The performances of the bands reminded us of the Hollywood film “Drumline”. The best musical arrangement for us was that of the school that did a medley of James Bond and Star Wars themes. The choreography of all the schools who joined was as a whole terrific, with both the musicians and the dancers displaying commendable showmanship.
The night before the parade, we visited the rehearsals and we found the energy of the young people so contagious. Oh, to be young and full of energy once again! The cheer dance number of the students of the University of North Eastern Philippines (UNEP) was well conceived and bursting with so much joyful enthusiasm. It’s definitely world class!
We’ve noticed that there are so many beautiful Bicolanas: tall, dusky, shapely, especially the majorettes and dancers of the University of St. Anthony (USANT) who can surely qualify in beauty pageants. The Majorettes Showcase featuring 20 of the best ladies, the crème de la crème, among the majorettes of various schools performing together was sheer delight, making Mary Ann Sta. Ana of Backroom say it brought back good memories of the days when she was also a majorette in her native province Antique.
When all the contingents later assembled and danced to the tune of “We’re All in This Together” from “High School Musical”, the effect was simply exhilarating and perfectly suits the mayor’s slogan “Mag-kausad kita” for all Iriguenos to be united to make their city more peaceful and progressive. It’s good the Lord gave us good weather that time, unlike the last Tinagba Harvest Festival when it rained so hard while the dancers were performing on the street in front of the grand stand. The people of Iriga are so blessed to have a hard working and highly motivated mayor like Madel Gazmen. She has instituted three great cultural festivals throughout the year: the TInagba, the St. Anthony de Padua fiesta on June 13, and the annual charter foundation anniversary. We’re sure all the children who participate in these affair will have fond memories of them in the years to come.
Before the winners in the competition among various schools were announced, Geoff Eigenmann and Gladys Reyes, who were the judges along with dance impresario Douglas Nierras, performed two songs each, much to the delight of the crowd. Geoff’s rendition of “Ngiti” and Gladys’ version of “Torn” were big hits as they went down the stage and encouraged some audience participation. When the winner was finally announced, we were not surprised. It’s the Zeferino Arroyo High School students who got P50,000. They’re very deserving as they really performed well and had good-looking female dancers and majorettes in beautifully designed gold and red costumes.
Iriga is a peaceful city living under the shadow of the majestic Mt. Iriga. It’s in between Naga and Legaspi and boasts of the beautiful Emerald Grotto built with the help of its most famous daughter, Nora Aunor, for whom they have a special place in their public library. The Grotto is in Calvario Hill overlooking the city’s central business district. This is where the annual Passion Play is held at Lent. Iriga is 8 hours by land from Manila and 55 minutes by air landing on the airport at Pili.
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