Binanog Festival: Fostering to Preserve Old Rural Traditions in Lambunao

With this year’s theme: Binanog, Bugal nga Dunang Manggad kag Kultra sang Lambunaonons, The 13^th Binanog Festival in Lambunao, Iloilo kicks off on January 6 (Wednesday) with a Mass at 1 p.m., Motorcade, Opening Program with excerpts from participating tribes at 3 p.m., Torch Parade at 6 p.m. and Binanog Festival Queen Talents Night at 8 p.m.;  January 7 (Thursday) IP Sinaot sa Dalan Parade at 9 a.m., IP Program at 10 a.m., IP Foodefst at 12 noon, IP Sinadya kag Binayle at 1 p.m. onwards, Stylized Folkdance Contest at 7 p.m., and S9inadya sa Plaza at 9 p.m.; January 8 (Friday) Farmer’ Day Festival at 8 a.m., Lambunano Festival Queen Coronation Night at 8 p.m.; January 9 (Saturday) Laro ng Lahi at 8 a.m., Sinadya sa Plaza at 9 p.m.; January 10 (Sunday) Tribe Competition at 1 p.m., Merry Making at 5 p.m., Luces in the Sky at 7:30 p.m., and Sinadya sa Plaza at 9 p.m.

The Binanog dance with its music along with the Suguidanon  or chanting have always been significant in the lives of the Sulodnons or Panay Bukidnons, a tribal minority reside in the mountainous areas of Capiz-Lambunao and are the only culturally indigenous group of Visayan language-speakers in the whole of Western Visayas.  These art forms are both a common amusement and a solemn duty. It has played an important part in the way they interact, celebrate and relay historic events.  These art forms are communication style and play a functional role in their society. They accompany marriage, birth, death and even political activities.

Although the musical styles and instruments vary from tribe to tribe, there are some common forms of musical expression. By far the most significant instrument in its music is the gong. Used in the Binanog dance, the gong evokes emotion. The beat of the gong is considered the “heartbeat of the Binanog dance” and its rhythm is what holds the dancers together.

Binanog dance is very much liked everywhere, since they are lively and very graceful. It is a courtship dance re-enacting the coupling mechanism of two banog birds locally known as dapay or hawk, accompanied by the beating of a gong. The dance is an integral part of the Panay Bukidnon culture. Dancers use symbolic gestures, costumes and hand prop to communicate. The dance movements can be simple or complex with intricate actions including fast rotation, flapping of the arms, swaying of the hips and stomping of feet.

Dancing regalia includes brightly-colored needlework locally known as Tinubok, a harmonious blend of attractive colors and natural patterns; the patadyong (a cotton fabric in plaid patterns of red, blue, yellow, green and pink with white borders), a headwear, necklace.

The Binanog dance as a way of re-enacting and chants of Suguidanon as a way of reverence both essential to the Sulodnons.  It is an extension of their belief where they see it as vitally important to their identity and an intrinsic part of their culture.

It is wonderful that this beautiful Panay Bukidnon art is propagated and annually celebrated since it is a valuable treasure, which should be kept alive.

The scenic town of Lambunao belonging to the Third Congressional District of the province is an hour drive or 48 kilometer away from the city. The town is comprised of 73 barangays. One can take a jeepney or van at the terminal fronting Christ the King in Jaro, Iloilo City. For more information, please contact Miss Jennifer Osorio- Municipal Tourism Officer at 09199950593.

Fun and Feasting for Banate’s 9th Kasag Festival

photo courtesy of LGU-Banate

The Municipality of Banate, Iloilo will celebrate its annual KASAG FESTIVAL on December 15-30, 2015. The festivity has become a tradition to many of its festival goers. The celebration combines the colourful and enjoyable atmosphere of special events and the community’s Christmas celebration.

On its 9th year, Kasag Festival will open on December 15 (Tuesday) with the Opening Parade, Food Festival and Parol-Making Contest; December 16 (Wednesday) with the Battle of the Mini-Sounds and Talent Night; December 17 (Thursday) with Miss Gay 2015; December 18 (Friday) with Laro Ng Lahi and Basketball Tournament; December 19 (Saturday) with a Car Show, Christmas Carol Contest and Championship for the Basketball Tournament; December 20 (Sunday) with the Search for Miss Kasag 2015; December 21 (Monday) with a Gift Giving; December 22 (Tuesday) with the Street Dancing Competition, Boodle Fight, Awarding and Fireworks Display, and; December 23 (Wednesday) with the LGU Christmas Party and Live Band.

