DINAGYANG 2020 featured some of Iloilo’s best artists and musicians. Among these were local painters and their works, many of which were displayed at the second floor of Casa Real all throughout Dinagyang celebration.
Among the artists featured were Charmaine Española, Sonny Tolentino, John Ernie Acetera, and Alan Cabalfin. The Dinagyang-themed exhibit was intended to attract tourists and art enthusiasts, and also to promote Iloilo’s artists.
On the first floor of Casa Real, near the entrance, a unique artist is busily sketching visitors. He is Richard Marcelo Deraco of Richard Framing Services, invited to be part of the artistic and cultural exhibits.
“Actually first time ko di sa Capitol pero pirme ko sa mall, gindala ako sang Tourism,” Deraco said. “Formal ni sia. Happy lang, ga-enjoy.”
At the time of his interview, Dalisay said that he already had 30 clients. He also said that Dinagyang is a good chance for Ilonggo artists to show off their skills and gain some exposure.
There were musicians who entertained tourists from Jan. 20 to 26. Among them, Maharlika band’s Moymoy Dalisay performed several folk songs at Casa Real, and he had shared insights on Dinagyang 2020, particularly its cultural and nature-centric aspects.
“Ako nag-himo sang props. Akon assignment ang props,” Dalisay said. “Ang akon nakita sa subong nga Dinagyang – manami ni sia nga konsepto, kay ang konsepto subong culture and nature, aside sang religious culture. Ang culture because kay gin-upod ang Ati; gin-upod ang Panay Bukidnon kag kita nga Ilonggos,” Dalisay said, and added he liked the focus on the nature aspects of Dinagyang such as the baboy ramo, the white spotted deer and various others./PN
