Iloilo 2014 Dinagyang launched

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) officially launched on Wednesday the 46th Iloilo Dinagyang Festival celebration to be held from January 24 to 26 with the theme, "Bringing More Fun to the World."

The launching started after the Mass celebrated at the San Jose Parish Church, followed by the signing of memorandum of agreement between IDFI, represented by its president Ramon Cua Locsin, the Iloilo City government through Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and the Parish Church led by Fr. Raymundo Edzel Alcayaga.

Iloilo City Tourism officer Benito Jimena said this early launching will help probable candidates to prepare earlier for the event and more time to invite many visitors to come in Iloilo for the annual festival.

Jimena said Iloilo Dinagyang has been known as the Best Tourism Event in the country and this will remain as the Ilonggo's pride.

To make the Dinagyang more convenient, the foundation will still follow the old set-up or the carousel type where the final performing area for competing tribes will be at the Freedom Grandstand.

As carousel type, performing tribes will simultaneously perform in each of the four judging areas---Freedom Grandstand, Quezon-Ledesma Streets, Iloilo Provincial Capitol and Ma. Clara Street---all within the city proper area, said Jimena.

Meanwhile, three Ati-ati tribes that were champions in previous years are expected to join again. These are the Tribu Bola Bola of the Iloilo National High School, the Tribu Pan-ay of the Fort San Pedro National High School and the Tribu Paghidaet of the La Paz National High School.

"This is more fun because these champions will be performing again," said Jimena, adding that 13 tribes are expected to participate in the Kasadyahan competition while 12 others will join the Ati-Ati contest. (FREEMAN)