ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

Congratulations to the Dinagyang 2012 Festival winners led by the defending champion Tribu Pan-ay from Fort San Pedro National High School . The tribe under the helm of multi awarded choreographer and artist Rommel Flogen gave an outstanding performance that WOWED the audience which ever stage they performed. It was even grander than their winner performance last year. They are also the defending Aliwan Fiesta champion and with that breathtaking performance and awesome production it could spell another Aliwan Fiesta crown this coming April or May at the Aliwan FiestA in Manila. Salakayan Festival of Miag-ao, Iloilo emerged as the Champion in the Kasadyahan Regional Festival. It was a first for the kasadyahan to feature festivals from all over the region as contingents in the cultural presentation. Here is the list ofDINAGYANG 2012 WINNERS: Dinagyang Festival 2012 Major Awards Winners CHAMPION - Tribu Pan-ay from Fort San Pedro National High School FIRST RUNNER UP - Tribu Lunok from Il

Dinagyang Festival 2012 Schedule of Events (as of January 4, 2012) Iloilo City, Philippines January 6 Friday 4:00 PM Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2012 Talent Competition SM City Iloilo Events Center January 6 to February 29 5:30 PM Dinagyang Carnival Rides SM City Iloilo Carpark January 7 to 22 Monday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Dinagyang Information and Assistance Center Robinson Place Iloilo January 7 Saturday 10:00 AM Dressing-up Dinagyang Dagoy Dolls (D4) 2012 SM City Iloilo Events Center January 7 Saturday 3:00 PM “PANATA” A Dinagyang Variety Show with Patric Sugui of PBB Teen Edition SM City Iloilo Events Center January 8 Sunday 8:00 AM -11:30 AM Dinagyang Medical Mission Brgy. Concepcion Iloilo IDFI / Philippine Red Cross / Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Panay, Inc. January 9 – 22 Saturday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Dinagyang Information and Assistance Center SM City Iloilo January 10 Tuesday 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Dinagyang Food Aid Program for School Children (I

Lording over the Molo plaza is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines – St. Anne’s Church. More popularly known as Molo Church, it was constructed in 1831 under Fr. Pablo Montano, with the imposing edifice is made of massive white coral rock. It is the only Gothic church in the entire country outside of Manila. The Gothic character of the church is manifested not only in its two pointed towers but also on the pointed arches at the main altar and four side altars, pulpits and confessionals. Its two belfries had around 30 bells of different sizes ranging from small hand bells to big campaniles making a musical tone. Church interiors from www.jennydayao.com On August 4, 1886, national hero Jose Rizal dropped at Molo on his way back to Manila from exile at Dapitan in Mindanao. He went to see his friend, Raymundo Melliza who showed him the church. In his diary, Rizal wrote, " We went to Molo to see the church painted by a lad who has left the locality. The ch