The Lambayok Festival in San Juan, Batangas, celebrated its 175th founding anniversary with an energetic Street Dance Competition and a Grand Showdown, drawing a massive crowd along the streets of Barangay Poblacion.

The theme of this year's celebration was "Makulay na Tradisyon, Makabagong Interpretasyon"

Seven youth groups showcased their dancing prowess, donning vibrant costumes and impressive props.

The festival, known for highlighting the town's main products and industries, namely 'Lambanog,' 'Palayok,' and 'Karagatan,' lived up to its name as the origin of the term 'Lambayok.'

Amidst the beat of the music, each participant displayed a powerful performance, vying for the grand prize of over P300,000.

The parade, vibrant and lively, aimed to showcase the rich culture and tradition of the San Juaneños.

The festivities culminated in the 'Indak Lambayok Grand Showdown,' held for the first time at the new municipal grounds in Barangay Buhaynasapa.

Enormous 'palayok' (clay pots) and coconut trees, symbolizing the source of lambanog, dominated the stage as props during the performances. 

The competing groups also united for a breathtaking 'Unity Dance.' Hailing from different schools, the groups set aside the competition for a synchronized dance, commemorating the anniversary of the founding of San Juan.

"Nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga nakilahok at nakiisa dito po sa aming Lambayok Festival at amin pong 175th founding anniversary ng bayan ng San Juan," Mayor Ildebrando Salud says.

"Sa lahat po ng San Juanenos, ginagawa po natin itong lahat para sa inyong lahat hindi lamang po sa kasiyahan kundi sa atin pong pagsama-sama pa upang mapaunlad pa po natin at makilala ang bayan ng San Juan," Elsie Iyas, the Municipal Tourism Officer, said.

In the end, 'Tribu Laiya' emerged as the champion in both the Street Dance Competition and the Grand Showdown, while Palahanan Integrated National High School clinched the Best Costume Award.