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Dinagyang tribes hit for excessive props, G-strings

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January 26, 2015 12:23 AM

By: Louine Hope Conserva

DESPITE the success of the Dinagyang Ati Tribe Competition, many were disappointed due to the extravagant use of props
and “sexy outfits.”

In the eyes of a media personality who has been covering the event for a long time, the use of props in the Ati-ati dance
contest is already excessive.

“The performances have bigger props and the essence of choreography is lost. Dinagyang should be more of a street dance
rather than a showcase of props. Also, other tribes don’t have enough financial funding which was reflected in their
performances,” said Regan Arlos, radio anchorman of RMN Iloilo.
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For researcher Katherine Yap, the performances are “recycled and less exciting.”

“They’ve been advertising that there will be lesser props this year but it didn’t happen,” said Yap.

Abz Pajemolin, a dance instructor who has experience in tribal dancing, said the recent Ati Tribe competition has taken for
granted the real essence of the festival.

“This year’s Dinagyang is more festive with all those props and visuals. It may appear catchy and ‘in’ among the teens but
technically the choreographers have forgotten the highlights which are the warriors. The previous Dinagyang competitions
were battling for the best choreography but lately they are more into props, which is going into the mainstream. I hope
everyone will realize that Dinagyang Festival is a tribute to Sto. Nino and not “Dagoy,” Pajemolin said.

Leandro Caoyonan, a seafarer, said the performances lacked the “element of surprise.”

“They are overly decorated. I expect more surprises from every tribe but to no avail. Also I have noticed that they have lesser
warriors this year,” he said.

A culture enthusiast who refused to be named said that the festival itself is not even a reflection of the Atis.

“The Atis, who are minimalist in nature, don’t wear headdresses. They are not warriors, they are hunters and they use bow
and arrow instead. The drum beats and the dance steps they incorporate don’t belong to the Atis,” he said.

G-STRING

The use of G-strings by Tribus Panayanon of Iloilo City National High School and Obreros of Bo. Obrero National High School
earned flak from some revelers and cultural observers.

Critics said the costume offended the religious aspect of the festival which is also a tribute to the Sto. Niño or Holy Child Jesus.

Rain caught the Obreros who were the last to perform at the Freedom Grandstand. The wet G-strings by the warrior dancers
left little to the imagination.

What brought cheers and jeers to the tribe was the butt-slapping execution which was akin to the controversial twerking or
butt-twisting dance.

In their commentaries over Bombo Radyo, film and cultural critic Elvert Bañares and choreographer Edwin Duero said the
costume and dance routine were not only offensive to the religious side of the festival but also a form of exploitation.

“It is disappointing because the warriors, who are mostly high school students, were exploited. The organizers should
address this,” Bañares said.

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