By Shai Garcia Kababaihang MEAksyon BayaNiJuan Cook Fest featured a culinary competition showcasing traditional Tiaongin dishes. (Q...
By Shai Garcia
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| Kababaihang MEAksyon BayaNiJuan Cook Fest featured a culinary competition showcasing traditional Tiaongin dishes. (Quezon PIO) |
TIAONG, Quezon - The municipality of Tiaong kicked off its week-long BayaNiJuan Festival 2025 on Wednesday, June 18, in honor of the town’s patron saint, St. John the Baptist. Spearheaded by the Tiaong Local Government under the leadership of Mayor Vincent RJ Mea, the festival runs until June 24 and features community contests, cultural programs, and a variety of activities.
As part of the opening day of the BayaNiJuan Festival 2025, the Tiaong Local Government facilitated “A Treat to Balikbayan: A Discovery Tour,” a program designed to welcome home Tiaongins who had spent time working or living abroad, and to reintroduce them to the municipality’s tourism assets, recent infrastructure improvements, and public service developments.
The group visited Tikub Lake, a crater lake in Brgy. Ayusanrecognized as one of the country’s emerging tourist gems. They also toured the Doña Concha Umali Ancestral House, where preserved furniture and antique paintings offer a glimpse into the town’s storied past. The group also viewed the Ala-Ala Park Dancing Fountain, one of the town’s newer attractions.
Participants also visited the Divine Mercy Parish Church in Brgy. Ayusan II, where they celebrated the architectural design of the church’s façade, interior layout, and stained-glass altar feature—an expression of the town’s enduring faith.
The tour also highlighted improvements in local government facilities and health services, such as the developed TiaongTown Plaza, the Tiaong Super Health Center in Barangay Ayusan II, and the Municipal Rural Health Unit, now equipped with key medical features including an emergency room, delivery facilities, x-ray, and pharmacy services. They also visited the Office of the Mayor and the MEAKsyong AgadCenter, reflecting the LGU’s continuing commitment to public service.
Educational institutions were also among their stops, with visits to St. John Parochial School and Claro M. Recto Memorial Central School, both of which are integral to the academic foundation of Tiaong’s youth.
To cap the experience, balikbayan guests visited Earthkeepers’ Garden and Restaurant, a popular local dining destination where they enjoyed homegrown cuisine. They also had the chance to reconnect with rural life at the Beegood Agricultural Learning Center, participating in hands-on activities that reflect Tiaong’sagricultural roots.
The discovery tour was led by Mayor Mea, Coun. Maja Escueta,and department heads Ms. Doris Bigyan, Ms. Cely Bautista, and Mr. Jayson Pundano, representing the Offices of the Municipal Accountant, Treasurer, and Assessor.
The second day of the BayaNiJuan Festival 2025 formally started with a Thanksgiving Mass and Opening Salvo held at 8:00 am, Thursday, June 19 at the Festival Stage, Municipal Hall Grounds.
The Thanksgiving Mass, officiated by Rev. Fr. Edwin Baruelo, was attended by Mayor Mea, Municipal Councilors Escueta, Jonas Atienza, Jessa Preza, and Rec Rec Baldeo, with ABC President Capt. Noime Guevarra, the department heads of the local government, and several returning residents. In his homily, Fr. Baruelo emphasized the significance of the Lord’s Prayer as a reminder of God’s providence, forgiveness, and protection, offering it as a spiritual guide for the entire duration of the festival.
Following the Mass was the Opening Salvo, marking the official commencement of the BayaNiJuan Festival. The program featured performances from the Tiaong Performing Arts and Tiaong Idols. In her opening remarks, Coun. Escuetaacknowledged the efforts of local government officials and employees involved in organizing the festival and emphasized the spirit of bayanihan—the unity and cooperation of the people of Tiaong. She encouraged residents and visitors alike to participate in the upcoming activities prepared for the celebration.
Following the morning ceremonies, two major events were held concurrently at 9:00am, the Agri-Tourism Trade Fair at the Tourism Display Center and the Kababaihang MEAksyon – BayaNiJuan Cook Fest at the Festival Stage.
The Agri-Tourism Trade Fair highlighted locally sourced products, seasonal harvests, and crafts made by Tiaong’sagricultural and small enterprise communities. The fair also served as a venue for promoting local livelihood by allowing attendees to purchase goods directly from exhibitors.
At the Festival Stage, the Kababaihang MEAksyon – BayaNiJuan Cook Fest featured a culinary competition showcasing traditional Tiaongin dishes. Five barangay clusters participated in the cook-off, with entries assessed by a panel of judges composed of Gidget Quejada, Supervisor at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist – Agri-based Food Development Unit; Luisito Lydia, Home Economics teacher; and Joel Palma, a recognized culinary professional.
