ANILAG Festival 2025: A Grand Celebration of Laguna’s Heritage, Culture, and Unity

FIESTAS

The ANILAG Festival 2025, held from March 9 to 15 in Laguna, Philippines, was a vibrant celebration of the province's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. The festival's theme, "Sama-sama Tayo sa Tuloy-tuloy na Saya sa Laguna" (Together we continue the fun in Laguna), encapsulated the unity and festivity that characterized the week-long event. The grand festivities were inaugurated by Governor Ramil Hernandez, who highlighted the significance of the event in fostering Laguna’s cultural pride and economic growth.

"ANILAG" is an acronym for "Ani ng Laguna," which translates to "Harvest of Laguna." True to its name, the festival showcased the province's bountiful agricultural produce and artisanal products, a testament to the industriousness and creativity of the Lagunense people. Stalls and exhibitions throughout the week prominently featured local fruits, vegetables, delicacies, and crafts, turning the festival into a grand thanksgiving for Laguna's natural and cultural abundance.

A Spiritual and Cultural Inauguration

The festival commenced with the traditional Heritage Fluvial Parade and Marian Procession, a heartfelt tribute to the festival's patroness, Nuestra Señora del Dolores de Turumba. This was followed by an opening mass, led by the Bishop of the Diocese of San Pablo.

Showcasing Local Excellence

The Trade Fair Exhibition showcased local government units (LGUs) displaying their products in culturally themed booths at the Festival Grounds, judged based on design and cultural significance. The afternoon featured the spectacular Land Float Parade Competition, followed by the Street Dance Competition.

The Land Float Parade captivated spectators as intricately designed floats paraded through the streets told the unique story each municipalities' history and traditions. The Street Dancing Competition and Zumba Competition saw performers in vibrant costumes dance to traditional dances, filling the air with rhythm and energy.

The winners for the Anilag Festival 2025 Land Float Parade and Competition are as follows:

Champion- Municipality of Victoria

1st Runner Up- Municipality of Paete

2nd Runner Up- City of Santa Rosa

The winners for the Anilag Festival 2025 Street Dance Competition are as follows:

Champion- Municipality of Calauan

1st Runner Up- City of Santa Rosa

2nd Runner Up- Municipality of Cavinti

Here are the winners for the Anilag Festival 2025 Zumba Fitness Party Group Dance Fitness Contest:

Grand Winner City of Santa Rosa

2nd Place Municipality of Majayjay

3rd Place Municipality of Bay

Special Award

Best in Costume City of Santa Rosa

Celebrating Love and Unity

A Wedding Expo was held on Day 3, and it became a focal point, attracting couples and families. Exhibitors displayed wedding essentials, from attire to venues, catering to diverse tastes and budgets. Simultaneously, the Pinakamagandang Lola (Most Beautiful Grandma) and That's My Lolo (That's My Grandpa) competitions honored the elders, allowing them to showcase their grace, wisdom, and timeless charm. These events underscored the festival's emphasis on family values and intergenerational bonds.

The winners of the Anilag Festival That's My Lolo and Pinakamagandang Lola 2025 are as follows:

That's My Lolo 2025:

That’s My Lolo 2025 - Alexander Visaya (Municipality of Pangil)

1st Runner Up - Rene Alcala (Municipality of Siniloan)

2nd Runner Up - Arnel Kalaw Bagayana (Municipality of Paete)

3rd Runner Up - Porfrio Monserrat (Municipality of Victoria)

4th Runner Up - Ramon Bautista (City of Calamba)

Pinakamagandang Lola 2025:

Pinakamagandang Lola 2025 - Marilyn Manicsic (Municipality of Calauan)

1st Runner Up - Emily Cadapan (Municipality of Paete)

2nd Runner Up - Josefina Tan (City of Calamba)

3rd Runner Up - Dorris Galuyo (Municipality of Rizal)

4th Runner Up - Vivian Manaig (City of Calamba)

Special Awards

Best in Runway & Best in Retro- Alexander Visaya - (Municipality of Pangil)

