The birth and evolution of Dinagyang

THE root word is dagyang. In Ilonggo, it means to make merry. Dinagyang is the present progressive word of the Ilonggo word, meaning making merry or merry-making.

Attributed now to the annual, socio-cultural-religious festival of Iloilo City, the word Dinagyang was coined by an old-timer, Ilonggo writer and radio broadcaster, the late Pacifico Sumagpao Sudario, and first used to name the festival when it was launched in 1977.

Iloilo City's Dinagyang has its early beginnings in 1968, when a replica of the image of Sr. Santo Ni¤o was brought from Cebu City to the San Jose Parish Church by Fr. Suplicio Ebderes, OSA with a delegation of Cofradia del Sto. Niño,Cebu members.

The image and party were enthusiastically welcomed at Iloilo City by then parish priest of San Jose Church, Fr. Ambrosio Galindez, OSA, then Mayor Renerio Ticao, and the devotees of the Sto. Ni¤o in Iloilo City.

The image was brought to San Jose Parish Church and enshrined there up to this time, where a novena in His honor is held every Friday.

Meanwhile, the Confradia del Santo Niño, Iloilo Chapter, was organized and the first set of officers were elected. To name a few: Fr. Ambrosio Galindez; Fiscal Vicente Gengos, first president of the Confradia; Felisimo Almalvez; Aurelio Deriada; the late Tommy Panaguiton; Doroteo Fuentes; Mr. and Mrs. Esperidion Alculbilla and Dominador Rivera, Jr. The first parish feast of Se¤or Santo Niño was celebrated in 1969, a year after his arrival in Iloilo City. The culmination of the nine-day novena was the Fluvial Procession.

In the early morning light of dawn, the revered Santo Ni¤o image is borne on a decorative banca in a fluvial procession, starting from the mouth of the Iloilo River at Fort San Pedro, winding all the way to the Iloilo Provincial Capitol which stands on the bank of the Iloilo River.

If the festival had to be developed into a major tourist attraction, it would be so big in magnitude and the Confradia thought that it could no longer cope with the demands of a tourist come-on.

The year 1976 also brought another feature of the festival. Street revelry and audience participation were introduced an encouraged.

At that point, the Santo Ni¤o is met by the Hermano-Hermana Mayor devptees, and Ati-atihan tribes. With the Santo Ni¤o leading, the foot procession starts, passing through the main streets of the city and ending up at San Jose Church, where a high mass is then celebrated.

Every year since then, the image is venerated through religious celebration, with the Ati-atihan tracing its roots to the barter or purchase of Panay Island by the 10 Bornean datus from the Ati King, Marikudo, in the 13th century.

From 1969, the celebration was casually called Ati-atihan and to differentiate it from that of Kalibo, Aklan was specified as Iloilo Ati-atihan

The fluvial procession of the Santo Ni¤o image on the Iloilo River was made a prerequisite to the Ati-atihan foot procession which has now evolved into a parade and competition, thus answering the cultural aspect of the celebration.

The early years of the Ati-atihan parade and competition saw only a few tribes participating. Held in the afternoon of Sunday, the assembly point was the Provincial Capitol, the parade passing Iznart and J.M. Basa Street, and straight to San Jose Church with the Freedom Grandstand as the sole judging area. The champion was the Majapahit Tribe of Compania Maritima.

At first, the steps or movements of the Ati-atihan participants were improvised , their formations unstructured.

Their costumes were made of indigenous materials like leaves and barks of trees, woven anahaw, bun or coconut palm fronds and husks.

From 1971 to 1973, more "Ati-Ati" tribes joined the celebration that now has become more colorful and pompous, to eventually include the Mardi Gras (now Kasadyahan) an off-shoot of the Ati-atihan, and becoming a full-bloom festival. It was during these years that the Ma-Mau Tribe of Nenaco copped the first place consecutively.

In 1974, the Iloilo Ati-atihan played a vital role in the "Operation Balikbayan" program of the Department of Tourism (then Ministry of Tourism) by providing visitors with a unique form of cultural entertainment.

Panaderia de Molo's "The Last Warrior" Tribe was the champion during this year and was invited by former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos to grace the Kasaysayan ng Lahi pageant presented to foreign diplomats in Manila.

Whereas before the public was just a spectator during the merrymaking of the various competing "Ati-Ati" and Mardi Gras tribes and groups, this time the people were given the chance to gyrate wildly in the streets, sans inhibitions.

With soot painted all over the face and body, one could just fantasize on anything that hits his face and in wild abandon, dance to the cacophonous beat of drums in the streets mingled with raucous laughter of merrymakers.

