Announcements:

Central Philippine University School of Graduate Studies
Master of Arts in Nursing

in collaboration with
Philippine Nurses Association-Iloilo Chapter

proudly presents
“TAKING CHANCES”
A Seminar on the latest treatment modalities of cancer and associating nursing roles
February 8, 2010
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Monfort Hall, Department of Education Building
Lapaz, Iloilo City

CHRIS G. SORONGON, R.N., M.D.Resource Speaker

For reservations and inquiries, please contact:
09097358775 (Cybill)
09278810908 (Terence)

Opinion:

Dinagyang 2010 on the go:

Thoughts about the fiesta

by Pepin

I would like to start by quoting Mayor Jerry Treñas’ words during the awarding ceremony, “This is the best Dinagyang in the history of Iloilo,” and I agree with him. Never in my whole life did I expect that this festival will make me proud to be a true-blooded Ilonggo. This is something that I want to impart to the world, and let everybody know about its heart-pounding drum beats, energetic dance steps, and awe-inspiring tribe stories. This is truly a unique masterpiece of Iloilo.

I prayed that 2010 will be a good start for all of us, and for a city that sits in the heart of the Philippines, blessings of bliss and pleasure overflowed as the Dinagyang Festival proved to the world that it is indeed the best tourism event in the Philippines. Now, I have come to accept that no one can ever doubt the distinction it claims, because it really is a precious cultural treasure of the country.

More excitements installed

This version of the Dinagyang opened a lot of opportunities, not only to the business sector, but also to the ingenious and talented people of Iloilo. Yes, the dance presentations of the tribes were awesome, but there were more avenues for other locals to showcase their talents aside from being a part of an ati-ati tribe.

The annual Luces in the sky (fireworks competition), Tambur Trompa Martsa Musika, Miss Dinagyang Pageant and the Dressing up the Dagoy doll competition had already become anticipated events in the city, but new events, such as the long board competition, dance sports, and the folk dance competition added spice to the festival. All of these minor competitions gave a variety of talent exhibitions for local and foreign guests to witness.

Another new twist in this year’s edition of Dinagyang is the street dance competition of all the competiting tribes. Aside from their performance in the judging areas, they were also evaluated based on their dance presentation along the streets of Iloilo City, and this, I believe, was a great new way to allow spectators to enjoy and witness their favorite tribes, especially when they were not given a chance to sit in the judging areas.

The glorious nights

A glimpse of the night sky during the Luces in the sky fireworks display competition at SM City Iloilo

I had a chance to experience how to celebrate Dinagyang at night time, and I was really amused. Aside from the local actors, actresses, and renowned rock bands of the country that visited the festive city and the magical sight from the fireworks display competition, the happening that really pleased me most is the food fest. Almost all the hotels, restaurants, and catering establishments in the city collaborated to host several food fares around Iloilo. Dalan Delgado, for instance, was jam-packed with inasal stalls and ecstatic costumers. Smalleville, the famous night out destination of the city, was also overcrowded with people of different ages. Of course, beer cheers were very widespread everywhere and people really enjoyed every bit of their tipsy moments as what I have witnessed from the way they ruled the dancefloor and talked their hearts out. All of these only showed that Iloilo definitely knows how to party like a pro.

On the winners

Looking at the performance of every tribe that participated both in the Kasadyahan and Dinagyang Ati Dance contest, it was surely a difficult job for the judges to choose the ultimate champion for this year’s edition of the festival. Everyone has their own bets. I myself rooted for Tribu Kasag and Tribu Pantat for the Kasadyahan Competition, and the following tribes for the ati-ati dance contest: Pan-ay, Atub-atub, Panagat, Paghidaet, Bola-bola, Silak, and Ilonganon. It would be a hard task for me to choose the grand champion out from my favorites because all of them raised the bar of my expectations. Every tribe was full of energy, and their actions were perfectly executed. I’ve even read a comment from my co-blogger that he experienced some difficulties everytime he takes pictures of the performers because of the rapid dance movements. He even quoted, “Taking pictures in Dinagyang is like taking photos of sports events, because of the fast-paced dance moves of tribe warriors.”

And believe me or not, none of the tribes can be tagged as a mediocre. All of them placed heavy efforts to resourcefully craft their costumes and head dresses, to perfect every step in their dance, and to fashion a new trend of Dinagyang that attracted millions of audiences and home viewers around the globe. I can whole-heartedly say that I am proud of all of them. Congratulations!

