10 finalists vie for Matagoan street dance tilt

TEN finalists will battle it out in the street dancing of the 17th Matagoan Festival in Tabuk City, Kalinga.

Matagoan street dancing chair and tourism officer, Arlyn Ethel Odiem said out of 20 entries, a select 10 were chosen to present their number during the dance parade competition that will highlight the annual event on June 23.

Contingents from Cauayan City, Rizal, Kalinga; Baguio City Ayyoweng di Gangsa; San Mateo, Isabela; Tabuk City; La Trinidad; Benguet Tourism; Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya; Tribu Gaddang; Cauayan; Jones, Isabela; and the New Generation Performing Group from the Kalinga State University will perform at the streets of the city to vie for the championship title.

The groups will form the word "MATAGOAN18" as

their grand finale to the music of "Forward Better Tabuk, Go West" tune with lyrics made by Odiem and music performed live by the personnel of the Tabuk Tourism office and Living Anitos Band.

Odiem said the overall champion will receive P200,000 while the 1st runner - up will get P150,000 and P100,000 for the 2nd runner - up, and consolation prizes of P50,000 will be given for each. Financial assistance will also be given each of the final contingents to augment preparation of the presentation, food and transportation.

‘Matagoan’ means zone of life in Kalinga dialect and this year, the city is calling for street dancing contingents from all over the country to join the annual celebration.

Tabuk City is also celebrating its 11th Founding Anniversary from June 20-30 in commemoration of the commemorating the declaration of Tabuk as zone of life.