Dinagyang Festival Represents Philippines Abroad
ILOILO CITY – The Dinagyang Festival proudly stands as one of the official delegates of the Philippines to the World Expo in Osaka, Japan. This vibrant celebration kicked off its first performance on June 7 during the grand Philippine National Day event, marking the start of a series of captivating showcases at the Osaka Expo 2025.
Performers hailed from Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School (LPNHS), the reigning champions of this year’s Dinagyang Festival. Except for June 11, the group will continue performing until June 12, bringing the festival’s energy and spirit to the international stage as part of the Philippine National Week at the expo.
Artistry and Innovation in Every Move
The Dinagyang Festival performances at Osaka are uniquely adapted for the stage setting, contrasting with the usual street dances held every January in Iloilo City to honor the Santo Niño or Holy Child Jesus. The choreography, crafted by Gerlin Francisco and Brian Francisco, highlights dynamic movements tailored for the expo’s environment.
Costumes designed by Tata Pinuela add vibrant colors and textures, representing Iloilo’s rich cultural heritage. “We are very proud to represent Iloilo City,” said Elvert Bañares, the creative director of the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI). Alongside him, artistic director Eric Divinagracia helped fine-tune the performances to fit the new venue.
Local Leaders and Delegates Unite
The Iloilo delegation also includes IFFI Executive Director Joyce Clavecillas, LPNHS Principal Salvador M. Besares, Assistant Principal Noel L. Tubungbanua, and Lorna Longno of Amazing Trails Travels. Their presence underscores the city’s commitment to showcasing its cultural treasures on a global platform.
This participation is organized under the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) of the Department of Tourism (DOT), further promoting Iloilo City’s vibrant festivals and culture to an international audience.
For more news and updates on Dinagyang Festival, visit Filipinokami.com.