iloilo . life in the small city

The Inaugural Show of CASA REAL

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:03:00 +0000

The Provincial Council for Culture, Arts, History, and Tourism of the Province of Iloilo presents the Inaugural Show of CASA REAL, The Provincial Gallery, featuring JOSEPH FIRMEZA, The Journey, Back to the Storm. This will be on December 11, 2009 Friday 4:00 pm at the Old Capitol Building, Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City, Philippines.

Dinagyang 2010's PAMUKAW

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:47:00 +0000

The downtown streets of Iloilo City will once again come alive with vibrance with the familiar rhythmic beating of drums as participating tribes will parade and dance in the streets of the city for the traditional Pamukaw of the Dinagyang Festival 2010. The tribes will assemble at the Promenade area, dance from the Provincial Capitol, pass Iznart, J.M. Basa, & up to the Freedom Grandstand. This event is meant to rouse the residents and everyone to inform that the Dinagyang Festival is coming.

Longboard Iloilo's Palumba 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 13:28:00 +0000

Longboard Iloilo and Free Spirit skate & extreme sports shop, in cooperation with Aftersyx Radio, Sneeze Magazine, Online Iloilo, and Hotbox Rec presents PALUMBA ILOILO 2010

LONGBOARD ILOILO, which is an organization for longboard enthusiasts and those who basically enjoy skating or longboard skating and extreme sports in general, are going to have their first big event which is THE PALUMBA ILOILO 2010 on January 22 & 23, 2010. January 22 will be a downhill event to be held at San Rafael, Iloilo and January 23 will be the 10 km Push Race to be held within the Iloilo City proper (details of the route to be announced later on). Other details such as registrations will be announced later on. Just keep posted, and visit the Longboard Iloilo forum site ASPALTO for further details.

Spit or Swallow - Spoken Word Gig

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:45:00 +0000

Spit or Swallow: Sex in an Age of Scandals and Virtual Reality

Who’s afraid of sex? Iloilo is, apparently. There was massive clamor over the showing of Brokeback Mountain, but hushed voices about double-showing porno movies in Mariz, Golden, Kathy, and Vision Theaters—all dead sex dens by now.

Cultural observers say Iloilo is living on a double standard: We penalize prostitution but give out pink cards to "sex workers." We hate perverts but we share sex scandal videos. We hate sex maniacs but we have Catholic priests getting caught making out with students in cars. What’s going on?

It’s because sex doesn’t know right from wrong, black from white, heaven from hell. Join us again at Shellsyd on November 28, at 5:30 PM for a short time. We will go oral as we feature the sexually charged poems of foremost Ilonggo gay poets Felino S. Garcia, Peter Solis Nery, and others. It’s open mic--public and perverts are welcome, but please keep your zippers closed.

To confirm your attendance, email archprankster@yahoo.com or emanlerona@gmail.com

Dunang Manggad Gig

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:38:00 +0000

AN ADVOCACY GIG FOR THE BENEFIT OF MAASIN WATERSHED

PHP 50 TICKET WITH FREE BEER

DOLLHOUSE,MJAH,MIRANA, LIBERTY JAM,FULCRUM,BIG MAN UPSTAIRS,MONSTER KILL,YANA BROKE MY,OUTLIARS,PIG STOMP,OFFLOOK,SHATTERED GLASS,HEPHZIBAH,CHUPACOBRA,ACCIDENTAL KIKSHIW

Pluma sa Kilid Suba

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:25:00 +0000

pahibia, panguruba, paudyaka ang pluma

Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 4:00pm till 9:00pm, at the dry riverside of the new shortcut road from the diversion road (near BBQ Park), leading up to Molo. (meeting place: outside BBQ park, diversion road, Iloilo City)

A budding circle of scribblers in Iloilo, is gathering and is going to sit down and watch the sunset, write their thoughts, unguarded-uncaged-untamed and will celebrate how the lips utter majesty and sweet downfalls. :)

Sa mga nahuya, indi magkakulba. Parareho lang man ta bag-uhanon sa sini nga patag.

We aim to bring the written word closer to every soul. And that, there is a venue for what you have secretly scribbled on those pages and coffee-stained table napkins.

Each session is liberating. Each writer is special.
Bring some insanity.
If it rains, who cares anyway? :)

Kit-anay ta tanan.

