By Arlene Dela Rea
OLONGAPO CITY — Streets came alive with color, music, and celebration as Olongapo City held its much-anticipated 2025 City Fiesta Parade on December 30, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., drawing large crowds and enthusiastic participation from the community.
Initiated by the Local Government Unit (LGU) and spearheaded by City Mayor Rolen C. Paulino, Jr., the fiesta parade was made possible through close collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) Olongapo City, led by Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Imelda P. Macaspac. Teachers and non-teaching personnel actively joined the celebration, highlighting the strong partnership between the city government and the education sector.
A major highlight of this year’s parade was the “Dyipni Festival,” a tribute to the iconic Filipino jeepney. Uniquely decorated jeepneys, transformed into vibrant floats, paraded from SM Downtown to Rizal Triangle, showcasing creativity, artistry, and local pride. Each jeepney featured distinct designs and themes, capturing the attention of spectators lining the streets.
The parade was further enlivened by impressive Drum and Lyre performances, which drew much attention and warmth from the audience. With rhythmic beats, coordinated formations, and colorful uniforms, the performers energized the crowd and added a ceremonial and festive tone to the celebration.
Adding to the excitement were lively street dance performances, where performers captivated onlookers with synchronized routines and dynamic choreography. Kings and queens proudly rode atop the jeepney-designed floats, waving to spectators and embodying the joyful spirit of the city fiesta.
True to Olongapo tradition, city officials and the fiesta royalty delighted the crowd by throwing candies to onlookers. Cheers, laughter, and playful shouts filled the air as children and adults alike eagerly reached out for sweets—a beloved custom practiced every year that continues to bring joy to the festivities.
The 2025 City Fiesta Parade celebrated not only Olongapo’s rich culture and traditions but also the unity and strong collaboration among the LGU, DepEd, and the community, making the event a memorable showcase of the city’s vibrant and enduring festive spirit.
