• ROGER D. BELTRAN
It was indeed, a vibrant day in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, during the return of the much-awaited “Lamhitanay sa Dalan” as the city celebrated its 49th Dinagsa Festival after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paint of different colors were splashed and strewn all over the place as locals and tourists from different parts of the world gamely smeared each other’s faces.
Another highlight of the celebration Sunday was the Dinagsa Festival Street Dancing competition where eight tribes, representing clustered barangays, competed for much-coveted awards and prizes.
The competing tribes performed at the three judging areas, showcasing the city’s rich culture and history.
Tribu Tinambitres, consisting barangays Tinampaan, Mabini and Zone 3, was declared grand champion and took home P200,000 in cash prize and P1 million worth of barangay projects. They also won all the minor awards like the Most Disciplined Tribe, Best in Costume, Best in Sound and Rhythm, and Best in Performance, each with P25,000 in cash prize.
Choreographed by Charliemen Besa, the tribe of 132 performers, consisting warriors, musicians and props men, also received special awards like the Best Local Sound Composer, Best Local Costume Designer and Best in Local Choreographer Trainer.
The tribe’s costume was designed with a variety of locally produced materials that “reflects strength, courage, ethnicity and character of a true blooded Cadiznon.”
It was conceptualized based on the traditional ferocious warrior, or Hangkilan, a remarkable character redefining the rich culture and history of the place. The design portrays the mood and theme of the local Ati-atihan festival version in honor of the feast of Sr. Sto. Niño de Cadiz.
Meanwhile, Tribu Hitalon, choreographed by Jerold Flores, was declared the first runner-up and received P150,000 in cash prize plus P600,000 worth of projects. The tribe consists of barangays Zone 6, Zone 1 and Andres Bonifacio
The second runner-up was Tribu Bucadcad, consisting barangays Burgos, Cadiz Viejo, and Caduhaan. The tribe received P100,000 in cash prize and P400,00 worth of projects. Segundo Jesus “Panoy” Cabalcar Jr. choreographed the tribe.
Meanwhile, the third runner-up that received the P75,000 cash prize was Tribu Sicablun Quatro, composed of barangays Sicaba, Luna and Zone 4. Their choreographers were Ronnie Besana and Joycee Vaflor.
Tribu Majeca (barangays Magsaysay, Jerusalem and Cabahug), Tribu Manara (Celestino Villacin and VF Gustilo), Tribu Yabyab Doongol (Zone 5 and Zone 2), and Tribu Tigbanda (Tiglawigan, Banquerohan and Daga) received consolation prizes worth P50,000 each.
Each winner received a trophy.
The competition was capped with the lively and colorful performance of a non-contesting group, Tribu Bading of the LGBTQIA+ community.*