SANAG Art Exhibit

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:30:00 +0000

Invictus Consultants & Red Gallery presents SANAG, a Painting Exhibit featuring the best works of B.S. Fine Arts students of the University of San Agustin. This is to be held from September 14 to October 14, 2009 at the Red Steakhouse & Gallery, Smallville Commercial Complex, Iloilo City. Exhibit opens at 6:00 PM. For more info, contact 09196177650 or email them at consultants.invictus@gmail.com SANAG ...Because SANAG or light is the "queen of all colors."

gna ubra namun

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 22:48:00 +0000

datz right

this site is updating

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:47:00 +0000

yep. we're on the job

Paraw Regatta '09

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 02:26:00 +0000

Prepare for another exciting festival to hit Iloilo City as the Ilonggos hold the Paraw Regatta Festival 2009 this February 15-22, 2009. The Paraw Regatta Festival has grown tremendously over the years with numerous events lined up around the main highlight, which is the race among native outriggers called “Paraws” in the strait between the island Province of Guimaras and Iloilo City. These events include pinta layag, slalom race, mini-paraw boat race, luces by the sea (pyrotechnics exhibition), beach sports, samba de regatta, anglers fishing competition, and many more. So be sure to take your beach slippers to Arevalo this third week of February for the Paraw Regatta Festival 2009 and have a fun time under the sun! [originally posted by Christian Vansen Lozañes at Eksena Iloilo - click to go there]

PARAW REGATTA: Summer in Iloilo City is traditionally highlighted with the race of hundred paraws (sailboats) along the water strait between Iloilo City and Guimaras during the Paraw Regatta Festival. The annual festival primarily intends to encourage local tourism and preserve paraws as part of the Ilonggo culture and history. Other activities include sail painting (Pinta Paraw), body painting (Pintawo), fishing tournament, and Regatta Model Search.

Upcoming Event: Summer Indie Fest

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 01:43:00 +0000

Strawlace Productions will be coming up with an Iloilo INDIE FESTIVAL this summer, probably on May, 2009. The event will be showcasing the best of Iloilo, photography, music, literature, movies, etc... They will put it in one place were everybody could see and hear it.... a booth were bands can sell their cds, & there is also a plan to put up a skate park in the venue if it's possible. This will be a free event. Stay Tuned for the developments on this event. For details, contact 09153848970 or 09074742476

Feb. 13 Pre-Vday Gig: "Your X's & O's"

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:00:00 +0000

On February 13, 2009 at 7 PM is
the Pre-Valentine Acoustic Gig entitled
YOUR X's & O's
to be held at The 012 Backyard
ticket price: 50 pesos
Bands featured are:
Children's Playground
Stalker ni Me_Poor
Forgetting Leslie
Cure for Malaria
The Liberty Jam
Prodigy of Eve
Floodexit
Shudifu
No Disc
& more...

Coming this March: Strawlace Productions presents MAINSTREAM MARCH [it's MTV's Fault]

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 00:02:00 +0000

One of Iloilo's best Rock Gig producers - Strawlace Productions, are at it again. They are now prepping up their March Gig, in which the theme is...
POP!!!!!! ..... boybands.. girl groups... one hit wonders...or anything that bursts your bubble that is POP!!!!

The Gig is scheduled this March, the specific date is yet to be announced

CALL NOAH

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Thu, 11 Aug 2005 11:03:00 +0000

By Reymundo Salao
Askal Projection
The Guardian, Iloilo City
August 12, 2005

Is it sunny outside? Well, you can't really trust the weather by just looking outside the window anymore. You can't trust that sunshine; bring your jacket and your umbrella. In the case of this city, whenever you talk about rain, then, you can inevitably talk about floods. Flooded streets, flooded roads, flooded city. To quote a friend of mine, the floods in this city are an almost-annual occurrence that never misses to happen. It's that time when crossing the street feels like crossing the Yangtze river. Hours later, you'll be cursed by a killing flu, or leptospirosis. Much later, an entire nation of mosquitoes rise out of the floodwater and begin their reign of dengue. One of the many causes of this? …all because many of us are just idiotically taking our surroundings for granted. We throw plastic EVERYWHERE. We smoke and just simply get rid the butts right under our butt, oblivious to the fact that each time we do these (oh, unconscious and negligent) acts of stupidity, we doom ourselves with the side-effects that nature most willingly will lecture us with.

