Iloilo Dinagyang

Nicole Wuthrich - The Ilongga Sports Star

2012-05-03T11:44:00.002-07:00

MANILA, Philippines - It was amazing when famous Ilongga sports star Nicole Wuthrich gamely responded to my emailed Q&A interview for the March-April 2011 issue of the now defunct Mezzo Magazine. The interview made me realize how cool her surf story is — for she embraces the sea under the scorching heat of the sun.

As summer continues to heat up, it's high time to retell her story. She is one of the empowered women making names and rounds in the male-dominated world of sports, thus giving the guys a run for the ocean. Read on as she shares her stokes:

Romancing the allure of the seas is just getting better and better.

Riding the crest of tide and making waves is a sweet escape for twenty-something events organizer, the smart and lovely Nicole Wuthrich, who not only excels in sports; in college, she finished Cum Laude in UP Diliman.

Beginnings

“It was in 2004 when my Human Kinetics Class in UP was brought to La Union for a field trip. The place is known as a surf spot, and since I didn't know how to surf then, it seemed like an exciting new sport to try,” begins Nicole.

“The first time I learned to surf was also the first time I was able to ride a wave. I got so stoked that I just wanted to surf and surf,” she continues.

From then on, Nicole started surfing with her friends. Not religiously, though, because she also had school, taekwondo, climbing, and frisbee. It was after she graduated that she started surfing again. "Usually every weekend if I don’t have work,” says Nicole.

Surfing: More fun in the Philippines

Even if surfing requires that Nicole make time to head to the beach, she says she doesn't mind. The beaches and the waves have won over her heart.

“The thrill that I get from surfing and longboarding is unimaginably great; the rush and the stoke are totally different from other sports!," she enthuses. "You really have to try and experience it. It’s all about sharing the stoke that you have."

Nicole says that surfing not only keeps her physically fit and healthy. It also develops her endurance, muscle tone, and — most of all — it relieves her stress.

Going global

“I've garnered a lot of sports awards because of the hard work that I put in. I was even nominated for the Gawad Chancellor Award in UP because of all the sports I’ve tried and excelled in," Nicole posits. "One thing that I’m really proud of being able to represent."

Nicole adds that her success in sports is also due her family, who have been supportive of her all the way. “They are into sports, too ... and they support whatever sport I get myself into," she says.

And of course, as a working girl, Nicole is able to do all these with excellent time management. This helps her not overlook or take any thing for granted.

"It is very essential in everything that I do," she says. "It’s a matter of being responsible of my time at work and in my activities."

Sweet success

“To be honest, I’m really grateful that I’m into sports — it led me to the right path," Nicole avers. "It helped me travel, paid for my education, instilled discipline in me, and shaped my over all character."

She adds that her family benefits from sports as well — financially. "I’m happy that I’m endorsing Billabong Girls, Sector 9 from Aloha Boardsports, Freesurf Inc., and DC Shoes,” she adds.

“Putting your mind to something that you are passionate about will surely get you far and help you become successful,” says Nicole.

Speaking of success, Nicole sees her skills in sports dominated by men as a big part of it. “I started with longboarding in 2008. You would mostly see guys doing it then," she recalls. "I just wanted to try it and do what they can do. After nailing some tricks on the board, the same feeling of wanting to know more and to get even better set in me. I couldn’t stop,” Nicole adds.

And speaking of male-dominated sports, Nicole is also into Muay Thai and jiujitsu.

Longboarding is now growing in popularity in Iloilo, according to Nicole. Last January for Dinagyang, a national downhill and push race competition was held, and the response was better than they ever expected.

“It was a successful event. In fact, people in Manila are asking for more competitions in Iloilo because of the great course!," Nicole says happily. "I can say that it’s pretty much picking up. Iloilo is becoming a tourist spot for longboarders because of the 'roads' and 'hills' (in the ocean) that they can ride on,” she declares.

Safe ride

To get started with longboarding, the requirement is simple: have a board 35 inches or longer.

“Always wear a helmet and pads. It is important to be safe at all times," Nicole says with a serious tone. "Riding a longboard requires balance. If you have centered in already, you can ride it, do tricks, and even go downhill if you like."

“The greatest pleasure in life is doing the things that people say you cannot do," asserts Nicole. "I always hear people say that I can’t do this or that, but instead of making those comments affect me, they make me strive even more to become better, to prove them wrong."

