I almost did not catch my 6:15am boat trip last Sunday, January 27. I only had two hours of sleep after Lea Salonga’s concert. I set my alarm to 5am and I remember waking up but knowing how much of a sleepyhead I am, I probably slept again. When I woke up to a text from my officemate, it was already quarter to five. It must have been the fastest shower I took.
I’m never really that fond of watching Dinagyang because I hate crowds. I’d rather watch it on TV. However, living away from Iloilo has made me a sort of a tourist. A lot of people spend a lot of money just to watch Dinagyang while I will only have to spend for my boat trip. And besides, I’ll be going home so Dinagyang will be just a welcome side trip.
The Dinagyang Foundation made a lot of innovations in this year’s Dinagyang. One that’s hard to miss is the color of the warriors. They changed it from black to dark brown which I think is more appropriate since it’s closer to the color of an Ati. I’ll have to say Dinagyang gets better every year. I have no doubt that Dinagyang will again be voted by the Association of Tourism Operators of the Philippines as the Best Tourism Event of the Year.
Here are some photos courtesy of Cess Sarria-Amular of Amular Creative Photography.
Well, at least it’s not Sto. Niño’s image. 
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
gladits,
fren, i’ve always loved the festivals in the Visayan regions. how i wish i could attend the Dinagyang festival. i’m a sucker for festivals. the farthest so far that i visit is the Panagbenga of Baguio City. Someday when blogging becomes lucrative (at least for me, lol!) i will go there and attend Dinagyang. i’d be very pleased to take photos showcasing our culture in the Visayas. they’re colorful, fun and noisy, and i just love them.
jessie’s last blog post..Blog Contests 1, 2 and 3: Get Featured on a PR4 Blog and Win Cash!
inggit ako! hu hu hu.
i love the photos! especially the last one. hehe. i really hope i can attend festivals this year. the only festival i always attend is the Metro Manila Film Festival. lol.
dyosa’s last blog post..I SAW THE SIGN AND I OPENED UP MY EYES…I SAW THE SIGN.
@Jessie. Yes, friend. You should visit our festivals. This October is the Masskara festival of Bacolod so consider that as an early invitation. I know you’re not disclosing it but I’m sure you’re earning a lot from your blogs. hehehe…I hope you’ll continue to earn more so you’ll be able to visit our festivals here in the Visayas.
@Dyosa. Hehehe…city girl ka kasi eh dito sa probinsya wala namang MMFF kaya nag imbento kami ng mga festivals na yan para may mapaglilibangan naman kami.
gladita, eh mas magaganda naman festivals nyo kesa dito sa Maynila.
dyosa’s last blog post..P.S. I LOVE YOU
@Dyosa – Well, you should attend one of our festivals then. Then you can also check out our food here. Put Masskara on your list. It’s on October and you won’t regret it. Plugging na po ito.
Hey Glad! Thanks for posting my pictures.
I just enjoy reading your blog. Stay “PROMDI”! Hehe! Regards!
@Cessy – But of course! First, your shots are good. Second, we’re friends. Hehehe..Be seeing you soon!
the last photo caught my attention..hehehe. i showed it to my husband. he was shaking his head.
wow, i would have enjoyed to watch that show, too. thanks for sharing the pictures.
Belle’s last blog post..Hello Blogger-friends!
@Belle – Hehehe…and it’s supposed to be in honor of Sto. Niño. But it’s a good festival. You do that when you’re here, attend local festivals I mean. You don’t have a lot of that in the States I presume.