Many of the opinions I've read about this subject matter point to street vendors and how they are accused of being the filth that causes the eventual damage to our little urban ecosystem. While that may have some level of truth, it just seems too hypocritical to generalize the blame on them. Most of them are too underprivileged to afford decent garbage disposal equipments, much less afford a decent home. In addition, many of them are just too ignorant to be too conscious on the matter. One appropriate solution to this is a really efficient information drive. Let these people understand that they must have limits to what abuse they do to the urban ecosystem. Because it is them who are the direct victims of the calamities that may be caused by these acts of negligence.

Another solution is providing these sidewalk stalls (as part of the apparent city beautification program) with a proper sidewalk stall system; garbage cans and public toilets. And letting some stall-owners understand that they would have the responsibility of these facilities. But that kind of solution is just too utopian. There will be the pessimistic possibility that such facilities would fall into being abused and worn-out. These poor stall owners and street people are not to be blamed. Each and every citizen also has an obligation to keep the city clean. ESPECIALLY these large commercial companies. I've actually been disturbed by this one incident not too long ago when I was crossing a bridge on this city and witnessed that this commercial complex was dumping some kind of reddish watery material (like water with red dye) from their drainage system, and into the river. I'm not sure if that was just sheer coincidence or if that was a regular activity of said commercial complex. Nowadays it's easy for capitalists to ignore laws that have to do with the environment. Sometimes, I get too rebellious and become a reckless litterbug whenever I'm inside the mall as a form of demonstration for my friends to witness as I impart my little motto of urban ecosystem: "Malls have janitors; Mother Nature doesn't.

The HAKOT FACTOR

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Fri, 22 Jul 2005 10:58:00 +0000

By Reymundo Salao
Askal Projection
The Guardian, Iloilo City
July 22, 2005

One indication that Democracy has indeed been corrupted is that the concept of People Power and or mass demonstration is now tarnished with what I would call The Hakot System. Hakot is one slang term that has come to be known in Metro Manila as those numbers of crowds who join &/or comprise protesters, who do so, not for some firm ideological cause, but only for some compensation. Protesters with a price tag. These are crowds who really don’t care whether they join an administration or opposition rally, don’t care if it’s a cause of Pro or Con, but does so for cash in return. One of the rallies that was expected to spark the ouster of PGMA was said to have failed because the rallying crowd was not "paid" enough. While in strictest terms, that is mere hearsay, one cannot ignore the testimonies of those who revealed this in the TV and Radio news reports that covered said rallies. On the other hand, there may be organizations that do not treat it as a form of compensation, but mere aid. Surely, in defense, protesters may have come because of their own personal ideological drive, and not because of some bayad. The pressures of rallies take such a toll on a person. While the spirit may be willing, physical fatigue may render d body to bog down to fatigue. The aid, in the form of food and drinks, may only be there, offered by some organizations, so that the body may resist the fatigue and physical stress of rallies. However, it does not erase d existence of hakots who only comprise a rally because of monetary compensation.

The essence of People Power is not People Power after all. In a grim point of view, some schools and universities have seemed to join in on this ugly practice, by requiring some students to join in on the rallies. There were those interviewed during the rallies who were students, saying they were just there to have their attendance checked. School authorities should have their school attendance checked on curricular activities, not on events that serve a partisan cause. In addition, protest demonstrations have a tendency to boil into violence. The schools are recklessly risking the safety of their students by requiring their presence in these demonstrations.

In another way of expressing the unreliability of People Power is the simple fact that the nation is an archipelago. If a People Power brews up in Manila, it does not necessarily reflect the same sentiments of those in Visayas and Mindanao. It is Manila Mob rule trying to inject its cause upon the more than 90% that embody the rest of the nation.

Interestingly, the Hakot can be an interesting symbolism for the poverty-stricken Filipino, which embodies majority of the citizenry. It doesn’t care anymore for patriotism, or partisan cause, or even utang-na-loob, but for some cash-up-front that will feed one and his/her family/s. It sadly does not contemplate upon the consequences of its action, understandably, because it cannot afford to do so. How can the poor and starving say No to solid cash right then and there? True and undeniable that it exists, Democracy cannot rely on mere headcount anymore. Strength is not in numbers. Not anymore.

