Hugyaw Kansilay Festival
‘Hugyaw Kansilay Festival’ of Silay City is an official entry of Negros Occidental in the Kasadyahan Regional Cultural Competition 2012 in Iloilo City on January 21.
Mayor Jose Montelibano, head of delegation, said that the Department of Tourism has chosen ‘Hugyaw Kansilay Festival’ because the streetdance focuses on how sugra industry flourished in Silay thus making the place the ‘Paris of Negros’ at the turn of the century and the ‘Seat of Arts, Culture and Ecotourism in our generation.
Montelibano added also that the entry depicts the ‘Legend of Silay’ through merrymaking, fantastic sound, and play of colors and also features the use of patadyong as the traditional fabric preferred by women in Western Visayas.
The executive staff us composed of Marissa Montelibano, president of Hugyaw Silay Inc.; Susan Velez, executive assistant for tourism; Hon. Jose Lopez, punong barangay of guinhalaran; Hon. Joedith Gallego, punong barangay of E. Lopez; Severino Pacete, tourism officer; and Solomon Locsin, consultant for historical research.
The tribe leader is Achilles Corteza, cultural affairs officer; and the assistant tribe leader is Gerle Hilado – Sulmaca, OIC of Community Affairs Office.
The street dance is choreographed by Ronnie Gomea and assisted by Clarisse Salmingo with Mike Golez as music director.
Ver Pacete, tourism officer, said that the champion in this contest will receive Php 125,0000.00 and four other runners-up will also receive cash awards and there will be minor awards for best in street dance, performance, choreography, music, costume, and outstanding choreographer.
There will be nine competing tribes and four non-competing tribes.
Kansilay dancers will have their farewell performance for the Negrenses from Brgy. Guinhalaran to Silay Public Plaza on January 18.
Christine Mansinares, provincial tourism officer, said that Silay entry has the full support of the Province of Negros Occidental because the choreography project not only what is beautiful in Negros Occidental but it also points out the capacity of the Negrenses to be leaders in trade, commerce, industry, fashion and tourism.
Prepared By:
GERLE HILADO-SULMACA
Press Coordinator
