7 groups to vie in Badiangan's Pandayan Festival 2005

Badiangan Mayor Suzette Mamon (3rd from left)presents with pride the the Bingauan binangon. With her are (l-r)a member of Bingauan Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Councilor L'Michelle K. Horlador, Vice Mayor Adrian "Bebot" Rendaje and retired teacher Manuel Carnaje. (Photo by Ian C. Espada)

Seven contesting groups will vie for this year's Pandayan Festival of the Municipality of Badiangan on June 18, 2005.

The group, which is named after the names of Bingauan binangon or bolo, is composed of clustered barangays and schools such as Grupo Binakuko (Tamocol, Agusipan, Cabangan, Cabanga-an, Bingauan, Guinawahan); Grupo Pinandak (Tina, Sariri, San Julian, Latawan, Ilongbukid); Grupo Sinuwak (Bitaoyan, Malublob, Sinuagan, Astorga); Grupo Surot (Iniligan, Catubig, Teneclan, Budiawe); Grupo Balintawak (Poblacion, Talaba, Linayuan, Cabyogan); Grupo Ginunting (Botong, Mapili Grande, Mapili Sanjo, Calansanan); and Grupo Linamay (Manaolan, Odiongan, Mainguit, Indorohan, Sianon).

The concept of all performances is based on the agreed Pandayan concept, which highlights the “pandayan” process and the functions and uses of the various types of pandayan products. Other products of Badiangan may also be incorporated as part of the presentation.

The costumes should be creative and must be made of any indigenous material found in the municipality but a peasant costume, which reflects the everyday wear of Badianganon is the recommended costume. Hablon material, patadyong, wood, sukdap, ramay, ginit may be included as costume materials.

For headdresses, “pulos” for men and “bandana” for women are required and the use of “buri” hat for men is also suggested.

Any type of “binangon” or any other products of the “pamadayan” in Bingauan, being the centerpiece of the presentation must be integrated as part of the costume and choreography.

Live music must be used and it should be metal, steel or iron-based. Cymbals, xylophones, lyre, gongs and other existing metal or steel are not allowed. Metal scarps, steel bars, iron rods and tin plates must be used. Wood and bamboo may be used but the dominant sound should be of metal, iron, tin or steel. However, the use of sound system or amplifier is now allowed.

Five special awards are at stake such as Best in Performance, Best in Discipline, Best in Music, Best in Costume and Best in Choreography.

Already on its second year, Pandayan Festival 2005 is a showcase of Badianganon's ingenuity, craftsmanship and was of life through dance and merrymaking.

It is a secular and occupational festival that features the bingon-making in Brgy. Bingauan, Badiangan, Iloilo.

The promotion of Pandayan Festival is also anchored in the celebration of the 38 th Foundation Day of the Municipality of Badiangan on June 17 th .

This 5 th class municipality located 40 kilometers north of Iloilo City became an independent municipality from progressive town of Janiuay by virtue of RA 5006 authored by the late Congressman Gloria M. Tabiana.

As part of the celebration is the launching of Badiangan Instant Tahu and Bingauan binangon as the unique, indigenous products that would put Badiangan in the world map for business and tourism.

An Agro-Industrial Fair will open on June 17 that will feature Badiangan's famous native delicacies like aripahol, atsara, puto and tinuom nga manok of Brgy. Astorga and cutflower and cottage industries. The town will celebrate its 37 th religious and municipal fiesta in honor of saint patron, St. John the Baptist. (Ian Espada/Capitol News)