By Mariela Angella Oladive
The world-renowned Dinagyang Festival is representing the Philippines at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, showcasing Iloilo’s vibrant cultural heritage on a global stage.
On June 7, this year’s champion group, Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School, led the Philippines’ National Day celebration with a performance during the opening parade.
The group was the sole cultural contingent in the procession, leading to the main Performance Hall, where other Filipino artists are performing for an international audience.
“The rousing applause in all the areas where the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival performed is truly an inspiration,” the festival’s official social media page stated.
“Our artists and performers are also ambassadors, bringing the warmth and happiness of the Philippines to Japan and the world.”
The performances, choreographed by Gerlin Francisco and Brian Francisco, with costumes designed by Tata Pinuela, will run until June 12, except on June 11.
Festival artistic directors Elvert Bañares and Eric Divinagracia said the routines were adapted for a stage format, in contrast to the traditional street performances held every January in honor of the Santo Niño.
The Iloilo delegation includes Joyce Clavecillas, executive director of the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc.; La Paz National High School Principal Salvador M. Besares; Assistant Principal Noel L. Tubungbanua; and Lorna Longno of Amazing Trails Travels.
Iloilo’s participation at the World Expo is supported by the Tourism Promotions Board under the Department of Tourism.
