A bangus (milkfish) harvest dance called “Gilon! Gilon!” performed by hundreds of dancers, opened on Friday, April 12, 2019 the monthlong Bangus Festival in Dagupan City.


Hundreds of dancers joined the Gilon-gilon, a bangus harvest dance, in this city is known for its tastiest and juiciest milkfish, or more popularly known as bangus in the country.

Gilon-gilon depicts the techniques in harvesting bangus from the ponds. These consist of “pansilew” (lighting), “tabiog” (splashing), “depak” (stomping of feet), “kewet” (bending of hands), “kemel” (catching fish by the hands) and “sitsit” (catching of leftover assorted fish from the already almost dry fishpond).

Performers from the city’s different villages were clustered to form six teams that will vie for the top prize. Six contingents, consisting of at least 100 dancers each, danced to the beat of the drums in their colorful costumes. Each group performed for two minutes in designated street points within the parade route.



Despite the summer heat, the participants tirelessly entertained the crowd with their performances. As the parade drew more and more spectators to the street, the more energetic the delegates became with their dancing.
Thousands of visitors witnessed the event. They gather on the sides of the road to watch the colorful street dance. Waiting under the heat of the sun is all worth it when you get to witness the colorful costumes and amazing choreography of each cluster.