On a final note, the Ilongga sports star declares: "No one should dictate what I can’t and can do.” - Rappler.com

Source: JEEHAN V. FERNANDEZ (http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/4654-ph-travel-the-ilongga-sports-star)

City Beautiful, 2011 Special 1

2012-05-03T11:29:00.002-07:00

Holy Week is over and we're all back to the regular grind. Most Filipinos today live in cities. It goes without saying that most of our architecture and products of professional design exist in an urban setting. The settings for our architecture and our lives in the Philippines are however, less than beautiful. Nevertheless, there is hope. This issue of BluPrint celebrates the opportunities for creating beautiful cities in the Philippines with features on urban heritage, present day urban interventions and future plans.

Source: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150249098731265.371828.79956191264&type=3

ABS-CBN Summer 2012 Station ID features Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta Festival

2012-04-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

The most-awaited video of the ABS-CBN Summer 2012 Station ID with the theme "Pinoy Summer, Da Best Forever" features two of the Iloilo's best tourism events the Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta Festival. It also features Manggahan Festival of Guimaras and Masskara Festival of Bacolod City.

Watch ABS-CBN Summer 2012 Station ID Video

Opening frame by Dinagyang Festiaval warriors

Dinagyang Festival warriors with Angelica Panganiban

Dance frame, Dinagyang Festival warriors with Enchong Dee

Colorful paraws of Paraw Regatta Festival with John Lloyd Cruz

Showtime hosts enjoying the mangoes of Manggahan Festival of Guimaras

Dinagyang and Masskara dancers with Gary Valenciano

Aliwan Festival 2012 | Tribu Pan-ay Performance Video

2012-04-14T14:49:00.001-07:00

Congratulations Dinagyang Festival Aliwan Festival 2012 Champion (Grand Slam)! Click here for Aliwan Fiesta 2012 Streetdance Competition Winners/Results.

Tribu Pan-ay of Dinagyang Festival Performance Video

Aliwan Fiesta 2012 Streetdance Competition Winners/Results

2012-04-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

Grand Champion - Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City
1st runner-up -Buyogan Festival of Abuyog Leyte
2nd runner-up - Lingganay Festival of Alangalang Leyte
3rd runner-up - T'nalak Festival of South Cotabato
4th runner-up - Lembuhong Festival Surallah, South Cotabato

Runners-up:
Mamang-os at Kambingan Festival of Tuy, Batangas
Kalivungan Festival of Alamada Cotabato
Hermosa Festival of Zamboanga City
Pandang-Gitab Festival of Oriental Mindoro
Salakayan Festival of Miagao, Iloilo

Dinagyang Festival on Asian Geographic's Passport Magazine

2012-03-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

Once again Dinagyang Festival is featured as the colorful festival on Asian Geographic's Passport Magazine on April 1, 2012 issue.

Congratulations to all Ilonggos! Grab a copy now. :)

These photos were taken by Mr Manny Librodo.

Dinagyang will take part in the Independence Day celebration of South Africa

2012-03-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

ILOILO’S Dinagyang Festival will take part in the Independence Day celebration of South Africa.

This was announced by City Tourism and Development Officer Benito Jimena Wednesday night during the thanksgiving party hosted by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog for organizers of various festivals in the city.

Jimena said that they will finalize the details of the Dinagyang’s participation in the Independence Day parade that will be held in Makati sometime last week of April.

“We’re bringing the group there and they will be spending for everything,” he said.

Last January 21-22, South African Ambassador to the Philippines Agnes Nyamande-Pitso witnessed the performances of participating tribes during the 2012 Dinagyang Festival.

Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation president Ramon Cua-Locsin said invitations for the Dinagyang tribes to perform in various places continue to pour in after the January celebration.

Last February, the Dinagyang Festival also performed at the Pasinaya of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and this April 12-14 it will again compete in the annual Aliwan Festival.

On May 4, the festival was invited to perform during the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors meeting.

During the thanksgiving dinner, Mabilog lauded the successful staging of various celebrations in the city – New Year’s Eve countdown, Dinagyang Festival in January; Chinese New Year celebration; Feast of the Candelaria in Jaro; centennial celebration of the Iloilo Central Commercial High School; and the Paraw Regatta last February 18-19.

Iloilo: Beyond Your Expectations (Video)

2012-02-28T21:47:00.000-08:00

Iloilo offers more than the USUAL holiday vacations in the Philippine Islands. It features a new refreshing wave of tourism ideals for any ages. As the new center of emerging investments, it still boasts as the center of Filipino culture and heritage recognized worldwide.

