Highlights, sidelights at Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival

Best tourism event—this recognition was given to Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival by the Association of Tourism Operators in Country for the past two years. Over the weekend, we got to experience the best of this annual revelry in honor of the Sto. Nino, and saw for ourselves how Iloilo City has visibly upped its efforts to bring in tourism.

The city also prides itself as the “festival capital” of the Philippines what with several festivals celebrated in the months of January and February.  According to Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas in an interview, aside from the Dinagyang, there’s also the Fireworks festival every third Sunday of January; Jaro’s Candelaria Festival on February 2; Chinese New Year on February 10; and the Paraw Regatta at the Villa Beach every third Sunday of February.     

Seen at Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival: Rock band Kamikazee enjoying a late afternoon meal at the Breakthrough beachside restaurant with lead vocalist Jay Contreras taking photos of the breathtaking sunset with his digital SLR; Jayson Gainza and other PBB housemates-turned-hosts of the travel show “Trip na Trip” having quite a food trip at Guimaras Island’s Raymen white-sand beach resort; and former Senator Tito Sotto’s only son Gian turning heads at Sarabia Manor Hotel, where he headlined a concert with his band Nerveline. As usual, GMA 7 and ABS-CBN powered their participation by flying in their stars, although I must say, ABS-CBN delivered more wattage with the presence of the main cast of “Lobo” led by Piolo Pascual and Angel Locsin. Their float drew the loudest cheers at last Saturday’s Kasadyahan. 

Concerts galore: From 6CycleMind, Sitti, to Kamikazee, these artists filled up their respective venues during their Dinagyang concerts. But what’s this I’ve heard that the concert of Bamboo, whose many gigs in Cebu have always been packed, was unfortunately left unfilled? As our Ilonggo tour guide reported, “Nilangaw ang concert ng Bamboo. By 10pm, the venue was barely half-filled, to think the concert was supposed to start at 7pm.” But she was quick to rationalize that maybe it was because the concert had entrance tickets. “All other concerts were free of charge,” she said.

In the mood to celebrate (or campaign?). Sen. Kiko Pangilinan’s convoy made a grand entrance in last Saturday’s Kasadyahan, entering the cordoned area in front of the Freedom grandstand, which was reserved for the dancers. He alighted from his vehicle with a ready wave for everyone. Local hotel executives seated next to me had to react, “Ang OA (over-acting) naman, parang campaign.” Making an appearance yesterday at the tribe competition were 2010 “presidentiables” Sen. Mar Roxas (who was just seen in Cebu last week during the Sinulog) and Sen. Dick Gordon. Other presidentiables who were reported by the local press to have attended the festivities include Sen. Manny Villar and MMDA chair Bayani Fernando.

Fiesta like no other. Two Czech foreigners interestingly stayed away from the Dinagyang merriment and lounged away at a well-kept resort in the neighbouring Guimaras Island. Asked why, Roman Ledl, who has been island-hopping in the Visayas for more than two weeks now, jokingly said, “Enough of fiestas!” Everywhere they went, they found themselves caught up in a fiesta that “it’s hard to keep up with the energy of the people.” They are however impressed with the hospitality of the locals. During a recent fiesta at Pulupandan, Negros Occidental, for example, they couldn’t find any room available, they were readily accommodated in a home, and entertained till the wee hours of the morning.