Iloilo humbly accepts defeat in Aliwan 2006
Ilonggos indeed know how to accept defeat. They humbly acceded to their fate in the recently concluded 2006 Aliwan Festival with Dinagyang Festival ranked only second to Sinulog Festival of Cebu even if some quarters are pushing the members of the delegation to file a protest.
Instead, the Iloilo delegation led by Iloilo Dinagyang Committee executive director Ben Jimena modestly accepted the results. The Dinagyang festival was represented by Tribu Ilonganon of Jalandoni Memorial National High School being the winner in the Dinagyang 2006 festival.
Tribu Ilonganon was well-applauded when they performed at the Star City. The crowd awaited for the performance of the Tribu Ilonganon as last year's festival went to Iloilo City. They received P500,000 cash.
Though, Tribu Ilonganon lost in the competition and yet they were asked to perform in different areas in the country. They traveled and performed in Dagupan City and Santiago, Isabela.
The Pintados de Pasi bagged the third runner up in the recent Aliwan Festival. They received P250,000. Officials of Passi City came full force to witness the event as the choreographer of Tribu Ilonganon used to be the choreographer of Pintados de Pasi.
Pintados de Pasi did not join in the Dinagyang 2006 and instead participated in the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City.
Another tribe from Iloilo which did their best and awed the crowd is the Tribu Manog-gama of Maasin. The crowd cheered when they performed using bamboo as their basic instrument. Those who witnessed the event where surprised to hear that they only landed on the best-of-seven top regional winners. They received P200,000. Mayor Mariano Malones and several officials gave their full support to the tribe.
The Tribu Kahilwayan of Sta. Barbara was also included in the seven best regional performers. They portrayed how the people were liberated as manifested in their tribe's name "Kahilwayan." They also received P200,000. Mayor Isabelo Maquino and SB member Dennis Octaviano accompanied the tribe when they competed in Metro Manila.
The other region's which won in the regional level were Babaylan Festival of Bago, Negros Occidental, Halad Festival of Pigcawayan, North Cotabato;
Pamulinawen Festival of Laoag; Pasalamat Festival of Pagadian City and Padang-Padang Festival of Parang, Maguindanao.
Iloilo's representative to the Reyna ng Aliwan, Cherry Mae Barbo won second place in the competition. The beauty competition was held last April 28, 2006.