Oct
21
2010
It was my first MassKara festival in five years. The last time I went to Bacolod City in the province of Negros Occidental to witness the said celebration was during its silver anniversary—2004! By that time, I was already at the streets, witnessing how Bacolodnons do their revelry about life and resilience. After all, this is Bacolod’s way of celebrating history and commemorating what history has brought to the lives of every Negrense, and a reflection of their culture.
Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2010/10/21/masskara-festival-2010-of-bacolod-revelry-as-negrenses-enjoy-it/
Feb
10
2010
Wow…It’s been almost two weeks since the festivities and I still can’t get over the January celebrations either. That January though, I came home for somewhat like an annual pilgrimage for myself. I couldn’t resist the temptation of those throbbing drums pounding loud and hard in this southern Philippine city every January. I’ve been with this festival since 2003, yet it never failed to amaze me as it continually innovates itself year after year it is being celebrated by the Ilonggos. Outrageous and frenzy as some say it may seem but this is Iloilo’s grandest fiesta at its finest!
It was one crisp morning of January that the city streets were starting to feel the throbbing beat of the drums, as if Iloilo City’s core was a heart. As the sun shines in this central Philippine city, the crowd gradually increased to witness and enjoy Iloilo’s grandest fiesta, the Dinagyang Festival. Now, this is the time you’ll be seeing those dancers painted in dark brown (back then it was black…welcome to the era of political correctness, hehe!) with colourful costumes and choreography so agile and fast that you shouldn’t blink during their performance!
Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2010/02/10/hala-bira-to-life-and-faith-celebrating-iloilos-dinagyang-festival-2010/
Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2010/01/17/fiesta-baila-musica-musicality-choreography-and-costume-of-sinulog-ati-atihan-and-dinagyang/
Aug
26
2009
Iloilo-Guimaras Investor's Forum in Manila Invitation
Due to its success in it’s first Investor’s forum in 2008, The Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Inc. together with the city and province of Iloilo and the province of Guimaras brings you the Iloilo-Guimaras Investment Forum in our nation’s financial hub, Makati City in Metro Manila on September 04, 2009 at Hotel Intercontinental’s Ballroom.
Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2009/08/26/iloilo-guimaras-investment-forum-2009-in-manila/
Aug
25
2009
Toledo City, Cebu
I never got it to the 2:45 PM trip from Toledo City in Cebu to San Carlos City in Negros Occidental. I’ve got late leaving Cebu City due to some obligations at the Museum. So I waited here in the port in which we’re going to depart at around 5PM for Negros. I wonder if there are still buses plying Don Salvador at that time? Or else, I have no choice but to take the longer route, grueling 5 hour trip to Bacolod City via Escalante-Cadiz area. Whoa!
Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2009/08/25/waiting-in-toledo-city-cebu/
Aug
24
2009
Rough Waters of Hilutangan Channel, Cebu during Habagat Season
It was definitely my first boat ride in Cebu and my first time meeting some strangers that would become my ultimate barkada in the Queen City. A balikbayan forumer came home and promised a treat that the forumers based in Cebu would never forget. Island hopping from Mactan Island to Olango Island and back and hitting the big waves of the southerly wind also known in the Philippines as habagat.
Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2009/08/24/sail-away-riding-with-the-habagat-waves-of-mactan-and-olango-cebu/
Jul
29
2009
Old Capiz Bridge over Pan-ay River
It may be the notion of generally most of the Filipinos. Saying Capiz is generalizing to poltergeists and “aswangs” and more carnivores, no thanks to media who brought stereotyping to this laidback beauty in northern Panay. Roxas City, the capital of the northern Panay province of Capiz, its the main agro-industrial hub of the province. Dubbed as the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines”, it is blessed by bountiful harvests from both the sea, rivers and the land.
The city of more than a hundred thousand souls, it has a swampy area in the northern area and a hilly section in the southern area. Panay River runs through the downtown, giving a romantic scene in the city. Daw wala man kahaladlukan man di! Media! (There’s nothing to fear here! Media!)
I took Ivan Henares (of Ivan Around Town [www.ivanhenares.com]) and his friend JQ Quesada for a quick trip to Capiz for a heritage tour. This city was formerly known as Capiz, known for its shell industry of Capiz and the hometown of the former President Manuel Roxas. Just a few kilometers away east is the largest church bell in the country.
Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2009/07/29/bewitching-roxas-city-capiz/
Jan
17
2010
The Musicality, Choreography and Costume of Sinulog, Ati-Atihan and Dinagyang
by Berniemack Arellano
January 17, 2010
Eversince I settled in the Visayas, I was exposed to these big festivals that the Visayans are very proud of. Reflecting its laid back yet devoted populace, the January festivities attract spectators by the millions…all in the name of Señor Santo Niño or the Holy Christ Child. Here’s the thing though on what I’ve observed on these big Santo Niño festivals when it comes to musicality, costumes and choreography. Each of them, unique in a way…well, in my observation.
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Tags: Aklan, Ati Atihan, Cebu, choreography, costume, Dinagyang, Iloilo, music, Philippine festivals, Philippines, Santo Nino, Sinulog, Visayas