The downtown area and Mandurriao District in Iloilo City were bursting with revelers – both residents and tourists – for the Dinagyang Festival 2025.

Devotees of the Señor Santo Niño swarmed the San Jose Placer Parish Church for the religious “sadsad” (an informal term to mean dance offering) on January 25, 2025.

Of course, participants to the merrymaking cannot do without watching the colorful and grand performances of contingents to the Dinagyang Tribes Competition.

As the show opened, Tribu Paghidaet flaunted its awe-inspiring costume and impressive performance that sent the audience in choruses of "wows" and praises.

As for Tribu Salognon, the dancers defined eloquently what energy is all about.

Another competitor, Tribu Parianon, proved their mettle through their fantastic performance, while Tribu Ilonganon pitched in an equally grand presentation to stay neck and neck with the other seven competing tribes.

Meanwhile, Tribu Pagasa performers gave all that they have to the beat, pretty much like Tribu Hangaway, while Tribu Molave showed how to move about in sync to beautifulmusic.

Defending champion Tribu Pan-ay underscored their glory in the 2024 staging of Dinagyang Tribes Competition. 

“Over all napakaganda talaga. Ang costumes, ang saya sa pagsasayaw at ang kanilang mga props," Cecilia Cordero, a spectator, said.

During the awarding ceremonies on January 26, 2025, Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School was declared champion. 

“Grabe ang naramdaman ng mga bata. Nagpapasalamat kami kasi binigyan kami ng chance again to win this crown,” said Noel Tobongbanua, assistant principal of La Paz National High School.

Defending champion Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School was adjudged 1st Runner-up.

As for Tribu Ilonganon, Tribu Salognon, and Tribu Parianon, the groups settled for 2nd Runner-up, 3rd Runner-up, and 4th Runner-up, respectively.

The mayor of Iloilo City lauded the amazing performances of the tribes in the Dinagyang Tribes Competition. 

“Iba na ang kilos sa ating Dinagyang. Konti lang ang ating tribes ngunit ibang klase,” Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas opined. 

The mayor also announced that there already are invitations received by the Iloilo City Government for Tribu Paghidaet to perform in Auckland, New Zealand and in Osaka, Japan.