Weeks prior to the celebration, the streets of Iloilo City come alive with the vivid display of festival decorations and costumes, the passionate rallying call of the tribes, and the pulsating rhythm of the drums.
Situated in the heart of the Philippines, the reigning queen of festivals, Dinagyang is annually celebrated in devotion to the Sto. Niño (Holy Child Jesus). Its continuous embodiment of the region’s rich cultural history and beaming expression through dance and celebration, endures the lasting inspiration and unity that the festival brings forth.
For this year’s Aliwan Fiesta, the Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City remained victorious for the Street Dance Competition. Ms. Melanie Tabaculde, Tribu Pan-ay's Tribe Manager and Fort San Pedro National High School Principal, reflected on the long journey towards their championing moment.
Where the Heart Resides
As a cultural practice encompassing the Ilonggo identity, the students of Fort San Pedro National High School consider the festival preparation to be a time where they radiate best. While most of the students who volunteered to perform and make props show indifference towards academics, they undoubtedly excel when performing.
Their persisting display of diligence with the late and tiring practices, the constant changes in routines, and the lack of financial resources for each individual, anchored Tribu Pan-ay as the true embodiment of Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival spirit.
According to Ms. Tabaculde, there was an overwhelming amount of support from their community. She expounded her statement by mentioning how the parents show their support by bringing their children dinner during practices, and how the school teachers’ efforts are immeasurable because of how they willingly extend their personal resources no matter the income.
Even alumni students would return and volunteer to be part of the performers. “With this group, meron kaming three alumni dancers na kakapanganak lang, yung isa CS (caesarean section) (With this group, there are three alumni that recently gave birth, one of them had a C-section),” Ms. Tabaculde said.
She added how she had to force some of them not to join as their health remained as top priority, considering how the postpartum stage in pregnancy shouldn’t be overlooked. There were also instances when students hid their medical conditions, just so they could continue performing. It seems that through all this, Ms. Tabaculde is still grateful for the immense amount of support that their tribe is given.
“‘Yan na nga ang sinasabi ko, na through this, it seems that we gather again (the) previous people who are connected to the school, and they become proud of the school. Napapakita nila na they are also co-owners of this group (That’s what I’m saying, that through this, we gather again (the) previous people who are connected to the school, and they become proud of it. They can show that they are also co-owners of this group),” Ms. Tabaculde remarked.
Defending the Crown
Tribu Pan-ay is unlike any tribe, their unwavering sense of community and fondness for their region oozes with great dedication that they must personify the name of Dinagyang and the whole Iloilo City division.
Their artistry echoed through the open spaces, briefly brushing through people’s hearts, as they began to tell their tale. Their performance was for the people of Panay island, who have continuously remembered their history and fight for independence.
Besides the celebration for Sto. Niño, the festival also commemorates how the ancestors were able to preserve its essence, considering how reluctant students later on enjoyed and opened up to their own customs. There is a great sense of unity that is constantly being established with each batch of students that partake in the process of bringing Dinagyang Festival to life.
The True Warrior Persona
Choosing their characters didn’t always come easy, as most of the students initially wanted the role of the warrior. One who holds the weapon and stands with their feet planted firmly on the ground. According to Ms. Tabaculde, the reason why many students want that role is because of its headdress. After their routines, individuals would ask to take photos, with some even giving them money to take home. Collectively, they earned P15,000 from that alone.
That’s why students who willingly take on the role as props men are always given academic incentives by their teachers. To the team, every role is important. They compete as a collective, no matter the weight of their responsibility.
Its inclusiveness motivates the students, as they are given the chance explore and learn various skills aside from academics. Ms. Tabaculde mentioned that multi-intelligence exists, and that students excel in different areas of life.
Celebration and Thanksgiving
Ms. Tabaculde said that she is aware that Iloilo City is proud of their achievement because of the posts and messages on Facebook. When they return, there would surely be a grand celebration at their school. Of course, thanksgiving would also follow as the whole purpose of the festival revolves around the devotion and commemoration for Sto. Niño.
“‘Yun ang bine-basis ko na makita namin na satisfied sila, hindi sila mapapahiya kasi dinadala namin yung pangalan namin—yung pangalan ng school. Especially this time, dala-dala namin yung pangalan ng Iloilo City. ‘Yun yung pinaka importante sa akin—yung hindi ko sila mapapahiya (We based it according to our student’s satisfaction, so they wouldn’t be humiliated as we are carrying our name—the name of the school. Especially this time, we’re carrying the name of Iloilo City. That’s what’s most important to me, that the students don’t get humiliated),” Ms. Tabaculde concluded.
With the collective effort from their government through the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Incorporated (IFFI), the whole school, and community, Tribu Pan-ay was able to reach far back into their cores and scream proudly, “Viva Señor, Viva Iloilo, Viva Señor Sto. Niño!”
