Ilonggo contingent to Aliwan Fiesta vow to show best
Tribu Ilonganon of the Jalandoni Memorial National High School will present a legend on how the natives (Aeta) turned their way from paganism to Christianity in tomorrow's nationwide competition of the best festivals at the Aliwan Fiesta in Metro Manila.
The portrayal of the Aeta's way of life is the major feature instituted by the choreographer of Ilonganon in their presentation. Tribu Ilonganon will also depict on how a "primitive ati" will dress up for modernization. The tribe performers will show skills on on how put their skirt, headband and vest.
In this modern times, the natives are struggling to cope with the modern times which is diverse from their simple and laid-back life. In spite of extreme poverty, lack of education, health care and loss of ancestral land, they survived.
Before, they go barely naked or totally naked. The female adorn themselves with bracelets and necklaces. But not this time, though a native patadyong is still part of their get-up, they are now dressed like any ordinary human being.
The changing times does not also prevent the Aetas from continuing their beliefs and practices from birth of courtship rituals to a bountiful harvest and good hunting. They believe in Bathala. The transformation of their belief from a deity to Senior Sto. Niño or baby Jesus is what will make the Ilonganons shine with 21 other festivals in the country during the competition.
Tribu Ilonganon along with Tribu Kahilwayan of the Sta. Barbara National Comprehensive High School will compete in the 2007 Aliwan Fiesta. Both, aspires for the championship crowns. The grand champion will receive P1,000,000 cash prize, P500,000 for the second and P250,000 for the third placer. Winners in the 4th to 10th place will each receive P50,000.
The participating tribes in the cultural dance competition will be judged based on different criteria. The criteria for the dance are: theme/concept - 25 percent, performance - 20 percent, choreography - 20 percent, props - 15 percent, costume - 15 percent and dance consistency -- 5 percent.
On the other hand, Tribu Kahilwayan will stick to their Cry of Sta. Barbara portrayal with all the stunts they have shown in previous presentations. The choreographer infused some dance in the depiction of the Cry of Sta. Barbara.
Other than the cultural dance competition, there will also be floral competition and Reyna ng Aliwan Beauty Contest. Dinagyang has already designed a float for the floral competition while the reiging Miss Dinagyang Cara Jeanne Sullano will vie for the Reyna ng Aliwan Beauty Contest.