Panagbenga: The birth of a tradition

Posted on February 21st, 2007 by mvg.
Categories: Features, History.

IT ALL began in 1995 when lawyer Damaso Bangaoet, Jr., John Hay Poro Point Development Corp. (JPDC) managing director, presented to the JPDC Board of Directors the idea of their spearheading the holding of a flower festival in Baguio City.

The board, then led by Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) Chairman Victor Lim and JPDC President Rogelio Singson, approved the project immediately. It was also decided that the festival be held every February. (more…)

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Iloilo Paraw Regatta Synopsis

Posted on February 20th, 2007 by mvg.
Categories: Features, History.

THE Iloilo paraw (sailboat) Regatta, instituted in 1973, is a race among native outriggers in the strait between the island province of Guimaras and Iloilo City.

Called “paraw” in the local dialect, these native outriggers faithfully copy in materials and design sailboats that carried to Panay in 1212 A.D. the first settlers from Borneo who were in search of a peaceful home. The sailboats survived the centuries and became a vital part of the Ilonggo seafaring life.

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A celebration called Dinagyang

Posted on February 15th, 2007 by mvg.
Categories: History.

THAT is all you can hear on every 4th weekend of January in Iloilo. A very popular tagline used by Ilonggos to express their warm participation during the “Dinagyang” celebration. A commemoration in honor of Señor Sto. Niño whom Ilonggos believe was very miraculous in times of famine and drought.

“Dinagyang” came from the root word “Dagyang” which means to make merry. A religious and cultural activity, it is a celebration of Ilonggos whose bodies are painted with black in effect to imitate the black, small and slender Negritos who are the aborigines of Panay. The warriors are dressed in fashionable and colorful Aeta costumes and dance artistically and rhythmically with complicated formations along with the loud thumping and sound of drums.

On Jan. 24 and 25, the streets of Iloilo City will once again come alive as the Ilonggos commemorate the annual festivity. This year’s celebration is themed, “Devotion in Motion.” (more…)

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