THE PROVINCE of Sultan Kudarat wrapped up its month-long Kalimudan Festival star-studded on Friday, Nov. 22, with “Pambansang Krung Krung” Sandara Park leading the night’s roster of performers.
The grand culmination drew a big crowd from locals and neighboring provinces, including but not limited to South Cotabato, Maguindanao, and General Santos City.
Apart from Sandara Park, Philippine pop boy group BGYO, and GMASparkle stars Mad Ramos and Jess Martinez also took the stage. Governor Ali Pax Mangudadatu said in his speech Sultan Kudarat has gone better for all the years.
“For the past 42 years that we have existed as a province. For the past 30 years that we have governed us Kapamilya. Pinapakita natin ang serbisyong tapat at maaasahan,” Mangudadatu said.
The governor slammed criticisms throwing shade that the province is poor.
“Ang sabi mahirap daw ang Sultan Kudarat. Ang sabi nila nakakatakot ang Sultan Kudarat. Sabi nila wag kayong pumunta ng Sultan Kudarat. Tonight we will prove them wrong. We will show ano nga ba ang Sultan Kudarat,” Mangudadatu said.
“We want to show to everyone to the rest of the world na dito nagkakaisa, nagmamahalan, hawak kamay sa mas magandang kinabukasan,” he added.
Every November 22 of every year since 1999, the Kalimudan Festival commemorates Sultan Kudarat’s unique culture.
This year’s edition highlighted the province’s potential as a tourism destination to the world with the theme “The World Meets in Sultan Kudarat,” which featured both local identity and international culture.
The festival showcased local talents in Street Dancing, singing and dancing with millions of pesos given away. It also showed a mix of colors and culture with the municipalities featuring several countries in the global village and float parade.
Among the features were Lebak’s Thai temple, Tacurong City’s Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal of Senator Ninoy Aquino town, Egyptian pyramids of Palimbang, among others.
Miss World 2025 Opal Suchata Chuangsri also graced the grand opening on Nov.19, while Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Miss Grand International CJ Opiaza, also hosted Miss Sultan Kudarat on Nov.20.
The provincial government reported to have drawn an estimate of about 1.2 million crowd on the culmination event.
