Salakayan Festival 2005
Bravery in times of crises

 The heritage town of Miagao again celebrates its Salakayan Festival to culminate this Sunday February 6, 2005 . The weeklong celebration coincides with the town's 289 th foundation anniversary. Miagao officially became a town in 1716. Before this, it was part of the so-called Provincia de Oton (Southern Iloilo today) in the late 16 th century, the summer resort of the caretaker of the encomienda of the King of Spain in Tigbauan , Don Antonio Flores in the early17 th century, the arrabal of Suaragan (now San Joaquin) in the mid 17 th century, and the visita of Guimbal in the late 17 th century to 1716.

Miagao's Salakayan Festival was born in 1998. It is the second festival organized in the province of Iloilo after the Dinagyang . It draws much inspiration from the Ati-Atihan of Kalibo and the Dinagyang of Iloilo though certain facets of the festival are distinctly unique . The affair commemorates the victorious battle of local defenders against Moro marauders in 1754. It is also possible that the festival is an offshoot of the Moro- moro plays, which certain barangays of the town are famous for in the past, or pre-war re-enactments staged by shoreline communities to simulate the burning of local boats at high seas by Moro marauders.

This year's theme, Paghanduraw kang Miagaowanon nga Kaisog sa Pag-atubang kang mga Krisis kag Pamahug (Reminiscing the Miagaowanons Bravery in the Face of Threats and Crisis), highlights the bravery of Miagaowanons in times of crises. The theme will be acted out in a street- drama contest on February 6. Seven competing schools will showcase the heroic and victorious deeds of Miagaowanons in resisting Moro raids. They will also depict the various crises that Miagaowanons underwent during the Spanish Period such as: famine, earthquake, banditry, cholera epidemic, locust infestation, kintos or military conscription, and the spread of Ma-o superstition that caused fear and apprehension among the people. This year's theme and the story line of each presentation were contributed by Randy Madrid, University Research Associate of the Center for West Visayan Studies, UP in the Visayas .

The re-enactment of the pagsalakay (invasion) of the marauding Moros along the shores of the town is one highlight of the festival and it is usually performed along the shorelines of Miagao . Madrid , a consultant of the Miagao Heritage Committee, also made the script of the re-enactment, which is scheduled in the afternoon of February 5. The performance is choreographed by Prof. Heidi Tolentino of the UPV College of Arts and Sciences .

Aside from the street-drama presentation and shoreline reenactment, other events in this year's festival include a patadyong and hablon fashion showcase, the Paranubli -on , which mirrors Miagao's priceless material heritage; the higante ( papier mache effigies) parade; agro-industrial fair and exhibits; sport events; food festival; street dancing; blessing of boats and boat race; evening socials sponsored by schools and business sectors; and the coronation of the Queen of Miagao 2005.

Miagao figured prominently in the cultural map of the world as the site of the Church of Sto . Tomas de Villanueva, the only World Heritage Site in the Visayas and Mindanao . UNESCO accorded the distinction for this eclectic architectural masterpiece on December 11, 1993 .

On December 11-17 last year, Miagao town successfully conducted its First Heritage Week Celebration , the first ever among the World Heritage Sites in the Philippines . The affair was colored by a lecture on heritage delivered by an NCCA representative. It also featured an exhibit of 26 churches declared by the National Museum as cultural treasures and the four World Heritage Churches . A heritage walk to various heritage sites in town, patadyong and hablon exhibits, display and selling of Miagao's homemade delicacies and handicrafts, grand heritage parade, and showcase of the town's Christmas traditions were also among the activities done.

Come to Miagao's Salakayan Festival 2005 and experience the Miagaowanon bravery, industry, and deep-seated religiosity against the roaring thunder of drums and the poetic prayers of the faithful; pulsating a truly distinct Ilonggo heritage. (Source: Center for West Visayan Studies, UP Visayas , Iloilo City )