Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival has once again etched its name in the history of the Aliwan Fiesta by clinching the grand championship in the Streetdance competition.

This recent victory marks Dinagyang’s eighth win since 2004, making it the most decorated festival in the competition’s history. With Tribu Pan-ay at the forefront, they secured the top prize of PhP 1.5 million plus PhP 25,000 from BingoPlus, along with the Best in Costume award, which came with an additional PhP 10,000.

In the wake of this remarkable achievement, key figures behind the success of Tribu Pan-ay shared their elation.

Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc (IFFI) chair, Rito Carlos ‘Judgee’ Peña, expressed his pride in their accomplishment: “We tried our best na mag-champion.” His succinct yet heartfelt words capture the immense effort and dedication that went into their performance.

Eric Divinagracia, the Artistic Director of the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival and Chairman of the Dagyang Tribes Competition, highlighted the collective effort and divine blessing involved in their victory. “Well-deserved ng mga batang ito, pero grasya ito from Santo Niño. We are very happy, and we share it with everyone who has joined us here in Aliwan. Madamo gid nga salamat sa suporta, especially sa mga Ilonggo. Para ini sa inyo, para ini kay Señor Santo Niño! (Thank you for all the support, especially from the Ilonggos. This is for you! This is for the Santo Niño!)

Elvert Bañares, another artistic director, shared his joy and gratitude: “We were very happy seeing all of the kids happy. We were blessed with a good team, the whole of Iloilo City was behind us, Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc., San Jose Church, and of course ang ating mga kaibigan sa Fort San Pedro National High School.”

The jubilation of the Ilonggo community is palpable as they celebrate not just a victory, but a testament to their rich cultural heritage and the unwavering spirit of their youth. The success of Tribu Pan-ay at the Aliwan Fiesta streetdance competition stands as a proud moment for Iloilo, where celebration of tradition, faith, and community is really evident.