The Dinagyang’s real ‘soul’

“For me, religious festivals and celebrations have become an important way to teach my children about how we can transform living with diversity from the superficial 'I eat ethnic food', to something dignified, mutually respectful and worthwhile.”

— Randa Abdel-Fattah

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

WHEN we were kids in the 70s in Iloilo City, we were told that the ati tribe dance competition normally was the pinnacle of the week-long Dinagyang Festival held on the third Sunday of January after the festive parade sponsor mardi gras on Saturday (later developed into outstanding and illuminating cultural tribe jousts by competing public schools and municipalities).

The presentations were dignified, mutually respectful and worthwhile.

We were excited to participate in the street dance and could easily find the best area to stay—without going through the proverbial eye of the needle—and watch the mesmerizing and tantalizing ati dances at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand on corner Iznart and Mapa Streets, its original site, which wasn’t so colorful and sophisticated like what we have in the new location today. 

No ticket was sold in the main performance area and other judging stages; no rough and arrogant cops were deployed to restrict our movements and tag us as “eyesores” (college cadets were later dispatched to help control the growing crowd in the succeeding years). 

No scalpers, only pickpockets and molesters in the crowd.  

 

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There was no “live” international media coverage and social media to chronicle the event in the Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, and Twitter but the state-controlled IBC TV-12 television station, radio stations dyRP, dyRI, and Yuhum magazine, were among those that spearheaded the publicity and promotion of the event, which was so simple and no “official accreditation.” Media technology was primitive. 

It was the salad years for commercial photographers who were responsible for the evocative and eye-catching postcards that circulated around the world in the 70s and early 80s. The years when black and white photography was preponent. 

But the religious and cultural festival’s real “soul” was the fluvial parade or fluvial procession, according to then Mayor Renerio Ticao, who, in 1968, led a group of Ilonggo leaders and then parish priest of San Jose Church, Fr. Ambrosio Galindez, OSA, and the devotees of Sr. Santo Niño in welcoming the model of the child Jesus’ image from Cebu City to the San Jose Parish Church in the Dinagyang’s infant stage. 

Fr. Suplicio Ebderes, OSA led the Cebu delegation.

Until today, the original venerated image that arrived in 1968 is still preserved there and a Novena in its honor is regularly held there.

“In the early morning light of dawn, the respected Santo Niño image is borne on a decorative banca in a fluvial procession, starting from the mouth of the Iloilo River at Fort San Pedro, winding all the way to the Iloilo Provincial Capitol which stands on the bank of the Iloilo River,” Dr. Vic Pido recalled in I-TRAVEL.

Happy Dinagyang and Viva Sr. Santo Niño!

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dinagyang’s three-punch combos: teamwork, management, media

 “Generally, when I come to festivals, I just wander freely and see what happens.”

— St. Lucia

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

I NORMALLY don’t mention names of personalities involved, but some of the reasons why the Dinagyang Festival remains to be one of the most popular religious and cultural events in the Philippines is because of the following: 

1. TEAMWORK. All-out support from the city and provincial governments, the private sector, national and local advertisers, the Philippine National Police, and the national tourism office; 

2. PROPER MANAGEMENT. It is being handled by very competent and credible personalities in the private sector with workforce and logistical support form the City Hall; 

3. MEDIA. Many Iloilo writers are also correspondents of national broadsheets and they keep the readers worldwide updated via the internet on the day to day programs and events that unfold, aside from their comprehensive and well-researched articles, in the week-long affair.

Also, many Iloilo-based TV and radio reporters regularly give the public detailed updates in the national and international levels and their stories are seen and heard nationwide and in other countries both by OFWs and foreigners who are lovers of culture, festivals, and history. Social media platforms also play a key role in the promotion and information dissemination. Netizens are some of the most effective influencers in society today. 

That’s why it isn’t right for some national media networks to zero in only in Cebu’s Sinulog and Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan festivals and skip or ignore Iloilo’s Dinagyang when they make a report about the cultural and religious events related to the feast of Senor Santo Nino. 

