ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

Congratulations to the Dinagyang 2011 Festival winners. The crowd favorite Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National HIgh School really deserved to win for giving a superb performance garnered a standing ovation in almost every judging area especially the main performance area - Freedom Grandstand . From the start of the festival - I was fortunate enough to watch it live and on television simultaneously. What made Tribu Pan-ay wrestle the crown away from the defending Dinagyang (and Aliwan Festival ) champion, Tribu Paghidaet, is the flawless, energetic, different concept, excellent choreography among the tribes. In short, it was a very superb over all performance. So aside from representing Iloilo City in the upcoming Aliwan Festival (I'm sure it'll land in the Top 3, as usual, for ever since the start of the Aliwan Dinagyag had always been in those spots.), Tribu Pan-ay will be perform ing in New York City, USA in the Philippine Independence day Festivities ...

Weeks from now, Iloilo City will again dance to drum beats and get into a frenzy as it welcomes everyone to Dinagyang 2011 . A top tourism event and among the most popular festival in the country, Dinagyang is a 3-day of non stop fun, activities, events and it's one of the best times to eat, drink and be merry in Iloilo City. Apart from the ati-ati contest and cultural presentation, among the highlights of the festival is the annual Dinagyang Food Festival held along Delgado St. Here, everyone can savour the best of Ilonggo cuisine as more than 40 participating hotels and restaurants showcase their best dishes in tune with the celebration. Two years ago, I wrote this article for a local daily and it can still serve as guide of what and where to eat for Dinagyang 2011. So mark your calendars now an get ready to experience on of the best festivals in the country. See you in Iloilo City for Dinagyang 2011. Dinagyang Festival 2011 Schedule of Activities: October 14, 2011, Friday ...