Best in Kaftan, Best in Modern Barong Tagalog, & Mr. Lolo Photogenic- Arnel Kalaw Bagayana - (Municipality of Paete)

Mr. Lolo Friendship- Geronimo Pumupula - (Municipality of Calauan)

Best in Runway & Ms. Lola Photogenic- Emily Cadapan - (Municipality of Paete)

Best in Retro & Best in Kaftan- Josefina Tan - (City of Calamba)

Best in Modern Filipiniana- Dorris Galuyo - (Municipality of Rizal)

Ms. Lola Friendship- Margarita Garde - (Municipality of Santa Cruz)

Embracing Diversity and Talent

The Laguna Gay Queen and Lesbian King 2025 pageants were held, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community's contributions and promoting inclusivity. Participants dazzled the audience with their charisma, talent, and advocacy for equality. Concurrently, the ANILAG Got Talent "Sayaw" Laguna showcased local dance troupes, each performance reflecting the province's cultural tapestry.

These are the winners for the Anilag Festival 2025 Laguna Gay Queen & Lesbian King.

Laguna Gay Queen 2025:

Laguna Gay Queen 2025 - Kyla Caguin - Municipality of Paete

1st Runner Up - Phia Garcia - City of Santa Rosa

2nd Runner Up - Mabeh Matienzo - City of Santa Rosa

3rd Runner Up - Andy Amante - City of San Pablo

4th Runner Up - MJ de Lima - Municipality of Santa Cruz

Laguna Lesbian King 2025:

Laguna Lesbian King 2025 - Bana Daranciang - City of Biñan

1st Runner Up - Kiel Isis Quisido City of San Pedro

2nd Runner Up - Kim Siao - City of San Pablo

3rd Runner Up - JN Badion - City of Cabuyao

4th Runner Up - Candy Necolita - Municipality of Los Baños

Special Awards:

Most Photogenic

Arkeesha Escosura - Municipality of Los Baños

Kenji Malaluan - City of San Pablo

Miss Friendship | Mister Friendship

MJ de Lima - Municipality of Santa Cruz

Tabby Angeles - Municipality of Santa Cruz

Best in Formal Wear

Andy Amante - City of San Pablo

Kim Siao - City of San Pablo

Best in Creative Costume

Nadie Marie Fernandez - City of Biñan

JN Badion - City of Cabuyao

Best in Swimwear

Phia Garcia - City of Santa Rosa

Geo Belarmino - Municipality of Alaminos

Best in Production

Andy Amante - City of San Pablo

Bana Daranciang - City of Biñan

The winners for the Anilag Festival 2025 Sayaw Laguna 2025 are:

Champion Lyceum Pirates Dance Troupe

1st Runner Up Street Jazz Dance Company - Fatale

2nd Runner Up LSPU Gurus

A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

The Photography Competition attracted both amateurs and professionals, capturing the festival's essence through diverse lenses. Gamers gathered for the Mobile Legends (ML) Competition, blending traditional festivities with contemporary e-sports culture. The Landscape Competition transformed public spaces into verdant displays, highlighting the importance of environmental aesthetics.

The winners for the Anilag Festival 2025 Mobile Legends Bang Bang Competition are:

Champion: Team Master Rai

1st Runner Up: Team Palubog

2nd Runner Up: Team Wae

3rd Runner Up: Team Cabuyao

These are the winners for the Anilag Festival 2025 “Obrang Hardin” Landscape Competition:

1st Place Diosdado Iranon Municipality of Bay

2nd Place Rolando Rogelio Municipality of Calauan

3rd Place Larry Zaide Municipality of Luisiana

Showcasing Beauty and Creativity

The Pre-Competition of the Fashion Designers Competition unveiled innovative designs inspired by Laguna's heritage. The Hair and Make-up Competition further complemented this, with artists transforming models into embodiments of cultural and modern aesthetics. The Mr. and Mrs. Laguna 2025 pageant was a highlight, where contestants exhibited not only beauty but also intelligence and social awareness. There's even a Cosplay Competition to indulge contestants to their the fantasy avatars.

