After my mother passed away in the second week of January, I returned to my hometown, Iloilo City, in the Philippines. I never imagined that I would get the chance to join one of the country’s most highly acclaimed festivals—DINAGYANG!
I can’t even remember the last time I attended this festival. But this year, 2025, I was fortunate to be there and truly enjoyed watching the show.
By the way, if you haven’t heard of the DINAGYANG FESTIVAL, it is an annual celebration held every fourth Sunday of January. It commemorates the pact between the indigenous Ati people and the Malay immigrants.
Have you ever heard the word “SADSAD”? No, it’s not about being sad twice—lol! It is a religious tradition in Iloilo, an island in the Visayas region of the Philippines. It is one of the most anticipated events during the DINAGYANG Festival, involving the participation of various communities in Iloilo and other areas of Western Visayas.
Sadsad is a tribal dance competition where participants perform choreographed chanting, dancing, and singing, all while dressed in elaborate costumes and carrying props to honor Sto. Niño de Cebu, the Holy Child Jesus.
My family and I watched the event at Calle Real in downtown Iloilo. Seven groups participated in the competition. We arrived just after the first group had finished their performance, but we were still thrilled to witness the rest of the contestants.
As I watched the tribal dancers, my heart pounded in sync with the beating of the drums. It felt as if I were seeing an Ati-Atihan dance for the first time. My heart swelled with joy and pride, knowing that my hometown has preserved this meaningful and colorful cultural tradition of Iloilo’s indigenous people. Millions of visitors come every year to witness this spectacular event, and it is truly well received and recognized.
Then, something unforgettable happened—I danced in the streets with one of the tribal groups when they invited us, the spectators on the sidelines, to join them. As I moved to the rhythm, I thought of my mom, a native of this island, and I danced my sadness away. I danced with pride, grateful to be an Ilongga, born and raised in the City of Love. I danced with a thankful heart, honoring Sto. Niño for all the blessings I have received.
Hala Bira, Iloilo! Hala Bira! Viva Sto. Niño!