1st Balliwes Festival of Luba showcases Abrenians’ culture, resiliency, courageous spirit
Text by: Hanna C. Lacsamana, Photos courtesy of Luba LGU
LUBA, Abra – For the first time in almost two decades, residents of the Municipality of Luba celebrated their town fiesta through the first Balliwes Festival from April 13 to 15, 2026.
With the theme, “Balliwes nga nainsigudan, intayo kaylalaan, ili a Luba mapadayawan”, the festival aimed to encourage the people of Luba to preserve and recognize the “balliwes” tradition in honor of their forefathers.
Luba Mayor Emirald Baculi said the Balliwes Festival is their community’s way of preserving its rich cultural heritage and rekindling respect to their roots and history as a people, as he thanked the people whose efforts, unity, and cooperation made the launching of the festival possible and successful.
Councilor Crisma Vebs Valera Quiblado, who initiated the festival through an ordinance along with co-author Neru B. Baculi, said Balliwes is derived from the community dance of the Maeng Tribe performed by townspeople and visitors to signify unity and camaraderie during celebrations.
The festival also provides a venue for Lubanians to showcase their resiliency and courageous spirit in striving for development of their town.
Presented by Luba’s eight barangays, the three-day celebration was highlighted with colorful dance and cultural presentations and competitions featuring balliwes; Aw-awkey or Laro ng Lahi featuring traditional games such as sanggol, binnaswit, and ginnuyod, and the first ever Search for Mr. and Ms. Luba.
It was also graced by Filipino talents, namely the Legendary Band, Antonetthe Tismo – The Voice Kids first runner-up, Clash third placer, and Tawag ng Tanghalan ultimate resbacker; Wowowin Dancers, comedians Jayya and Whitney; GMA Sparkle artists Dom Pangilinan, Lindsay de Vera, and Matthew Uy; and Jacky Jackson as guest performers.
In reviving the town fiesta celebration, the municipal government of Luba aims to make the Balliwes Festival an annual event, as it invites all Lubanians from different parts of the world to come back home this time of the year and celebrate with kailyans.
