Fiestas and Celebrations

[wecky]

Originally Posted by chymera00

pwede man sa Coastal Road nayun para tawhay, galing medyo layo lng siya ...

Pwede man, we could meet somewhere in the city first para accessible sa tanan and after that we could proceed to a less crowded place (kay may private transpo nmn ta diba ?)

Ok Chy. I hope available ang car and van para sa lagaw ta. Sadyahon ta ni migs.

[wecky]

Originally Posted by shyaman

Hey guys don't forget to take pictures of your mini-meet and post it sa Samahan.

wink .... wink .... wink .... hahahaha ..... hahahaha.

@chy: prior sang Dinagyang, indi pagkalimti ang party sa 14. Hambali lang ang iban da nga upod naton sa Iloilo.

[BYAHILO]

mmmmmmmmmmm join ako sa meet after lunch. pero if in case denied leave ko.. i have to leave after lunch and return to manila last trip.

[wecky]

last flight of PAL from Iloilo to Manila @Eric is 7pm. So puwede ka gid mag-join. Besides, Dinagyang Ati Contest will be finished by lunch time.

[wecky]

IDFI releases P2.4M to Dinagyang tribes
By Maricar M. Calubiran

The Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) has already released P2,490,000 as subsidy to 20 competing tribes in this year's Dinagyang Festival. The competing tribes, however, are still asking for additional subsidy from the foundation. Of the 20 tribes, 13 tribes have received P150,000 each.

Based on the records released by the IDFI the 13 tribes that received P150,000 each were Atub-Atub, Molave, Pag-asa, Parianon, Baryohanon, Kalubihan, Angola, Familia Sagrada, Panaad, Dagyaw-Ta, Himala, Hamili and Aninipay. The subsidies were released from October 2006 until December 29, 2006.

On the other hand, Tribu Bantu, Halimaw, Ilonganon, San Pedro, Ang Taga Jaro, Silak and Paghidaet have received P80,000 each. Said tribes are still waiting for additional subsidy from the IDFI. They are asking for additional financial support from the foundation since the budget is not enough to finance each tribe.

However, of the 20 tribes, five of them are in danger of losing the chance to compete in this year's ati festival. The IDFI is still pushing for its plan to eliminate five tribes which are deemed not performing well. The Dinagyang Ati competition is set on January 28, 2007.

IDFI's chair of tribes Dr. Jaime Manila said the decision to eliminate five is not yet final but IDFI chair Lee Chuan wants to implement such plan this year. There are tribes who are just repeating their performances and recycle their uniforms.

He added that the IDFI has two options in striking out the fives tribes, it could be either based on their previous performances and result of a pre-judging. There will be different sets of judges for the elimination process.

Of the two options, Manila prefers to subject the tribes into a pre-judging to see how they will perform during the contest proper. But the warriors, dancers or drummers don't have to wear their costumes during the pre-judging.

The IDFI has already identified the tribes which could probably be stricken out from the list of competing tribes. Manila, however, begged not to identify the tribes while talks on the IDFI's plan is on-going.

The foundation wants to trim down the competing tribes though it has already released some subsidy. The IDFI wants to have a better performance from them. The performances must reflect the real essence of the yearly festival.

IDFI wants to redeem religious aspect of Dinagyang

By Maricar M. Calubiran

The liturgical committee of the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) wants to redeem the religious aspect of this year's Dinagyang festival by mandating the contesting tribes to attend the daily novena masses to be held in San Jose Parish Church, in honor of Señor Sto. Niño. For the past years, the festivity was turned into a commercial and business opportunity rather than a religious festival.

Liturgical committee chair June Rivera said if all the 20 tribes will be allowed to compete in this year's festival, four tribes will hear the mass everyday and perform some of their steps after the mass. The novena mass will start from January 20-25, 2007.

Rivera noted that the festival lost its religious aspect and turned into a commercial event.

"The event was purposely held in honor of Señor Sto. Niño. However, it seems the people forgot the real essence of the yearly ati festival. There are competing tribes which do not even attend the novena masses when called to hear the mass. We have to go back to the basics," Rivera said.

