Category: 2026 Bangus Festival

After a two year hiatus, DagVibe made its highly anticipated return through a two day celebration held on May 1 and 2 at Bonuan Tondaligan Ferdinand Blue Beach, marking the launch of Dagupan City’s newly opened skate park, the first ever public skate park in Pangasinan.

The event brought together skaters, skimboarders, artists, and street culture enthusiasts from various towns and regions, energizing the city’s growing action sports community through a lineup of dynamic activities.

On May 1, the event opened with morning and afternoon sessions of the Skate Clinic, drawing participants from as young as seven years old to adults aged 19 and above. The momentum carried into Day 2 with the Skate Competition, Mural Board Battle, Skim Competition, and Local Bazaar, culminating in the announcement of winners later in the day.

With the completion of Phase 1, Councilor Engr. Karlos Reyna IV, Committee Chair on Tourism, announced the continued development of the skate bowl and other areas of the street skate park. He also commended Dagupan City Mayor Belen T. Fernandez for leading the project and for strengthening support for the local skating community.

“Itong lahat ng ito ay talagang plinano ng ating napakasipag na Mayor Belen Fernandez. Parte lang po ito sa mas malawak na tourism infrastructure development dito sa Bonuan area at sa buong siyudad ng Dagupan. Layunin po nito na palakasin at pasiglahin ang turismo sa pamamagitan ng infrastructure projects, kasabay ng paglikha ng mga aktibidad para sa ating kabataan,” he said.

The local chief executive shared that, in the past, skaters would gather in front of the Dagupan City Museum due to its smooth and open surface. With the opening of the skate park, she expressed her appreciation that the community now has a dedicated space to skate freely, while reaffirming her commitment to continue developing infrastructure that supports the youth and the local skating scene.

The City Government of Dagupan extends its gratitude to the Dagupan Skate Crew, Agini Kolektibo, Jai Hernandez, Melvin Delos Santos, Troy Casupanan, Eduard Gabrillo, Nathaniel Jovero, and Lorenzo Mencias, along with all event partners and sponsors, for bringing DagVibe back and ensuring the success of the event.

 

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Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia officials on Wednesday, April 29, met with city leaders to explore a partnership aimed at strengthening the bangus industry and expanding aquaculture opportunities.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez led the reception for the Indonesian delegation, headed by Minister Counsellor for Economic Affairs Sonny Sasongko and Minister Counsellor for Social and Cultural Affairs Avi Dewani Sari Harahap, along with Trade Attaché Rahayu Ningsih.

City officials and employees welcomed the delegation with a flag ceremony, signaling goodwill and openness to collaboration.

Discussions centered on cooperation in aquaculture, particularly milkfish production. Indonesia, one of the world’s major producers of bandeng, shares a parallel industry with Dagupan, widely known for its bangus.

Harahap said both sides could benefit from exchanging knowledge on processing, technology, and product development.

The delegation is also set to visit the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources seafood processing facility to gain firsthand insight into Dagupan’s aquaculture practices.

Fernandez emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration to improve systems and create economic opportunities.

“It is our hope that through partnerships and continued dialogue, we can expand markets, improve technologies, and create lasting opportunities for our fisherfolk and entrepreneurs,” she said.

Milkfish based products were presented during the meeting by local producers, while Indonesian delegates showcased their own innovations, including boneless milkfish, jerky, and floss.

The mayor also invited the delegation to attend the Bangusan Street Party, Kalutan ed Dalan, set on April 30.

The visit concluded with the presentation of a commemorative plaque to the mayor.

Also present were Vice Mayor Dean Bryan Kua, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, department heads, and representatives from business and civic groups.

 

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Students from different schools and universities went head-to-head, reimagining the world-class Dagupan bangus as street food during this year’s Bangusine, held April 21 at the City Plaza.

Spearheaded by Councilor Danielle Francine “Danee” Canto, Event Chair for Nutrition, this year’s Bangusine took a bold turn, shifting its focus from international cuisine to local flavors to empower local vendors.

“Inaanyayahan ko ang lahat, halina’t tikman at suportahan ang Bangus Street Food Experience kasabay ng Filipino Food Month. Sama-sama nating ipakita at ipagmalaki ang galing at lasa ng pagkaing Filipino at ng Dagupan,” she said.

With the support of the City Nutrition Office, led by Ms. Mariel Visperas, the initiative highlighted community driven food innovation while strengthening opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Mayor Belen Fernandez also welcomed the audience, emphasizing that this year’s edition features a historical highlight that showcases local creativity and provides a platform for Dagupeños to share their stories through innovative interpretations of bangus cuisines.

“This Bangus Streetfood Experience is about celebrating our identity as Dagupeños. It is about giving our local cooks, vendors, and entrepreneurs a space to shine, to experiment, and to share their own take on bangus. From familiar flavors to new twists, every bite tells a story of our culture, our hard work, and our love for our city,” the local chief executive said.

Gracing the event were Vice Mayor BK Kua; Councilors Michael Fernandez, Cristel Hilary “Tala” Paras, Jeslito “Jigs” Seen, Marvin Fabia, Dra. Jaja Cayabyab, Marcelino Fernandez, Bradley Benavides; Dagupan City Police Office (DCPO) City Director Arnold Solomon, Unilever Philippines represented by Key Account Manager Shai Franco; Dr. Ashok G. Vasandani; and Mr. Vijay Vasandani. Also in attendance were social media content creators and influencers JP Bagtas TV, What’s Up Dagupan, and Sarah Pyle Vlog.

