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Pamulinawen Festival: A showcase of Laoag City’s culture, history

Lawag – an Ilokano term which translates to light.


Laoag City in Ilocos Norte has championed the sun as it’s emblem, even dubbing the title of “sunshine city” for its signature sunny weather.


Hence, for its comeback year, the Pamulinawen Festival 2023 which carries the theme "Shine Laoag," is expected to be grand with jampacked activities that will highlight the culture, history, and famous tourist sites in the city.


The month-long festivities will kickoff on February 1, with the Panagyaman Concert which will be free admission.


This will be followed by the opening of the Agro Industrial Trade Fair which will showcase locally produced products like furniture, home decorations, and even plants and food products.


Perhaps one of the biggest additions to this year’s fiesta is the three-day performance of international circus group, Super American Circus beginning February 3 to 5.


From aerial ballerina, balancing, and juggling acts to a death-defying motor show, the two-hour show promises a good time for people of all ages.


Aside from the actual circus performance, the city government is also adding a raffle draw at the end of every show. The admission tickets will serve as the audience’s raffle tickets to win various prices ranging from home appliances to a motorcycle.

The city’s rich history and culture will also be showcased in dance form in the Na-Laoag Street Dance competition which will be joined by 15 clustered barangays of the city on February 10.


To showcase the beauty and wit of the Laoageños, the city will be staging Miss Laoag City Pamulinawen 2023 and Mister Laoag pageant on February 11 and 12, respectively. 


The Pamulinawen Festival will also be holding the first-ever La Paz Sand Dunes running challenge and motor show. On a previous interview, Mayor Michael Marcos Keon, a running enthusiast, said this will be one of the biggest sports events in the city because they will invite top runners in the Philippines to participate on the challenge.


“This is something new, it’s never been done before, so we’re hoping this will bring in more tourists also to watch,” he said.


The festival will culminate with a fluvial parade from Metro Gabu to Metro Lapaz to celebrate the Feast of St. William the Hermit, the city’s patron saint, on Feb. 28.


Much like its theme “Shine Laoag,” the City Tourism office promises that this year’s celebration will bring light and exposure to the city’s culture, history, and also its developments to bring in more tourists, business opportunities, and economic developments for Laoag City. (JCR/MJTAB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)

The Laoag City Tourism Office releases the official calendar of activities for the 26th Pamulinawen Festival this coming this February 2023. (Photo courtesy: City Government of Laoag)
The front of the Laoag City Hall is now adorned with colorful decorations to welcome the month-long celebration of the 26th Pamulinawen Festival this February 2023. (EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)

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Emma Joyce Guillermo

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Region 1

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