Perangat Ozamis Festival 2025 makes history with tripled prizes

 

By: Cyril Cabrerra

OZAMIZ CITY, Philippines – Against a backdrop of relentless rain and unwavering spirit, the Perangat Ozamiz Festival 2025 cemented itself as the city’s most historic and empowering cultural celebration to date.

Held on July 16 in commemoration of Ozamiz City’s 77th Charter Anniversary and the Feast of Nuestra Señora dela Concepcion y del Triunfo de la Cruz de Migpangi, the festival turned city streets into living stages for Subanen-inspired rituals, youth-led performances, and a celebration of community identity. A cultural proclamation eleven contingents from barangays and schools across Ozamiz painted the city with motion and color through Subanen-themed street dances, ritual dramatizations, and vibrant musical showcases.

The highlight? The Ritual Showdown and Festival Queen Coronation, which drew hundreds despite the inclement weather. But what truly set this year apart wasn’t just the artistry—it was the prize fund, which was tripled for the first time in festival history. Tripled Rewards, Tripled Impact; Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Governor Henry S. Oaminal, Second District Rep. Ando Oaminal, and Asenso Pinoy Party-list Rep. Atty. Indy Oaminal, what was once a modest cultural event has now become a game-changing competition, with financial support that validated not just talent—but dedication.

“This represents a pivotal moment,” said a teacher-coordinator from one of the winning schools. “For the first time, our youth felt seen—not just through applause, but through meaningful support.”

Official Winners – Perangat Ozamiz Festival 2025 Ritual Showdown Results:

• Grand Champion: Ozamiz City School of Arts and Trades (OCSAT)—₱1,050,000 • 2nd Place: Marcelino Sergio IS, Gala NHS & Kogon NHS Cluster – ₱750,000 • 3rd Place: Ozamiz City National High School – ₱450,000 Festival Queen 2025: • 1st Place: OCSAT – ₱30,000 • 2nd Place: Misamis Institute of Technology (MIT) – ₱21,000 • 3rd Place: La Salle University – ₱15,000 Special Awards: • Best in Street Dancing: Marcelino Sergio Integrated School, Gala NHS, Kogon NHS—₱100,000 • Best in Musicality: Pulot NHS, Tabid NHS, Labinay NHS, and Jose Integrated School – ₱40,000 • Best in Costume: Ozamiz City National High School—₱40,000 These prizes, the largest ever awarded in any local cultural event in the city’s history, elevated the festival from a simple celebration to a strategic investment in heritage, education, and youth development. The asenso touch led by Mayor Sam Norman Fuentes, with the strong backing of the Oaminal leadership, the festival was a reflection of the Asenso governance style: cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and strategic celebration of identity. The Asenso movement continues to reframe governance as not just service—but legacy: Recognizing greatness, Empowering communities, Commemorating identity. As the final beats of the drums faded and the performers took their final bows, one message echoed across Ozamiz: Prizes were tripled. Pride was magnified. In Ozamiz, no dream is too small to be celebrated. The Perangat Ozamiz Festival 2025 is not just remembered—it’s now a benchmark for how culture can uplift a city, and how leaders can turn tradition into transformation