From 1969 to 1977, the Hermana Mayor was once Mayor of Iloilo City, Rosa O. Caram.

In 1977 (10th year from inception), the Iloilo City Government which now heads the yearly celebration in coordination with the DOT, for want of a name, brainstormed for a distinctive, typical Ilonggo word to identify the festival.

Ilonggo words like Kalipayaan, Hinugyaw, Kalingawan and Kasadyahan, which all synonymously mean making happy, cropped up.

History of Tribes

Tribu Aninipay

Tribu Aninipay was founded by the Carado Family in the year 2000. The tribe name is taken from a kind of grass which grows abundantly in a rocky and mountainous area in Panay where a certain tribe inhabits. The tribe men then identified themselves as Tribu Aninipay due to the thich growth of grass in their area.

The ribe has 60 warriors and 40 drummers and they are presently managed by Randy Carado who is also the tribe choreographer. Band leader is Rainier Carado and Costume Designer is Roy Carado.

The tribe was able to bag the 2nd place in the 2000 competition and they were also awarded the Best in Discipline on the same year. They were also the Most Colorful tribe in the 2003 competition (Randy Carado).

Tribu Angola

The tribe's previous name was Tribu Ambala. It was formed by Rodrigo Geraga in 1974. Ambala is the legendary cannibal tribe of Zambales. The founder wanted to depict them not as cannibals but as a tribe that gives honor to Senor Santo Nino. Then in 1989, the tribe's name was changed to Angola.

The tribe is composed of 65 warriors, 36 drummers and 10 character dancers. The tribe manager is Rodrigo Geraga and choreographer is Ruel Labto.

Angola was 4th Runner-up in Dinagyang 2000 and they were the Best in Discipline in 2001. (Rodrigo Geraga).

Tribu Atub-Atub

The tribe was founded in May 5, 1971 and has a long list of achievements since it first joined the festival. It has reaped the Championship award for the years 1978, 1984, 1991, 2000, and 2003. It also garnered the 1st runner-up in the Aliwan Dance Competition in Manila last year. Atub-Atub has also performed in the Independnce Day celebration in Intramuros and at WOW Philippines best of the regions showcase.

The tribe is composed of 60 warriors and 35 drummers and 10 character dancers. The materials used for this year is banana strips ( ramay ), buri, strips, capiz and tiboli shells, and feathers. (Melanie Santiago).

Tribu Bantu

Bantu tribe, which will have their maiden performance this coming Dinagyang, was founded in July 24, 2003 by Jolene Grace Gomez, a tribe designer. The tribe got its name from people who believe in the spirits found in stones.

The tribe has 60 warriors and 37 drummers wuth July Gomez as the tribe manager and Laytong Recablanca as the tribe choregeograher.

Tribu Dagyaw-Ta

Tribu Dagyaw-ta was founded in 2003 was founded by Saysay Roque, Rufino Villaflor, Jojo Aquino and K-net Ray Militaar. "Dagyawan " is the local word for worship and praise.

There are 60 warriors and 40 drummers for the tribe. Their tribe manager is Rufino Villaflor and K-net Ray Militar is the choregeographer. (Rufino Villaflor)

Tribu Familia Sagrada

The tribe was founded in 2003 by Robmar Buensuceso. It has 60-80 warriors, 50 drummers and 20 character dancers. The tribe manager is Robmar Buensuceso and the tribe choregeographer is Edwin Duero. The tribe won Best in Headdress in 2003. (Robmar Buensuceso)

Tribu Halimaw

Tribu Halimaw was founded in 1975 by Raul Andrade. The name was taken from a white monkey of Alaska seen from a National Geographic File.

The tribe has 60 warriors and 40 drummers with Mr. Rechie Andrade as the tribe manager and Juven Cayao as the choregeographer.

The tribe was 1st Runner-up in the 1986 Dinagyang competition (Rechie Andrade).

Tribu Hamili

Tribu Hamili was founded in 1969 by Francis Segovia. The previous name of the tribe was Sacred and was changed to Hamili in 1972 which means the same thing.

The tribe has 60 warriors, 30 drummers and 24 character dancers with Francis Segovia as the present tribe manager and Juri Villanueva and Terence Deslate as tribe choregeographers. Previous tribe manager was Joselito Esteban.

The tribe got the 3rd place from 1970-1974, they were declared champion in the years 1975, 1976 and 1998, they won 2nd place in 1999 and 4th place in 2002. (Francis Segovia).

