Dance drama tilt at Banaag Festival burns brighter
Published Nov 6, 2018 09:41 am

ONE OF the group contestants at the festival
Community spirit shone as eight tribes representing the different districts of Anilao, Iloilo set the night ablaze with their own play of lights and cultural presentations a few days ago.
Banaag Festival 2018 culminated in a dance drama competition which showcased their performances. Tribe Hubon Bulalakaw from District 1 emerged champion with their dance interpretation titled “Celebrating Anilao’s Conservation Efforts in the Time of Climate Change.”
An annual festivity highlighting the rich culture and history of the town of Anilao, Banaag Festival heralded a new era for Iloilo tourism after winning the Grand Prize for Best Tourism Event (Festival Category, Municipal Level) at the recently held 19th Pearl Awards of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines-Department of Tourism (ATOP-DOT).

(FROM LEFT): Anilao Vice Mayor Matet Debuque, Iloilo fourth District Representative Ferjenel ‘Dok Ferj’ Biron, and Anilao Mayor Lee Ann Debuque

OFFICIALS HAND out the award to Hubon Bulalakaw
“We are honored and proud that what started as a small community festival 14 years ago has gained national recognition and has now become a sought-after tourist attraction in Iloilo,” shared Iloilo 4th District Representative Ferjenel “Dok Ferj” Biron, who led the symbolic lighting of the Banaag Festival 2018 torch along with Anilao Mayor Lee Ann Debuque, Vice Mayor Matet Debuque, among other town officials.
Biron vows to continue his infrastructure projects for better access to Anilao and other towns to further boost Iloilo tourism. He is confident that his comprehensive tourism plans for Iloilo will be in place to accommodate the expected influx of tourists in the coming years.