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Byahilo goes to the WVTA and the Kahilwayan Festival!

Posted on November 17, 2007

Early morning yesterday, I arrived in Bacolod City from Manila via Philippine Airlines. Thank God, the weather in the City of Smiles is way better than in Manila. The City of Bacolod’s sunny (or sometimes, overcast) weather is much better than the heavy downpour in Metro Manila.

After lunch yesterday, I met my friend Bhoyet. He’s one of the Villamonte Masskara Festival Dancers before. He gave to me the mask and headress that I have been askin him since last month. At 3 in the after noon, the Western Visayas Tourism Assembly Parade of Festivals commenced. One festival started after another. Every contingent shows the unique culture of their city or municipality. The parade is so grand and colorful. Hands raides, hips sashayed and feet stomps all in unison at the loud beating of the drums. And the organizers definitely saved the best for last. Being the host, Bacolod’s Masskara Festival represented by the dancers of Brgy. Alijis presented their winning number. The crowed cheered as the dancers do their moves to the tune of Ilonggo folk songs, like dandansoy, tong-tong-tong pakitong kitong, Linagpang nga turagsoy, and a whole lot more. The parade of festivals was a big success despite the organizers lack of publicity campagain.

And early morning today, just after sunrise, I sailed to the Iloilo City. From Iloilo City, I headed off directly to the town of Santa Barbara, some 20 minutes jeepney ride away from iloilo for the 109th celebration of the Cry of Santa Barbara, and the Kahilwayan Festival. The Town of Santa Barbara is a very important town in our local history. It is the forst town outside of Luzon to hoist the Philippine flag on November 17, 1898 in a revolution led by General Martin Delgado. On of the highlights in todays celebration is the rainsing of the Philippine flag which s believed to be the largest flag in the island of Panay right now. It’s size is more or less similar to the ones in Luneta (or even slightly larger?) There was a marching band competition and the re-enactment of the Cry of Santa Barbara Revolution. The Kahilwayan Festival dancer we so good in their performance. No wonder they always emerge as one of the top 10 in the annual ASliwan Fiesta in Manila. Expect them to show their prowess again at the Aliwan Fiesta 2008.

Later this afternoon, we’ll be doing some tour around the new Iloilo Santa Barbara Cabatuan Airport. It is the Philippines, newest and one of the most beautiful airports.

Photos and more stories when I get back in Manila!

» Filed Under Events, Festivals, Road Trip