ILOILO CITY -- Months before January, Ilonggos have been prepping up for that meaningful celebration that is close to their hearts – the ‘Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan’ Festival. This festivity depicts the glorious past of Iloilo mirrored through enchanting tales, playful acts, and classic attires.

Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan correspondingly gives life to the wonders of tourism, a tradition rooted in the corners of different towns here. This year’s celebration is under the helm of the Iloilo provincial government, bearing the tourism slogan, “Fun, Foodie, Friendly Iloilo.”

For Provincial Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office chief Gilbert Marin, the event speaks volumes in terms of holistic tourism brought about by treasured experiences, culinary pleasures, and heartwarming folks.

These tribes are composed of the Katagman Festival of Oton, Saad Festival of Leganes, Pantat Festival of Zarraga, Cry of Jelicuon Festival of New Lucena, Kaing Festival of Leon, Tultugan Festival of Maasin, Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival of Calinog, Banaag Festival of Anilao, and Kasag Festival of Banate.

Anilao Municipal Tourism officer Emerson Franco, for his part, shared that participating in Kasadyahan puts their town on the global map.

Anilao, which is 42 kilometers away from Iloilo City, is famous for its unique Banaag Festival. “Banaag” is a Hiligaynon term that means illumination. The festival displays colorful lights with breathtaking performances conveying a message of hope amid the troubling times.

“Banaag is a celebration of Anilao’s history and culture that affected our journey as a town from where we came from to what we are now,” according to Franco.

The Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines - Department of Tourism (ATOP-DOT) Pearl Awards hailed Banaag Festival as a two-time winner for the best tourism event in the country.

To recall, the Kasadyahan was held as part of the Dinagyang Festival, along the major thoroughfares of Iloilo City. Despite the warm and cold weather, happiness radiated among the faces of the many.  

Jerry Anas, tourism officer of Leganes, cited how Kasadyahan competition adds a layer of excitement and cultural richness to the town’s Saad Festival.

“The participation of Saad Festival in Kasadyahan not only promotes our religious festivity but also draws in a diverse audience intrigued by the dynamic cultural displays,” Anas explained, citing that the competition contributes to a sense of civic pride and unity among Leganesnons to present the best of its cultural heritage.

The Saad Festival dubbed as the Pilgrimage Capital of Iloilo, with its deep-rooted religious significance, stands as a monumental contributor to the tourism industry in the province. Further, the festival serves as a cultural and spiritual magnet for both locals and visitors alike that honors and celebrates religious milestones.

Through the eyes of the tourist just like retired US military Mike Saylor, Kasadyahan is one great experience as it sums up the energy and efforts of the Ilonggos.

“The level of competition (is getting intense). Every tribe is excellent and very well prepared,” Mike shared.

Beyond the economic gains, the celebration of Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan resonates the Ilonggo cultural tapestry knitted altogether to create a distinct pattern uniting the community. Its lasting impacts transcend from one generation to another, making fond memories while preserving the past to shape the future.  All these and more marked great contributions, hence, putting once again Iloilo’s tourism industry into the spotlight. (AAL/LMLE/PIA Iloilo)