Iloilo: Beyond Your Expectations (Video)

Iloilo's Dinagyang Highlights CCP Pasinaya Festival

2012-02-27T11:19:00.000-08:00

The colorful fanfare of Iloilo province’s Dinagyang Street Dance Festival will be a major highlight of the annual CCP Pasinaya Festival on February 26 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines grounds.

Leading the festivities are Dinagyang 2012 Ati Tribe Competition 1st Runner up Tribu Lunok of the Iloilo City National High School. They will take part in the opening ceremonies and parade at 8:30 AM at the Pedro Bukaneg Street of the CCP Complex. Repeat performances by Tribu Lunok will be held throughout the day at 10:40 a.m., 12 noon, 3 p.m., and 7:15 p.m.

Tribu Lunok’s winning performance in the Dinagyang 2012 has been described as “entertaining in its storyline and amazing for its choreography and use of props.” It won the Best in Street Dancing in this year’s Dinagyang festival.

Tribu Lunok is composed of 37 warriors, 18 star dancers, 18 bulilit, 21 drummers, 1 tribe leader and 4 girl dancers. Founded in 1998 by the late Ronnie Baretta, Tribu Lunok is made up of students from the Iloilo City National High School. It has won many prizes in past Dinagyang festivals.

Held every January, the Dinagyang Festival, according to the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, is a “thanksgiving for and a celebration in honor of Sr. Santo Niño. It prides itself as a festival of excellent folk choreography, a showcase of Ilonggo heritage and culture. It is as grand as Iloilo’s old churches and crisp as pinasubong saging, as delectable as pancit molo and bachoy.” The Ati-ati is just one of three major events of the Dinagyang, the other two being the fluvial procession along Iloilo River and the cultural parade called the Kasadyahan.

More than twenty groups, each called a tribe, compete in the Ati-ati competition. The Ati-ati contest has gained for the Dinagyang the tag “Festival of Excellent Folk Choreography”, a recognition given to it by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts.

The Pasinaya is a yearly open house festival at the CCP that offers a preview of the forthcoming productions of the CCP Resident Companies. More than 300 cultural groups in dance, music, theater, film, and the visual arts from all over the country are participating in this year’s Festival. The public is invited to see all they can for 20 pesos. A fast pass to CCP Pasinaya shows can be availed of for P200. For more information, please call 832-1125 loc. 1800.

Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas (Video) ft. El Gamma Penumbra

2012-02-20T02:54:00.000-08:00

Choose Philippines collaborated with PGT Finalist and web sensation El Gamma Penumbra to give you a new version of their music video. Using the song Piliin mo Ang Pilipinas, El Gamma Penumbra amazingly showcases popular Philippine destinations through shadow play. Lyrics of the song written by Robert Labayen , music composed by Allan Dannug, and arranged by Marvin Querido. Song sung by Angeline Quinto and Vincent Bueno. This Music Video is a production of ABS-CBN's CCM Division and Regional Network Group.

Watch Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas (Video) ft. El Gamma Penumbra

Dinagyang Festival 2012 Photo Contest Winners/Result

2012-02-14T11:50:00.000-08:00

Here are the winners for Dinagyang Festival 2012 Photo Contest.

ATI / KASADYAHAN CONTEST CATEGORY

1st Prize: P15,000 - Hannibal Ong
2nd Prize : P10,000 - Israel Gonzalez
3rd Prize : P 7,000 - Geena Lynn Vista

Five consolation prizes of P1,000 each

STREET CATEGORY

1st Prize: P10,000 - Israel Gonzalez
2nd Prize: P5,000 - Zernan Golez
3rd Prize : P 3,000 - Dexter Dizon

Five consolation prizes of P500 each

image source: http://www.skyscrapercity.com

Dinagyang a finalist in Galing Pook Awards

2012-02-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

President Benigno Aquino III awarded Monday a plaque of recognition the Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival that landed a finalist slot in the Galing Pook Awards as an outstanding program of a local government unit (LGU) in 2011.

Aquino also recognized during the awarding rite in Malacañang the LGU and Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog for his role in “promoting good governance and human capital through the Dinagyang Festival.”

