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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Iloilo City unveils Dinagyang public art

Iloilo City unveils Dinagyang public art

Published Jan 23, 2022 10:11 pm

ILOILO CITY—A public art depicting the Dinagyang, the annual festival that honors the Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus) has been unveiled in Iloilo City.

The “Dagyang, Iloilo” is a statue and a mural found along the river park known as the Esplanade.

DAGYANG, ILOILO!—A statue and mural depicting the Dinagyang Festival is unveiled at the Esplanade in Iloilo City. Designed by Harry Mark Gonzales and created in collaboration with Himbon artists, the public art is timely as Ilonggos mostly celebrated the festival in honor of the Santo Niño via virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Tara Yap/Manila Bulletin)


The public art conceptualized by award-winning artist Harry Mark Gonzales is a colorful rendition of the Dinagyang’s highlight, which is supposed to happen every fourth Sunday of January but has been relegated to a virtual event due to resurgence of high COVID-19 cases.

“Dinagyang is symbolic of Iloilo. This artwork is for all Ilonggos,” Gonzales told Manila Bulletin.

The “Dagyang, Iloilo” is the visual art depiction of a street performance anchored on a folkloric story—the celebration of the native Ati people and the migrant Bornean settlers who arrived in Panay Island during the 13th century and their eventual conversion to Christianity.

The centerpiece of “Dagyang, Iloilo” is the 14.5-feet statue of an Ati warrior hoisting the Santo Niño.

The mural on a detached rectangular wall blends Dinagyang’s other iconographies including the other Ati warriors and the Bornean settlers. There is also the city’s major Roman Catholic churches, particularly the San Jose Parish Church or home to the Santo Niño image being venerated.

Gonzales collaborated with Himbon artists Vic Fario, Gina Apostol, Marrz Capanang, Nick Lanes, Anthony Castillo, Eros Endencio, Aljerico Saraum, Gilbert Labordo, Vic Nabor, and Ariel Pineda as well as esteemed artist Ed Defensor to complete “Dagyang, Iloilo”.

The public art is commissioned by the family of the late Don Jose “Pepe” Layson, who was one of Iloilo’s major entrepreneurs and a philanthropist. It is implemented by the Iloilo City government under Mayor Jerry Treñas.
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