KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — The celebration of the 27th T’nalak Festival and the 60th Foundation Anniversary of the Province of South Cotabato came alive with energy and enthusiasm as hundreds of fitness enthusiasts, Zumba instructors, and community members gathered for the 2nd T’nalak Zumba Marathon, organized by the Kreative Fitness Alliance of South Cotabato Inc. (KFA) in partnership with the Provincial Government of South Cotabato.
Held at the South Cotabato Sports Complex, the event transformed the venue into a vibrant showcase of wellness, camaraderie, and community spirit.
Participants from various municipalities, cities, and fitness organizations joined together in a celebration that promoted healthy living while strengthening the sense of unity that has become a hallmark of the province’s annual cultural festival.
One of the event’s highlights was the inaugural Battle of the Quadro Coaches, where six teams showcased synchronized choreography, creativity, and athleticism before an enthusiastic crowd. The competition also featured the Color on the Move categories for coaches, young adults and adults, senior citizens, and KFA members, recognizing participants who excelled in choreography, fitness, and sportsmanship.
Welcoming the participants, Alvim M. Batol, CPA, Vice President of KFA-SCI, expressed his appreciation for the unwavering support of the Provincial Government in making the activity possible.
“On behalf of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., Executive Director Rudy Jimenea, and the Province of South Cotabato, we warmly welcome everyone to our second T’nalak Zumba Marathon. Let us enjoy the competition, stay hydrated, and celebrate fitness together,” Batol said.
For Batol, the event reflects the deeper purpose of the T’nalak Festival beyond showcasing the province’s rich culture and traditions.
“The T’nalak Festival is not only a celebration of our culture and identity—it is also an opportunity to inspire healthier lifestyles and stronger communities. Through the T’nalak Zumba Marathon, we are bringing people together in an activity that promotes wellness, inclusivity, and the spirit of unity that defines South Cotabato,” Batol said.
Echoing the same commitment, Roger Cuenca II, President of the Kreative Fitness Alliance of South Cotabato Inc., underscored the role of community collaboration in encouraging active lifestyles.
“Fitness has the power to bring people together regardless of age or background. Seeing hundreds of participants move with one purpose reminds us that wellness is built not only through exercise but also through collaboration, encouragement, and community spirit,” Cuenca said.
The competition concluded with the recognition of outstanding performers who demonstrated excellence in dance fitness, creativity, and teamwork.
Orange Warriors emerged as the Battle of the Quadro Coaches Champion, taking home ₱12,000 and medals. Red Hot Divas secured the First Runner-Up title with ₱8,000 and medals, while White Dragon earned Second Runner-Up honors with ₱6,000 and medals.
Green Falcon, Yellow Phoenix, and Violet Garuda each received ₱2,000 as consolation awardees.
The event also recognized excellence through several special awards. Team Davao and Team Body Curves each received ₱5,000 after being named the Biggest Delegation Award recipients.
Winners in the Zumba Attire Ultimate category received ₱3,500 for the grand winner, ₱1,000 each for first runners-up, and ₱500 each for second runners-up across the different competition divisions.
Meanwhile, the Zumba Moves Ultimate category awarded ₱3,000 to the grand winner, ₱1,500 each to first runners-up, and ₱750 each to second runners-up. In the Zumba Prowess Ultimate category, grand winners received prizes ranging from ₱2,000 to ₱3,000, while first and second runners-up received cash prizes based on their respective competition categories.
The success of the 2nd T’nalak Zumba Marathon reflects the Provincial Government of South Cotabato’s continuing efforts to create meaningful and inclusive activities that complement its programs on health promotion, sports development, and community engagement.
As the province celebrates six decades of progress and another successful staging of the T’nalak Festival, initiatives such as the Zumba Marathon demonstrate how culture, wellness, and active citizen participation can come together to create lasting benefits for every South Cotabateño.
The overwhelming participation throughout the event affirmed that the T’nalak Festival continues to evolve beyond a cultural celebration—serving as a platform that inspires healthier lifestyles, strengthens community ties, and showcases the province’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of its people.