Rivera could not help but compare the attitudes and devotions of Cebuanos to Ilonggos towards Señor Sto. Nino. In Cebu, the Basilica de Cebu is crowded with church goers during the novena masses but not in Iloilo. Last year, the foundation tried to institute such activity by celebrating masses and yet only few people heard the masses for Señor Sto. Niño.

In previous years, most of the tribes if not all joined in the yearly festival because of their so-called "Panaad" (devotion) to Señor Sto. Nino. Before, participating tribes support their group without "demanding" any financial help from the foundation or the city. They even came up with an artistic uniform by using indigenous materials and better portrayal of the celebration.

Dinagyang festival was placed in the tourism map of the country in 1977 during the time of deposed President Ferdinand Marcos when the late president declared the year as Tourism Year. With the declaration, each local government unit was asked to present any tourism related activity.

By that time, Dinagyang, which was then called as Ati-atihan sa San Jose de Placer was already in place. The tribes used to perform only at the church vicinity though they are also having a parade in the nearby streets. As many as 32 tribes compete during the time. The performances begin at 7 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m., recalled Rivera. It was late Pacifico Sudario which coined the Dinagyang word, which means merrymaking.

The first tribe which captured the interest of the national as well as foreign dignitaries was the "Last Warriors", which was then being supported by Panaderia de Molo. They wore tin cans out of the cans used as container of their bread products. It was so beautiful and it created sounds because of the tin cans. The "Last Warriors" was even invited to perform in Manila.

Rivera lamented that with the change of time, the outlook of some tribe is not already to honor and pursue their vows on whatever graces they asked and are asking from Senor Sto. Niño. It is more of a money-making business to them. Before, with or without subsidy, they will find their ways and perform.

Last year, some tribes belonging to the Association of Tribes in Iloilo (ATI) threatened to boycott the festival after they were not given the subsidy they are asking from the foundation. The foundation stood by their decision not to release excessive amount to the tribes. Eventually, no tribe backed out during the Dinagyang 2006 competition.

(derived from The News Today)

___________________
Comment:
Dinagyang Festival at present is a very highly-commercialised festival, and it will be more and more commercialised due to its sponsorships, MDGs promotion, and the role it plays in Iloilo City's economic climate. Dinagyang aside from festival itself, brings a lot of investors and tourists in the province. Kung tan-awon mo lang, wala lang siya naga-revolve around presentation of Ilonggo culture, beliefs and heritage but at the same time ginahimo siya paagi to lure businessmen to promote not only the city and province of Iloilo but the entire region of Western Visayas. With the kind of role its playing right now, dako gid ang importansiya sang komersiyalismo sa kasadyahan nga ini. Unknown to most of us, these tribes (or tribus) are sponsored commercially by several companies like SM. Panaderia de Molo, etc. I guess we should at least balance lang siguro. Since there's a committe for religious aspect sang festival nga ini, this committee will highly promote the divine aspect sang Dinagyang. Depende lang ina sa ila siguro kung paano sila mag-promote sa mga devotees to join them sa ila early morning masses.

[BYAHILO]

Originally Posted by wecky

last flight of PAL from Iloilo to Manila @Eric is 7pm. So puwede ka gid mag-join. Besides, Dinagyang Ati Contest will be finished by lunch time.

5J ang ticket nakuha ko. its much cheaper eh.. i got my ticket roundtrip for only 2100, taxes included

[wecky]

ano inang 5J? I have no idea sang mga coding @Eric. Gasakay lang ako iya. Ang 2100 roundtrip is very reasonable. Tani amo lang ina pirmi ang pamasahe sa aton.

[habagatcentral1]

Originally Posted by wecky

ano inang 5J? I have no idea sang mga coding @Eric. Gasakay lang ako iya. Ang 2100 roundtrip is very reasonable. Tani amo lang ina pirmi ang pamasahe sa aton.

Nong Wecky, 5J is CebuPacific. Bag-o na gali ila nga planes acquired from Airbus in Hamburg so indi ka na magsakay sa DC9 nga daan.

