Dinagyang Festival is to Iloilo, while Sinulog is to Cebu. Which one is better than the other is like comparing an apple to an orange. Whatever it is, both festivals are celebrated in honor of the miraculous child Jesus, the Sto. Nino.
Dinagyang Festival is held every 4th weekend of January in Iloilo City, a week after the Sinulog of Cebu City. It is a weeklong festivity, but the highlight is on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Dinagyang week.
Saturday and Sunday was all about dance.
The Media Pass issued to me allowed me access to the photographers and videographers area at the sprawling Ilo-ilo Sports Complex. Space was a no issue among those in the area.
Getting the Media Pass was not easy though as several requirements were needed by the foundation for them to issue such passes. Thanks to Ms. Pearl Lena who guided me through out the application process.
The Kasadyahan Regional Cultural Competition took place on a Saturday. The competition showcased the cultural dances inspired by the veneration of Sto. Nino and the Christianization of the Philippines as a whole. It was participated by select participants from the various municipalities of the island.
A sports dance competition was on-going when I arrived inside the complex. I guess this was the 'front-act' to entertain the spectators while waiting for the first contingent to arrive. The sports complex was the last performance and judging area for the competition.
I was thrilled to know that two fellow Cagayanons were among the judges of the sports-dance competition. Both of them are well-known experts in this field, Faith Javellan and Rodel de la Torre.
I owe them this picture, so if any of you know them, please message me so i can ask on how I can give this picture to each of them.
As the first group of participants were parading into the field, i cant help but notice my fellow 'shutter-bugs' as they scramble to position, preparing themselves for the first of the seven performances that day.
The colorful costumes of the performers, their gracious movements and facial expressions combined to make each performance enthralling. To me they were all winners. The following images best describe their performances ...
In between performance, floats would pass-by just like this one bearing the winners of the festival pageant.
For the first time, the Masskara of Bacolod and Ati-atihan of Kalibo festivals winners joined the Dinagyan as guest performers during the competition. Their presence added more color and fun to the competition. Each were given standing ovations by the Ilonggos.
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| Masskara Festival Performers |
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| Ati-atihan Performers |
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| Ati-atihan Performer |
The Ati Competition the following Sunday is the big event! The grandstand of the the sports complex was filled to the rafters - the crowd double in size the previous day.
Props, costumes, movements and expressions were the name of the game of the competition. See them for yourselves...
When the Tribu Pan-ay performed their routine, I almost forgot that I need to take pictures.
Their props where really well-crafted, the movement fast-paced and the choreography almost perfect.
Most of my companions in the photographers area were perplexed by their performance. It was their 3rd win in a row. No wonder...
Other participants also showcased their best and gave their all in their respective performances.
Truly, Dinagyang is one of the Philippines' Best Festivals. I encourage you to see and experience the festivities next January.
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