PHOTOS BY NELJOY N. GALIGAO
THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED opening salvos of this year’s Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan and Dinagyang Festival’s Ati tribes competition unfolded with vibrant energy despite challenging weather, as rain-soaked performances turned into a powerful display of resilience, devotion, and community spirit.
The Kasadyahan kick-off on January 10 faced relentless rainfall that poured throughout the afternoon. Still, performers pressed on, transforming adversity into a celebration of perseverance and joy.
As the downpour intensified, only two of the eight participating Kasadyahan contingents were able to perform: New Lucena’s Jimanban Festival and San Rafael’s Tawili Festival, both delivering rich cultural narratives rooted in agriculture and river life.
With safety as the top priority, Iloilo’s Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. personally inspected the performance area. Given the increasingly hazardous conditions, he decided to cancel the remaining performances at the Iloilo Sports Complex. In place of competition, all eight contingents were invited to perform a unified dance, a symbolic gesture that underscored solidarity and shared identity.
Despite the shortened program, performers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to take part in the Kasadyahan opening salvo.
Meanwhile, Dharyll Dave C. Villacruz, 19, a dancer from Tribu Ilonganon, said the experience was worth every sacrifice.
“Makapoy, pero worth it gid kay amo ni ang akon passion. Amo gid ni ang hilig ko sa pagsaot,” Villacruz said.
He added that the festival allowed him to explore his talents while honoring Ilonggo culture, and he expressed heartfelt thanks to the families and supporters who stood by the dancers during long and demanding rehearsals.
“Gapasalamat gid ako sa tanan nga naga-suporta sa Tribu Ilonganon — sa amon mga ginikanan nga naga-intindi bisan kis-a wala na kami halos naga-puli sa balay tungod sa ensayo. Love you all,” he said.
Similarly, Khristele Kaya Billena, 24, of Tribu Paghidaet, reflected on the months of preparation behind their performance.
“Duha ka bulan nga sakripisyo — ang balhas, ang kapoy, kag ang amon debosyon kay Señor Santo Niño — amo ini ang ginhalinan sang amon performance,” Billena said.
She described the opening salvo as a moment of fulfillment and blessing.
“Blessed gid kami nga na-perform namon sang insakto ang opening salvo kag ang tanan nga amon ginkapuyan,” she added.
Moreover, after their special performance, 12-year-old Margaret Braille G. Deloso of the Iloilo National High School’s School for the Arts shared her excitement.
“Kanami gid sang experience kay nag-enjoy gid kami diri,” she said.
Fellow dancer Kim Chloe J. Guintibano, 13, echoed the sentiment, noting that the weather did little to dampen their enthusiasm.
“Sadya gid siya. Nabatyagan gid namon nga na-experience namon ang Iloilo bisan nag-ulan,” Guintibano said.
Their words reflected the heart of the festival — where cultural expression triumphed over discomfort.
More than a prelude to competition, the back-to-back opening salvos emerged as a celebration of resilience, faith, and cultural pride — proving that even under difficult circumstances, the spirit of Dinagyang shines brightly.
The programs were staged at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand and the Iloilo Sports Complex, marking the ceremonial opening of the month-long festival.
The Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan finals will be held on January 24, followed by the Ati tribes competition on January 25, both promising high-energy performances that celebrate Iloilo’s rich cultural heritage./PN
