Plunged into the bliss of Dinagyang's merriment and devotion

By Ronelo S. Ladiao

Dinagyang , oh Dinagyang ! The Ilonggo's spirit of revelry and eternal devotion to the Senior Sto . Ni ňo fueled by the invigorating drumbeats and panoramic kaleidoscope of motions, colors and enchantment filled the streets last Saturday and Sunday.

Tourists from all walks of life, near or far invaded the city's major streets to enjoy and dance without remorse as if this is a world beyond pressures and only devotion in spiritual motion ruminate the celestial skies of Iloilo.

But behind the glitters and ecstacy of Dinagyang , Kasadyahan and the endless two-day jubilation lies a cultural essentialities that we and the world should embrace… the compassion and wealth of the past bestowed upon us…

 Kaleidoscopic Kasadyahan

This year's Kasadyahan tribe competition was absolutely successful and well participated by various schools and municipalities in the province that highlighted the first day of the most revered festival in the country. Seven tribes participated and unleashed their fiery religio -cultural presentations that lifted the spectators' inner emotions and sentiments. Pintados de Pasi of Passi City grabbed the championship trophy while Tribu Tultugan of Maasin and Tribu Landing of Cabatuan coveted the second and third prize, respectively. This year, the Kasadyahan participants displayed more vigorously motions and cultural relevance that reflected the province of Iloilo as a cradle of festivals and great heritage.

Dazzling Dinagyang

The glorious morphing, transformation and evolution of Dinagyang has reached the peak of success with the expected positive response from the local and foreign spectators. Dinagyang was even promoted globally by a giant network live and via satellite. In the highlight of the festival, Iloilo City and the revelry of Dinagyang is in the eye of the world wherein colorful panoramic kaleidoscope of stunning costumes, choreography and religious devotion were presented in a vivid perspective. We, Ilonggos are truly rich and wealthy in terms of cultural heritage and appreciation if our strong camaraderie and unison will be preserved just like what we've shown in this year's Dinagyang celebration. However, Dinagyang should focus and cater the Ilonggos ' sense of identity for the next generation's youngsters so they can appreciate the beauty of the past. In the evening of January 23, Tribu Silak (formerly Tribu Lunok ) of Iloilo City National High School returned with a vengeance by scooping the championship prize for the “ Ati-ati ” tribes contest together with other minor awards. The previous grand slam winner Tribu Bola-bola of Iloilo National High School and the neophyte Tribu Ilonganon of Jalandoni Memorial National High School settled for the second and third place, respectively. Fate does have its fair share of the “ Ati-ati ” competition and the whole Dinagyang celebration that attracted the biggest number of tourists, visitors and Manila-based celebrities so far. In fact, the two-day festivity was peaceful with less crime incidents and the people celebrated Dinagyang with much jubilation from their heart.

The Ilonggos hope and pray that in the many years to come Kasadyahan and Dinagyang celebration will ceaselessly shine and glitter in the celestial limelight of international tourism that makes Iloilo a center and cradle of religio -cultural festivity.

So, with unison voice let us once again shout to the world… Viva Seňor Sto . Niňo ! Hail Dinagyang Festival!