ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Tribu Salognon of Jaro National High School emerged as this year’s champion of Dinagyang Festival Ati-Atihan category beating the last year’s champion Tribu Panayanon of Iloilo City National High School which was vying for its supposed grand-slam title this year.
Despite garnering several special and minor awards, Tribu Panayanon was beaten by Tribu Salognon because of its technical violations on criteria given by the contest committee. Tribu Panayanon’s score was deducted 24 points, making it fail to grab any major award this year.
It was learned that the props, particularly the riser used by Tribu Panayanon during their performance at the contest proper on Sunday, exceeded the allowed size and height. Prior to the contest proper, the contest committee had told participants to give emphasis on the performance and choreographs of every tribe.
This year’s champion Tribu Salognon garnered the special award for Best Choreographer and two minor awards, Best in Choreography and Best in Performance.
Tribu Salognon also got the Best in Costume during the opening salvo.
Tribu Ilonganon of Jalandoni Memorial National High School which ended first runner-up award also got a minor award for Best in Discipline.
Named second runner-up was the Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School; third runner-up, Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School and fourth runner-up, Tribu Baybayanon of Melchor L. Nava National High School.
Meanwhile, Tribu Panayanon got the special awards for Best Costume Designer, Best Headdress and Best Musical Director; minor awards for Best in Music, Best in Costume and Best in Street Dancing; and Best in Discipline and Best in Overall Performance during the opening salvo category.
During interviews, Blesilda Floro, tribe manager of Tribu Panayanon, and Romel Flogen, choreographer, both admitted their violations and accepted the decision of the judges and the Dinagyang Foundation contest committee. (FREEMAN)