The winners for the Anilag Festival 2025 Hair & Make-up Competition are:

Champion John Bryan Canicon Calamba

1st Place Micko Sangkal Los Baños

2nd Place James Alfred Espinar Santa Cruz

And these are the winners for the Anilag Festival 2025 Fashion Designers Competition:

Champion Jeffrey Tope Pila

1st Place Jeffrey Bautista Cavinti

2nd Place Genesis Alcantara Calamba

The winners for the Anilag Festival 2025 Ginoo at Binibining Laguna 2025 are:

Ginoong Laguna 2025

Charlie Calupig Cavinti

1st Runner-up

John Emil Brin Calauan

2nd Runner-up

Astin Martin Ladanga Lumban

3rd Runner-up

Leanz Marron Cunanan Biñan

4th Runner-up

Jeffry Dacuba Nagcarlan

Binibining Laguna 2025 - Julianna Marie Quiambao – City of Biñan

1st Runner-up - Maria Katrina Napigkit - City of San Pedro

2nd Runner-up - Reizhelle Reign Garin – Municipality of Pagsanjan

3rd Runner-up - Floriane Jerick Lajara – City of San Pablo

4th Runner-up - Nicole Grencio – Municipality of Majayjay

Special Awards

Mr. & Ms. Photogenic

John Isaac Pracale – City of Santa Rosa

Chariah Janessa Barangay - City of Cabuyao

Mr. & Ms. Friendship

Ivan Ace Chavente – City of San Pedro

Charlene Duran – City of Calamba

Best in Creative Costume

Leanz Marron Cunanan – City of Biñan

Nicole Grencio – Municipality of Majayjay

Best in Swimwear

Astin Martin Ladanga - Municipality of Lumban

Nicole Grencio – Municipality of Majayjay

Best in Formal Wear

John Emil Brin – Municipality of Calauan

Best in Long Gown

Floriane Jerick Lajara – City of San Pablo

Here are the winners for the Anilag Festival 2025 Cosplay Competition.

Male Category Winner

Ken Cangas (Sun Wukong)

Female Category Winner

Ria Kasanhdra Hill (Sona)

Cross Category Winner

Ryan Jhay Castillo (Diablo)

Chibi Category Winner

Kim Canale (Doom)

Mecha Category Winner

Jan Paulenz Gariguez (Chainsaw Devil)

Here are the winners for the Anilag Festival 2025 Mr. & Mrs. Laguna 2025.

Mr. Laguna 2025:

Mr. Laguna 2025 Amir Reyes San Pedro

1st Runner Up Christopher Copre Calamba

2nd Runner Up Russel Ramirez San Pablo

3rd Runner Up Christian Balandra Paete

4th Runner Up Simonne Canlas Calamba

Mrs. Laguna 2025:

Mrs. Laguna 2025 Maria Monique Joaquin Santa Cruz

1st Runner Up Hazel Ann Cruz Calauan

2nd Runner Up Caitlin Anne Marcelino Santa Rosa

3rd Runner Up Maureen Avila-Beniga Santa Rosa

4th Runner Up Shaira Krystelle Ticzon San Pablo

Special Awards:

Best in Runway | Best in Creative Costume | Best in Summer Wear | Best in Modern Barong Tagalog

Amir Reyes San Pedro

Mr. & Mrs. Photogenic

Raniel Estelles Cabuyao

Hazel Ann Cruz Calauan

Mr. & Mrs. Friendship

Simonne Canlas Calamba

Bing Sumague Rizal

Best in Runway | Best in Creative Costume

Caitlin Anne Marcelino Santa Rosa

Best in Summer Wear | Best in Modern Filipiniana

Maria Monique Joaquin Santa Cruz

Adding to the pageantry, the Little Mr. and Miss Laguna competition provided a charming and wholesome showcase for young contestants. These children participated in a juvenile version of the pageant, exuding confidence and enthusiasm as they took part in talent presentations, traditional wear competitions, and question-and-answer segments.

