BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – This city’s much celebrated Dinagyang Festival, represented by Tribu Pan-ay from Fort San Pedro National High School, clinched its eighth championship title at the Aliwan Fiesta 2024, held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Pasay City on June 29. Maasin, Iloilo’s Tultugan Festival took second place.
The world-renowned Dinagyang triumphed over 15 other competitors from across the nation, bringing home a grand prize of P1.5 million.
Tultugan, on the other hand earning P750,000 and also claimed the Best Musical Accompaniment award.
Aliwan Fiesta, organized annually by the MBC Media Group in collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the cities of Manila and Pasay, showcases the cultural diversity of the Philippines through dance parades and float competitions of various festivals, earning its title as “the Philippines’ Grandest Fiesta.”
“Iloilo has reigned supreme at the Aliwan Fiesta. We are incredibly proud of our city’s Dinagyang Festival and the province of Iloilo’s Tultugan Festival. Through their outstanding performances, they have not only brought honor to our city and province, but have also strengthened the bonds that unite us as Ilonggos,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
Dinagyang, an annual cultural and religious festival, showcases every January the historical and cultural heritage of Iloilo through elaborate dance routines, choreography, vibrant costumes, and powerful drumbeats.
On the other hand, Tultugan, held every December, is dedicated to promoting and preserving the local bamboo industry, which has deep cultural and economic significance to Maasin and Iloilo Province.
“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the commitment and hard work of our community, performers, artisans, and organizers,” said Treñas.
Allan Tan, president of the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI), said Tribu Pan-ay’s “extraordinary effort and perseverance have rightfully earned you this championship. Well done to everyone involved.”
Tan and IFFI chairperson Judgee Lopez Peña both accompanied the Iloilo contingents to the Aliwan.
Tribu Pan-ay is this year’s Dinagyang Festival 2024 champion, earning it the right to represent Iloilo City in the Aliwan.
The Dinagyang contingent also garnered the Best in Costume award and triumphed in the Tugtog ng Aliwan musical competition, adding an extra P100,000 to their winnings.
Eric Divinagracia, the IFFI artistic director, said the key to the awarding-winning performance was delving “deep into the narratives and concepts of devotion and how we express it through our cultural practices and aesthetics.”
“It’s about enhancing and deepening our understanding and presentation at each performance,” he added.
Dinagyang also won the Aliwan Fiesta in 2023 (represented by Tribu Parianon), 2017 (Tribu Salognon), 2013 (Tribu Panaynon), 2012 (Tribu Pan-ay), 2011 (Tribu Pan-ay), 2010 (Tribu Paghidaet), and 2004 (Tribu Atub-Atub).
“Dinagyang has transcended itself. Time and again, it has proven that it can evolve into a much better festival, and present a more spectacular and creative showcase of what Ilonggo heritage and culture is all about,” said Treñas.
Tultugan Festival earned the right to represent Iloilo Province to the 2024 Aliwan after winning as champion in the Kasadyahan contest of the 2024 Dinagyang Festival held in January.
One of the standout features of the Tultugan Festival is the focus on music made from bamboo instruments. Participants craft and perform on instruments such as the bamboo organ, flutes, and other traditional percussion and wind instruments, creating a distinct and melodious sound that embodies the spirit of the community.
According Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., Dinagyang and Tultugan “not only highlight Iloilo’s vibrant culture but also strengthen our community bonds.
Here’s the complete list of Aliwan Fiesta 2024 winners:
* 1st / Grand Champion – Dinagyang Festival, Iloilo
* 2nd – Tultugan Festival, Iloilo
* 3rd – Meguyaya Festival, Upi Maguindanao
* 4th – Niyogyugan Festival, Pagbilao Quezon
* 5th – Sinulog Festival, Cebu
There were five runners-up: Cagsawa Festival of Daraga, Albay; Halamanan Festival of Guiguinto, Bulacan; Panagbenga Flower Festival of Baguio City; Kaogma Festival of Baao, Camarines Sur; and Antipolo Maytime Festival of Antipolo City./PN