[BYAHILO]

sorry for the jargon. as what bernie said 5J is Cebu Pacific. amo na iya intl airline code. while PAL is PR.


and spoeaking of Cebu pacific, nami na ila seats. leather seats nila. same perks with PAL at a lower cost. ang PAL naga pa promo fare for 5-days advance ticket purchase lang. while sa Cebu pacific u can get a discounted ticket even for 6 or 7 months advance. thats i i always plan my trips way ahead of time.

[wecky]

thanks for clarifying @Eric and @Bernie. Nil idea whatsover with Philippine's Aviation acronyms. But I'm glad to hear that Cebu Pacific upgraded their planes now. It just looked terrifying in the past with their DCs.

[shyaman]

Originally Posted by berniemacksouthcentr

Nong Wecky, 5J is CebuPacific. Bag-o na gali ila nga planes acquired from Airbus in Hamburg so indi ka na magsakay sa DC9 nga daan.

Ay abaw Nong Wecky…

Tama ka gid ya kabut-anan Bern.

[spacewagon1]

Foreign dignitaries to witness Dinagyang

MAYOR Jerry Treñas described Dinagyang as the best avenue to promote Iloilo City here and abroad.

“The city has been using the festival as a vehicle to promote Iloilo. We cannot quantify the return on investments but there is a lot of attention given to Iloilo (because of Dinagyang).”

The mayor credited the media for the strong publicity given to the city’s premiere celebration which has been recognized as the country’s best tourism event.

“In terms of media hype – if we are featured on television, broadsheets and radio – the exposure would be very big. Ultimately, that is what we are trying to achieve – that we continuously promote Iloilo not only for tourism but hopefully for investments (too),” Treñas said.

He added several dignitaries and their families are set to grace the Dinagyang highlights on Sunday, Jan. 28.

Initially, he counted among the foreign visitors Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines Gregoire Vardakis, US Embassy’s Vice Consul James Greene, Greg Bernstein and cultural affairs officer Bruce Armstrong.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Calderon, Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary Robert Tan and Petron’s vice-president for legal Atty. Jose Laurel also confirmed their attendance.

The United Nations (UN) might also send a delegation to witness Dinagyang.

Meanwhile, Treñas said a “Donor’s Forum” will be held during the Dinagyang to present to various funding agencies the city’s priority projects needing financial assistance.

Treñas expects representatives for some 50 funding organizations including the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Australian Agency for International Development (AUSAID), Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to attend the forum.

“Dinagyang is becoming more popular and we expect more visitors to come.”

source: The Guardian ILOILO

Dinagyang 2007 cost: P12M

THE budget needed to ensure the successful staging of this year’s Dinagyang Festival, Iloilo City’s grandest fiesta, is getting bigger.

Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday said the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) is trying to raise P10 to P12million for the 2007 Dinagyang which, as usual, will be highlighted by the ati-ati tribes contest Jan. 28.

Last year IFDI operated on a P10-million budget, thanks to the P8-million sponsorship of telecom giant Smart. This year, however, Smart will only give P2million. Rival Globe will also donate P2million. If plans don’t miscarry, Globe will also distribute 1 million pieces of special edition pre-paid cards embossed with Dinagyang theme to help with its promotion.

IDFI executive director Ben Jimena said they expect to receive the sponsorships of the two telecom networks this week.

Treñas is optimistic the festival will overcome the budgetary constraints as more donations are pouring in. So far, the IDFI has generated P9million in pledges.

“I think even with the reduction of support by Smart, we can cope with our financial obligations.”

City Hall, for its part, shelled out P3million for Dinagyang this year. Treñas said the city government shelled out only P1million for Dinagyang last year.

To help Dinagyang, the Department of Tourism (DOT) also pledged to extend P1million.

“I talked with Secretary Durano and he said the P1-million budget is approved (and) the papers are already in the accounting,” said Treñas.

Earlier, Treñas said the United Nations (UN) gave P520,000 for Dinagyang to promote its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which aims to alleviate poverty.

Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Raul Gonzalez Jr. earmarked from his pork barrel P500,000 while DOT regional director Edwin Trompeta initially committed P185,000.

source: The Guardian ILOILO

[spacewagon1]

Originally Posted by shyaman

Ay abaw Nong Wecky…

Tama ka gid ya kabut-anan Bern.

ay gali. Maayo gid ini iya sa Bernie. May nabilin pa nga kabuotan.
Ano na plano niyo sa Dinagyang EB? Kita ko to kagina sa Dinagyang.Com sa Feb 1 kuno ila EB iya.

[habagatcentral1]

Originally Posted by shyaman

Ay abaw Nong Wecky…

Tama ka gid ya kabut-anan Bern.

Originally Posted by wecky

IDFI wants to redeem religious aspect of Dinagyang

By Maricar M. Calubiran
_________________
Comment:
Dinagyang Festival at present is a very highly-commercialised festival, and it will be more and more commercialised due to its sponsorships, MDGs promotion, and the role it plays in Iloilo City's economic climate. Dinagyang aside from festival itself, brings a lot of investors and tourists in the province. Kung tan-awon mo lang, wala lang siya naga-revolve around presentation of Ilonggo culture, beliefs and heritage but at the same time ginahimo siya paagi to lure businessmen to promote not only the city and province of Iloilo but the entire region of Western Visayas. With the kind of role its playing right now, dako gid ang importansiya sang komersiyalismo sa kasadyahan nga ini. Unknown to most of us, these tribes (or tribus) are sponsored commercially by several companies like SM. Panaderia de Molo, etc. I guess we should at least balance lang siguro. Since there's a committe for religious aspect sang festival nga ini, this committee will highly promote the divine aspect sang Dinagyang. Depende lang ina sa ila siguro kung paano sila mag-promote sa mga devotees to join them sa ila early morning masses.

For me, the most religious festival for Ilonggos IMO, so far as devotion goes is La Nuestra Señora de Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles) of Jaro. Although Santo Niño is also somewhat important in Ilonggo Catholic life pero devotion is not as intense as that of Cebuanos, IMO.

And with regards to the sponsorships, IF THEY REALLY DANCE FOR THE DEVOTION FOR SANTO NIñO, THEY SHOULDN'T COMPLAIN SINCE IN THE EYES OF GOD, EVERYONE IS EQUAL.

With regards to Dinagyang, on confused state guro na sya. There are some of my profs doubt that it presents the Ilonggo mainstream culture. Indi man ta ya Ati. Ang Ilonggo kuno damu ki-ay ki-ay kon magsayaw which is shown in other festivals outside the city. I think Kasadyahan is more relevant to the Ilonggo culture than the Ati-Ati competition, or moreso the festivals in the Province of Iloilo itself.

Pero anyway, its another tool of the city to use to promote itself to the rest of the world, like other festivals as well not only here but the rest of the world.

Originally Posted by spacewagon1

ay gali. Maayo gid ini iya sa Bernie. May nabilin pa nga kabuotan.
Ano na plano niyo sa Dinagyang EB? Kita ko to kagina sa Dinagyang.Com sa Feb 1 kuno ila EB iya.

Basi di ko kakadto kay may work guid. Buot man ko ya, hehehehe!

[BYAHILO]

toud gid man nga bout si manong bernie

ahahhahahahahahahahha

[wecky]

City hall opens sidewalks
to Dinagyang fest kiosks
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – Sidewalks along the main thoroughfares of the metropolis are now open for applicants aspiring to put up kiosks during the Dinagyang Festival from January 26 to 28, 2007.

Engineer Ely Bagtasus, chair of the Committee on Kiosks, announced that applications for booths during the weeklong festivities are now being accepted.

There are about 510 spaces allotted for booths covering an area of 2.5 meters by three meters.

An applicant will be required to pay the fees which include: P960 for the space, plus P200 for the Bureau of Internal Revenue privilege tax.

Each kiosk shall have an electric line with a bulb (50 watts).

