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27.1 C
Philippines
Monday, February 17, 2025
27.1 C
Philippines
Monday, February 17, 2025

AweSM Dinagyang 2025 celebration

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes and 58 seconds
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The vibrant city of Iloilo welcomed visitors for the much-anticipated Dinagyang Festival 2025. Known for its unique fusion of tradition and modernity, the festival showcases the Ilonggo culture, craftsmanship, and culinary heritage. Derived from the Hiligaynon word for revelry, “Dinagyang” embodies the spirit of joy and celebration.

Dinagyang Festival has earned its reputation for impressive choreography, colorful costumes, and cultural significance. This year, the festival goes beyond performances, offering a wide array of events at SM City Iloilo. 

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With its “AweSM Iloilo” campaign, SM City Iloilo served as the centerstage of the Dinagyang 2025 festivities, set to deliver unforgettable experiences for locals and tourists alike.

Mall goers had an immersive #AweSM experience by virtually trying on the headdresses of your favorite tribes, creating an interactive and shareable souvenir experience.

The Dinagyang celebration kicked off last January 15 with the special screening of Cande’ at SM Cinema 3. The highly anticipated Ilonggo  film directed by the award-winning Ilonggo filmmaker and UPV Professor, Mr. Kevin Piamonte, and produced by Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida and Ms. Rhea Peñaflorida.

January 17, the Dinagyang tRAIbaho PESO Job Fair 2025 took place at the Event Center with 97 local companies, 14 BPOs, and 9 international firms offering exciting career opportunities. A total of 3,451 applicants were interviewed, with 2,566 qualifying, 1,545 selected for further interviews, and 220 hired on the spot.

The Dinagyang Fun Ride at South Point was participated by almost 500 riders.

From January 19 to 26, visitors explored the AweSM Iloilo Dinagyang Festival Costumes Exhibit at the Event Center. Simultaneously, the AweSM Tourism Booth at North Point and the AweSM Festival Sale mallwide ran daily during the same period. The Best of Iloilo Fair was open at both the Event Center and North Point during these dates.

One of the highlights of the Dinagyang Festival was the ILOmination Philippine Light Festival Grand Opening on Jan. 24, held at the SM City Iloilo mall facade, the official venue and main judging area for the event.

The festival continued with the Dinagyang Arnis Competition at Cyberzone, while meet-and-greet and parades with the Dinagyang Warriors happened daily from January 23 to 26 around the mall.

Culinary highlights included the Grand Iloilo Food Festival, the Batchoy Festival, and the South Point Party, all happening at South Point from January 23 to 26, from 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM. Highlighting Iloilo’s reputation as a gastronomic haven, the Grand Iloilo Food Festival and Batchoy Festival will delight food enthusiasts, offering a delectable showcase of the region’s culinary excellence.

From January 23 to 27, visitors enjoyed the Music and Arts Festival at South Point, showcasing vibrant performances and creative displays.

The Dinagyang ILOmination Grand Opening took place last January 24 at the mall façade, SM City Iloilo was the official venue and main judging area  of the event.  A Grand Fireworks Show lit up the sky and the celebration culminated with a star-studded South Point Party, featuring  performances by Darren Espanto and Horizon along with other artists.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas assured that this year’s Dinagyang prioritize safety and inclusivity. With no signal jamming and enhanced security measures, together with the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army, the city committed to create a secure environment for everyone. “I trust in the capability of our police force to uphold safety and order without the need for signal jamming.”, said Treñas.

Dinagyang 2025 was a celebration of Ilonggo resilience, creativity, and unity. With the community and key partners like SM City Iloilo, coming together, Iloilo City enjoined everyone to  experience the heart of the festivities

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