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ASWANG PAG-USOY FESTIVAL 2005
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Roxas City—Despite protests from the local Archdiocese and peppery words from some of the members of the City Council, the Dugo Capiznon, Inc. (DCI) has opted to hold its controversial festival again this year, but with a more educated take on the issue. The festival this year will be called Aswang Pag-usoy Festival: A celebration of Kapisnon Myth and Legend. It will be held on October 28-30, 2005, at the Roxas City Plaza and the Capiz Provincial Park.
Pag-usoy is a Hiligaynon term which means “journey” or “search” hence the entire festival is a search or journey for enlightenment on the aswang myth. Some organizers claim that the efforts to brush off the aswang myth by most Capiznons will be futile because Capiznons themselves believe in the existence of this mythical creature, so how can Capiznons convince others that such a creature does not exist when they themselves cannot convince themselves, hence, the main objective of this year's festival – to enlighten people that the Aswang is only a myth and nothing more than that.
As early as two months ago, the DCI has been tirelessly meeting with its members to plan out this year's battery of exciting activities. Activities like the tribe pageantry boasts of immense color and culture. Organizers revealed that the more than eight tribes who will be joining this year's festivities will take on themselves themes that are reflective of the mythical creatures of the aswang myth; for instance, the tikbalang , the amamanhig , the bruha , the wak-wak , and the tik-tik . The tribes will be dressed according to their assigned character and will perform to the dreamy beat of native instruments.
Of course, last year's activities, such as the children's fancy dress ball, and the body painting contest will still be among the things to see for this year. Then there are new activities like the “Alternative Art Contest” with the theme, “ Sin-o and matuod nga aswang ?” to satirize who the real aswangs of this society are and the evening tricycle parade.
Organizers claim that as early as now, many civic groups and organizations are signing up to join the said festival especially in its opening salvo torch parade that will be reminiscent of how the mythical aswangs were pursued in the days of our forefathers.
The media scene is already heating up in Roxas City as all eyes are focused on the DCI. Members of the said group maintain their position that there is a sincere commitment to placing the aswang where it rightfully belongs, in the annals of myth and culture. One of the highlights of the said festival is a free symposia with speakers such as Dr. Leoncio Deriada, Prof. Alicia Magus, Prof. Henry Fuentecha, and Dr. Leothiny Clavel, all talking about the folklore, the anthropology, and the history of the aswang myth.
Every evening during the festival will still be capped with the party-goers' delight, the seafood festival, where everybody is encouraged to wear Halloween costumes for a chance to win cold cash for the best costume spotted! Perhaps what we have brewing here is the biggest Halloween Party in the country!
Come to Roxas City and you will not regret your Halloween! Join us in celebrating Capiznon Myth and Legend, join us in Aswang Pag-usoy Festival 2005!
