Ilonggo unsung heroes of 'Dinagyang Sa New York'

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY -- Unknown to many people, several New York-based Ilonggos silently did a yeoman's job to ensure the successful staging of the recent "Dinagyang Sa New York" during the 118th Philippine Independence parade in Manhattan.
Aside from the full support from the Philippine Consulate General headed by outgoing Consul General Mario Lopez De Leon Jr., Tribu Salognon, this year's Dinagyang Festival champion in Iloilo City, Philippines, made it in the parade on June 5 through the help of the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI).
PIDCI also facilitated Dinagyang's past participation in the same parade through the efforts of past president Joji Jalandoni.
Jalandoni, who is from Victorias City, Negros Occidental, coordinated with Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Dinagyang Foundation executive Ramon Cua Locsin.

DELEGATION

Mabilog, Locsin and Iloilo City tourism chief Junel Ann Divinagracia led the delegation during the parade on Madison Avenue.
Jalandoni, a registered nurse, worked with PIDCI media liaison officer, United Nations-accredited journalist Jay Balnig, and factotum Robert Aguirre. 
Balnig, now with Cream Magazine, coordinated directly with Jalandoni to communicate with Iloilo city officials.
Aguirre helped arrange for the delegates' accommodation and acted as their regular guardian.
Aside from Jalandoni, Balnig, and Aguirre, another Iloilo native and New Jersey-based, Shirley Cordova, helped prepare the delegates' meals and other itinerary during the duration of their stay in New York and New Jersey. 

MATRIARCH

Known as "matriarch of Ilonggos in New York" because of the quality of services she provided the delegates, Cordova also accompanied the visitors in their visits in various New York landmarks.
"I just love to serve my fellow Ilonggos without any publicity," said Cordova, who is married to Anthony Chahu.
These Ilonggos, known as the "unsung heroes of Dinagyang Sa New York," did not receive a single centavo for their time and services, it was learned.
Their assistance helped fast-track the Dinagyang's participation in the biggest Filipino parade in the United States and reduced the work load of consulate officials.