The year 2024 marks the return of the Candon Festival to the Ilocos Sur region, drawing thousands of music lovers, foodies, and art aficionados to Candon City as it roared back to life this past October 3-5. Creative energies were boundless at the exhilarating three-day festival, where music, art, and regional culinary delights were brought together to pay tribute to Candon’s rich cultural heritage.
Photo: Candon Festival 2024
Renowned artist Manny Garibay, painter Otto Neri, and sculptor Joe Geraldo kicked off Day One of Candon Festival 2024, speaking to over 150 aspiring artists and professionals, who soaked in their wisdom through motivational art presentations. Later on in the day, 60 creatives unleashed their imaginations through live painting and 40 sculptors explored the dynamic craft of terracotta sculpting, transforming raw materials into works of art.
The “Cry of Candon” mural, conceptualized by Manny Garibay and completed as part of the two-day painting workshop, was also showcased at the Candon City Arena lobby, captivating visitors with every brushstroke that displays the spirit and history of Candon.
Photo: Candon Festival 2024
“I see hope and a silver lining for the future of art in the Philippines, especially after our recent art outreach in Candon City, Ilocos Sur,” Otto Neri says, crediting Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson, Mayor Eric Singson, and Vice Mayor Atty. Kristelle Singson for initiating Candon Festival 2024. “Over the years, we’ve traveled across the country, teaching art, collaborating with local artists, and creating murals and public art. Through these efforts, we’ve helped develop and inspire young artists, some of whom have gone on to establish successful careers in the mainstream art scene.”
Manny Garibay offers his thoughts on his experience working with Candon Festival 2024, saying, “It is this combination of effective governance and a genuine passion for the arts that made this collaboration particularly meaningful for me. While political dynasties can often be viewed with skepticism, my experience in Candon has shown me that when leaders truly prioritize the welfare of their people—whether through health, infrastructure, or the arts—they can break away from the negative stereotypes and build something lasting for their communities.”
“It was all a great experience for us to learn new techniques and to discover our other skills by the help and guidance of Mr. Manny, Mr Otto, and Mr. Joe Geraldo,” Ar. Jadie Joy Garnace of the Candon Arts Club shares. “It was my first time to try the clay sculpture and it really captured my interest and with this program, I started to love doing it.”
Besides dabbling in the arts, visitors also had the chance to explore several sites around Candon, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Sta. Maria Church, Vitalis Villas, Aluminak, Pinsal Falls, and the Candon City Eco Park.
To explore the tastes of Ilocandia, The 2024 Candon Festival introduced residents and tourists alike to the unique and tantalizing flavors Ilocos has to offer. Over 2,000 guests were served an array of mouth-watering Ilocano dishes on the two nights the Food Park was mounted, while 60 heads were lucky to experience the exclusive food-tasting event curated by the innovative Chef Miko Dy through MANGANTAYON in partnership with Bistro Lokal chefs Francine M. Evangelista, Tristan Aldrin Fernandez, and Samantha Missymae Abalos.
Photo: Candon Festival 2024
“For four days, I immersed myself in the rich culture of Ilocos and its people,” Chef Miko Dy shares, expressing his passion for the flavors of Ilocos. “The region is home to a diverse and vibrant food scene, deeply rooted in tradition. During my stay, I had the privilege of experiencing a wide variety of local dishes, which sparked my inspiration. Drawing from these flavors, I crafted my own unique interpretation—an 8-course Ilocano degustation menu. This culinary journey is my homage to the vast cultural heritage and the beauty of Ilocos.”
”We are truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an exciting initiative that promotes local business and fosters community engagement,” Jayson and Yeni Barbero of Sirenitas Resto Bar share in a joint statement. “Your dedication to creating a vibrant space for food enthusiasts is commendable, and we are eager to contribute to its success.
As the Candon Festival 2024 drew to a close on its third day, the indoor Candon City Arena was filled with 7,636 excited locals and tourists, who sang along to the songs of Filipino powerhouse artists Ben&Ben, Parokya Ni Edgar, and Flow G
“RAPSTAR” act Flow G electrified the crowd through impressive bars, igniting a spark that would lead to the audience cheering for more. Then, as Parokya Ni Edgar took the spotlight, the arena transformed into a sea of rock n’ roll. Fans jumped up and down to the Filipino rock act’s greatest hits, making the ground shake beneath their feet. Finally, the popular nine-piece group Ben&Ben graced the stage as the festival’s headliner, instilling a sense of wonder, spellbinding their audience through their signature brand of folk-pop music, leaving everyone smiling into the night.
Photo: Candon Festival 2024
Parokya Ni Edgar amped up the energy with charismatic frontman, Chito Miranda
“Sobra kami nag-enjoy kami sa performance namin sa Candon Music Festival. We really, really enjoyed the crowd, the experience of performing, pati yung pag-stay namin doon, sobrang nag-enjoy kami,” Ben&Ben share. “Sana makaulit kami doon sa Candon. See you soon!”
Bella, a fourteen-year-old attendee, praises the headliners of the event. “Parokya is the best. Ben&Ben is now in my playlist. Thank you Candon for this experience.”
“Sa concert ko na lang naranasan ang kilig,” says twenty-four-year-old Patricia, who attended the concert.
Candon Festival 2024 was an unforgettable celebration of culture, creativity, and community in Ilocos that has forged a tradition its residents and visitors would love to experience again and again in years to come.
