By Francis Allan L. Angelo and Emme Rose Santiagudo
The best tourism event in the country — Dinagyang Festival— outclassed itself Sunday as thousands rebooted their Ilonggo spirits while tourists and guests enjoyed the showcase of the rich culture and religiosity of Ilonggos through the performances of Ati tribes honoring Señor Santo Niño.
“Dinagyang 360’ was great. The tribes did not only live up to the title of Dinagyang as the ‘best tourism event’ but they leveled it up. I had goosebumps witnessing their genius. I felt the passion and determination in their movements. I felt like my heart danced with their drumbeats,” Rep. Julienne “Jam” Baronda told the Daily Guardian in an exclusive interview.
In her speech before the jam-packed New Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, the first congresswoman of Iloilo City said, “I am overjoyed with the success of all the events leading to today’s big event – Dinagyang Festival 2020.”
Baronda congratulated the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc and the City Government led by Mayor Jerry Treñas, whom she described as “one of the great visionary leaders of our time.”
She extolled the “strategic, driven and heartfelt private-public collaboration and partnership could yield excellent results” as in the case between IFFI and the City Hall.
In the interview after the performance of the eight competing tribes, she said that the “Dinagyang Festival 2020 is a big proof that the unity among the leaders of the city can bring forth something that gives a sneak peek into what Iloilo is and has and still could give.”
Meanwhile, Treñas, in his welcome speech, said, “This year’s Dinagyang theme, “Perfect Vision: Celebrating the Ilonggo spirit in honor of Señor Sto. Niño” is a manifestation of what Dinagyang 2020 is all about.
“Klaro ang amon gusto matabo sa sini nga selebrasyon, kag klaro ang amon tinutuyo, ina ang matagaan kamo tanan sang masadya, kag madinuagon nga Dinagyang Festival. Pero indi natun pagkalimtan ang matuod-tuod nga esensya sang pag-saulog sang Dinagyang Festival. Aside from our rich cultural heritage, this is also a celebration of our unwavering faith, and commitment to respect religious traditions.”
Baronda emphasized the religious side of the festival saying, “let us not forget the “reason for being” of this festival – Señor Santo Niño. Let us strengthen our faith and devotion in Him for we have survived all calamities and trials because of Him. I believe that our resiliency is powered by our devotion to Señor Santo Niño!”
Czech Republic Ambassador Jana Sediva, who was among the special guests, was all praises. “I am so impressed. Your Dinagyang is perfect. I love the dances. I love the music,” she said. It was her first time to set foot in Iloilo City. She said she wants to collaborate with the city for further programs.
Guest of Honor Honeylet Avanceña was also wowed by the performances. In her speech, she asked the Ilonggos to continue thanking Santo Niño for any and all blessings that came to the Ilonggos.
Sen. Franklin Drilon, Sen. Imee Marcos, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, and Lala Sotto were among the guests who enjoyed the performances in the New Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.
