Traditional dances and gala cap the memorable celebration
The festive month of May ended leaving memories of the past that was etched in the hearts of the Ilonggos and would eternally resound in their thoughts. Dubbed as the Champion of Heritage, the City of Iloilo hosted the culminating ceremonies of the month-long celebration of cultural wealth and historical treasure.
Before the celebration came to its end, Iloilo was able to take a last glimpse of its rich heritage through a series of activities prepared by the involved bodies in this year's Heritage Month.
The day started with a walking tour that featured the archaic houses, church, convent, and the historical Mejica Makinaugalingon Museum of Molo. By 11:00 am, the Molo Plaza was in a festive mood as guests witnessed the colorful song and dance presentations made by the Filipino-Chinese community as represented by the Iloilo Central Commercial High School and the Sun Yat Sen High School.
Guests and performers were treated with a sumptuous lunch at the St. Anne Parish Convent in Molo. Various Ilonggo cuisines including the famous Pansit Molo, the savory lechon, and the delicious Rellenong Bangus were served. Foreign and local visitors had a privilege to taste the extraordinary goodness of Ilonggo delicacies like baye-baye, pinasugbo, empanada, and bande.
As the lunch neared its end, the authentic community group from Sigma, Capiz gave a special performance of their traditional dance called Escutis. The dance is considered as a ritual to test the sturdiness of the newly-built house yet oftentimes executed to bring good luck during special occasions like birthdays and fiestas.
The dance steps were mainly made up of strong thrusting and stamping of feet against the floor as accompanied by the lively music played by the guitarists. Quick turns were made by the pair of couples who were facing each other. The dance is quite similar to that of the traditional English dances that were performed during weddings.
Foreign nationals gladly tried the exhausting dance as they eagerly listened to the dancers' instructions. Department of Tourism Regional Director Edwin Trompeta, who was not able to resist the inviting beat of the legendary Escutis music, eventually joined the dancing guests.
The celebration dramatically culminated with a Gala at the Marquez-Lim Ancestral House that was hosted by an Ilongga former Senator Nikki Coseteng. The dinner showcased the best of Ilonggo cuisine and was catered by Ping and Cosette Montelibano.
Behind the success of the Heritage Month Celebration here in Iloilo are ICCHCC Executive committee members whose names are indeed worthy to mention: Mayor Jerry Treñas; Architect Antonio Sangrador; Architect Manuel Tingzon; Engineer Noel Hechanova; Architect Regina Corteza-Gregorio; Mr. Joseph Albania; Dr. Kristin Treñas; DOT Regional Director Edwin Trompeta; Councilor Mercy Drilon-Garcia; Mr. Jose Roni Peñalosa of City Planning and Development Office; Mr. Francis Gentoral of Candian Urban Institute; Mr. Nonel Gemora of Rotary Club Iloilo; Miss Desiree Bretaña of ABS CBN Network; Mr. Florencio Besana of CREBA; Miss Ruth Camiña of Mother Theresa Center; Mr. Oskie Arenas; Mr. Edward Yee; Mr. Emilio Diez of Iloilo City Convention Bureau; Architect Wilfredo Sy Jr; Architect Jomari Moleta; and Architect Rony de Juan.
Kudos to all who contributed in this year's celebration!