Anihan Festival

I was vacationing at Duenas Iloilo and I had the chance to witness the Anihan Festival which coincides with their town's Fiesta. 

Having been to Sinulog, Masskara and Dinagyang ... three of the best festivals in the Philippines ... these festivities welcome thousands of local and foreign tourists ... giving them a chance to savor the "it's more FUN in the Philippines" experience .., and allowing them to discover the rich cultural and religious overtones and nuances that go with the celebration.

Having also seen the best shows in Las Vegas ... or Broadway in New York ... I was exposed to shows that numb my senses or dull my emotions because something shocking has just been shown. Magic that is bewitched and spell-bounding ... music that is bittersweet and haunting ... comedy that elicits laughter and guffaws ... the psychedelic stage props, the retro lighting, and surprises in the stage that pop your eyeballs.

Imagine a ship coming out of the stage? Or a dancer falling off from the rooftop ... Las Vegas is just a challenge to doubting Thomases - or people unwilling to accept and admit that whatever is impossible can be made possible. As they say: Only in Las Vegas.

Having that mindset ..."that nothing can shock me anymore"... I tried to dismount from my ivory tower ... and face the reality that I have to stay away from biases ... isolate my personal experiences abroad ... I conditioned my mind and considered it empty ... devoid of any foreign influences and prejudices.

Wanting to see Anihan at the town plaza ... was not planned but since everyone else in the house wanted to go ... there is nothing I can do but join them. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect ... so I toned down my excitement. I don't want to be a jerk expecting an entertainment bonanza and extravaganza ... a tableau that will mesmerize me when I know pretty well the local organizers are financially bleeding and was really trying hard to give us a decent show when the budget is limited, meager, and tight.

The street dancing in the grand parade was a teaser and the trailer of what to expect ...  if the two or three-minute show in the streets in your estimate was so-so, bland, and insipid ...  don't let your initial observations spoil the fun. One needs to see each of the actual presentations in its entirety for one to appreciate it.

Indeed the whole enchilada turned out better than we thought.  In the contest proper each tribe elbowed each other in rhythmic drumbeats, energetic movements, and colorful and elaborate costumes. The presentation was also a contest in street dancing, costume and production design, theme and concept, music, and choreography. However, the rhythm of the instruments characterized by repetitive, syncopated beats ... top them all ... that alone is a good "come-on."

Based on the crowd that lined up and craned their neck to get a better view of the contest, their enthusiastic applause, and the locals clapping for approval is a testament that Anihan has achieved their goals despite depleted funds, lack of resources, and budget-conscious preparations.

Kudos to the whole town of Duenas, schools, the students, government personnel, and the tribes that participated namely: Tribu Mangarani - the winner of the street dancing competition, Tribu Manuglinas - the first runner up,  Tribu Panurong Sulong - second runner-up, Tribu Mangunguma Tribu Arupiray, Tribu Disig, and Tribu Manuggarab. Any tribe I forget to include ... my sincere apologies.

To sum it up, the incredible dancing and the gyrating feel of drums, gongs, bumbongs, and bamboo xylophones and the cast of thousands were amazing to watch. It was pretty obvious to us that the cast members were equally adept at dancing or doing chants and monologues. They have burned their midnight candles to perfect their cradt and synchronicity - making their movements fluid, graceful flowing, and natural.

We were on the stage level and it was terrific. The only problem is that there is so much going on everywhere you look. You can get too focused on what is going on right in front of you and one false move and you miss everything that is going on the sides.

Anihan has been with us for how many years now?  This is the first time I saw it and I only hope that with the right funding, the right people manning the show, the right directors and choreographers, and the unwavering support of the people, the once sleepy burg that is Duenas can grow and improve and wake up to greater possibilities in the years to come.

The whole event was promising ... and only untiring and determined Duenasanon can provide wings to make the project soar to its greater heights.