THE Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) conducted a conference to discuss how to preserve tradition and have a sustainable plot in the celebration of the 51st Dinagyang Festival.
During the first Iloilo Dinagyang Rhythm and Vibes Conference, Wednesday, September 26, several grounds have been discussed to determine what needs to be highlighted more in next year’s festival.
The conference was conducted as every year IDFI noted the “noticeable misaligned cultural appropriations and trendy innovations in tribe presentations” which might break the sustainability of the local heritage festival presentations.
According to Prof. Eric Divinagracia, Advisory Council Member for the Alliance of Dinagyang Tribes in Iloilo, the performances should depict the Ilonggo’s identity.
He enumerated that the Ilonggo’s identity is made up of three aspects: Origin, Christianization and modernization.
“First is the origin, we can insert the Ati and Panay Bukidnon. Our Christianization, the arrival of Sto. Niño highlighting our Catholic heritage. Third is modernization, how we embrace the new generation wherein we can include Iloilo and the world,” Divinagracia said.
Divinagracia added that the performances should show the story they wanted to tell through dance, sound and visual.
“But for now, it’s important that we can define our festival, our sound, moves, ang iya nga dagyang, and vibe,” Divinagracia said.
He also pointed out that the Ati motifs should be present, however, it needs to be improved as it should be patterned to the Ati’s moves.
The props should have spectacle effect but it obstructs the movement and visuals of the performers. Divinagracia suggested to lessen or regulate it.
“Aside from structure, we have discussed to put value motifs where we can see how we celebrate our gatherings, harvest and prayers. Maybe that will eventually provide focus or storyline to our tribes. Not all will only concentrate on animals and gathering but we should also show our history,” Divinagracia said.
Divinagracia also mentioned the probable establishment of Dinagyang Academy to train the directors, musicians, dancers, choreographers, and designers for the festival. (Carolyn Jane Abello)