By Perla Lena/PNA
ILOILO CITY — For the first time, the University of San Agustin (USA), Western Visayas’ oldest and first Catholic university, will hold the Dinagyang 2019 Velada on January 23 as a thanksgiving celebration in honor of the Señor Sto. Niño.
Dubbed “Viva Iloilo: Halad kay Señor Sto. Niño”, the musical variety show will showcase the “progression” of the Ilonggo heritage from the pre-Hispanic era until today “all through the guidance and help of Señor Sto. Niño,” Eric G. Divinagracia, director of student affairs and welfare and artistic director of the USA Little Theater, said Friday.
The Velada will feature the USA Performing Arts Groups – Band, Choir and Troubadors, Kawilihan and Little Theater.
Divinagracia explained that as a Catholic education institution, it is USA’s role to also offer thanksgiving to Señor Santo Niño.
Traditionally, the university holds a Velada every August and February during the Feast Day of St. Augustine and University Week.
There will be two shows on Wednesday – the 2 p.m. matinee and the 6 p.m. gala. The gala is special because it will start with a Mass and procession at the USA chapel. “This show is not only cultural but has a religious aspect,” he said.
Managed by the Augustinian friars, the university has played a significant role in the rich and colorful heritage and passionate devotion of the Ilonggo community to Señor Sto. Niño through the Dinagyang Festival, Divinagracia said.
The Dinagyang Festival dates back to 1968 when Fr. Ambrosio Galindez brought the image of the Sto. Niño to the San Jose Parish, where a cofradia was also organized. “The devotion to Sto. Niño is a legacy of the Augustinians,” he said.
The Velada will be held every year until 2021, which is the 500th year of Christianity, he added.