DEFINING DINAGYANG

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 22:39:00 +0000

by Reymundo Salao
Oftentimes Disturbing
The Guardian, january 25, 2005

The clash of icons between Dagoy and the Sto. Niño does not necessarily exist as a contest to win the entire essence of the Dinagyang spirit
I believe that it is a futile argument because the two icons belong to two distinct and separate levels. While the Sto. Nino may actually hold the true essence of the festival, which is that of the spiritual aspect. It is undeniable that this same festival has given much benefit to the tourism and the commerce of the city. The Sto. Niño cannot, of course, represent this other aspect (of tourism and commerce), but it is a mere coincidence that such religious event could be so fruitful in the sense that the tourism power of the event is positively strong to attract tourists from the farthest of countries. Such tourism helps the local economy a lot, not to mention, let local businesses be positively exposed to foreign market as well. This aspect is and can only be represented by a separate icon, rather, a mascot in the guise of Dagoy.

However, Dagoy and what it represents has become more popular and more descriptive of the event than that of the religious aspect, which indeed many tend to forget and even, in an unpleasant manner, disregard. It is now the duty of the organizers and administrators of the festival to make sure that the religious aspect, which holds the original aspect of the festival, prevails and does not get drowned in the glitz of commercialism. In addition, it is inevitable that, even though we are, by majority, a Catholic group of people, there still is a large percentage of those who partake in the festival that are of different groups of religion. Many of which are the tourists of different cultures and races. Therefore, we should be open to the idea that the Dinagyang may also be a festival that is meant for its other interpretations.

Although originally a religious festivity, one cannot deny its dual interpretations of solidarity and thanksgiving. It is also interpreted as a season of hospitality not only toward tourists, but also with homecoming friends and families. Dinagyang is the "other holiday season" that we have in this city.

For obvious reasons, it is the perfect season to welcome summer. Perfect in the sense that Iloilo is where tourists would take the route that goes to Caticlan, and then, directly to Boracay, which is the most popular summer destination of the country. Being a well-urbanized city, Iloilo is a convenient waypoint with the accessibility of such establishments like internet cafes/stations and air and freight ports. This fact enhances the tourism value of the Dinagyang festival.

Much has been elaborated about the religious aspect, and even the beauty of such solemnity has been part of why it is so attractive to tourists. In fact, Dinagyang has that perfect blend of solemnity and a wild-party atmosphere. It is clearly depicted in the dancing of the tribes: In the middle of the tribal dance, there is always a moment of pause, when the tribesmen lay still and quiet. Then, they burst in glory hailing "Viva Señor Sto. Niño! Viva!" At once, the banging drums resume, and a wild revelry ensues.

But why the African and warrior-like appearance? If we would have to lecture back in basic history, we should understand that the Philippines was once inhabited by Aetas, dark-skinned natives, which ironically, have become the cultural minorities (mostly, the ones who are being scourged by poverty). Many skeptics may have argued that the incident depicted in the Dinagyang festival were not based on factual events. But in my personal interpretation of the Dinagyang festival, it is a festival that celebrates the introduction of Christianity, which is represented by the Sto. Niño, to the natives, and the conversion from their savage ways to become a people guided by the light of religion. It is the conversion of the misguided to the guided. From savages, to a people of purpose. It may even be a symbolism not exclusive to Christianity, but to any kind of theology. All in all, to sum up and deduct to what it defines, Dinagyang is revelry under goodwill and it can have many interpretations, many symbolisms, and many icons.

ASKALISH TALES: THE GOLDEN AGE OF ILOILO

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Wed, 01 Sep 2004 22:32:00 +0000

As I was fondly picking my nose, pondering the reasons why there has been a terrible delay upon the local release of the film, THE LORD OF THE RINGS, TWO TOWERS, I could not help but remember my yesteryears (back when it took months before a foreign film is released here). What I would consider my own personal version of "Iloilo's Golden Age". The way I remember it when I was in my high school years, or rather my first years of being a nomadic palalagaw, (one who enjoys frequent wandering) for if not for my afternoon-cartoon-influenced English accent and my excess fats, I would've been mistaken for your typical ati, for my askalish (from the word askal) wandering behavior. Unlike the modern day palalagaws, who become too image-conscious upon what to wear when they go to the mall, where they would consider a place "to see and be seen", us the classic palalagaws of the golden age enjoy plainly the art of wandering, with no other particular objective.