Tribu Himala

Himala tribe was founded in 1979 and was an off-shoot of Tribu Hamili. It's founder is Danilo Drilon.
The tribe has 60 warriors, 30 drummers and 15 character dancers with DaniloDrilon as the tribe manager and Doni Drilon, Edward Mabilog and Dylan Drilon as the tribe choreographers.
The tribe got 3rd place in 1996 and won Best Costume in 1981 and 1994.

Tribu Kalubihan

The tribe was organized in 2002 and won the Best Headdress and Most Unique awards in the same year.

There are 60 warriors, 30 drummers and 15 character dancers for this year. Materials to be used for costume are coconut husks and fibers. (Ronelo Juesca).

Tribu Lakandon

Tribu Lakandon was founded in 1986 by Randy Gomez. The name was taken from the lacandon tribe which existed during the Malayan civilization.

The tribe has 65 warriors and 35 drummers and the tribe manager is Randy Gomez while choregeographer is Sony Amistoso.

The tribe was 5th place in 1988, 4th place in 1989, 2nd place in 1992, and 2nd place in the Best Uniform Category in 1995. (Rosemarie G. Amistoso).

Tribu Silangan

Tribu Silangan, previously known Tribu Miluvi was founded in 1976 by Helacio Yu. The name was taken from Mindanao, Luzon and Visayas.

It has 55 warriors and 30 drummers with Ramon Yu as the manager and Ramel and Edward as the choregeographers. (Ramon Yu)

Tribu Molave

Tribu Molave was founded in 1979 by Jaime Canlas. It was previously called Tribu Barangayan and was changed to Molave in 1980. The name came from the Molave tree.

The tribe has 60 warriors and 35 drummers with Jaime Canlas as the tribe manager and Rufino Villaflor as the choregeographer.

The tribe was champion in 3rd Runner-up in 1999, 2nd Runner-up in 2000 and champion from 2001-2002 in the Barangay Category. They also got the Best in Costume and Performance awards in the same year. (Jaime Canlas)

Tribu Pag-Asa

Tribu Pag-asa was founded in 2002 by Andres Gomez, Jr. The tribe's name means hope and their previous name was Kongo/Kanyao.

The tribe has 60 warriors, 30 drummers and 20 character dancers with Andres Gomez, Jr. as the tribe manager and choregeographer. (Andres Gomez. Jr.)

Tribu Pana- Ad

Tribu Pana-ad was founded in 1987 by Carlos Ebro, Jr., Melvin Villanueva, Mario Magno, Robmar Buensuceso and Vicbay Molina ( decreased). The tribe name means a promise or sacred vow.
The tribe has 60 warriors, 30 drummers and 8 character dancers with Crlos Ebro, Jr., as the tribe manager and Edmar Cayao as the tribe choreographer.

The tribe got the 3rd place in 1988, 1990, and 1991, placed 2nd in 1989 and 1992 and was declared champion in the Barangay Category in 1993 and 1999. (Carlos Ebro Jr.,)

Tribu Parianon

Tribu Parianon was founded in 2001 by Oscar Vijuan and was derived from the old name of Molo which was Parian.

The tribe has 60 warriors and 30 drummers. The tribe manager is Oscar Vijuan and choreographer is Favelin Bendoy.

They were 3rd Runner-up in the Open Category in 2001 and placed 2nd in 2002. They also got the Best Music award in the same year. (Oscar Vijuan)

Tribu Bola-Bola ( Iloilo National High School )

Tribu Bola-Bola was organized in 1992. The executive producer is Dr. Riza Amaguin, and the tribe manager is Nilda Lopez.

The tribe has 62 warriors, 58 drummers and 21 dancers. The choreographers are Ria Espanola, Butch Jamantoc, Mark Erfe, Blasito Ledesma, Eric Tacorda, Ronaldo Asperga and Brainard Consumo. The tribe got its name from the Ati belief that when it is new or full moon, human bats scour the skies to look for prey.

Bola-Bola bagged the championship awrd in 1994, 1996 and 2001.

Tribu Salognon ( Jaro National High School )

The tribe was organized in November 1993. The team manager is Jesusita Agudo, the school principal and the choreographer is Anthony Portugalete.

"Salog" is an early pre-Spanish Ati realm, not only rich in culture and heritage, but resplendent in gold. This Ati settlement is ruled by a mythical figure named " Bulawan" who had dep fidelity to Senor Sto. Nino. " Salog" is also the old name of Jaro.

Materials used for the costume is abaca fiber, abaca cloth and rope, rattan rings and pearl beads.
The tribe will have 170 performers with 15 back-ups and 4 star dancers.