Beyond the beaches: The story Panglao tells through Hudyaka Festival 2026
PANGLAO, BOHOL, Philippines — The streets of this tourist town came alive on Friday, Aug. 28, as 10 barangays showcased their culture, traditions and faith through the Hudyaka sa Panglao Festival 2026.
Known as a major tourism destination in Bohol, Panglao is famous for its white-sand beaches, clear waters and dive sites. But during the annual festival, residents showed that the town’s attractions go beyond its natural wonders.
The festival’s main events—the street dancing and ritual showdown—featured performances inspired by the history, livelihood, food and communities of Panglao.
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The contingents highlighted stories from their respective barangays, including fishing, tuba gathering, local products and tourist destinations.
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Barangay Poblacion paid tribute to pan pati, a popular local bread, through its performance. The presentation honored the people who started making the bread and the generations that kept the tradition alive.
Barangay Danao, meanwhile, presented a story of perseverance through a working student who finished his studies, found a job and eventually fulfilled his dream of providing a home for his father, with faith in St. Augustine playing an important role in his journey.
The performances drew residents, tourists and expatriates who lined the streets to watch the colorful costumes, elaborate props and synchronized dances accompanied by drums and native gongs.
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Danao won the street dancing competition, followed by Bil-isan in second place and Poblacion in third.
Poblacion won the ritual showdown, with Bil-isan placing second and Danao third. Poblacion also received Best in Choreography and Best in Costumes. Tangnan won Best in Andas (processional carriage), while Danao received Best in Musicality.
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For 17-year-old Poblacion performer Gwenn Balbiran, the weeks of nightly rehearsals were worth the effort.
“We offer our dance to Saint Augustine, and for our love of Panglao,” she said.
Kyla Tiempo, 20, another Poblacion dancer, said their performance was an expression of their faith.
“This is our devotion to God and our patron Saint Augustine,” she said.
Rooted in faith
Hudyaka sa Panglao, which means merrymaking in Cebuano, was first held in 1987 as part of the town’s annual fiesta in honor of St. Augustine of Hippo. It is the oldest festival in the province.
According to co-founder Rosario Estoquia, the festival has continued to grow each year, becoming bigger and more colorful while maintaining its connection to the community.
The celebration was held online in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It returned to the streets in 2022.
Panglao’s contingent has also competed in the Sinulog Festival in Cebu, where it won a competition.
Mayor Edgardo Arcay said Hudyaka helps strengthen unity among residents while promoting Panglao as a tourist destination.
“This festival is about celebrating who we are as Panglaonons—our culture, our heritage, our devotion, and our gratitude to our patron Saint Augustine,” Arcay said.
He said the festival also reminds residents to protect Panglao’s natural and cultural treasures for future generations.
Panglao has experienced rapid growth as a tourism destination. Once a fourth-class municipality, it became a first-class municipality in 2022, largely due to the expansion of tourism.
The Bohol-Panglao International Airport has helped make the town a major gateway to the province.
Panglao recorded around a million tourists in 2024 and more than 500,000 visitors during the first half of 2026, according to the local government.
The growth, however, has brought environmental challenges, including coral vandalism and the impact of mass tourism on the island’s natural resources.
Apart from its beaches, Panglao also has important cultural heritage sites.
The Panglao Parish Church of Saint Augustine, completed in 1924 under Bishop Juan Gorordo, is one of the town’s major landmarks. The church features Corinthian columns, ceiling paintings and machuca tile flooring.
The church was declared an Important Cultural Property in 2011 and sustained minimal damage during the 2013 Bohol earthquake.
Five cultural property markers were installed at the church complex by the National Museum of the Philippines in 2023.
Panglao’s tourism attractions also include Balicasag Island, known for its coral walls and marine life; Virgin Island, popular among snorkelers; and South Farm in Barangay Bolod, which features organic farming and tourism activities.
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Through Hudyaka, Panglao continues to promote not only its beaches and tourism industry but also the faith, traditions, and stories that form part of its identity. /cb
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