1st Iloilo Arts Festival slated

By Wein P. Gadian

The first Iloilo Arts festival (September 26–October 3, 2005) invites Ilonggos to witness a festival of dances dubbed, Bayle Ilonggo this September 29  at 1:45 p.m. at Robinson’s Mall fountain Area.

The event features five of the best festival dance groups in Iloilo. These are the Hugyaw Arts Company of St. Therese-MTC Colleges (ST-MTCC), Irong-Irong Dance Company of West Visayas State University (WVSU) and the Kawilihan Dance Troupe of the University of San Agustin (USA), Binanog Tribe of Lambunao and the Pag-asa Dinagyang Tribe.

The groups will be presenting popular folk dances that portray the Ilonggos’ beliefs, tradition and culture. Dances like Itik–itik, Maglalatik, Tatay Meroy Cariñosa, Pasingin, La Jota Concordia, Tultugan Kalatong, Tinikling, Panulo sa Baybayon are only a few of the performances the audience should expect to see.

Other activities in the festival are: Arte Iloilo, September 26 at SM city, art tours and more. The said festival promotes Ilonggo art and our rich heritage.