By Perla Lena/PNA
ILOILO CITY — Eight champion festivals from the various local government units in Western Visayas wowed the audience as they showed their winning choreography during Fiesta Pilipinas, Kasadyahan regional cultural competition of the 2019 Dinagyang festival.
In his message prior the declaration of the opening of the competition, Mayor Jose Espinosa III took pride in saying that the grandstand, which is situated facing the Iloilo River, is comparable to the Sydney Opera House in Australia.
“We are now here to witness the celebrations, which were acknowledged by the national government to be two of the best projects in the Philippines. The Dinagyang Festival for public private partnership and the Iloilo River rehabilitation project are both recipients of the Galing Pook Awards,” he also added.
He also expressed thanksgiving to Señor Santo Niño for the fine weather that resulted to the smooth-sailing celebration.
“This is not my celebration, this is our celebration in honor of Santo Niño,” he said as he urged everyone to enjoy the festival.
Meanwhile, the Kasadyahan Festival is a major cultural event that is completely distinct from the Dagyang tribes dance competition. It serves as Ilonggos celebration of thanksgiving for the bounties that they have received.
The competing groups included the Pintaflores of San Carlos City/Julio Ledesma National High School from Negros Occidental; Panganinao, Tribu Kaing, Leon National High School; Hugyaw, St. Therese –MTC Colleges; Hubon Guimarasnon sang Manggahan Festival of San Lorenzo, Guimaras; Tribu Sugilanon, Roxas City; Tribu Tultugan,Maasin; Tribu Hambaro, San Remegio, Antique; and ang Manughabol kang Miagao, Kirayan National High School of Miagao.
Bacolod City’s Masskara Festival and Panganinao of the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) also performed as non-competing groups.
They will be judged based on area and street dance performances. The area performance is composed of choreography, theme/concept and production design at 20 percent each; performance at 30 percent and music at 10 percent.
The champion will bring home PHP275,000 while the first to fourth runner ups will receive PHP250,000; PHP175,000; PHP150,000 and PHP125,000, respectively.
There will be three consolation prizes of PHP50,000. There will be minor awards composed of PHP25,000 for best in street dance and PHP15,000 each for best in performance, choreography, music, costume, choreographer and musical director.
The winners will be announced during the grand awarding ceremony on January 27.