With these memories in mind, it would be a bit interesting to review and reflect these places now and then. It is really quite an inspiration that hit me, when I was reading the column of a colleague about how her relatives came back to Iloilo after quite a number of years. It just made me more interested to focus upon that sensation of seeing Iloilo now and recalling what it was then, especially upon how I recalled it during the days that I first learned to enjoy walking the streets of the city that I proudly call home.

Back then, we contented ourselves with going around Amigo Plaza, especially at a place there called Wizards where kids and computer gameheads would flock by the numbers to play Family Computer (aka: Nintendo Entertainment System). Tambay kids would pester you by offering you help getting through some difficult level, but what they really want is that 15-seconds of pleasure of taking a turn to play the game for free. I never did get to the Mike Tyson level at "Punch Out" or the speederbike level at Battletoads, but the memories are enough to make me grin right now.

Malls now are so grandiose, while in our high school days, visiting shops like China Arts, Jorndin's, Rofer's, and SM Delgado already constitutes an afternoon of lagaw. Oh, we didn't have text messaging back then (obviously) so we had to be a bit more disciplined when and where to meet, on-the-dot. The "popular kids" (which is equal to the modern-day jolog kids), who listened to Motley Crue (some lousy band) and Color Me Badd, would often go to afternoon discos, because back then, you can party early in order to rest your energy for the next day. Sensible, huh? But our idea of fun was more upon watching movies.

I could remember how I took pleasure in skipping my P.E. classes (no wonder I'm so unhealthy) almost all throughout High School, just because I considered P.E. uniforms "sissy-looking" (I was already a sissy, I didn't want to add on it by getting into a stupid fashion ensemble-ANYWAY-). And when I'm out the university gates, while I was humming the Mission: Impossible theme song (it was a TV series in my HS years), I would go directly to the theaters to watch movies. Particularly, me and my friends always went to Allegro, since we were deeply into Hollywood movies, which Allegro regularly shows. There, I remember watching "Robocop 3" and "Silence of the Lambs", rejoicing with a grin how all the bullies at school were dressed on the sissy outfit while I was sitting on my ass with Nagaraya in hand, watching Robocop being sliced into six parts. I also remember how jampacked Allegro and Riviera was when "Terminator 2" was shown. Back then, there were still many people who would watch the film while standing up, because on days when they're showing really popular movies, it could be impossible to get a decent seating location. When they were showing "Superfly"(starred Jacky Chan, later re-released in the western market as "Operation: Condor") at the renovation opening of Regent Cinema, I had to watch the fight scene at the opening sequence, tiptoeing over the shoulders of some guy. And back then; if a film is released in the US box office, it would take like 5 months till the film gets released here. At least, there are times when you can watch double feature for the price of one. Would you believe I watched the Schwarzenegger comedy "Twins" and the George Lucas medieval fantasy "Willow" for the price of one? Cool, huh?

At the end of the day, we would head home (that would usually be around 5 pm) and rest our backs, watching BELLAMY and the tagalog-dubbed VOLTES FIVE, while eating Cheezels and Chikadees. And by 10 pm the city is so quiet, you'd fall asleep in the stillness.

COZY LIKE A 20-YR. OLD PILLOW

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Sat, 31 Jan 2004 06:39:00 +0000

COZY LIKE A 20-YR. OLD PILLOW
By Reymundo Salao
Oftentimes Disturbing
The Guardian, Iloilo City. January 23, 2004

I was in Manila for two weeks on a journey to search for a better day job. While I was there, I realized that finding a decent job is never as easy as finding a reliable company to work for. Nevertheless, I did enjoy my little moments of promdi fun as I familiarized myself with the confusing streets, getting used to traveling via MRT, and the shock that the cost of going to movie theaters could cost you around 70 to 150 pesos! I should've had a buri hat to go with my kamanulan.

In the span of two weeks, and the contemplation of changing addresses, one could easily miss Iloilo. When I got back last Tuesday, I was sure that the other passengers of the plane I rode on were tourists that came for the Dinagyang festival. It made me contemplate on my home city from a tourism-related point of view, and came to that cliché assumption of how precious my city is.

