DINAGYANG SA ILOILO

The name Iloilo City was derived from irong-irong, a reference to the native name “irong” which means nose. The name took after the nose-like configuration of the main settlement area during the pre-Spanish period as so shaped by the Iloilo River. Chinese traders who frequent the area and who mispronounce the “r” sounds with “L” sounds, soon popularized the term “ilong-ilong” which later evolved into the current name Iloilo Arial 9.5 the name is said to have also evolved from a local fish of the same name which indigenous to the place and which was staple in the early inhabitants’ daily meals. Iloilo City was also referred to as “Most Loyal and Noble City” or La Muy Leal Y Noble Ciudad de Iloilo in Spanish. This is an inscription in the Coat of Arms from the Royal Decree of 1896 in recognition of the local people’s loyalty to the Spanish crown. (source: Iloilocity.gov.ph)

HOW TO GET THERE:

Take a domestic flight directly to Iloilo from Manila, Cebu, Davao, Palawan, Ge. Santos, Cagayan de Oro and Tacloban. Iloilo City is also a gateway to the province of Antique and Guimaras Island. Then take a Public Van to SM City for 75.00 if you’re travelling alone. There are also available van rental for 500.00.

If you have side trips like what we did in Bacolod, take an hour to 2 hours ferry trip for Php200-400.00 depends on what ferry operators would you like to board.

DINAGYANG FESTIVAL

The high sense of spirituality and dynamic inter-cultural values of the Ilonggos pave the way for celebrations of festivals and fiestas as a form of thanksgiving for almost everything the Divine Providence has lavishly endowed them. Aside from district fiestas which usually celebrate a patron saint’s day, there are festivals which are celebrated by he whole city and have attracted visitors from other places in the Philippines and foreign countries which underscore the Ilonggos’ passion for community gathering.(source: Iloilocity.gov.ph)

 (Rio & Dahlia with the street dancer)

Consistently adjudged as among the country’s top tourism event, Iloilo City’s Dinagyang is the paramount showcase of cultural craftsmanship punctuated by the dynamic and colorful street dances in a week-long cavalcade of activities every fourth week of January.(source: Iloilocity.gov.ph)

 One of the tribes getting ready to leave the event area

Patron Sto. Niño

 (dahlia,me & Cindy)

END OF THE FESTIVAL
One of the main reason why I attended this kind of event is to get drunk. Haha  And I was totally drunk that time but I had fun & I really enjoyed partying along the streets! It was my first time & it was superb!

 Plazuela de Iloilo

Thanks for reading!