Here are the winners for the Anilag Festival 2025 Little Mr. & Ms. Laguna:

Little Mister Laguna 2025:

Sebastian Lorenzo Rañada Municipality of Santa Cruz

1st Runner Up:

Lucky VJ Malana Municipality of Bay

2nd Runner Up:

Klay Sebastian Punongbayan City of Santa Rosa

3rd Runner Up:

Jhou Dashiell Varquez Municipality of Paete

4th Runner Up:

Luke Gavin Rabie Municipality of Lumban

Little Miss Laguna 2025:

Ingrid Clara Sophia Prats City of Santa Rosa

1st Runner Up:

Luzille Everdeen Dalisay Municipality of Cavinti

2nd Runner Up:

Aria Linatoc City of Calamba

3rd Runner Up:

Mayumi San Rafael Municipality of Pakil

4th Runner Up:

Mia Gabrielle Abella Municipality of Pagsanjan

Special Awards:

Little Mr. & Ms. Photogenic

Grant Sebastian Velasco Municipality of Famy

Janelle Alisanne Isleta Municipality of Rizal

Little Mr. & Ms. Friendship

Mateo Liam Delos Ama Municipality of Santa Cruz

Caitlyn Snow Caliwagan Municipality of Kalayaan

Little Mr. & Ms. Talent

Lucky VJ Malana Municipality of Bay

Aria Linatoc City of Calamba

Little Mr. & Ms. Fantasy Costume

Sebastian Lorenzo Rañada Municipality of Santa Cruz

Aria Linatoc City of Calamba

Little Mr. & Ms. Formal Wear

Jhou Dashiell Varquez Municipality of Paete

Luzille Everdeen Dalisay Municipality of Cavinti

Little Mr. & Ms. Robinsons Galleria South Choice

Sarce Yuri Cajumban City of Calamba

Mayumi San Rafael Municipality of Pakil

A highlight for many festival-goers was the Fun Rides Zone, which featured an array of thrilling attractions catering to both children and adults. Families enjoyed classic carnival rides such as the Ferris wheel and carousel while thrill-seekers took on adrenaline-pumping rides like the roller coaster and spinning swings. The vibrant lights and energetic atmosphere of the fun rides area added to the festival’s excitement, making it a perfect place for visitors to create lasting memories with friends and family.

Grand Festivities

As the festival advanced further into the week, a mosaic of activities unfolded in the most dramatic fashion. The Zumba Competition and Fun Bike Ride promoted health and community engagement, while the Furry Run for Fun saw pet enthusiasts running alongside their furry companions, emphasizing the bond between humans and animals.

The Laguna Car & Motor Show showcased automotive excellence, and the Kite-Flying Competition painted the sky with color and creativity. The Bey Blade & Tamiya competitions attracted hobbyists, adding a playful touch to the day's events.

As evening descended, the People's Night Extreme free concert electrified the audience, featuring performances that spanned genres and generations. The People's Night Extreme saw more than 120,000 in attendance at the Laguna Sports Complex.

The festival concluded with a spectacular Pyromusical Display & Exhibition, where fireworks danced in the sky, reflecting the vibrant spirit of Laguna.

G22 brought their powerful vocals and fierce energy to People’s Night Extreme at the Laguna Sports Complex.

The winners for the Anilag Festival 2025 Pyromusical Competition are:

Champion

Imelda Elemos (I. L. E. Enterprises) Calamba City

1st Place

Rugine Glennver (Skyart Enterprises) Parañaque City

2nd Place

Amanda Ramos (Nation Fireworks) Baliwag, Bulacan

Conclusion: A Festival of Unity and Joy

The ANILAG Festival 2025 was more than a series of events; it was a testament to Laguna's enduring spirit, cultural richness, and communal harmony. Each day's activities wove together threads of tradition, innovation, and inclusivity, creating a tapestry that celebrated the province's past, present, and future. As the last firework faded, the memories forged during this week-long celebration left an indelible mark on all who participated, reinforcing the festival's theme of shared and continuous joy in Laguna.