KORONADAL CITY, July 12, 2025 — The energy was electric, the crowd unstoppable, and the spirit of South Cotabato undeniable as the 26th T’nalak Festival opened with a night packed with culture, music, and thrilling performances.
Alunan Avenue transformed into a vibrant corridor of tradition and creativity as the Bahay Kubo with Product Display Competition took center stage. Ten municipalities lit up the strip with beautifully decorated “bahay kubo,” each bursting with local products and cultural flair.
The festive beats and street performances from the contingents only added to the immersive experience, drawing cheers and flashes of camera from excited spectators.
But the real pulse of the night beat louder at the Rakrakan sa T’nalak Food Garden and Food Strip at the South Cotabato Sports Complex. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the spotlight turned to the main stage, where celebrity reggae band Chocolate Factory brought the house down with their signature hits. The crowd danced, sang, and swayed, soaking in the good vibes while savoring a feast of South Cotabato’s finest street food.
When the energy couldn’t get any higher, the Singing Duo Grand Finale kicked off in a thrilling display of vocal prowess. The crowd roared for their favorites as the finalists delivered heart-pounding performances. In the end, Fancy Duo emerged victorious, with Harmonic Duo and EM Duo securing first and second runner-up titles, respectively.
As the clock struck 7:00 PM, the sky came alive with a dazzling fireworks display, showering light and color over the city—an unforgettable finale to an exhilarating opening night.
From cultural showcases to music that moves the soul, the first night of the T’nalak Festival was a powerful reminder of South Cotabato’s unity, pride, and unstoppable festive spirit. And this is just the beginning.
Stay tuned for more! (With reports from Jonilie Mae G. Seromines)
