diversity.
The term “Panagdadagupan” is rooted in the word “dagupan,” which means “gathering”, a fitting name for the barangay that has long served as a melting pot of cultures and communities in Tabuk.
Since the early settlement of the then-town of Tabuk, Barangay Dagupan Centro has welcomed various ethnic and tribal groups, including Kalingas, different sub-tribes from Tabuk, Ilocanos, Tagalogs, Igorots, Bagos, and Cagayanos, among others.
The festivities began with the much-anticipated Search for Miss Gay Pageant, a lively and inclusive competition showcasing the talent and glamour of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Winners of the pageant included Josiah Foronda (2nd Runner-Up), Nuella Javarr (1st Runner-Up), Ikha Duyan (Miss Tourism), Jordan Paringit (Miss Environment), and Donic Ilong, who was crowned Dagupan Centro Miss Gay.
A formal program followed the opening events, where Barangay Chairman George Esteras addressed the crowd.
In his speech, he praised the enthusiasm and growing participation of the community, noting that the festival is growing bigger and better every year and emphasized that everyone is welcome, which he described as the true spirit of Panagdadagupan.
The afternoon featured a thrilling singing competition, showcasing local vocal talents.
Estherlyn Compas emerged as the champion, followed by Wayne Daluping (1st Runner-Up) and Angela Baday (2nd Runner-Up).
The celebration culminated in a barangay night, where residents and guests enjoyed a free concert and socialization event bringing music, laughter, and camaraderie to the heart of Dagupan Centro.
The 5th Panagdadagupan Festival once again proved to be a joyful celebration of culture, inclusivity, and community pride cementing its place as one of the most anticipated events in the barangay’s calendar. By Edward Joseph Gacuya
