Echoes of the Bodiong: Odiong’s Festival Honors History and Culture

Residents and tourists gathered at the Barangay Odiong covered court on Feb. 23 for the village’s Annual Bodiongan Festival, a proud cultural celebration in one of Moises Padilla’s largest barangays.

The two-day event, which began on Feb. 22, was led by Barangay Captain Richard Pecaoco and his barangay council.

One of the festival highlights was the Bodiongan Festival Dance Competition, where Congressman Dino Yulo attended as a special guest and contributed an additional ₱20,000 to the prize pool.

Five of the barangay’s eight puroks competed in the dance competition, with Purok Langka claiming first place, followed by Purok Caimito in second and Purok Kawayan in third. Purok Langka also swept the Best in Costume, Concept, Street Dance, and Choreography awards, while Jenny Joy Amar of Purok Paho was crowned Best Tribal Queen.

Also present at the event was Moises Padilla town councilor Pedro Magquilat Jr., the former village chief of Barangay Odiong, along with other invited guests.

A Festival Rooted in History

Established in 2018 by Frankie Bravo, a Department of Education teacher and barangay resident, the Bodiongan Festival was created to give Barangay Odiong its own cultural identity.

Bravo said he was inspired by oral histories passed down by early residents, including his own family, about the pre-colonial way of life in the community.

At the heart of the festival is the Bodiong, a traditional instrument made from a carabao horn. Historically, the barangay’s tribal chief used the Bodiong to signal important events, such as emergencies, calamities, invasions, or community gatherings.

 

Bravo recounted how, during pre-colonial times, marauders would raid the community for rice and other resources. The tribal chief would sound the Bodiong to summon the men to defend their land, while women and children sought shelter.

He also noted that the carabao was revered in the barangay, as it played a vital role in farming. Upon its death, its horns were removed before burial—a tradition that underscores the deep respect for the animal.

As the second most populous barangay in Moises Padilla, Odiong continues to take pride in preserving its rich cultural heritage through the Bodiongan Festival.* (Conrado D. Garcia text & photos)