A wave of color, culture, and competition surged through Ormoc City on Sunday, June 22, as the Piña Festival 2025 Street Dance and Grand Showdown brought the city to life. Drawing thousands of spectators, the vibrant celebration featured seven competing groups, larger-than-life Higantes, and fiery performances that culminated in over ₱1.9 million in cash prizes.
Festival organizers presented two of the festival’s most anticipated highlights: the Higantes Competition and the Grand Showdown of street dancers.
Higantes competition winners honored on festival stage
The Higantes segment showcased the artistic and cultural spirit of Ormoc with towering creations and unique character designs. This year’s champion was “Piña Ormocana” by Lionel Bensig, which won ₱75,000. First runner-up honors went to “Queen Pineapple of Ormoc” crafted by Eddie Bert Sorno and team, earning ₱50,000. “Reyna Dayaw: The Shining Heart of Ormoc” by Sheena Rose Campos secured second runner-up and ₱30,000.
Grand Showdown crowns new street dance champion
The heart-pounding Grand Showdown saw performers dressed in vibrant festival attire dominate the streets with synchronized moves and powerful storytelling. Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) Pundok Sidlakan claimed the top prize of ₱700,000. New Ormoc City National High School was first runner-up and took home ₱600,000, while Liloan National High School followed with ₱500,000 for second runner-up. Non-winning contingents still received ₱400,000 each as recognition of their participation and talent.
In addition, Issie Challis of Western Leyte College Inc. was crowned Piña Festival Queen and awarded ₱35,000 for her poise and cultural representation.
City leaders highlight unity, tradition, and pride
City Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez, Leyte 4th District Representative Richard Gomez, Fiesta Executive Committee Chair Jude Abenoja, and Festival Chair Estrella Maria Pangilinan delivered messages of support and pride. They emphasized the festival’s importance in promoting heritage and tourism in Ormoc.
Local music groups like Chizweeze, Ormoc Music Pop Artists, and Don Juan energized the crowd with performances before a Unity Dance closed the competition portion. The dance featured all contingents in a symbolic gesture of togetherness.
The night ended with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the Ormoc sky and marking another successful edition of the Piña Festival.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.