The plaques, signed by Nieves Confesor, chair of the Board of Trustees of the Galing Pook Foundation and Rafael Coscolluela, chairman of the Galing Pook Awards national selection committee, were received by Dinagyang Foundation chairman Ramon Cua Locsin and city tourism officer Benito Jimena in behalf of the festival and the City Government of Iloilo.

Mabilog said the city is garnering awards and recognition from international award-giving bodies for its development programs and projects.

Another latest award is the city’s recognition in the Department of Tourism and Japan International Cooperation Agency-sponsored national statistics on gathering of data with awarding ceremony set in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Mabilog said the more than 400,000 visitors witnessed the Dinagyang Festival in 2011.

For 2012, visitors registered more than half a million. (Lydia C. Pendon, SUNSTAR)

Jaro Cathedral declared National Marian Shrine

2012-01-30T00:15:00.000-08:00

The famous Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral will be formally declared as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles during a 7AM Mass on February 2, the feast day of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria.

A shrine is defined by Canon Law as a church or a sacred place which is by reason of special devotion is frequented by the faithful as pilgrims, according to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

For a church to be called a “national shrine,” it has to be given recognition by the CBCP. A “local shrine” is when such official recognition is given by the bishop of the place.

On July 16, 2011 the Jaro Cathedral was elevated into a national shrine by the CBCP.

The yearly pilgrimage to the shrine in February and the daily devotions of the people coming from afar bringing with them testimonies of divine interventions and spiritual graces, attest to the reality that the Our Lady of the Candles is indeed Mother to the people of Western Visayas, said Fr. Mickey Cardenas, director of Theological Centrum.

Novena Masses are celebrated daily in the Cathedral from January 24 to February 1 in preparation for the feast day of Our Lady.

On February 1 after the 5.30PM Novena Mass, vespers will be celebrated to be followed by the Coronation of the image of Our Lady of Candles located in the balcony of the facade of the Cathedral.

On February 2, 11 Masses will be celebrated at the high altar of the Cathedral starting at 4.30AM with two high Masses celebrated at 7AM by Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo and a 5.30PM to be presided by Capiz Archbishop Jose Advincula.

The formal declaration as National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles will coincide with the 30th anniversary of her Canonical Coronation and of naming her as Patroness of Western Visayas.

On February 21, 1981, the image of Our Lady of Candles was canonically crowned by the Blessed Pope John Paul II— the only Marian image in the Philippines that was canonically crowned by a Pope.

The Marian image is venerated not just by the people of Jaro but also by the people of Western Visayas and beyond.

On April 21, 1982, Blessed Pope John Paul II named Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria as Patroness of Western Visayas.

Both canonical coronation and the naming of the image as Patroness are official recognitions of what has already been a fact in the spiritual life not just of the people of Panay but also of the whole Western Visayas, and those who trace their roots to the locale, said Cardenas.

Jaro will also celebrate the 425th anniversary of the establishment of Parish of Jaro, under the care of the Augustinians on April 25, 1587 under the protection of Our Lady of the Nativity.

Before the National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles which the second in the Visayas, there were 18 National Shrines in the Philippines recognized by CBCP, four of which are Minor Basilicas (a papal privilege granted to certain churches).

The 18 National Shrines are: Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Naga City; Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo, Manila; Basilica of the Santo Niño, Cebu City; Basilica of St. Sebastian, National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Quiapo, Manila; National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, Antipolo City; National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, Silang, Cavite; National Shrine of the Divine Mercy, Marilao, Bulacan; National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Marulas, Valenzuela City; St. Anne National Shrine, Hagonoy, Bulacan; National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Quezon City; National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Quezon City; National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels, San Miguel, Manila; National Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Makati City; National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Parañaque City; National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Baclaran, Parañaque; National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Sucat, Muntinlupa City; National Shrine of Our Lady Queen of Peace (Edsa Shrine), Ortigas, Mandaluyong City; National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Makati City. (with CBCP News)

40th ILOILO Paraw Regatta Festival 2012 Schedule

2012-01-27T09:51:00.000-08:00

Iloilo Paraw Regatta 2012 Schedule of Activities

2012 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival - 40th Edition Tentative Schedule of Activities (February 12 To 19, 2012)

December 10, 2012 (Saturday)
12:00 NN	Festival Launching	Tatoy's Manokan


February 12, 2012 (Sunday)
7:00 AM	Mass Offering	Villa Arevalo Parish Church
9:00AM	Fellowship Breakfast	Tatoy's Manokan
	Formal Opening Program: 2012 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival	Freedom Grandstand
5:00 PM	Cocktails
6:00 PM	JBLFMU Cultural Presentation
7:00 PM	Presentation of Official Candidates: 2012 Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival
8:00 PM	Gma Variety Show & Fireworks

