If you weren’t in Salcedo last week, you missed the smell of kicked-up dirt and the roar of engines that basically redefined “weekend plans.” The two-day Motocross Competition wasn’t just a race; it was a statement. From the 65cc groms to the Ladies Class and the absolutely mental Pro Open, Ilocos Sur didn’t just host a game—it claimed its spot as the north’s new capital for adrenaline junkies.

Authenticity on Center Stage

Shift gears from the mud to the glitter, and the vibe stayed just as intense. The Ilocos Sur Pride Queen 2026 Coronation Night was a masterclass in “being yourself.” Luivie Bitongan of Candon City took the crown, but the real winner was the atmosphere at the CHAVIT Coliseum—unfiltered, courageous, and loud.

Then came the heavy hitters. Nathalie Clarin of Narvacan walked away with the Miss Ilocos Sur 2026 title, but the stats tell the real story of the night: a staggering 1.7 million views. When nearly a million people are watching your cultural materials online, you know you’ve moved past “local pageant” into “national phenomenon” territory.

The Arches, The Elders, and The “Gen Z-arzuela”

Walking through the festival grounds felt like a trip through a living gallery. Eighteen municipalities brought their A-game with festival arches that were more architecture than art—shoutout to Alilem, Burgos, and Suyo for taking the top spots.

But it wasn’t all about the new. The Tribute to Elderlies reminded everyone that the “now” is built on the “then,” honoring ten pillars of our community. Of course, the youth eventually took back the floor. San Juan reclaimed their throne in the Street Dance showdown, while the “Gen Z-arzuela” proved that theater isn’t a relic—it’s a remix. PPSK Sta. Cruz and company showed that when you give the youth a stage, they don’t just perform; they innovate.

The Numbers That Matter

Category	Impact Metric
Foam Fest Attendance	~15,000 Revelers
Total Digital Reach	2.7 Million People
Total Video Views	46.9 Million
Health Caravan Impact	Full medical/dental/optical coverage

Beyond the Rave

It’s easy to get lost in the “Run and Rave” (where 15,000 people got drenched in foam to Flow G’s beats), but the festival’s soul was found in the quiet moments. It was in the ONE Ilocos Sur Health Caravan in Galimuyod, handing out eyeglasses and meds. It was in the Pammadayaw awards, honoring the quiet heroes who don’t care about TikTok views.

Star-studded event

As the 12-day festival drew to a close, a Thanksgiving Mass gathered officials, partners, performers, and citizens to reflect on a safe, meaningful, and successful celebration. Later that evening, over 30,000 people attended ONE Ilocos Sur Night, which wrapped up the festivities in spectacular fashion with performances by Arthur Nery, Adie, Kyle Echarri, Kai Montinola, Yeng Constantino, FitterKarma, and Earl Agustin.

ISF 2026 content garnered an impressive 46.9 million views and reached 2.7 million people, reflecting the festival’s strong online presence and lasting impact across audiences.

The festival is over, but the momentum? That’s just starting. Agbiag, Ilocos Sur!