By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan
Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School (LPNHS) had expected to finish as a runner-up but is now preparing for a victory party after securing the top prize at the Dinagyang Tribes competition on Sunday, Jan. 26.
LPNHS Principal and Tribu Paghidaet tribe manager Salvador Besares shared the overwhelming joy they felt upon learning about their win.
“Some members, including our warriors and special dancers, were crying. Even the teachers were very happy. We were full of joy,” Besares told Daily Guardian.
Reaching victory, however, was no easy feat for Besares, who assumed the role of principal only in February of last year.
He attributed their success to three key factors: supporting the city’s tourism efforts, devotion to the Santo Niño, and thanksgiving to Jesus Christ.
“Experiencing this life from God is a great gift and grace to us,” Besares said.
“Dinagyang is a way of giving our faith back. For me, income is secondary. The true reason is devotion. We always tell the kids that Dinagyang is a showcase for our dancing, but the primary reason is the Señor Santo Niño. We have to give our strength for the Child Jesus,” he added.
The tribe began planning in June, and by August, many roles were finalized as rehearsals started.
Several tribe participants were LPNHS alumni, La Paz locals, and others with connections to the school.
“I know there were many choreographers and musical directors from La Paz,” Besares said.
“We prioritized alumni from [LPNHS] and talents from the La Paz district instead of seeking contributors from other areas.”
Budget constraints posed one of their biggest challenges, but La Paz barangays extended assistance by providing food for the tribe.
Besares also acknowledged Daily Guardian as one of their sponsors.
“We sent artists to Manila because materials like feathers and beads were much cheaper there than in Iloilo City. By buying early, we managed to save on costs, which otherwise would have been burdensome,” he explained.
During the awarding ceremony, Besares admitted they had anticipated finishing as first runner-up. Tribu Pan-ay (Fort San Pedro National High School) had won four minor awards compared to Tribu Paghidaet’s two.
“We weren’t expecting to win. When Pan-ay was announced as first runner-up, I was shivering with happiness,” he said.
Regarding their P1.2-million prize, Besares stated they would prioritize settling accounts with staff, designers, artists, and choreographers. He also mentioned that part of the funds would go toward their victory celebration but did not elaborate on plans for the remaining amount.
