Dinagyang performances wow local, foreign guests
IL OIL O City– Dinagyang Festival 2024 received ac claim from senators, foreigners, and locals for the impressive performances showcased by tribes participating in the K as ad ya han s aK ab anwa ha nan and Di nag yang tribes competition, the festival’s highlights.
Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Lito Lapid and Risa Honteviros, along with House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Las Piñas City’s Rep. Camille Villar- Genuino, and others, were among the audience witnessing either or both events.
Senator Revilla expressed his delight at attending the Dinagyang Festival, noting the significant improvement in the tribes’ performances and the development of Iloilo as a highly urbanized city.
“Since 2004, I’ ve been here, always. The improvement is huge and beautiful, so congratulations Gov. Toto Defensor and Mayor Jerry Treñas,” said Revilla.
Senator Lapid, who attends the festival almost every year, felt like a local of Iloilo City. He thanked Governor Defensor, Mayor Treñas, and Cong. Julienne Baronda for the regular invitations.
Lapid also expressed a desire to replicate the Di nag yang Festival in Pam pan ga, his home province.
Senator H ont iver os remarked on the beauty of the Dinagyangl, appreciating not only the cultural aspect but also the advocacies, artistry, and history depicted in the tribe performances.
“It feeds not just your mind but your heart. All these advocacies, including artistry and culture, the history. A show like no other,” Hontiveros commented.
She has followed the Dinagyang Festival f or several years and holds a special fondness for the Salognon tribe from Jaro National High School.
Congresswoman Baronda thanked the senators and visitors from other parts of the country for attending the Dinagyang Festival 2024, highlighting it as a proud celebration in honor of and devotion to Señor Santo Niño.
Foreign attendees also praised the festival. Peter Johnson from the United States of America, witnessing the Dinagyang tribes competition, found the performances awesome and very energetic.
“Very energetic, exciting, and creative. It’s a very unique experience,” Johnson told Panay News.
This was his first Dinagyang Festival, and he assured his return to Iloilo City.
Johnson also took the opportunity to explore Iloilo City’s culinary delights like batchoy and seafood.
Daniel Maldonado f rom Colombia enjoyed the Di nag yang tribes competition, saying, “It’s a lot of fun, really fun. I’m surprised and definitely will come back next year.”
Maldonado was invited by his partner’s family, who is a native of Iloilo.
Grace Gregorios, a native of La Paz district and now living in California, USA, expressed pride in being an Ilonggo and the development of the city.
Gregorios, a registered nurse, visited Il oil o with family and friends specifically for the festival.
Henry Howard from North America was surprised by the entertaining and colorful performances of the tribes while Marian Co and Lloyd Faelangco from the National Capital Region ( NCR) found the performances exciting and worth the trip to Iloilo City.
Vicky Deles, 71, from La Paz district, woke up early to watch the performance of Tribu Paghidaet from La Paz National High School, hoping they would defend their title as champions./