Tribu Alimbuyog of Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School performing in Cabatuan. Champion, Tinuom Festival 2009. Video courtesy of Christophe Jay Aguero

Dinagyang tickets almost sold out

PIA 2010/01/19

Iloilo City (19 January) -- With only few days before the highlight of this year's Dinagyang Festival, tickets at the Freedom Grandstand (Judging area number 1) were already sold out.

This was confirmed by Iloilo City Tourism Officer Ben Jimena in a radio interview.

However, Jimena said there are still some tickets available for judging areas number 3 (Quezon Street corner Ledesma Street) and 4 (Iznart-Maria Clara). Judging area number 2 is located near the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

Tickets are sold ranging from P800 to P1,200 in the judging areas where spectators will have a better view during the Kasadyahan and Ati Competitions on January 23 and 24.

Dinagyang Festival is an annual celebration of the Ilonggos in honor of Sr. Sto. Nino, marked by various religious and cultural activities lined up by various committees formed by the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Incorporated.

For this year, 9 tribes will compete in the Kasadyahan Competion on January 23. These are Tribu Tambobo of the municipality of Ajuy, Tribu Pandayan of Badiangan, Tribu Kasag of Banate, Tribu Maninipon of Barotac Viejo, Tribu Tinuom of Cabatuan, Tribu Tangyan of Igbaras, Tribu Mandurrianon of Mandurriao National high chool, Tribu Jimanban of New Lucena, and Tribu Tubongtubong of Tubongan.

In the Ati competition, 16 tribes have registered their participation. These are Tribu Himal-us, Tribu Silak, Tribu Ilonganon, Tribu Aninipay, Tribu Paghidaet, Tribu Molave, Tribu Panagat, Tribu Angola, Tribu Pagasa, Tribu Bantu, Tribu Atub-Atub, Tribu Panaad, Tribu Pan-ay, Tribu Bola-Bola, Tribu Salognon, and Tribu Milagrosa.

Other big features of the event that have been lined up from January 20 onwards are: Arrival of Pilgrim Image of Senor to Nino from Cebu City at Iloilo Port Terminal and procession to San Jose Parish Church (January 20 at 7 a.m.); Food Festival (January 21-24); Tambor Trumpa Martsa Musika (January 22 at 8 a.m.); Fluvial Procession (January 22 at 3 p.m.);Luces in the Sky (January 22 & 23 at 7 pm); and the awarding ceremonies (January 24 at 7 pm). (PIA)