KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — July 11, 2025 — The much-anticipated opening of the 26th T’nalak Festival will kick off in full swing with a dazzling thematic dance competition that brings the glitz and glamour of Broadway to South Cotabato. The event, which will take place at the South Cotabato Sports Complex, promises high-energy performances and colorful presentations from five participating contingents, showcasing globally renowned musicals interpreted with local flair.
According to Rio Padrones of the Committee on Opening Program and Thematic Competition, this year’s theme, “Broadway Beats,” marks a return to international concepts following last year’s celebration of local fiestas and LGU icons. “We want to give something fresh to our audience each year. This time, we’re bringing the world of Broadway musicals to life — but outdoors, in the heat, and on the local stage,” Padrones shared in an interview.
Five Powerful Performances, Five Iconic Musicals
The five competing groups include:
LGU Tupi – Performing a medley from Hairspray
LGU Lake Sebu – Featuring The Greatest Showman
LGU Polomolok – Taking on Mamma Mia
LGU Koronadal – Interpreting The Lion King
Darby C. (Dolfield Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative) – Presenting Chicago
Each contingent is expected to creatively translate their chosen musical onto a thematic stage, combining elements of jazz, hip-hop, ballroom, and modern dance. Padrones emphasized that all musical choices must strictly use official soundtracks and adhere to thematic dance forms — excluding folk and street dance — to preserve the authenticity and diversity of the Broadway concept.
Generous Support and Prizes Await
Participants were provided with a ₱130,000 seed fund as early as the first week of June to support preparations, particularly in production design and choreography. To further elevate the competition, the organizers lifted previous limitations on props and backdrops.
The grand prize winner will receive ₱160,000 in addition to their seed fund. The first and second runners-up will take home ₱130,000 and ₱100,000 respectively, while the two remaining contingents will each receive a ₱60,000 consolation prize.
Opening Program and Guest Speaker
The thematic dance competition is a highlight of the official opening program of the T’nalak Festival, which begins at 8:30 a.m. Gates at the Sports Complex will open to the public as early as 7:00 a.m., with guests advised to avoid bringing large bags or prohibited items. Snacks and drinks are allowed, but sharp or flammable objects are strictly banned.
Congressman Dinan Hernandez of the 2nd District is confirmed to be the keynote speaker for the program.
Judges and Monitoring
To ensure fairness, the panel of judges includes two representatives from Cagayan de Oro and one from Sultan Kudarat. Monitoring was conducted in late June to ensure that all contingents comply with competition guidelines, with particular attention to music selection, choreography, and thematic consistency.
A Must-See Show
“This is not your usual dance showdown. It’s a theatrical celebration under the sun. For those who’ve always dreamed of watching Broadway musicals — this is your chance, right here in South Cotabato,” Padrones said, inviting everyone from within and outside the province to witness the spectacle.
With all five performances promising a unique and genre-defying interpretation of beloved musicals, the opening of this year’s T’nalak Festival is set to be nothing short of a show-stopping experience.