February 13, 2012 (Monday)
10:00 AM	Start of The "Pinta Layag" Sail Painting Contest	Around Villa
10:30 AM	Opening of The Photo Exhibit (Feb 13 To 20, 2012)	Mall Venue
10:45 AM	Opening of The Miniature Paraw-Making Contest (Feb 13 To 20, 2012)	Mall Venue
11:00 AM	Opening of The Iloilo Watercraft Association Exhibit (Feb 13 To 19, 2012)	Mall Venue
4:00 PM	2012 Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Pre-Pageant Event: Talent Competition	Mall Venue

February 14, 2012 (Tuesday)
4:00 PM	2012 Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Pre-Pageant: Festival Costume Competition Swimsuit Competition	Mall Venue

February 15, 2012 (Wednesday)
	2012 Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Pre-Pageant: Evening Gown Competition Interview Competition Selection of The Iloilo City Hall Press Corps, " Darling of The Press"	Mall Venue

February 16, 2012 (Thursday)
6:00 PM	2012 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival Torch Parade	Major City Streets

February 17, 2012 (Friday)
12:00 NN	2012 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Rowing & Paddling Competitions	Along Iloilo River
7:00 PM	2012 Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Pageant Coronation Night	Freedon Grandstand

February 18, 2012 (Saturday)
7:00 AM	Send-Off Mass Governor's Cup Deep-Sea Fishing Competition	Fort San Pedro Drive Inn
9:00 AM	2012 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Men's Beach Football Eliminations	Villa Regatta Beach Front
10:00 AM	2012 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Beach Ultimate Eliminations	Villa Regatta Beach Front
9:00 AM	1st Iloilo Paraw Regatta Jet Ski Competition	Breakthrough Restaurant Beach Front
8:00 AM	Flatland Skimboarding Clinic	Villa Regatta Beachfront
6:00 PM	Gma Network's "Reggae-Ta" & Kapuso Night Beach Party	Main Festival Stage Tatoy's Villa
10:00 PM	"Luces By The Sea" - A Fireworks Display	Main Festival Stage Tatoy's Manokan

February 19, 2012 (Sunday)
5:00 AM	Main Paraw Reagta Event: Registration of Participants Measurements of Paraws	Villa Beach Shoreline
6:00 AM	"Pinta Layag" Final Judging	Villa Beach Shoreline
6:00 AM	Festival Photo Contest (Awarding On March 4, 2012 at Tatoy's Manokan, Villa Beach, Arevalo, Iloilo City)	Villa Beach Shoreline
8:00 AM	"Pintawo" A Body-Painting Competition	Breakthrough Restaurant
7:00 AM	Opening ProgrAM & Opening Declaration of Race	Main Festival Stage Tatoy's Manokan
7:30 AM	2012 Iloilo Paraw Regatta - 39th Edition Grand Take-Off
8:00 AM	John B. Lacson Maritime Foundation Cultural Dance Troupe
8:00 AM	Mini Paraw Beach Race	Villa Beach Shoreline
8:00 AM	2012 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Women's Beach Volleyball Finals	Villa Regatta Beach Front
8:00 AM	Sports Photo Contest	Villa Regatta Beach Front
9:00 AM	2012 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Men's Beach Football Finals	Villa Regatta Beach Front
10:00 AM	2012 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Women's Beach Football Finals	Villa Regatta Beach Front
10:00 AM	2012 Iloilo Beach Ultimate Finals	Villa Regatta Beach Front
12:00 NN	Arrival of The Deep-Sea Fishing Competition Participants	Main Festival Stage Tatoy's Manokan
	2012 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Closing Ceremonies:	Main Festival Stage Tatoy's Manokan
3:00 PM	First Awarding Ceremonies - Main Regatta Event Winners
6:00 PM	Second Awarding Ceremonies - Special Events
7:00 PM	Beach Party and Gma Variety Show with Fireworks

Dinagyang Festival 2012 Tribu Paghidaet Performance Video

2012-01-22T11:45:00.000-08:00

Dinagyang Festival 2012 Ati-ati Streetdance 3rd runner-up – Tribu Paghidaet of Lapaz National High School.