Serving as members of the Board of Judges were AJ C. Aquino, owner and pastry chef of Manna Coffee and Pastries; Tom Ora, Akar ng Pangasinense content creator; and Gianna Sembrano, Foods Commercial Planning Manager of Unilever Philippines Inc.

The featured event showcased creative twists on Dagupan’s iconic bangus, highlighting homegrown talent and celebrating the richness of Filipino street food culture.

The City Government of Dagupan extends its heartfelt gratitude to Knorr and Akxel Gas for serving as partners and for their continued support in staging the event successfully.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS AND TO ALL OUR PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS!

BEST BOOTH

Señor Tesoro College – Ilocos Region

BEST DISH

1ST PLACE – Señor Tesoro College (Ilocos Region)

Bangus Dinakdakan Ilocos Tacos and Fried Bangus Dinakdakan Skewers

2ND PLACE – STI College Dagupan (Western Visayas)

Bangus Inasal con Leones

3RD PLACE – UdD (Northern Mindanao)

Steamed Bangus Piaparan with Knorr-infused Coconut Sauce

Participating Schools and Universities:

1. Philippine College of Science and Technology (PhilCST) – CENTRAL LUZON
2. Systems Technology Institute College Dagupan (STI) – WESTERN VISAYAS
3. Universidad de Dagupan (UdD) – NORTHERN MINDANAO
4. University of Luzon (UL) – CENTRAL VISAYAS
5. PHINMA University of Pangasinan (PHINMA Upang) – CALABARZON
6. Señor Tesoro College (STC) – ILOCOS REGION
7. Philippine Institute for Maritime Studies and Technology (PIMSAT) – ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA
8. Lyceum-Northwestern University (L-NU) – BARMM

 

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Muling ipinamalas ng mga bangus grower ang lakas at sigla ng industriya sa taunang Bangus Rodeo, tampok ang pinakamahaba, pinakamabigat, at pinakamagandang bangus na tunay na ipinagmamalaki ng Dagupan.

Nanguna ang isang bangus na may habang 71 sentimetro bilang pinakamahaba, habang umabot naman sa 2.67 kilo ang itinanghal na pinakamabigat sa isinagawang 2026 Bangus Rodeo.

Isang perpektong marka na 100 porsyento ang nakuha ng itinanghal na prettiest bangus champion mula sa Barangay Lucao, na hinangaan dahil sa malinaw na mata, maayos na palikpik, mabilog na katawan, buo at makintab na kaliskis, at natural na hugis ng buntot, mga katangiang sumasalamin sa kalidad ng isang tunay na Dagupan bangus.

Ipinamalas din ng mga kalahok ang kanilang bilis at husay sa iba pang kategorya tulad ng Fastest Bangus Classifier, Fastest Bangus Deboner, at Fastest Bangus Eater, na patunay ng mataas na antas ng kasanayan sa industriya.

Lubos na nagpasalamat si Mayor Belen T. Fernandez sa pangunahing sponsor na Feedmix Specialist Inc., na patuloy na nagbibigay suporta sa aktibidad na nagsisilbing bukas na entablado para sa mga pangunahing manlalaro ng bangus industrya at patuloy na nagpapalakas sa pangunahing produkto ng lungsod.

Nakiisa rin sa okasyon si Her Excellency Li Xiaoyan, Consul and Head of Post of the Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Laoag, kasama ang kanyang delegasyon, gayundin ang mga opisyal ng lungsod, upang saksihan ang isang tradisyong patuloy na humuhubog sa pagkakakilanlan ng mga Dagupeño.

Dumalo rin ang mga kinatawan ng Department of Migrant Workers upang makibahagi sa selebrasyon.

Pinangunahan nina 2026 Bangus Festival Hermano Mayor, Councilor Marcelino Fernandez, at Vice Mayor Dean Bryan Kua ang paggawad ng parangal sa mga nagwagi.

CONGRATULATIONS SA LAHAT NG 2026 BANGUS RODEO WINNERS

LONGEST BANGUS

Champion: Alexander Melendez — 71 cm

1st Runner Up: Kate E. Sauler — 70 cm

2nd Runner Up: Alvin Caguioa — 62 cm

HEAVIEST BANGUS

Champion: Dominic Camacho — 2.67 kg

1st Runner Up: Joe Soriano — 2.30 kg

2nd Runner Up: Joana Grace Melendez — 2.18 kg

PRETTIEST BANGUS

Champion: Adela Caguioa — 100%

1st Runner Up: Jolly Atoy Cayabyab — 99%

2nd Runner Up: Alvin Caguioa — 98%

FASTEST BANGUS CLASSIFIER

Champion: Ryan Doria — 2:03

1st Runner Up: Melecio Melendez — 2:20

2nd Runner Up: Jemar N. Bandera — 2:33

FASTEST BANGUS DEBONER

Champion: Joemarie C. Paryaoan — 1:12.95

1st Runner Up: Pedro Roman — 1:13.00

2nd Runner Up: Ivy Tenderilla — 1:25.00

FASTEST BANGUS EATER

Champion: Ruben Fernandez — 2:21.31

1st Runner Up: Jaime A. Bucao — 2:28

2nd Runner Up: Crisanto Zamora — 5:57.69

Isang malinaw na patunay ang Bangus Rodeo na patuloy na umaangat ang industriya ng bangus sa Dagupan, dala ang husay, sipag, at dedikasyon ng mga Dagupeñong patuloy na nagbibigay buhay sa pangunahing yaman ng lungsod.

 

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