Bagtasus said there will be an additional P100 per day for the use of (electrical) appliances like refrigerators or freezers, P50 a day for a cooler, microwave oven or karaoke, and P25 daily for water dispensers and electric fans.

Kiosk shall only be allowed to sell beers and softdrinks in cans or in plastic bottles. Also, booth owners will be asked to maintain the cleanliness around the area and must provide garbage bags for customers.

Aide from this, holders shall be responsible to put up its kiosk and dismantling it the day after the festival – January 29, 2007. Interested booth applicants may reach Bagtasus at 338-0982 or visit his office at Phi Beta Enterprises in Ledesma Street.

- Panay News

[IMPRESARIO]

Originally Posted by berniemacksouthcentr

For me, the most religious festival for Ilonggos IMO, so far as devotion goes is La Nuestra Señora de Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles) of Jaro. Although Santo Niño is also somewhat important in Ilonggo Catholic life pero devotion is not as intense as that of Cebuanos, IMO.

And with regards to the sponsorships, IF THEY REALLY DANCE FOR THE DEVOTION FOR SANTO NIñO, THEY SHOULDN'T COMPLAIN SINCE IN THE EYES OF GOD, EVERYONE IS EQUAL.

With regards to Dinagyang, on confused state guro na sya. There are some of my profs doubt that it presents the Ilonggo mainstream culture. Indi man ta ya Ati. Ang Ilonggo kuno damu ki-ay ki-ay kon magsayaw which is shown in other festivals outside the city. I think Kasadyahan is more relevant to the Ilonggo culture than the Ati-Ati competition, or moreso the festivals in the Province of Iloilo itself.

Pero anyway, its another tool of the city to use to promote itself to the rest of the world, like other festivals as well not only here but the rest of the world.



Basi di ko kakadto kay may work guid. Buot man ko ya, hehehehe!

I agree with your statements "nonoy" bern, Cguro slighlty ahead lang ang La Nuestra Señora de Candelaria over the Sto. Nino re: Ilonggo devotion is concerned or parehos lang, but the Cebuanos IMO have greater devotion and fervor to the Sto. Nino.

Mag Prof. of History ka na lang bla Bern,that's what i wanted to do before...

[spacewagon1]

Hotels fully booked for Dinagyang 2007

HOTELS in the city are now fully booked for visitors who will grace the Dinagyang Festival though only 90% has so far confirmed their reservations

With some guests already arriving, Luis Leocario, head of committee on reception of the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI), said yesterday they have been busy welcoming and billeting the guests.

Leocario, who is also the president of Association of Iloilo Tour Operators (AITO), said they expect all reservations to be confirmed in the coming days.

As a new IDFI member, Leocario said the AITO serves as the welcome committee.

Leocario said they have 48 tour member-agencies with transport services waiting for the arrival of City Hall-invited guests at the airport and seaport and to accompany them to their respective accommodations.

However, Leocario said that the city’s existing hotel rooms cannot accommodate all the booking requests of visitors who want to witness the grand celebration.

“We have not yet offered the pension houses because tourists might not find these comfortable.”

He said he turned down the proposed hotel reservations of at least 15 foreigners because “there are no more available (hotel) rooms.” He explained their request for reservations came in late.

“We started to receive bookings in September through a Travel Mart but the responses were always inquiries and were not definite thinking that they could still get a hotel room in December. But the late requests did not make it,” Leocario said.

Leocario said they also offer standard packages to tourists which include panoramic, adventure in Guimaras Island and culinary and museum tours in the city.

The AITO, which is also a member of Iloilo Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB), is positioning Iloilo as convention hub.

AITO has 15 DOT-accredited tour guides. They also tap tourism students to lead visitors in going around local attractions.

source: The Guardian ILOILO

[spacewagon1]

Originally Posted by berniemacksouthcentr

For me, the most religious festival for Ilonggos IMO, so far as devotion goes is La Nuestra Señora de Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles) of Jaro. Although Santo Niño is also somewhat important in Ilonggo Catholic life pero devotion is not as intense as that of Cebuanos, IMO.