The simplicity of this city. The conservative atmosphere. I do hate it sometimes, but the tranquility does make Iloilo a more habitable place, free from highly urbanized stress and toxic pollution. Iloilo may seem dull, but at least during Dinagyang season, it gets to party hard. Ilonggos are like mga binuy-an na kabayo (pinakawalang kabayo) whenever Dinagyang season comes. In a more irreverent comparison, Iloilo is like a catholic school virgin girl who is so reverent all year, but sets aside one evening to become a rabid bitch. The timid population which rarely goes on an extravagant party mode is driven to festival madness.

Ilonggos are known for their ultra-conservative economical nature. A frugal spender who minimizes spending on parties and barhopping. Ever wonder how cheap partying in Iloilo is? How cheap our beer is? It's coz it's risky to run a bar where your drinks and your food are expensive, of course, not unless your bar is appealingly designed to cater the wealthier breed of coñitos and coñitas who enjoy their 70-peso beers. The thrifty nature of Ilonggos is evidenced by the number of banks in this city. We have more banks in this city than we have gasoline stations or bars. Well, I actually haven't counted, but whenever you're in the city and you pass by a bank, it would only take you a short sprint to stumble into another. Ilonggos just want to stay put and our pockets to stay dormant, till need arises. That's why we don't have Casinos. I would quite frankly laugh at the next person who would suggest opening one in this city. Unfortunately, we don't have Starbucks either. Perhaps somebody found out that if we'd wanna buy a cup of coffee that's worth over 50 pesos, it would be once in two months. Hello? I don't care if it tastes grand, I, the normal Juan wouldn't want to buy coffee that has an equal rate to buying a hamburger the size of Tyson's fist. Don't get me wrong, I also mourn that we don't have many nice cafes here. Actually, I've noticed two cafes that sprung up, and I've loved. But when they started playing Barry Manilow and N'Sync music there, I shrunk to loathing and decided to minimize patronizing them. (Would the owner of those cafes, PLEASE tell your café clerks to play those jazz and ambient music like you used to do…PLEASE!) Air Supply my ass…I do want to drink coffee, not choke on it! If they played Eddie Peregrina or Victor Wood, at least you would smile and cheer the Pinoy noir-like nostalgia of it.

If there's one thing Ilonggos spend on without having much thought, it would be on good food. And Iloilo takes pride on bringing forth a menu of mouth-watering delicacies, mostly seafoods like bangus, blue marlin, talaba, diwal, bay-ad, and an entire list of menus that could make Aquaman nauseate. But of course, the numero uno on the list is the La Paz Batchoy! If you haven't tried the Batchoy, you haven't been to Iloilo. The nice spice of it and the sumptuous delight that makes you produce a burp like a ship horn. Once you smell the aroma of it, you'll forget how to count your calories. It is so good that a friend of mine once bought it and stored it in a thermos, to be brought to Manila. Some restaurants in Manila try to copy and even experiment on the recipe of the Batchoy, yet what they come up is a laughable gooish product.

A sort of survey asked me what changes would I want for the city of Iloilo. I answered that I would also want it to be a bit more developed and a bit more commercialized, but at the same time, preserve the conservative nature of it. Do we really need another mall? Maybe one, but I hope that would be it. If we had too many malls, the little stores might die out. If Iloilo gets too urbanized, it could be dirtier, more polluted, and crime rates may skyrocket. I like it the way it is. That's why it will always be a cozy place to chill out.
(tripxyde@yahoo.com)

THE DAY AFTER SUNDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Fri, 30 Jan 2004 22:37:00 +0000

Oftentimes Disturbing
By Reymundo Salao

One by one, the speakers of the many sound systems die out into silence, and moments later, the sounds of disco and revel music is gradually replaced by only the sounds of those who get on with their drinking, and the people who gather to go home. And as the clock is ticking without the music, and the sunrise only moments away, the drunkards will descend into slumber. The vendors gather their profits and pull out their calculators, while those who rented the sidewalk for a street booth, dismantle their little constructions of roof and fence in the most tiresome manner. This year's Dinagyang is over. But it never is the end.

