ANILAG Festival 2025: A Grand Celebration of Laguna’s Heritage, Culture, and Unity
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
FIESTAS
The ANILAG Festival 2025, held from March 9 to 15 in Laguna, Philippines, was a vibrant celebration of the province's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. The festival's theme, "Sama-sama Tayo sa Tuloy-tuloy na Saya sa Laguna" (Together we continue the fun in Laguna), encapsulated the unity and festivity that characterized the week-long event. The grand festivities were inaugurated by Governor Ramil Hernandez, who highlighted the significance of the event in fostering Laguna’s cultural pride and economic growth.
A Spiritual and Cultural Inauguration
The festival commenced with the traditional Heritage Fluvial Parade and Marian Procession, a heartfelt tribute to the festival's patroness, Nuestra Señora del Dolores de Turumba. This was followed by an opening mass, led by the Bishop of the Diocese of San Pablo.
Showcasing Local Excellence
The Trade Fair Exhibition showcased local government units (LGUs) displaying their products in culturally themed booths at the Festival Grounds, judged based on design and cultural significance. The afternoon featured the spectacular Land Float Parade Competition, followed by the Street Dance Competition and a stunning Pyromusical Display and Exhibition in the evening.
The Land Float Parade captivated spectators as intricately designed floats paraded through the streets told the unique story each municipalities' history and traditions. The Street Dancing Competition saw performers in vibrant costumes dance to traditional dances, filling the air with rhythm and energy.
The winners for the Anilag Festival 2025 Land Float Parade and Competition are as follows:
Champion- Municipality of Victoria
1st Runner Up- Municipality of Paete
2nd Runner Up- City of Santa Rosa
The winners for the Anilag Festival 2025 Street Dance Competition are as follows:
Champion- Municipality of Calauan
1st Runner Up- City of Santa Rosa
2nd Runner Up- Municipality of Cavinti
Celebrating Love and Unity
A Wedding Expo was held on Day 3, and it became a focal point, attracting couples and families. Exhibitors displayed wedding essentials, from attire to venues, catering to diverse tastes and budgets. Simultaneously, the Pinakamagandang Lola (Most Beautiful Grandma) and That's My Lolo (That's My Grandpa) competitions honored the elders, allowing them to showcase their grace, wisdom, and timeless charm. These events underscored the festival's emphasis on family values and intergenerational bonds.
The winners of the Anilag Festival That's My Lolo and Pinakamagandang Lola 2025 are as follows:
That's My Lolo 2025:
That’s My Lolo 2025 - Alexander Visaya (Municipality of Pangil)
1st Runner Up - Rene Alcala (Municipality of Siniloan)
2nd Runner Up - Arnel Kalaw Bagayana (Municipality of Paete)
3rd Runner Up - Porfrio Monserrat (Municipality of Victoria)
4th Runner Up - Ramon Bautista (City of Calamba)
Pinakamagandang Lola 2025:
Pinakamagandang Lola 2025 - Marilyn Manicsic (Municipality of Calauan)
1st Runner Up - Emily Cadapan (Municipality of Paete)
2nd Runner Up - Josefina Tan (City of Calamba)
3rd Runner Up - Dorris Galuyo (Municipality of Rizal)
4th Runner Up - Vivian Manaig (City of Calamba)
Special Awards
Best in Runway & Best in Retro- Alexander Visaya - (Municipality of Pangil)
Best in Kaftan, Best in Modern Barong Tagalog, & Mr. Lolo Photogenic- Arnel Kalaw Bagayana - (Municipality of Paete)
Mr. Lolo Friendship- Geronimo Pumupula - (Municipality of Calauan)
Best in Runway & Ms. Lola Photogenic- Emily Cadapan - (Municipality of Paete)
Best in Retro & Best in Kaftan- Josefina Tan - (City of Calamba)
Best in Modern Filipiniana- Dorris Galuyo - (Municipality of Rizal)
Ms. Lola Friendship- Margarita Garde - (Municipality of Santa Cruz)
Day 4: March 12 – Embracing Diversity and Talent
The Laguna Gay Queen and Lesbian King 2025 pageants were held, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community's contributions and promoting inclusivity. Participants dazzled the audience with their charisma, talent, and advocacy for equality. Concurrently, the ANILAG Got Talent "Sayaw" Laguna showcased local dance troupes, each performance reflecting the province's cultural tapestry.
Day 5: March 13 – A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
The Photography Competition attracted both amateurs and professionals, capturing the festival's essence through diverse lenses. Gamers gathered for the Mobile Legends (ML) Competition, blending traditional festivities with contemporary e-sports culture. The Landscape Competition transformed public spaces into verdant displays, highlighting the importance of environmental aesthetics.
Day 6: March 14 – Showcasing Beauty and Creativity
The Pre-Competition of the Fashion Designers Competition unveiled innovative designs inspired by Laguna's heritage. The Hair and Make-up Competition further complemented this, with artists transforming models into embodiments of cultural and modern aesthetics. The Mr. and Miss Laguna 2025 pageant was a highlight, where contestants exhibited not only beauty but also intelligence and social awareness.
A highlight for many festival-goers was the Fun Rides Zone, which featured an array of thrilling attractions catering to both children and adults. Families enjoyed classic carnival rides such as the Ferris wheel and carousel while thrill-seekers took on adrenaline-pumping rides like the roller coaster and spinning swings. The vibrant lights and energetic atmosphere of the fun rides area added to the festival’s excitement, making it a perfect place for visitors to create lasting memories with friends and family.
7: March 15 – A Grand Finale of Festivities
The final day was a mosaic of activities. The Zumba Competition and Fun Bike Ride promoted health and community engagement, while the Furry Run for Fun saw pet enthusiasts running alongside their furry companions, emphasizing the bond between humans and animals.
The Laguna Car & Motor Show showcased automotive excellence, and the Kite-Flying Competition painted the sky with color and creativity. The Bey Blade & Tamiya Competition attracted hobbyists, adding a playful touch to the day's events.
As evening descended, the People's Night Extreme free concert electrified the audience, featuring performances that spanned genres and generations. The festival concluded with a spectacular Pyromusical Display & Exhibition, where fireworks danced in the sky, reflecting the vibrant spirit of Laguna.
G22 brought their powerful vocals and fierce energy to People’s Night Extreme at the Laguna Sports Complex.
Conclusion: A Festival of Unity and Joy
The ANILAG Festival 2025 was more than a series of events; it was a testament to Laguna's enduring spirit, cultural richness, and communal harmony. Each day's activities wove together threads of tradition, innovation, and inclusivity, creating a tapestry that celebrated the province's past, present, and future. As the last firework faded, the memories forged during this week-long celebration left an indelible mark on all who participated, reinforcing the festival's theme of shared and continuous joy in Laguna.