Tribu Paghidaet Performance Video Performance Video

Dinagyang Festival 2012 Tribu Lunok Performance Video

2012-01-22T11:37:00.000-08:00

Dinagyang Festival 2012 Ati-ati Streetdance 1st runner-up – Tribu Lunok of Iloilo City National High School.

Tribu Lunok Performance Video Performance Video

Dinagyang Festival 2012 Tribu Pan-ay Performance Video

2012-01-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

Dinagyang Festival 2012 Ati-ati Streetdance Competition Grand Champion Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School

Tribu Pan-ay Performance Video Performance Video

Dinagyang Festival and Kasadyahan 2012 Results/Winners

2012-01-22T07:48:00.000-08:00

Dinagyang Festival Ati Streetdance Competition Winners:

Champion – Tribu Pan-ay(Fort San Pedro National High School)
1st runner-up – Tribu Lunok(Iloilo City National High School)
2nd runner-up – Tribu Ilonganon(Jalandoni National High School)
3rd runner-up – Tribu Paghidaet(Lapaz National High School)
4th runner-up – Tribu Atub-Atub

Dinagyang Festival 2012 Opening Salvo:

Best in Costume - Tribu Pan-ay
Best in Discipline - Tribu Pan-ay
Best Performance - Tribu Pan-ay

Special Awards:

Best in Street Dancing – Tribu Lunok
Best Headdress – Tribu Paghidaet
Best in Discipline – Tribu Paghidaet
Best Costume Designer – Tribu Pan-ay
Best Musical Director – Tribu Pan-ay
Best Choreographer – Tribu Pan-ay

Minor Awards:

Best in Music – Tribu Pan-ay
Best in Choreography – Tribu Pan-ay
Best in Performance – Tribu Pan-ay

Kasadyahan 2012 Winners:

Champion – Salakayan of Miag-ao, Iloilo
1st runner-up – Mandaragat of San Jose, Antique
2nd runner-up – Sinulog of Sibunag, Guimaras
3rd runner-up – Maragtas of West Visayas State University

image from: habagatcentral.com

Dinagyang Festival stages go Wi-Fi, Live streaming

2012-01-19T05:26:00.000-08:00

Watch and share online in real time the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2012 spectacular performances highlight on Sunday morning.

Spectators with hi-tech gadgets will have access to free Wi-Fi connections at Stage 1 Freedom Grandstand and Stage 4 Iloilo Sports Complex courtesy of PLDT while Globe pledged for the wireless connectivity at Stage 3 Luna-Huervana Junction, said City Tourism Officer Ben Jimena.

The public is advised to take care of their valuables and belongings as part of safety and security measures.

The online connection will make it fast and easy access for the public and media to share Dinagyang’s pageantry as it unfolds globally through the Internet.

Enthusiasts will be able to swiftly post Dinagyang photos and updates on social networking sites.

Travel website www.choosephils.com will have a live streaming of the country’s best tourism event with iChoose Dinagyang starting at 7:30am to 12 noon.

Ilonggos abroad will have the chance to see Dinagyang and feel closer to home – thanks to the wonders of technology.

16 schools vie in 2012 Tambor Trumpa Martsa Musika contest

2012-01-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

Sixteen elementary and secondary schools will compete in the Tambor Trumpa Martsa Musika of this year’s Dinagyang Festival, which has been cited as the country’s best tourism event.

The Drum and Bugle Corp competition will be held Jan. 20, ushering in the festival highlights – the 1st Regional Kasadyahan Cultural Competition on Jan. 21 and ati-ati Competition on Jan. 22.

City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Nelly Valerio, Tambor Trumpa Martsa Musika Committee Chairman said 13 elementary schools and three secondary schools have confirmed their participation in the competition.

Of the 13 participating elementary schools, five are from the Iloilo province and eight from Iloilo City.

The five schools from Iloilo province are:

Alimodian Central Elementary School
Alibango Elementary School
Dingle Central Elementary School
Mina Central Elementary School, and
Guimbal Central Elementary School.

The eight city schools are:

Iloilo Central Elementary School
Rizal Elementary School
A. Montes I Elementary School
La Paz I Elementary School
Jaro II Elementary School
Mandurriao Elementary School
I. Arroyo Elementary School, and
Arevalo Elementary School.

The three competing schools in the secondary level are:

Dingle National High School
Mina National High School, and
Ramon Avancena National High School.