And for the grand winners, here are my reviews:

Tribu Kasag – I believe that this tribe showcased the liveliest presentation during the Kasadyahan competition.  They were able to maintain their energy level from the start of their performance until the end. The audience gave them the loudest applause for their breath-taking performance.

But I’m quite disturbed about their presentation because it was just a refined version of their winning performance last year, and I thought that their 2009 entry was way even better. I am not convinced with some of their repeat concepts because it might kill their chances for the Aliwan festival this coming April 2010. Judges might also be looking for something new from this group for them to increase their chances to capture the Aliwan title fight (they placed second in the 2009 edition of Aliwan). But above all, their playful mix of drum rhythms can win their ticket to fame in the national contest.

Tribu Paghidaet – Many said that this group was indeed a tough defending champion, and they were tougher than I thought during their actual performance. They really gave a very intense competition to the other fifteen competing ati-ati tribes. This tribe was finally hailed as a grand slam champion after it captured its third consecutive crown. It had the perfect concept and choreography, and it had the most jovial music. The best thing that I like about this tribe is that I can always expect something different from it, and the dance performance did not have any dull moment. All of its performers were enjoying their dance despite the blazing heat of the sun. I am now rooting for this tribe this coming Aliwan Festival 2010.

List of winners:

Dinagyang Ati-ati Dance Contest

Grand Champion – Tribu Paghidaet

2nd Place – Tribu Bola-bola

3rd Place – Tribu Pan-ay

4th Place – Tribu Salognon

5th Place – Tribu Silak

Kasadyahan Competition

Grand Champion – Tribu Kasag from Banate, Iloilo

2nd Place – Tribu Tubong-tubong from Tubungan, Iloilo

3rd Place – Tribu Patubas from Barotac Viejo, Iloilo

4th Place – Tribu Pantat from Zarraga, Iloilo

5th Place – Tribu Mandurriaonon from Mandurriao, Iloilo City

Learning to move on

Mr. Ben Jimena, the city’s tourism and development officer, believed that Dinagyang has gone a long way. It has evolved from a simple street dancing into an invigorating display of stunts and colors. He even confessed that this festival is a specialty that thousands of local and foreign tourists are always looking forward to. “Foreigners have known so much of our historical landmarks and antique churches, we need to fascinate them more by showing them our culture through Dinagyang,” he added. I was not surprise of how this illustrious man thinks because I can see from his efforts that he really wants to be a part of the city’s transformation and make it become “The next big thing” by enhancing the festival and strengthening the values it ought to impart.

I believe in Mr. Jimena’s dream for Iloilo, and I admire his passion over his job. You seldom see people exercise tremendous effort to advance something or to integrate new innovations into an event that existed for several decades. I salute this man for being one of the leaders who brought Iloilo in the hall of fame.

Some stuffs to be thankful for

If there is one important person that Ilonggos should be thankful to the most, he is Sr. Sto. Niño (the Holy Child) for being the sole reason for all of these. He showered his blessings to the city and province of Iloilo by allowing the Dinagyang festival to prosper in all aspects. I believe that as long as his faithful followers in Iloilo will continue to give him praise, the dinagyang will not only be in the Philippines’ hall of fame, but a world renowned Christian celebration.

Of course, I belive that everyone who enjoyed Sunday’s event are also thankful to the City government and to all the organizers who continue to think the best for Dingyang. To those who participated in the Kasadyahan, Dinagyang ati dance contest, and in other events during the month-long celebration are also worthy of some appreciation. Moreover, the heart-felt gratitude is also shared to the Philippine National Police, Philippine National Redcross first-aid workers, and other volunteers from the public and private sectors who secured and pacified some unhelpful elements that tried to spoil the celebration. And everyone should be thankful of the sunny weather (just perfect for the event) that gave everyone a chance to enjoy and party in the streets of Iloilo last January 23 and 24, 2010. Congratualtions to one and all!

See you all again next year for another round of blissful surprises in the 2011 Dingyang Festival!

Inspiring Anecdotes:

Chances for Big Bucks

by Pepin

Business opportunities boom in Iloilo as two of its major festivals, the Dinagyang Festival and the Feast of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, draw near during the first month of the year. And for a business-minded individual, this means lots and lots of money at stake. It is inevitable that people who will be crowding the city will be buying something that will satisfy their needs, and a herd of vendors in the streets will provide them with that, of course for a corresponding cost.