Mayor Mea contributed an additional Php 10,000 to each cluster’s cash prize. Cluster 4—composed of representatives from Barangays Lumingon, San Jose, San Agustin, Quipot, San Isidro, and Palagaran—was declared champion and awarded Php20,000. Cluster 1 took second place with Php 18,000, followed by Cluster 2 in third place with Php 16,000. Clusters 3 and 5 received Php 14,000 and Php 12,000, respectively.
Councilors Escueta and Rex Bautista were in attendance, along with department heads from the local government. In his closing message, Coun. Bautista acknowledged the efforts of all participants and emphasized the role of culinary heritage in promoting local identity.
The celebration continued in the afternoon with Senior Citizens’ Day held at 1:00 pm at the Tiaong Town Plaza. The event, themed “Retro Back to the ’60s,” gathered senior residents for an afternoon of dancing, singing, and reminiscing in tribute to their valuable contributions to the community.
Mayora Mabet Mea and Mr. Dani Mea graced the program alongside Municipal Councilors Escueta, Tom Ilao, and Bautista, as well as OSCA President Tinette Manasala, showing their support for the town’s elder citizens.
Mayor Mea awarded Php8,000 each to six senior citizen clusters that participated in the dance activity, in recognition of their active engagement in the program.
The second day of the BayaNiJuan Festival 2025 concluded with “Sining Siklab sa BayaNiJuan”, a showcase of local artistry held at 6:00 pm at the Festival Stage. The event highlighted homegrown talent through a Modern Dance Competition and a “Your Face Sounds Familiar”–themed singing contest, with five barangay clusters participating that drew cheers from the crowd.
Joining the audience were Mayora Mabet Mea, Coun. Escueta, and SK Federation President Kenneth Obispo, in support of youth-driven arts and culture in the municipality. The panel of judges included Jason Garcia, Lai Villahermosa, and Ivy Joy Cabutihan.
In the dance category, Cluster 4 emerged as champion, with Cluster 2 and Cluster 3 following in first and second place, respectively. Meanwhile, in the singing contest, Cluster 1 took the top spot, Cluster 4 earned first place, and Cluster 3 secured second.
To further boost the winners’ recognition and morale, Mayor Mea contributed an additional Php100,000 to the cash prize pool, capping the night with an affirming show of support for Tiaong’s creative spirit.
DAY 3
Day 3 of BayaNiJuan Festival 2025 featured two parallel events on Friday evening, June 20, offering both cultural entertainment and athletic competition to the Tiaong community.
At the Festival Stage, the San Miguel Beer Plaza welcomed residents to showcase their vocal talents in an open-mic session, allowing them to take the stage alongside a live band. Several local bands also performed cover songs and original compositions. The beer fest created a relaxed and fun space for musical expression, highlighting the community’s shared love for music and celebration.
Meanwhile, the 3rd MeAksyon Agad: Tagisan ng Kamao, an amateur boxing tournament, took place at the Tiaong Town Plaza. The competition welcomed participants aged 16 to 35, with those under 18 required to present parental consent. The program began in the morning with registration, medical clearance, and fighter pairings, culminating in the evening’s official bouts.
The event was attended by Mayor Mea, Mayora Mabet Mea, and Municipal Councilors Escueta, Ilao, Atienza, Baldeo, and Bautista, accompanied by Executive Assistant Diego Mea and Municipal Administrator Atty. Serge Eulogio. In a show of support for local sports, Mayor Mea contributed Php135,000 to the event’s prize fund to encourage wider participation and promote sportsmanship among young athletes.
DAY 4 JUNE 21
DAY 5 JUNE 22
There are still some activities that can be looked forward to in the remaining days of the week. June 23 will begin with the “PaPAWrmahan ng Bespren ni Juan” at the Festival Stage, where pets will be showcased in themed outfits by their owners. In the afternoon, the celebration continues with the St. John the Baptist Procession at the parish grounds. The day will conclude with the Hari at Reyna ng Tiaong 2025 Coronation Night at 6:00 pm at the Festival Stage. The pageant seeks to crown individuals who embody the beauty, intellect, and values of Tiaong. Official candidate profiles are posted on the Tiaong PIO Facebook Page.
On Tuesday, June 24, festivities will commence at 8:00 am with the Buling-Buling Foam Party at the Festival Stage, featuring guest performers HELLMARY, DJ Phillip Japor, DJ Audrey, and emcee Costaboy. A concelebrated Mass will follow at 9:00 am at the St. John the Baptist Parish Church, marking the feast day of the town’s patron saint.
In the evening, the festival’s grand culmination will take place with Mayor RJM Night at 5:00 pm, headlined by live performances from Ely Buendia, Kyle Echarri, Maris Racal, Joshua Garcia, and Gloryen.
As the festival draws to a close, the Tiaong Local Government encourages everyone to continue participating in the remaining activities and celebrate the spirit of unity and community identity.
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