GRAPHIC PLUS — Contributor: Led Celerino Sobrepeña III
BAGUIO CITY – The City of Biñan once again shone on the national stage after winning two Grand Champion trophies at the 2025 Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) National Tourism Pearl Awards, held on October 2 at Hotel Supreme, Baguio City.
Leading the city’s delegation were Mayor Angelo Alonte, Councilor Ingrid Almeda, and the Biñan City Culture, History, Arts and Tourism Office (BCHATO) headed by Dr. BJ Borja.
The Puto Latik Festival, now on its 15th year, was named Best Cultural Festival (Independent Component City Category)—its fourth Pearl Award following victories in 2018, 2019, and 2022. Celebrated every May 15–23, the festival honors Biñan’s dual heritage: the iconic “puto Biñan” and the traditional “Maglalatik” dance. This consistent recognition cements its role as a benchmark for cultural preservation and innovation, prevailing over the Giant Lantern Festival of San Fernando, Pampanga and the Talakudong Festival of Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat.
Biñan also triumphed as Best Program for Culture and the Arts (Independent Component City Category) with its Dulambayan Biñan Theater Arts Festival—continuing an unbroken winning streak since 2022. Through BCHATO’s initiatives, the city has advanced programs in performing arts, heritage conservation, museum development, and creative community engagement, strengthening its position as a hub for cultural sustainability in Southern Luzon.
“These victories are not just for Biñan, but for every Biñanense who takes pride in our heritage and works together to keep our culture alive,” said Mayor Angelo Alonte. He further vowed to sustain the city’s cultural momentum: “I am committed to bringing more achievements in the fields of culture and tourism because these are true economic drivers for our city. No town can be truly progressive if it does not know how to value its culture and arts.”
The twin awards reaffirm Biñan’s reputation as a consistent Pearl Awards winner since 2018 and come just a month after the city was named national finalist at the inaugural Philippine Tourism Awards for Best Tourism Destination of the Year. This back-to-back recognition underscores Biñan’s growing prominence as one of the country’s leading tourism and cultural hubs.
With these honors, Biñan proves once more that local culture and creativity fuel not just identity but also development. The challenge ahead, city officials note, is to sustain the gains, nurture the next generation’s involvement, and continue balancing modernization with heritage preservation.
Biñan stands proud as a city of life, heritage, and experience—an enduring cultural powerhouse worthy of the Pearl.
(Contributor: Led Celerino Sobrepeña III)
 National Tourism Pearl Awards, held on October 2 at Hotel Supreme, Baguio City.){kind=link}