This idea pushes a lot of ordinary folks to become instant entrepreneurs. Most of them will be selling street foods, bottled water, and other beverages. While some will be vending balloons, toys, and souvenir items. But going into business for the month-long celebration requires hard work, for the reason that competition in trade also rises as the number of consumers increases.

To be in the competition, a street trader must think of ways on how to attract consumers. Spectators roaming around the city will scrutinize one product from another, and the persuasive skills of the vendor really matters. Aside from business talks, some would put up banners and decorate their stalls as decently as they can. Others will try to utilize ear-splitting sound systems, and there are a few who will be coming up with unique names and slogans for easy recall of their business.

Any of these schemes works, but at the end, consumers will still be after the quality of the products being sold. It is still important that the value of the product will not be compromised, and that the consumer will really appreciate the worth of his or her money. Moreover, when the quality is preserved, people will keep on coming back to buy the product and that’s when prosperity in business begins. A bibingka vendor shared to me, “We are coming up with ways on how to make our product unique since there are at least fifteen of us selling the same product around the plaza, and almost all the bibingka being sold by these fifteen vendors may have a similar taste. Ours will be different.”

No matter how tough the competition is, it all boils up by saying “It is part of the business world.” The one-month long celebration may end, but the profits that these small businessmen have raised will go a long way.

Events:

Iloilo Prepares for Weekend’s Event

by Pepin

In the next three days, the streets of Iloilo city will be jam-packed with people from all walks of life. Cheers and yells of locals and foreign guests will blend on air as different tribes will be showcasing their creative performances for the annual Dinagyang Festival.

On Saturday (January 23, 2010), the Kasadyahan Festival will be the highlight of the celebration. It will feature interpretative dances of groups from different municipalities of Iloilo Province.

“A dance drama of cultural undertakings of the Ilonggos,” this is the way I want to describe this competition because I personally believe that the message of every presentation is about how the natives of this province built a strong tradition, and the roles of the present and future generations in preserving or enhancing what the forefathers had crafted. This message is conveyed through an emotional execution of dance steps and the delighting mix of rhythms of drums and other native musical instruments.

The main course is the Dinagyang Ati-ati competition that will be held on Sunday (January 24, 2010). Every ati-ati tribe will be presenting again a staggering and remarkable dance performance to their own unique mix of drumbeats.

There is indeed a great deal of transformation on the performance of each tribe. Way back in the late 90’s, the dances are not yet passionate enough to excite one’s hormones. But now, every move is refined, every hand raise has a meaning, and every stare and smile radiates with enthusiasm. The music is not merely repeated cycles of drumbeats, but other percussion and wind instruments are now part of the picture, thus making every dance demonstration a brilliant experience. All of these contribute to augment the quality of the competition and authenticate the Dinagyang Festival in the hall of fame. Indeed, it is something to be proud of.

Aside from the two main events, other activities to watch out for in the coming days are the Tambur Trumpa Martsa Musika, Luces in the sky (Fireworks competition), Food Festivals, Modern Dance Contest, Miss Dinagyang Beauty Pageant, and most especially the special mass at St. Joseph Parish Church in honour of the sole reason of these all, Sr. Sto. Niño.

Events:

“Green Thumbs” at Jaro Fair

by Pepin

One of the things that I always love to imagine is to see a green world – a paradise where flowers and fruits are within reach. Well, I felt how my trance can turn out when I went inside the Jaro agro-industrial fair last January 20, 2010 and saw unique species of fruit-bearing trees and wild flowers.

There, I also met several “green experts” and I had the chance to ask them of their products, how they maintain them, and of course how much they cost. They politely shared to me some essential information and tips on how to become a green expert myself.

Some of the plants that I really appreciate in the fair were Million Flowers sold at 250 pesos (but a young vendor presented to me three pots of it that haven’t bloomed yet and he sold them all for 100 pesos only. What a bargain!), the Roselet (tiny roses) for 100 pesos each, and rare species of orchids with prices ranging from 140 to 180 pesos each. There are also fruit trees with very cheap tags.

Aside from plants, the fair also showcase some wood crafts and potteries that local and foreign tourists will love. In the other side of the fair, some vendors are selling rubber slippers and ukay-ukay (used clothing).

This trade event is a prelude to the main celebration of Jaro Iloilo, which is the feast of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles), every February 2.

Events:

A Gathering of the Faithful Followers

of the Holy Child

by Pepin

The religious relevance of the Dinagyang festival in Iloilo City is centered on the Child Jesus or the Sto. Niño, who was accepted by the natives of Cebu several hundred of years ago. The image brought to the Cebuanos was also shared to nearby provinces, and that includes Iloilo.