At the end of every annual Dinagyang festival, is a preparation for the next. A year's preparation and study, what were the aspects that worked and didn't work. The manner of being a bit too strict with access. Was it effective? It was a bit too strict that the media raised their blood pressures as local policies blocked their way. Literally, so to speak. On the other hand, the strict policies were able to provide a reliable sense of security, as many of our policemen were patrolling and strolling, and was able to make check-ups on the people who passed by upon some designated areas. For some, it may have been offensive and disrupted the party spirit and mood, but it surely is for the good and for the security of all. There are so many things that can be put upon the checklist to review and analyze, making sure that the event of the years to come would be a better one.

Monday mornings, and this upcoming week would be a bluish simplistic one. Many will have hangovers, wishing the fests were still a weeklong from over. But surely, we must change back to our work-faces and get on with our lives. Getting on with our lives, foreigners and visitors would surely see how Iloilo transforms back to its simple, and humble identity. Iloilo may be like a party monster Mr. Hyde on Dinagyang season, but what it really is, is a quiet Dr. Jekyll. That's not to say that it is boring, but to say that it is, in a literal way of putting it, ---COOL. But we must continue to let our city shine in it's simplistic beauty, especially now that Iloilo is a place that foreigners and visitors will visit, in preparation for what is considered the next stop for tourists, which are the beaches. Particularly, that of Guimaras and Boracay.

On the other hand, many Ilonggos will surely continue to recaffeinate themselves, getting over the hangover. I was right when I said that it is as if the demure Ilonggos save up their energies and resources, up until the Dinagyang season, when they party hard. I'm sure many will say to themselves "Man! Did I party last Sunday!"

PARTY DRUMS

noreply@blogger.com (Reymundo) — Fri, 30 Jan 2004 09:49:00 +0000

PARTY DRUMS
By Reymundo Salao
Oftentimes Disturbing
The Guardian, Iloilo City. January 24, 2004

I believe that Tourism is the key to further the development of Iloilo City. Balikbayans who go home on Christmas season may always want to hold on for the next five months since the Holidays never seem to end in this usually sleepy city. By the times the second week of January comes, it's hard to resist getting excited about the Dinagyang spirit since banners and announcements of festivities are posted, along with Tribal decorations that anticipate the upcoming season. Match that with the evening drums of "Tribes" practicing in some corner of the city. I used to live in an area where a tribe would practice, and although it was pretty damn distracting (especially if you're a student trying to perfect your lessons), you cannot deny the excitement that it makes. I've noticed that many youngsters enjoy hanging out and watching the tribes practice on some evenings.

But when Dinagyang begins, the city blooms with festive aura. The only pain in your ass is the excruciating traffic jam that it creates. It is one of those moments where you'd wish you had a book with you to keep you company throughout the duration of the long turtle journey. If you plan to go to and watch the Dinagyang Sunday parade, you'd better start commuting as early as 5:30 a.m. not unless you live around the heart of the city, because they'd be closing the main roads and the traffic of human revelers would be much of a problem to those who wish to get a comfortable seat on the judging areas. But then again, there's the usual hazardous areas where you could dangerously hang on to like Spiderman, just to get a glimpse of the tribal performances. And then there's the cheap "unofficially-constructed-judging areas", poorly-erected lines of benches, which would hope to make some extra dough for those who took time to construct them. Just hope it wouldn't break down to nasty pieces, or else you'd have a vivid understanding of the word Tetanus. But in fairness, some of these constructions are cleverly sturdy and are sometimes worth your money. But you be the judge though.

In selecting which party to go to afterwards, you'd probably need a planner to do so, since there are numerous parties around the city this Dinagyang weekend. There are "tribal" raves on clubs, reggae bands, rock bands, punk bands, or whatever manner of festive madness suits your taste. But if you're as nerdy as I am, there's also Lord of the Rings 3 to watch for the Nth time (it could probably make you hallucinate that the dancing Dinagyang atis are Uruk-Hais on rave). But to those who want to experience the true essence of Dinagyang revelry, one should join in on the merry-making street-dancing that commences basically after the parade. By five in the afternoon, the streets in the main districts are filled with a population drunk with cheer and celebration. It's like a music video set on some exotic urban setting for some electronica music.

Wherever you are in Iloilo City this weekend, it is hard to escape the party atmosphere of Dinagyang.
(tripxyde@yahoo.com)