ROXAS CITY – A myriad of festivities rock the major streets here as the Parade of Festivals mark the opening of the Western Visayas Tourism Assembly, Dec. 4, 2009. Crowds are stunned by the performances of 12 participating groups as they showcase the festivals of their respective provinces.
Gov. Tanco expressed his gratitude to the 6 provinces of Western Visayas for bringing their culture, products and festivities here in Capiz. “Tourism is everybody’s concern and it is now considered as a vital factor in the development of our country.” Tanco said.
While Gov. Sally Perez of Antique admired Gov. Tanco and the Provincial Government of Capiz for the remarkable hosting of this event. “Your governor brings honor to your province by accepting to stage this assembly.” Perez remarked.
The festival showdown opens by the display of booming canon of “Sigabong sang mga Kanyon” from Bago City, Negros Occidental. A samba inspired dance showcase by the “Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival” leaves awestruck crowd. Colorful floral designed costumes captivate viewers as the “Pintaflores Festival” of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental gave their enchanting performance.
Percussions sway the spectators in dancing mood as the “Binirayan” of Antique, “Manggahan Festival” of the island province Guimaras and the “Pasalamat Festival” of La Carlota City, Negros Occidental entranced the crowed.
Drumbeats rock the Villareal Stadium as the world famous “Ati-atihan” of Kalibo, Aklan, “Ibajay Ati-atihan”, of the Municipality of Ibajay, Aklan and the renowned “Dinagyang Festival” of Iloilo City demonstrates a banging performance.
The “Kahilwayan Festival” of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo gave a heartwarming performance followed by the prominenced smiling showcase of “Masskara Festival” of Bacolod City brings amazement to the spectators.
As a finale for the showcase of festivities, the “Sinadya sa Halaran Festival” gave an awesome dance presentation sealing the success of this year’s Festival Showdown of the Western Visayas Tourism Assembly 2009.
Aside from Gov. Tanco and Gov. Perez, DOT Reg’l Dir. Edwin Trumpeta, Vice Mayor Ronnie Dadivas and City Councilor Dennis Altobano of Roxas City graced the occasion. Also present were Capiz Board Members Nonoy, Contreras, Baden Cantiller, and Nenita Martelino including Tourism Officers of different provinces of Western Visayas.
This year’s theme of the tourism assembly is: “The National Tourism Act of 2009: Meeting the Challenges of Domestic Tourism.” (Sinadya sa Halaran Publicity and Promotion/A.Alarcon)
ROXAS CITY – The streets of this harmonious and simple city was once again filled with merrymakers as the ‘Sinadya sa Kalye’ begins in celebration of the Sinadya sa Halaran Festival 2009. The dance showcase scheduled Dec. 3, Dec. 5 and 7.
Revelers who joined the street dancing depicted the Capiceño culture through their artistic dance and costumes. Groups are dressed as farmers and fisher folks, dancing to the beat of the drums and indigenous bamboo musical instruments. Their steps describe the way of life in their community such as planting, harvesting, and fishing. Some groups dance in portrayal of the flora and fauna found in Capiz.
The dance festival also shows the religiosity of the Capiceño, as performers chant “Viva Santa Maria!” while dancing.
“This is indeed a carnival of Capiceño Culture. I now understand our way of life and appreciate it more.” says a college student watching the street dance.
The street dancing was participated by elementary and secondary schools of this city. (SSH Publicity and Promotion/A.Alarcon)
