BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The hard work and dedication exerted by the warriors, dancers, props, artists, and the entire team of Tribu Pan-ay contributed to their triumphant performance to bag the Aliwan Fiesta 2024’s champion trophy.
Elvert Bañares, Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI), artistic director, said some tribe members even have “panata” or devotion and prepare well before their performance on Saturday.
“They came in very prepared and they did excellently. They worked hard to represent Iloilo as best as possible,” Bañares told Panay News.
The concept of Tribu Pan-ay’s performances between the Dinagyang 2024 and Aliwan Fiesta remained the same, said Bañares.
“It is a story of faith and devotion in a land called Pan-ay. Sir Tata Carado, our performers, our artists, and our team worked tirelessly to bring this concept to life,” said Bañares.
Bañares, a renowned film director, producer, and multidisciplinary artist, said he witnessed how the tribe showed dedication, humility, and commitment during their preparation.
“I always say this to the tribe as our guiding principle: There’s no victory in the absence of values and there’s never a defeat in the presence of readiness and dignity,” said Bañares.
“This victory is for all Ilonggos and all Filipinos anywhere in the world. We hope that through the performances of our tribes, we can make you happy and proud. And that we deepen our spirituality, so we can be emotionally guided as we journey through life,” he added.
Tribu Pan-ay of the Fort San Pedro National High School was adjudged the grand champion in the Dinagyang Tribes Competition at the 2024 Dinagyang Festival last Jan. 28.
Tribu Pan-ay received P25 million worth of school projects for Fort San Pedro National High School and the P1-million cash prize and a trophy.
With their enduring spirit and talent, Tribu Pan-ay emerged victorious again after claiming the championship trophy and the P1.5-million cash prize in the Aliwan Fiesta 2024: Parade of Champions held in Manila on Saturday night. They
On the other hand, the Tultugan Festival of Maasin, Iloilo, placed second in the Aliwan Fiesta cultural street dance competition.
The festival showcases the vibrant celebration featuring bamboo instruments, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Maasin.
Eric Divinagracia, IFFI artistic director, stressed the tribe’s performance showcased not just Panay Island’s discovery during the Spanish colonization, but their cultural heritage and sustained faith in Señor Santo Niño.
“We showed our Dinagyang presentation, beautiful drum beats which matched the performance of our dancers and accompanied by various elements, sets, and props all in devotion to Señor Santo Niño,” Divinagracia told reporters after the awarding ceremony.
Meanwhile, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. congratulated Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City and Mayor Francis Amboy of Maasin, Iloilo following the success of their respective festivals.
The governor lauded Treñas and Amboy for their leadership and dedication to promoting cultural heritage through the festivals. He emphasized the festivals’ role in fostering tourism and promoting local identity.
“I am immensely proud of Mayor Treñas and Mayor Amboy for their exceptional stewardship and the outstanding performances of Dinagyang and Tultugan. These festivals not only highlight Iloilo’s vibrant culture but also strengthen our community bonds,” said Governor Defensor.
The governor stressed the success of Dinagyang and Tultugan festivals highlighting their significance as cultural landmarks that unite and inspire communities across Western Visayas.
“We look forward to further elevating Iloilo’s cultural prominence and continuing to celebrate our heritage through festivals like Dinagyang and Tultugan,” Defensor added.
The Aliwan Fiesta is an annual cultural event in the Philippines that brings together various festivals across the country to compete in a grand showcase of Filipino culture and heritage.
Organized by the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the event features three main competitions: the cultural street dance competition, the float parade, and the Reyna ng Aliwan beauty pageant.
Participants come from different regions, each representing their local festivals.
The Aliwan Fiesta provides a platform for these communities to exhibit their unique traditions, costumes, music, and dance, fostering a sense of national pride and unity./PN
