Dinagyang Festival opens Iloilo doors to the world

CEBU, Philippines - See and experience Iloilo, said Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog while announcing that Dinagyang Festival is opening Iloilo’s doors to the world by promoting the city’s tourism out to the world.

The mayor was optimistic that the recent performances of 2012 Dinagyang champion Tribu Pan-ay at the Guam Liberation Day festivities in the US territory over the weekend could encouraged more tourists to visit Iloilo.

In a statement, the Philippine Embassy in Guam said that Filipinos on the island and Guam residents who witnessed the three Dinagyang performances described the acts as “fantastic.”

“All Dinagyang performances were well-received by Filipinos and Guam community in general. Guam government officials expressed their delight especially for the Ilonggos’ participation during the parade. Many have also expressed interest to visit Iloilo to witness Dinagyang Festival,” the Embassy noted.

Tribu Pan-ay performed on July 20 at the University of Guam Fieldhouse organized by the Iloilo International of Guam.

The event was attended by close to a thousand, including prominent government officials Senators Dennis Rodriguez, Jr.; Tony Ada; Chris Duenas of the 31st Guam Legislature; and Pedro Martinez, deputy executive director of Guam International Airport Authority.

Dinagyang also participated in the Guam Liberation Day Parade on July 21. It was considered the biggest event in the island, attended by highest officials of the Government of Guam and the US military, through the invitation of the Mayors’ Council of Guam.

Some of the dignitaries in attendance were Gov. Eddie Baza Calvo and wife Christine, Congressman Madeleine Bordallo, Joint Forces Marianas Commander Admiral Paul Bushong and members of the Consular Corps on Guam.

Mayor Mabilog presented a beautiful tribal headdress to Gov. Calvo as a token from the Iloilo City Government.

The Mayors’ Council of Guam also presented a resolution thanking the City of Iloilo, Mayor Mabilog and Tribu Pan-ay members for accepting their invitation for Dinagyang to perform during the parade.

Consul Edgar Tomas Auxilian and Vice-consul Maria Paz Cortes representing the Philippine Consulate General were also present at the parade grandstand to witness Tribu Pan-ay’s splendid performance.

Tribu Pan-ay also performed on July 22 at the center court, which was filled to capacity as others also lined the second floor of atrium in order to catch a glimpse of the show at the Micronesia Mall, the biggest mall on the island owned by Filipino business tycoon Lucio Tan.

Consul General Bayani Mangibin graced the event which was also attended by Senators Rodriguez, Jr. and Shirley Mabini of 31st Guam Legislature. Filipino Community of Guam president Leah Beth Naholowaa as well as other Filipino community leaders who also supported the event.

The project Dinagyang Guam 2012 was spearheaded by the Iloilo International of Guam in cooperation with the Mayors’ Council of Guam represented by Executive Director Angel Sablan; Mayors Melissa Savares of Dededo, Carol Tayama of Agat, Dale Alvarez of Sta. Rita and Paul MacDonald of Agana Heights; in cooperation with Iloilo City Government; and Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. represented by Felipe Uygongco.

The project was also supported by the offices of Sen. Rodriguez, Jr., Congresswoman Bordallo and the Philippine Consulate General in Agana, Guam.

Tribu Pan-ay is composed of students from Fort San Pedro National High School accompanied by Schools Division Superintendent Nelly Valerio; Blesilda Floro, and school principal and tribe manager; Eduardo Peñaredondo, executive assistant to Mayor Mabilog, and Iloilo City Tourism Officer Benito Jimena, among others.  (FREEMAN)