All set for Dinagyang 2013 Feast

EVERYTHING is in place for the Dinagyang 2013 highlights on January 26 and 27, said Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation president Ramon Cua Locsin.

Dinagyang Festival highlights the public-private partnership of the Iloilo City Government, the church, and the foundation in a religious cultural celebration highlighting the veneration of the Sto. Niño.

This year’s festival is expecting to accommodate some 1.5 million spectators, visitors, and guests.

Locsin said the foundation sets P1.947-million worth of cash prizes for the activities, namely: Dinagyang Ati-Atihan competition (P770,000); Kasadyahan regional competition (P580,000); On-the-Spot Painting contest (P25,000); Photo Contest (P61,500); Dancesports regional competition (P61,000); Tambor Trumpa Martsa Musika competition (P200,000); and Dinagyang Pyrolympics Luces in the Sky contest (P250,000).

A total of 12 regional festival groups will vie for honors in the Kasadyahan Festival on Saturday, while 11 tribes will perform on Sunday during the Ati-Atihan Tribe competition.

Dr. Eden Deriada of the Kasadyahan Committee named the contenders for the Kasadyahan Festival as Tribu Salakayan of Miagao, Iloilo; Tribu Mandaragat of San Jose, Antique; Tribu Padagyaw of Dumarao, Capiz; Tribu Saludan of Tigbauan, Iloilo; Hubon Saranggola sa Manggahan of Buenavista, Guimaras; Hubon Binagtong sa Manggahan of Nueva Valencia, Guimaras; Tribu Hugyaw of St. Therese MTC College in Iloilo City; Tribu Kaing of Leon, Iloilo; Tribu Bayluhay of San Joaquin, Iloilo; Tribu Hugyaw Kansilay of Silay City, Negros Occidental; Tribu Olalong of Cabalum Western college in Iloilo City; and Tribu Pahinis de Laua-an of Laua-an, Antique.

Robert Alor of the Ati-atihan Tribe Committee named the 10 contenders Ati-Atihan Tribe competition as Tribu Angola, Aninipay, Atub-atub, Buntatalan-on, Ilongganon, Milagrosa, Molave, Pag-asa, Panayanon and Salognon with a non-contesting Tribu Miro of Anilao and Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. (Lydia C. Pendon)