Pangumagat Festival 2025 and a Mini Balud Masbate Travel Guide

The revelry was electric! I found myself in the midst of the street dance competition of the recently concluded Pangumagat Festival 2025 in Balud, Masbate. The bass from the speakers pounded in sync with my heartbeat as I watched the performing tribe contingent in front of me. The crowd’s cheers added to the energy, their enthusiasm and passion palpable.

This year, I wasn’t just a spectator—I was behind the judging panel. It made me extra critical of each group’s performance, theme relevance, choreography, use of space, costumes, and props. It was a different perspective, and I relished every moment of it!

Grandslam Champion Tribu Habagat (Three Years in a row champion)

Balud, Masbate

It was two years ago when I first set foot in this sleepy coastal town on the western side of Masbate Island. Since then, Balud has seen noticeable development—new resorts and establishments have sprouted up.

Located 69 km from Masbate City, Balud is made up of 32 barangays. The town’s name originates from the word Balud, the local name for the now near-threatened Philippine endemic bird, the Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon (Ducula poliocephala).

Pangumagat Festival 2025

The Pangumagat Festival honors the town’s two primary livelihoods—Farming (Panguma) and Fishing (Panagat). Traditionally held every third week of April, the festival showcases their way of life through vibrant choreography, cultural performances, and a tribute to the endemic Balud bird.

In 2025, the festival was held earlier, from March 18–20, to accommodate preparations for the upcoming election season.

Street Dance and Ritual Showdown

This year, nine contingents supported by different barangays participated. Each group used the same Pangumagat theme song but interpreted it uniquely.

On March 19, the street dance showcase took place, with each contingent performing for two minutes at designated stops—a crucial timeframe to highlight their strengths while maintaining energy and fluidity.

March 20 marked the Competition Grand Binayle (finals) at the Balud Waterfront grounds. Here, each contingent was given seven minutes—the entire duration of the Pangumagat Festival song—to put on their most spectacular performance. The intensity and creativity were undeniable as the groups pulled out all the stops to impress both judges and spectators.

Pangumagat Festival Winners

Judging was no easy task. The competition was tight, with slim margins separating the top contenders. After meticulous scoring, technical deductions, and thorough deliberation, the winners were crowned:

Grand Winners

Tribu Habagat (Immaculate Conception Academy) - Grandslam Champion (Three Years in a Row) | Prize: Php 100,000
Tribu Dagyawan (Salvador B. Arollado Sr. Memorial High School) - 1st Runner Up | Prize: Php 75,000
Tribu Padangan (Briccio A. Aninang Sr. High School) - 2nd Runner Up | Prize: Php 50,000

Special Awards (Both won by Tribu Padangan):

Best in Street Dance | Prize: Php 15,000
Best Costume | Prize: Php 10,000

Kudos to all the winners and participating contingents who delivered incredible performances:

Tribu Hubasan (Quinayangan National High School)
Tribu Bugana (Balud National High School)
Tribu Mamumugon (Balud Municipal College)
Tribu Paganita (Pedro C. Sese Sr. Memorial High School)
Tribu Mandulaw (Victory Integrated School)
Tribu Madasigon (Liberato P. Tacurda Sr. High School)

Side Trip Attractions in Balud

If you're visiting Balud for the Pangumagat Festival, why not explore its natural gems?

Palani Beach – A stunning 10-km stretch of uncrowded white sand. Stay at one of the resorts and witness breathtaking sunsets.
Jintotolo Island & Lighthouse – Home to Faro de Isla Jintotolo, a Spanish-era lighthouse built in 1895. The island also boasts snorkeling and diving opportunities. Read post here.
Lumawig Land & Water Adventure – A peaceful cruise along the 4-km Lumawig River in Talisay, Balud. Contact Lumawig Land $ Water Adventure at +63947.707.8751 or email lgubaludgov@yahoo.com

How to Get to Balud, Masbate

Despite being somewhat remote, Masbate is accessible through multiple routes. To reach Balud, you first need to get to Masbate City.

By Air + Land

Fly to Masbate Airport (Moises R. Espinosa Airport) – Cebu Pacific (CebGo) flies from Manila or Cebu. Starting March 30, 2025, flights will operate from Clark instead of Manila.
Land Transport to Balud – GT Vans from Masbate City to Balud cost Php 200 (1.5-hour trip). Non-aircon buses are also available (Php 40–200, depending on the distance).

By Land & RORO

Direct Bus from Manila – Raymond Bus and Bicol Isarog offer direct Manila-Balud trips (via PITX & EDSA Cubao). Fare: Php 2,000 | Travel time: 21 hours.

By Fastcraft from Capiz (Panay Island)

A 5-hour fastcraft from Capiz to Calumpang Port, Balud, is an option for travelers from Panay Island.

Where to Stay in Balud

For the best experience, consider staying near the beach. Here are some great accommodations:

Paraiso de Palani Villas – A beachfront haven with well-designed rooms and ocean-view loft villas.
Palani Beach Park – A resort with cozy rooms, beachfront cottages, and a pool.
Beatriz Rafaela Resort – A high-end stay in Panubigan, Balud, featuring luxurious villas, pools, and private willas with pool. Food here was excellent!
Trios Lake Resort – A well-designed resort near a lakeside, scenic pool, ideal lakeside birdwatching site and serene stays.

Balud, Masbate, is fast emerging as a must-visit destination. Whether you're here for the Pangumagat Festival, its pristine beaches, or historical sites, the town offers an enriching cultural and nature-filled experience. See you in Balud!

It was an honor to be part of the judges for this year's festival.

Capping the Pangumagat Festival 2025 with some fireworks