Dinagyang Festival draws tourists, Pinoys [1]

ABS-CBNnews.com | 01/27/2013 12:58 PM

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MANILA, Philippines – Owing to the good weather, thousands of people came to watch the Kasadyahan Regional Cultural Competition in Iloilo City on Saturday.

A total of 12 contingents from different areas in Western Visayas joined the Kasadyahan Regional Cultural Competition, which is part of the annual Dinagyang Festival, which, like the Sinulog Festival in Cebu, also honors Sto. Niño.

The groups showcased their traditional costumes and colorful props at the competition.

Henry Howard, an American who came to the Dinagyang Festival for the first time, said he enjoyed watching the performances because he learned a lot about Philippine culture. “The costumes are colorful, [and the] performances are great!” he said.

According to Helen Catalbas, regional director for the Department of Tourism, the Dinagyang Festival is a big help for the tourism industry in Western Visayas, as it draws visitors from around the world.

“The Dinagyang Festival is the perfect place for them (different places in the Philippines) to get the exposure they need,” she said. – From a report by Joyce Clavecillas, Regional Network Group