Days prior to the Dinagyang festival, a religious procession and gathering is held to showcase how the locals of Irong-irong (old name of Iloilo) wholeheartedly welcomed the image. It is a merry-making event full of songs and dances of praises and thanksgiving to the Child Jesus.

This year’s height of the welcoming celebration was celebrated in front of the San Jose Parish Church located in front of Plaza Libertad, Iloilo City last January 20, 2010. People from different walks of life accompanied the child image from Iloilo Port going to the Parish, while they sang glorious hymns. The parish priest also blessed the image and the people who were present in the event.

Everyone is hoping that this year’s festival will not only be another significant moment for the province’s greater quest for fame, but also for a greater level of faith to God to reign in the hearts of every Ilonggo.

Inspiring Anecdotes:

Touch and Sight

by Pepin

Ilonggo women are well known for their “consoling touch” that makes them lovable. But in the downtown streets of Iloilo, there is a woman who touched my life a lot. The way that she let me feel her is not thru the caress of her bushed hands, but by her inspiring story on how she survived life despite her disability and the demands of people around her.

She hasn’t seen how the world looks like since birth. Her sight is indeed her greatest downfall, but this did not stop her in believing for something greater and more rewarding. Her faith lies in God, whose image may be unclear to her at the moment, and to every penny dropped in her small tin can. The dusty and busy streets in front of her are still unfathomable pictures of how taxing these are to people with complete sight.

Whether I believed in her or not in the first place, for her, she is proud to share how she successfully sent her daughter to college. This was her most treasured story that made me consider believing in her words. No, this was not because she convinced me, but because she talked with her heart and I believe that the concept of pretence was not carved on this old woman’s discernment.

She touched me deeper that my heart and soul were besieged. This woman defined to me the real essence of a consoling touch that every ilongga is known for. And I believe that it is not with the use of the hands, but of the heart.

Feature:

Fruits of Good Hope

by Pepin

If you have seen the movie, “2010”, then most probably you are familiar of where their huge piece of peculiar-looking arc is heading – at the Cape of Good Hope in the African continent. Well, they took the name of the place seriously.

Setting aside the movie, did you know that there are fruits that can be considered as vessels of hope for our health? Well there is, and Chico (Sapodilla) is one of them. It is a round and brown fruit that grows in spots where the weather is warm, just like in the province of Iloilo. It tastes sweet when ripe and has a sandy texture. This is one of the favorite fruits of the Ilonggos, and it is abundant between the months of October and February.

Locals do not know that this fruit offers some of the vital nutrients needed by the body to sustain existence. Some of these essential vitamins and minerals are Vitamins A and C, copper, iron, fiber, niacin, and folate. It is also rich in sugar (fructose) that can provide energy to the body.

Another fruit of hope is the banana (Musa acuminata), which is not only common in Panay Island or in the Philippines, but also in other parts of the globe, such as in Mexico, Brazil, and Thailand. A favorite tropical fruit by many, it is loaded with the ideal nutrients, and one of them is potassium that keeps the cells healthy and maintains muscle strength. This fruit grows all year round and it is considered as a perfect meal-ender among Panayanons.

So if you want to maintain that vitality, keep in mind that you don’t need those energy drinks. Have a banana for breakfast and a chico for lunch, and you will surely feel invigorated.

Inspiring Anecdotes:

For More Fresh Catch

by Pepin

Fishermen are common characters found around Panay Island. Their everyday task is simple – to gather some fresh products of the sea. An uncomplicated mission it may seem, but it requires brawny arms to paddle the banka (boat), and a sturdy spirit that is prepared to work against the mighty forces of colossal waves.

Work starts before sunset sets in and the waiting period until midnight maybe a waste of time for some. But for the reapers of the sea, every second of their cold night quests counts. Their patience matters most, especially when the foodstuffs in the ocean are gradually becoming scarce.

At the end of their duty, a bountiful catch and a cooperative weather are indeed big blessings. These are little things that most city-dwellers nowadays fail to appreciate. It may be a waste of time and effort, but the small amount of funds in exchange for their catch goes a long way – education of their children, daily expenses of the family, and financial aid in times of bad health.

So, the next time you pass by the talipapa (wet market) and you heard vendors shouting lukus (squid), bangrus (milkfish), or hipon (shrimp), remember that these are some of the gifts of nature that our brave fishermen unwearyingly gathered for us, and we should be grateful enough for their courage.