ZAMBOANGA CITY — The streets of Zamboanga burst into color, rhythm, and devotion as thousands of Zamboangueños came together on Saturday morning, October 11, for the highly anticipated Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Street Dance Competition, a highlight event leading up to the Feast of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar on October 12.
With this year’s theme, “Celebracion de Fe y Esperanza de Todo!” (Celebration of Faith and Hope for All), the competition transformed the city into a vibrant stage celebrating Zamboanga’s deep cultural roots, unwavering faith, and enduring unity under the protection of its beloved patroness.
Spearheaded by the City Government of Zamboanga through the City Tourism Office, under the leadership of Mayor Khymer Olaso, the event drew thousands of spectators who lined the streets from Zamboanga East Central School in San Jose to the Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex (JFEMSC) in Barangay Baliwasan.
“Dale kita mira na entero nacion, el ciudad de Zamboanga es un paiz de flores y amores,” Mayor Olaso said, emphasizing how the Hermosa Festival reflects Zamboanga’s beauty, unity, and faith deeply rooted in the hearts of its people.
The competition featured two phases—street dancing and showdown proper—with contingents judged based on choreography and creativity (30%), performance (30%), musicality (30%), production design (25%), and overall impact (5%).
A showcase of faith and talent
Nine contingents representing schools and communities across the city and region participated, each bringing unique choreography, colorful costumes, and festive energy that enthralled the audience. Among the participants were Talon-Talon Central School, Zamboanga City High School Main, Maria Clara L. Lobregat National High School (MCLLNHS), Barangay Baliwasan, Talon-Talon National High School, El Orgullo Hermosa Performing Arts, Culianan National High School, Pandami, Sulu Province (Emerald Touch Dance Company), and El Tribo Amistad of Barangay Tugbungan.
Winning contingents
In the Hermosa-Based Elementary Category, Talon-Talon Central School emerged victorious, bagging the ₱300,000 grand prize, along with special awards for Best in Musicality, Best in Costume, and Best in Festival Queen.
For the High School and College Category, Maria Clara L. Lobregat National High School (MCLLNHS) dominated the competition, securing 1st Place (₱400,000) and sweeping all special awards, including Best in Musicality, Best in Costume, and Best in Festival Queen.
The Regional Open Category saw Pandami, Sulu Province (Emerald Touch Dance Company) taking home the championship title (₱500,000), followed by Talon-Talon National High School (₱300,000) and Culianan National High School (₱200,000). Pandami’s group also earned Best in Musicality and Best in Festival Queen, while Talon-Talon National High School won Best in Costume.
Unity through dance and devotion
The celebration concluded with a rousing performance by the Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ) Wildcast Percussion Band, whose pulsating beats filled the grandstand with festive energy. The spirit of unity was further captured in the “Baile de Unidad” (Dance of Unity), where Mayor Olaso, Vice Mayor Beng Climaco, city officials, national government representatives, and private sector guests joined hands in a symbolic dance of faith and togetherness.
Also gracing the event were First and Second District Councilors, city department heads, Department of Tourism (DOT-9) Regional Director Dara May Cataluña, DENR-9 OIC Regional Executive Director Dr. Marie Angelique Go, and the newly crowned Mister and Miss Zamboanga Hermosa and Miss Zamboanga 2025 winners.
As the city readies for tomorrow’s grand feast in honor of La Virgen del Pilar, the Hermosa Street Dance Competition once again proved to be more than a display of artistry—it stood as a heartfelt tribute to the faith, resilience, and enduring spirit that define Zamboanga City and its people.