What started as an idea for this local marine festival to build community spirit and to enhance the local economy has turned into a regionally-recognized celebration of its local seafood. The festival attracts visitors from nearby municipalities and provinces in the region.

Kasag Festival celebrates the contribution made by the blue crab industry by those persons involved in the local fishing industry. It became the starting point for the annual festival that also showcases its unique and pulsating choreographed steps. The dance maps out the crab’s journey through movement where it traces its connection from the sea to land.

photo courtesy of LGU-Banate

The synchronized movement symbolizes the crab, often accompanied with arched legs, and movement of arms and hands like scissors. Dancers also present the color change on crabs from blue to orange through their suggestive costumes.

Blue crabs mean money in Banate. During the past years, blue crab sales among producer groups in the area have increased, translating into better livelihoods for the local rural families.

To help local producers gain an economic boost, the municipal government with other agencies introduced blue crab cultivation as a supplementary income source for marginalized fishers. It teaches producers how to catch small crabs in the wild and fatten them in cages. Blue crab sales now make up a significant portion of Banate’s income. Higher income has meant a better life for its people.

Banate stretches 11,886 hectares from Barotac Viejo and San Enrique in the northwest; Banate Bay in the southeast; and Dingle and Anilao in the west. It is about 50 kilometers north from Iloilo City. Its land area measures 11,886 hectares politically subdivided into 18 barangays.

To get to the town, one can take a Ceres Bus at the Northern Iloilo Public Transport Terminal in Barangay Tagbak, Jaro, Iloilo City. For more information, please contact Hon. Norlene Cabangal-SB Member on Tourism at 09085549021 or Mervin Escriba-Municipal Tourism Officer-OIC at 09905349190.

Pavia Tigkaralag Festival

the inter-barangay Halloween dance drama competition, photo by Joel Miles Molina

Pavia, Iloilo has a special charm when Halloween comes around. The town comes with lots of mystery and an excellent choice of celebration taking place every 30th of October all over Iloilo. From creepy creatures parading the street in frightening costumes to spine-chilling dance presentations Pavianhons certainly know how to thrill its visitors with the annual Tigakaralag Festival.

photo by Joel Miles Molina

The celebration opens with the parade of participants in Tigkaralag costumes from Barangay Aganan at 6:30 p.m. passing through different barangays culminating to the municipal plaza. Residents and visitors are in for a Halloween action with the frightful edition of the all-night horror inter-barangay dance-drama competition with themes based on ghost legends such as the White Lady, the headless priest and the phantom hitchhiker.

photo by Joel Miles Molina

The Halloween costume contest is a fun tradition of the Tigkaralag celebration with awards for the Most Horrible and the Most Amusing. The arch competition is decorated with a range of objects associated with Halloween that include blood, fire, gravestones, bones and skulls. Concepts have connections with death, the spirit world or protecting property from evil spirits.

Arch competition, photo by Joel Miles Molina

Tigkaralag, from the Hiligaynon word, “kalag” or”soul” with the Hiligaynon prefix “tig” or “season of” attached to it. The town had been providing Ilonggos with this Halloween fix since 1992 and was conceptualized by former 2nd District Provincial Board Member, Hon. Cecilia H. Capadosa.

Considered as important holidays in the Philippines, Tigkaralag or All Souls Day and All Saints Day are times where Filipinos would mostly go to their provinces to visit, remember and pray for their departed loved ones. Weeks before family members clean-up and repaint the graves of their loved ones. On the day itself, they flock the cemetery to visit the graves, bring flowers, light candles and prepare for a get-together meal. Many would stay overnight to recite the rosary and the Litany of the Dead and also to bond with relatives.

Pavia is a Second Class municipality belonging to the Second Congressional District of the province. It is 9.6 kilometers away from Iloilo City. It has a land area of 2,703-hectare politically subdivided into 18 barangays. To get to the town, one can take a jeepney at Jaro Plaza, Iloilo City. For more information, please contact Mrs. Susan P. Jovero - Municipal Tourism Officer at 09173006041.

