Hala Bira, Iloilo! The story behind the anthem that defines Dinagyang

Dante Beriong, composer of Hala Bira, Iloilo!, the Dinagyang Festival anthem. “I never expected the song to become so big, nor did I seek recognition. It just took on a life of its own,” he says.
Dante Beriong, composer of Hala Bira, Iloilo!, the Dinagyang Festival anthem. “I never expected the song to become so big, nor did I seek recognition. It just took on a life of its own,” he says.

EVERY ILONGGO, young or old, knows the rhythm of Hala Bira, Iloilo!. The song’s infectious beat has become the heartbeat of the Dinagyang Festival, but did you know that its composer hails from neighboring Antique?

What started as an informal conversation blossomed into a masterpiece that now resonates with Ilonggos worldwide, a melody that captures the spirit and pride of Iloilo.

From Van Ride to Anthem

In the early 2000s, Dante Beriong, a provincial board member of Antique and an accomplished composer, visited a local radio station in Iloilo City to promote Antique’s Binirayan Festival.

During his guesting, the station’s host remarked how wonderful it was that Binirayan had its theme song, “Binirayan, Kruhay!” — also written by Beriong. The conversation quickly turned to Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival and the absence of an anthem to call its own.

Beriong, fueled by passion and a desire to help, offered to compose one. After his radio interview, he headed to the studio of his friend, Romel Salvador-Chu, in Mary Mart Mall. There, he shared his idea, and with Chu’s encouragement, he began the creative process.

On his commute back to Antique, sitting in the front seat of an L300 van, inspiration struck. The phrase “Hala Bira, Iloilo!” echoed in his mind, accompanied by a lively rhythm.

“The beat came to me spontaneously, something catchy that people could easily remember,” Beriong shares.

Armed with research materials about Iloilo’s rich history and culture, provided by his friend, Beriong crafted the song’s lyrics over the next two weeks.

Using a borrowed guitar from Chu’s studio, he recorded the song with minimal instruments — just drums and guitar — and his own vocals.

An Anthem Is Born

When the song was completed, Beriong presented it to then Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Edwin Trompeta.

Trompeta immediately saw its potential and introduced it to the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. which the Iloilo City Government tapped to organize the yearly festival back then.

The song was an instant hit.

“They loved it, and through the years, they played it everywhere — on radio, TV, during events. It became the anthem we know today,” Beriong recalls.

Although Beriong did not demand payment, Trompeta insisted on compensating him and his friend with P50,000 for their efforts.

For Beriong, however, it wasn’t about the money but the joy of creating something meaningful for the Ilonggo community.

Complete lyrics of Hala Bira, Iloilo!
 
Sadtong nahauna nga istorya kag panahon
Nakilala ka sa ngalan nga Irong-irong
Puno sang manggad kag sang katahum
Sa idalum ni Datu Paiburong.
 
Ipabugal ko ang imo ngalan
Ipabugal ko ang mga binuhatan
Sang imong ginikanan kag imong kabataan
Gabuligay pakadto sa kauswagan.
 
Chorus
 
Hala Bira iloilo! Sulong sa pagbag-o!
Hala Bira iloilo! Matahum nga banwa ko!
Hala Bira iloilo! Ipabugal ang ngalan mo!
Sa tanan nga panahon ikaw ang palanggaon!
 
Sa paglakat sang malawig nga tinion
Nakilala ka sa madamong bulohaton
Ang imo nga dinagyang kag imo nga kasadyahan
Padayon nga ginapasidunggan!
 
Himuon ko ang tanan nga masarangan
Isinggit ko sa bilog nga kalibutan
Kita mga ilonggo tunay nga pilipino
Mapisan kag dungganon nga mga tawo!
Repeat chorus 2x
 
Hala Bira iloilo! Negosyo kag probinsya!
Hala Bira iloilo! Napun-an ka sang kasadya!
Hala Bira iloilo! Itib-ong ang kalinungan!
Hala Bira iloilo! Padayon sa kauswagan!
Repeat chorus 2x
Hala Bira iloilo! Viva senyor santo nino!
Hala dagyang iloilo! Viva senyor santo nino!
Hala dagyang iloilo! Viva senyor santo nino!
Hala bira iloilo!

A Song That Lives On

Despite its growing popularity, Beriong remains humble.

“I never expected the song to become so big, nor did I seek recognition. It just took on a life of its own,” he says. Yet, seeing the Ilonggos embrace Hala Bira, Iloilo! brought him immense pride and fulfillment as a composer.

The success of the song opened doors for Beriong. Local government units and organizations sought his talent to create anthems for their festivals and events. He composed theme songs for Guimaras and Roxas City, among others, solidifying his reputation as a gifted artist.

Beyond Dinagyang: A Legacy of Music

Beriong continues to write music that celebrates Filipino culture. Recently, he released an album of Kinaray-a songs, aiming to preserve and promote the heritage of his beloved Antique.

Among his notable works are “Mauli Gid Ako Sa Antique,” “Antique, Antiqueño,” and “Kabuganaan.” He also composed “Mabuhay, Ka Pilipino!”, the theme song for the 1998 Philippine Centennial Celebrations.

A Masterpiece for the Ages

The infectious beat of Dinagyang Festival anthem’s Hala Bira, Iloilo! has become the heartbeat of the festival.

From a spontaneous idea during a van ride to becoming the anthem of Iloilo’s grandest festival, Hala Bira, Iloilo! sings the power of passion, collaboration, and love for culture.

For Beriong, it’s a source of pride that his work brings joy to thousands during Dinagyang. And for every Ilonggo, the song is a timeless reminder of their vibrant identity./PN

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