Lagawan

City Tourism office plans to separate the holding of the Kasadyahan from the Dinagyang Festival as it fast becoming a distinct tourism event.

City Tourism head Ben Jimena said the office would propose a concept which would make Kasadyahan a distinct festival.

Jimena said the cooperation extended by different municipalities in the province of Iloilo and the recent success of the festival was a positive indication that the plan would be doable.

The 2010 Kasadyahan Festival became a “festival of festivals” with the different towns showcasing their respective festivals. Nine festivals joined in the contest.

It will serve as jump off point in promoting the town’s festival to visitors, said Jimena.

In the Kasadyahan festival, Tribu Kasag of Banate was declared champion. Tribu tubong-Tubong got the first runner up; second runner up Tribu Patubas; third runner up Tribu Pantat and fourth runner up Tribu Mandurriaonon. Tribu Tinuom got the consolation prize.

Tribu Kasag also got five minor awards. They got the Best in Performance, Best in Choreography, Best in Music, Best in Costume and Best in Choreography. Tribu Patubas got the best in Street Dancing award.

Jimena said the City Tourism Office wanted Iloilo City to have an all-year round festival aside from the Dinagyang festival.

The office is eyeing to hold the Kasadyahan festival in the month of October. However, the plan will depend on the availability of the tourism budget for such purpose.

After the Dinagyang festival, Iloilo City will celebrate the Chinese New Year and hold the Paraw Regatta festival. Paraw Regatta, a sailboat race has carved a name in the tourism map. (PNA)