11th TUMANDOK Celebrates Heritage and Tourism: Community and Environment

TUMANDOK, now on its 11^th year is Iloilo’s longest-running and leading tourism event for the travel industry that creates personal and business opportunities, providing visitors with quality contacts, content and communities. Opening on September 24-27, 2015 at the fountain area of Robinsons Place Iloilo, the event organized by the Provincial Tourism Office of the Iloilo Provincial Government is the perfect opportunity for participating municipalities in the province to showcase their products and services to potential industry and leisure buyers.

The event this year brings together the towns of Oton, Tigbauan, Guimbal, Igbaras, Miagao, San Joaquin, Leon, Sta. Barbara, Duenas, Anilao, Banate, Ajuy, Concepcion, Estancia and Carles with the students of Hotel and Restaurant Technology Department of the Iloilo Science and Technology University, Lapaz Campus, Iloilo City, the partnership will focus on six themes of adventure, history, experience, nature, culture and family, which are Iloilo’s key target markets.

With the theme, “Heritage and Tourism: Community and Environment,” Tumandok recognizes the significance of Iloilo’s heritage assets, and ensuring their long-term protection, is essential for sustainable and appropriate tourism. Visiting heritage places can be part of a range of activities undertaken by tourists visiting Iloilo or it can be the sole reason for travel for people with a high level of interest in natural and cultural heritage.

Hike mountain trails to rivers, waterfalls or spectacular sea shores. Snorkel or dive. Explore our rich cultural heritage, see local crafts being made. Our diverse communities in Iloilo offer something for everyone!

From visibility to credibility, exhibiting in the annual trade fair has given a lot of benefits for many participating towns. Tumandok is a great way to advertise to a target market and create brand awareness. Establishing their presence, gives them a powerful platform for meeting new customers, reaching out to existing clientele, and building a more established and reliable brand. The event is open to a large and sometimes diverse range of audiences. This provides municipalities with a platform to promote their products or services to a broader group that may have little or no knowledge of their products and services.

TUMANDOK will open on September 24 (Thursday) at 3 p.m. with the musical performance through rondalla from Barangay Pughanan in Lambunao; September 26 (Saturday) Coronation of Miss Iloilo Tourism at 5 p.m.; and September 27 (Sunday) closing ceremony with Tamboo Festival performance from the students of Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College of Ajuy and the launching of the new Tambobo Festival music video and song.

The 11^th TUMANDOK is organized by the Provincial Tourism Office of the Iloilo Provincial Government with Robinsons Place Iloilo and TINUKIB. Also brought to you by the Iloilo Tourism Officers Association Incorporated and the Hotel and Restaurant Technology Department of Iloilo Science and Technology University, Lapaz Campus, Iloilo City and the Daily Guardian.

The Artistic Merits of Ram Silva

Iloilo has one of the richest traditions in the creative activity of handloom weaving. The loom had been in constant threats of being extinguished by highly mechanized dominated textile industry for many years. If the handloom had survived, it is because of its ability to produce exquisite fabrics which machines cannot produce in spite of all their sophisticated technologies.

The handloom fabrics of Iloilo are as diverse as its culture. The towns of Miagao, Oton, Igbaras, Duenas and Badiangan are engaged in weaving fabrics and handloom weavers are one of the single largest groups of artisans in Iloilo. Handloom production is one of the largest economic activities for these towns.

Handloom dresses have paved a new trendy way in the fashion industry. From scarves to decorative throw pillow covers, hand loom materials have dominated the style and appeal everywhere.

People feel special when they get designer clothes unique and exclusive for their wardrobe. And more special if the money they spent goes for a good cause. Designer dresses which bring rural handloom weavers potential income. Feeling prouder creating hablon dresses is local designer Ram Silva.

Born and brought up in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, Ramonito Silva graduated with a degree in Culinary Arts at the University of San Agustin although he started his hands in fashion design at the age of 18 designing the national costume for a Hiligaynon Association in Paris, France. He had joined many local hotel and mall fashion shows and is known for the simplicity of his designs without compromising glamour and elegance. The designer finished a course in Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising and Styling at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines and since then had sailed a long way for the ultimate aim to become the proud Ilonggo fashion designer with celebrity clients such as Janice de Belen, Toni Gonzaga, Shamcey Supsup, Vicky Rushton, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Jason Abalos, Jodi Sta. Mara and Angelica Panganiban.