And with regards to the sponsorships, IF THEY REALLY DANCE FOR THE DEVOTION FOR SANTO NIñO, THEY SHOULDN'T COMPLAIN SINCE IN THE EYES OF GOD, EVERYONE IS EQUAL.

With regards to Dinagyang, on confused state guro na sya. There are some of my profs doubt that it presents the Ilonggo mainstream culture. Indi man ta ya Ati. Ang Ilonggo kuno damu ki-ay ki-ay kon magsayaw which is shown in other festivals outside the city. I think Kasadyahan is more relevant to the Ilonggo culture than the Ati-Ati competition, or moreso the festivals in the Province of Iloilo itself.

Pero anyway, its another tool of the city to use to promote itself to the rest of the world, like other festivals as well not only here but the rest of the world.

good analysis, Bern. We're more into Candelaria than Sto Nino devotees in Iloilo.
Dinagyang Festival is a real festival sans religious inuendos. It incorporates different aspects of Iloilo and Ilonggos culture, beliefs and history. It revolves from Barter of Panay, The Pact of San Joaquin to a very highly-commercialised festival. Right now, you cannot equate Dinagyang as a highly religious since there are too many facets surrounding the festival itself. Moreso subong, with festival moving to support United Nation's Millenium Development Goals. It constantly revolving depending on awards and recognition gathered nationally and internationally.

[wecky]

Malaysian firm to join Dinagyang trade fair

DINAGYANG Festival is becoming an avenue for product promotions – even the imported ones.

Engr. Ely Bagtasus, chair of kiosk committee of the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) yesterday said a Malaysian firm wants to display its products during the Dinagyang highlights Jan. 26-28.

Bagtasus said the company will promote vitamins and energy drinks to the revelers during the merry-making.

The city’s grandest fiesta usually spurs businesses in the metropolis – from the small vendors to giant companies selling their merchandise to people who flock the “best tourism festival” in the country.

Bagtasus added that a Nueva Ecija-based trading company also plans to showcase 16 products.

Likewise, Bagtasus said Manila-based bread maker Gardenia committed to rent 15 kiosks.

“They will utilize two kiosks and give out the remaining 13 to vendors for free. We have encouraged the vendors and companies to sell their products for livelihood as well as establish links with local entrepreneurs,” said Bagtasus.

He said the kiosks will be positioned in strategic places in downtown area where the crowd converges to watch and join the Dinagyang revelry.

Bagtasus said bottling companies have pledged to donate several kiosks including Coca-Cola (P180,000), San Miguel (P200,000), Pepsi (P180,000) and Beer na Beer (P200,000).

These firms did the same scheme as part of their promotional project.

But the kiosks should only sell beer and softdrinks in can or plastic bottles and they are strictly prohibited from serving liquors to minors.

Bagtasus said they have been accepting vendor applicants November last who want to use the 512 kiosks, 75 percent of which were already sold out.

Some 15 percent of the kiosks made down payments but Bagtasus said the lessees should pay their rents before the Jan. 15 deadline of their reservations will be given to other interested vendors.

The 2.5m x 3m kiosk can be rented for P960 for the three-day festival highlight. Interested lessees may contact 338-0982 or visit Phi-Beta Enterprises along Ledesma Street.

Bagtasus said the vendors will be provided with free electrical lines and light bulbs while 15 electricians will maintain the lines.

If they use appliances, the lessees should pay an additional P100 per day for freezers and refrigerators and P25 daily for karaoke, television sets, water dispensers and electric fans.

Bagtasus said the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) also wants to collect P200 privilege tax from each vendor.

The staging of concerts requires the organizer to pay P3,000.

Bagtasus said they will install some 17 portable toilets costing P4,500 each for sanitation purposes.

He added they shelled out P22,000 for electric bills last year while 20 percent of the profit went to garbage collection fees.

Bagtasus said the kiosk committee remitted P370,000 net profit to the IDFI last year.

-The Guardian Iloilo

____________
Comment:
I hope to see more international and national companies joining trade fair during Dinagyang Festival in the years to come. This might be a good beginning for a city's thrust to further promote Iloilo as a good venue for investors and businessmen to invest.