Tribu Buliganay Wins as Buyogan Festival Returns

Posted on September 10, 2026 at 2:08 am

Abuyog, Leyte — Tribu Buliganay of Notre Dame of Abuyog, Inc. took the top spot in the Buyogan Festival 2026 Showdown Competition as the town brought back its annual celebration on August 27.

Five school-based contingents joined this year’s festival, which featured a morning street parade followed by ritual presentations in the afternoon.

The parade began at 9 a.m., with the participating tribes performing along the streets in colorful costumes while showcasing their choreography and musical performances.

At 3 p.m., the competition shifted to the Ritual Presentation, where each tribe presented its own take on the story, traditions, and cultural themes associated with the Buyogan Festival.

The five participating contingents were:

Tribu Hornets — Abuyog National High School

Tribu Lapinig — Abuyog Academy, Inc.

Tribu Buliganay — Notre Dame of Abuyog, Inc.

Tribu Bukot — Hampipila National High School

Tribu Ligwan — Balocawehay National High School

Tribu Buliganay won first place in the Showdown Competition and received ₱100,000.

Tribu Lapinig placed second with ₱70,000, while Tribu Hornets finished third and received ₱50,000. Tribu Ligwan placed fourth with ₱30,000, and Tribu Bukot took fifth place with ₱20,000.

Special Awards

Tribu Hornets picked up several special awards, including Best in Buyog Costume, Best in Festival Costume, and Best in Street Parade.

Tribu Ligwan won Best in Festival Queen Costume, Best in Solo and Showdown Performance, and Best in Festival Queen.

Tribu Buliganay also earned the Best in Musicality award.

Festival Returns After a Hiatus

The 2026 celebration marked the return of the Buyogan Festival in Abuyog, giving students an opportunity to take part in one of the town’s cultural traditions.

The participating groups spent weeks preparing their costumes, music, choreography, and presentations for the competition. Their performances also gave the younger generation a role in carrying on the festival and the traditions connected to it.

For many of the performers, the event was not only a competition for prizes but also a chance to represent their schools and showcase their skills in dance, music, and theater.

With five tribes taking part, the festival’s return brought performances and crowds back to the streets of Abuyog and put the town’s cultural celebration back on the local calendar.

Photos by: Ronnie Yanuario | The Vanguard