Contestants are required to perform two pieces, an Ilonggo Folksong and a free choice of medley composition during the competition.

They will be judged on drill formation (40 percent) and music (60 percent) during their performance at the Freedom Grandstand which will start at 8 a.m.Valerio said in a broadcast interview that first place will get P25,000; second place – P20,000; and third place – P15,000; and consolation prizes of P5,000 each.

image source: pia.gov.ph

Miss Dinagyang 2012 Costume Photos

2012-01-17T13:20:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos you want to see on Miss Dinagyang 2012 in thier lovely dinagyang costume.

The Miss Dinagyang 2012 pageant is at full blast, with the culminating event to be held on January 18, 2012 at the Central Philippine University.

Actor Xian Lim of “My Binondo Girl” is also confirmed to serenade the Miss Dinagyang 2012 candidates during the coronation night.

Click here for photos:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2961710716398.2142907.1070475889&type=3

The Dinagyang: It’s More Fun in Iloilo City

2012-01-16T06:10:00.000-08:00

an essay by Roger B Rueda

The festive spirit is now permeating the city with the approach of the Dinagyang as Iloilo City holds it every fourth week of January. It’s a marvellous festival in the tradition of the Ilonggo origin, diversity, and Christianisation. It’s killing the fatted calf. It’s lively as a grig.

Every year, the city streets seem to be a sea of multi-coloured people. It’s breath-taking, a delight to watch. It’s a fabulous sight - it's fresh, varied, fun. Everyone is in a mood to celebrate.

The Dinagyang dance is vigorous, but full of subtlety. It fills us with a sense of awe over and over again. Their step design is very novel, yet intrinsically Ilonggo. The Dinagyang tribes dance down the streets to the next judging area.

The tribes have got it all so nice. How artistic they always are with colours! They are invitingly vivacious. They all have extraordinary vibrancy as they dance with great passion. The warriors are bonded by a spirit that is truly Ilonggo.

The Dinagyang shows more than an Ilonggo cultural and religious inheritance. It remains a valuable showcase for Ilonggo talent. For one, Ilonggos have got a lot of talent, and it has been their brilliant talent and performance that established their reputation across many countries. The Dinagyang includes several other festivals such as on film and the Kasadyahan, where the best of other festivals in the West Visayas participate. Some fairs, by the way, at the Dinagyang offer crafts and food as they celebrate the unique character of Ilonggos.

The city’s blessing of prosperity is celebrated with the fiesta. It is a celebration of life, love, and passion. Ilonggos are genuinely appreciative of all the success they’ve had, for one thing.

Any spectator can enjoy the liveliness of it with the rhythmical beat of the drums. For one thing, it has a lot of fantastical aspects: The dances have stories to tell as one’s thought can be in a whirl. Even from a distance the effect of the Dinagyang costumes is stunning. Its ambience is uniquely favourable to merrymaking. Everybody can go on the town.

Ilonggos are wonderful fun to be with, don’t worry. They are hospitable and welcoming. So any tourist can go out of her way to eat and mingle with the locals, or go on a bender. Grills are across the streets. One can strut her stuff and be on the tiles. Shindigs are all over. Live through the bopping and jiggling the night away and the jollity of the celebration.

Experience Iloilo City as it goes global through the Dinagyang! See you here this week. You still have time to join in the fun.

source: http://www.facebook.com/notes/roger-b-rueda/the-dinagyang-its-more-fun-in-iloilo-city/10150590770616779

Dinagyang 2012 Opening Salvo - Tribu Atub-atub Video Performance

2012-01-15T08:50:00.000-08:00

Each Ati-ati tribe contestants showcased a sneak preview on what to see on 22nd of January. Watch Tribu Atub-atub Video Performance during the Opening Salvo of Dinagyang Festival 2012.

Dinagyang 2012 Opening Salvo - Tribu Ilonganon Video Performance

2012-01-15T08:45:00.000-08:00

Each Ati-ati tribe contestants showcased a sneak preview on what to see on 22nd of January. Watch Tribu Ilonganon Video Performance during the Opening Salvo of Dinagyang Festival 2012.

Dinagyang 2012 Opening Salvo - Tribu Milagrosa Video Performance

2012-01-15T08:39:00.000-08:00

Each Ati-ati tribe contestants showcased a sneak preview on what to see on 22nd of January. Watch Tribu Milagrosa Video Performance from Zarraga National High School during the Opening Salvo of Dinagyang Festival 2012.