Dinagyang

Last January 16 was the opening salvo of the Dinagyang, I usually don’t watch live it on the streets, and I would rather see it at home because it is so hot whenever they do the event. What was amazing on that day was the weather, it was gloomy but not raining, I call this a perfect weather for me to go out. So I decided to go out but it was not my intention to watch the opening salvo, I have to go out because I have to buy a sweater because it is very cold nowadays and a new pair of shoe. It was around noon when I got out and people around are very busy, maybe they’re anticipating the opening salvo of Dinagyang. I didn’t notice the time, I was too busy looking for clothes and shoes. When I finally got out of the department store the streets were already closed, just like the old days I have to walk my way through to streets to reach the house. During my high school days whenever it is the opening salvo of Dinagyang, I have to walk my way from the school to my house. It’s about four or five kilometers of walking. Although it’s quite far it’s not that tiring because many people are also walking alongside with you and you fell safe because there are policemen patrolling every streets in the city. So there I was stuck with no passenger jeepney around, then when I got off to main road, I heard drums beating, a familiar drum rolling I’ve heard when I was in high school. Then I saw many people gathering up in an intersection. I knew that the intersection was one of the judging areas of the Dinagyang contest. Out of curiosity I walk towards the judging area and when I finally got into a sweet spot the performance of the tribe was over (--,) darn it…. Hehehe.. But I was patient enough to wait for the next tribe to perform knowing that all tribes will pass through this judging area.

Then my eyes have gone wide open, couldn’t believe what I’m seeing. The tribe that was about to perform was the tribe that I have participated in during my high school (not as a dancer but as one of the props men). It was Tribu Bola-Bola, I have always thought that they have already given up joining the Dinagyang contest which made me feel sad. The tribe got its name from the entrance gate of our school; at the entrance gate you will see two round balls at the top of the two pillars. During the high school days they would always win the Dinagyang contest that is why I wanted to join with them even though I not a good dancer. I was reminiscing how it felt when I was with them. It involves a lot of sacrifice just to dance for Sr. Santo Niño.

They have a multi-colored Mohawk wig which made smile when I first saw it. Then I also saw familiar faces, the tribe trainer, the teachers and the tribe manager, I know all their duties and position but I forgot their names hehehe. Then I watch them perform their routine street dance, but knowing Tribu Bola-Bola they won’t give out any secret dance routine that they will do during the Dinagyang contest. When I was watching them I’ve felt very excited to see what surprises they have in stored for the contest proper. They always have surprises during their performance which made them won 3 times in a row which make them a hall of famer to the Dinagyang Contest. This is why I love Dinagyang so much, every year there will always be new things to see and new things to tell about.