13/12/2025
HISTORY OF PAKPAK SA KABANTUGAN IN PANAY, VISAYAS đś
Pakpak sa Kabantuganâaptly translated as Wings to Fameâis widely recognized as the Visayasâ longest-running amateur singing competition. It formally commenced on the evening of July 1, 1972, and culminated in its grand finale during the Kahilwayan and Religious Fiesta in October of the same year. The inaugural 1972 title was won by Mr. Hermando Montilla, who etched his name into the competitionâs distinguished history
The initiative was conceptualized by then Culasi Vice Mayor Bartolome Rizada Toboso during what is regarded as the golden era of cultural tourism, under the leadership of former Mayor Flaviano Cadiao Mosquera. Envisioned as a platform to elevate local talent, the program was designed to celebrate CulasiĂąosâfrom the uplands to the lowlands and the islandsâhighlighting the municipalityâs rich cultural diversity and artistic spirit
By 1977, the competitionâfondly known to locals simply as Pakpakâwas integrated into Culasiâs Foundation Day Fiesta celebrations. It traditionally began on Saturdays in January and culminated during the townâs fiesta proper in FebruaryâMarch. In later years, the event became jointly celebrated as one of the major cultural highlights of the Madja-as Festival and Foundation Day, further strengthening its role in the municipalityâs annual festival calendar
For more than five decades, has remained steadfast in its mission to discover, nurture, and showcase aspiring vocal talents across Western Visayas. In recent years, the singing competition has continued to draw amateur singers from Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo, as well as from Boracay and Guimarasâaffirming its enduring legacy as a cornerstone of regional cultural and artistic development
â° The Madja-as Festival, named after Mount Madja-asâthe second highest mountain in the Visayasâpays tribute to the regionâs rich cultural heritage. In harmony with this iconic symbol, the competition đ¤ stands as an enduring cultural institution, undeniably recognized as the longest-running amateur singing competition in the Visayas, and a proud testament to Culasi's commitment to arts, culture, and tourism development
Pakpak sa Kabantugan since 1972 đ
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