Silva is no first-timer for the annual celebration of the Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair. Since his exposure to the event in 2010, the designer noticed that handloom weaving is rapidly gaining popularity. He feels proud that the hablon dresses he is making for some clients are giving some smile in to our weaver’s faces and helping them.

Joining the fiber fair is the designer’s way of exploring the various ethnic patterns and material that can be used to inspire interesting designs, and that local weavers had placed their outstanding efforts to produce handloom fabrics. With the help from local fashion designers such as Ram Silva, their creativity and optimism to take up any design gives them encouragement to think something innovative. 

The annual Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair organized by the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism of the Iloilo Provincial Government and SM City Iloilo is where we showcase the hand-woven fabrics from different parts of Iloilo.

The show, now on its 8th year will open on August 24-28 with a trade fair and weaving exhibition featuring the weaving communities of Miagao, Oton, Duenas and Badiangan at the Food Court area and series of daily shows starting August 24 (Monday) showcasing Miagao LGU at 4 p.m. and ANYAG featuring designer Ram Silva at 5p.m.; August 25 (Tuesday) will feature HABOL ANINIPAY with Jose Marcial Luigi Escullar at 5 p.m.; August 26 (Wednesday) opens with the youth of Duenas in an accessory fashion show at 4 p.m. and HABLON MODA with designer Francis Ian Chua at 5 p.m.; August 27 (Thursday) will have the Iloilo Tourism Officers on Centerstage at 4 p.m. and highlights designer John Montinola in HABOL ILONGGO at 5 p.m.; August 28 (Friday) will have the students of Apparel and Textile Technology Department of the ISAT University at 4 p.m. and PRECIOSA with designer Sidney Eculla at 5 p.m.

The event is brought to you by the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism of the Iloilo Provincial Government and SM City Iloilo in partnership with the Iloilo Science and Technology University, Department of Trade and Industry, Iloilo Models Guild (IMG), John Montinola and The Daily Guardian.

John Montinola: Embracing Culture in Fashion By Bombette G. Marin

Fashion Designer John Montinola

Historically handloom has got its predominance and heritages in the southern district of Iloilo. The tradition of weaving cloth by hand constitutes one of the richest aspects of Ilonggo culture and heritage. The level of artistry achieved in handloom fabrics is unique. The handloom can meet every need from exquisite fabrics of daily use.

John Montinola is one of the most successful local designers. His work includes accessories and garments for fashion and furnishings. His work reflects a contemporary perspective on the natural environment. He wants to help weavers and many of his collections include the use of handlooms like hablon and polyabaca.

Both fabrics had been his favourite that he is currently working on a collection for his second exposure as a featured designer for Habol Ilonggo for the 8th Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair on August 27, 5 p.m. at the Event Center of SM City Iloilo. He will be using the textiles in a very contemporary and modern manner. It is juxtaposing the beauty of the craft and the possibility of a fresh approach.

photo by JS Ravena

In 2004 Montinola launched his first hablon and patadyong pieces in Tumandok Fashion Show to much enthusiasm and acclaim. The all-female collection reflected his uncompromising dedication to creating innovative designs using the paintings of National Artist Fernando Amorsolo as his inspiration.

His other collections focused on the importance of the craftsmanship of beautiful and simple contemporary designs where he experimented with other textiles as well as creating intricate, precious hand-made accessories to match the clothes.

The designer hoped to be an ambassador for this art and textile.  And what influenced this designer are the weavers of traditional Ilonggo fabrics and the art they had been practising for centuries.

photo by Patrick Nacionales

Montinola believes that there has been a return to the importance of handloom fabrics and its production due to its global appeal. The art of loom weaving represents a tradition that is passed down from mother to daughter, aunt to niece. The complexity of the weave, the color, and the type of thread used, determined the value of the fabric. With its local origin and exotic feel, the use of our handloom textiles links us to our past where our local fabrics were considered luxury goods signifying wealth and social status.

Nowadays, Ilonggos have learned to embrace these fabrics, using and assimilating them into societies as a part of culture and self-expression and still carrying an enormous amount of prestige.

Aside from being a fashion designer, Montinola is also one of the most sought-after freelance hair and make-up artists in the industry where alongside his creations he has the satisfaction of making his vision for fashion a reality.

photo by Paul Chiongson

The annual Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair will turn 8 this year and celebrated on August 24-28 at the Event Center of SM City Iloilo. Beginning August 24 (Monday) the event will showcase Miagao LGU on the ramp at 4 p.m. and ANYAG with featured designer Ram Silva at 5p.m.; August 25 (Tuesday) will showcase HABOL ANINIPAY with designer Jose Marcial Luigi Escullar at 5 p.m.; August 26 (Wednesday) opens with HABLON MODA with designer Francis Ian Chua at 5 p.m.; August 27 (Thursday) will feature the Iloilo Tourism Officers Association as they take centerstage at 4 p.m. with highlight at 5p.m featuring designer John Montinola for HABOL ILONGGO at 5 p.m.; August 28 (Friday) will showcase the designs of the students for the Textile and Apparel Technology Department of the Iloilo Science and Technology University at 4 p.m. and ends with a bang with PRECIOSA for featured designer Sidney Eculla at 5 p.m.

The 8th Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair is brought to you by the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism of the Iloilo Provincial Government and SM City Iloilo. It is also brought to you by Iloilo Science and Technology University, Department of Trade and Industry, Iloilo Models Guild (IMG), John Montinola and The Daily Guardian.

Discovering Iloilo through Stand-Up Paddleboards

Rivers built the world's most extraordinary cities. Its calm waters have shaped many lands and its history. The River and its rich plant and animal habitat provided a livelihood for the community living around it.

The Iloilo River runs   through the heart of the city Iloilo. Winding its way across the city, it has a length of 15 kilometers with its water flowing from the town of Oton at Batiano Creek and traverses and nourishes some of the most populated areas in the city, namely, the districts of La Paz, Mandurriao, Molo, Arevalo and the City Proper.

For thousands of years, the Iloilo River has played a fundamental role in the lives, history, culture and civilization of the Ilonggos. It had served as a major source of transportation, water, food, and livelihood for a large number of its populace. It supports the growth of 22 mangrove species out of 35 national species and home to 634 hectares of fishponds blessed with 31 species of fish, crabs and shrimps that supports the livelihood of 130 fisherfolks. The Iloilo River is truly a river of waters of lifeand how grateful Ilonggos can be for that.

Charmed by the beauty of Iloilo River? The Iloilo River is filled with unforgettable fusion of distinctive sights. Almost all of the developments happening in this city are situated along this river that promises historical, musical, and gustatory experiences.

Iloilo River will be a perfect setting for this new eco-adventure to be launched on August 29-31, 2015. You can get to discover Iloilo City with a stand-up paddle boards. An experience you can share with your family and friends that is truly unforgettable.

Relatively new in the Philippines, Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is now fast becoming as one of the country's newest sporting adventure. It is a wholesome activity for outdoor enthusiasts that provide fun and excitement while appreciating the serene beauty of the nature.

Iloilo is one of the very few places that will have the opportunity to learn the sport. This fantastic mode of travelling slows life down and allows you to soak up every ounce of beauty along this iconic body of water.

Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP) offer a fun, relaxing way to play on the water. With a minimum of gear, you can paddle placid lakes and rivers.

Not only is stand up paddle boarding great fun but it’s also great for fitness, really working the core body muscles. Paddle boarding delivers a full-body workout and thus has become a popular cross-training activity. And since you stand at your full height, you can enjoy unique views of everything around you.

With a maximum of 30 students daily from August 29 (Friday) till August 31 (Saturday), you can get closer to the must-see sights around the city and deliver a more enriching experience along the Iloilo River with their coaching sessions that will start from 8 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. Registration fee is at P800.00 per student daily.

So, come discover the magic of Iloilo City the Stand-Up Paddleboarding advantage. For more information, please contact The Climbers Nest through Mr. Edmund Noblesada Santos at 09993417387 or 09054812402 or email at aquahobbiesphilippines@gmail.com or at the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism at (033) 3384910.