Dinagyang, with its storied past and magnificent presentations, holds a special place in the hearts of devotees even from other regions, provinces, cities, and municipalities nationwide.

Dinagyang has improved by leaps and bounds over the years and is now known worldwide—in the USA, Australia, Japan, Korea, UK, many parts of Europe—because of the word of the mouth, media technology, and positive remarks from visiting foreigners.

The choreography in the ati competitions is at par—if not better—with the mardi gras even in New Orleans, Rio De Janeiro, and the Polynesian festivals.

 

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I DON’T agree with Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz on various issues and some characters he has been associated with, but I will defend to death his right to speak out his mind (thank you, Voltaire). In the spirit of fair play, below is Celiz’s rejoinder in toto on their latest tiff versus former senator Ping Lacson:

“My latest rejoinder to Former Sen. Ping Lacson on his claims of our so called "acts of bullying??" against Mayor Magalong of Baguio City--by Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz

“Speaking out the truth and standing by real truthful exposition about the different modus operandi of the CPP-NPA-NDF and their colluders and enablers, is not bullying but rather a noble duty for our country and our people. 

“Bullying is when you abuse power and position, especially public office, against the weak and helpless, for purpose of self gratification and self glorification.  

“FORMER SEN. PING LACSON MUST BE REMINDED THAT PUBLIC OFFICE IS A PUBLIC TRUST, AND IT CARRIES WITH IT THE MANDATORY ACCOUNTABILITY OF EVERY PUBLIC OFFICIAL THAT OCCUPIES A PUBLIC OFFICE. IT IS NEVER A POSITION OF PRIVILEGE, NEITHER IT IS AN ABSOLUTE GRANT OF ENTITLEMENT. 

“Public scrutiny and criticisms are essential processes of ensuring ACCOUNTABILITY IN PUBLIC OFFICE. THAT IS WHAT SMNI, LABAN KASAMA ANG BAYAN PROGRAM AND PASTOR QUIBOLOY, DR. LORRAINE BADOY AND JEFFREY "KA ERIC" CELIZ ARE DOING.

“Former Sen. Ping Lacson must never overlook the fact the Mayor Magalong is a public official and so therefore, he is not immune from public scrutiny and criticisms. These are part of his OATH OF OFFICE  that Mayor Magalong, just like every public official must be open to public scrutiny and criticisms--- and such must NOT BE CONSIDERED AS BULLYING.

“Also, former Sen. Ping Lacson needs to be reminded that his support for the funding of NATIONAL TASK FORCE TO END LOCAL COMMUNIST ARMED CONFLICT/NTF ELCAC, as well as the Anti-Terrorism Law are part of his duties and obligation to our people and to our country. “Those acts of Former Sen. Ping Lacson were part of his mandated accountability and sworn duty when he was a Senator of this Republic. He should not consider it as a debt of gratitude of our people to him. 

“These fundamental essence and purpose of PUBLIC OFFICE and PUBLIC RESPONSIBILITY  MUST BE CONSTANTLY REMINDED TO FORMER SEN. PING LACSON AND TO MAYOR MAGALONG----INCLUDING THE CONSISTENT REMINDER that the CPP-NPA-NDF are simultaneously and deliberately executing their operations and modus operandi, both in the armed terrorism operations in the rural areas, and in their duplicitous mode of urban infiltration operations; the reason why we are exposing the real truth about the real enemies' spectrum of operations and exposing as well their manipulations and deception. By doing so, we are not making an act of "bullying" but rather our own citizens' patriotic duty for our country and our people, because the REAL SOVEREIGN POWER AND AUTHORITY OF OUR DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY RESTS  WITH, AND EMANATES  FROM THE PEOPLE--- and Pastor Quiboloy, Dr. Lorraine Badoy and I, Ka Eric, are part of the TRUE AND REAL SOVEREIGN, as we belong to the people.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)

The congressman sounds like a ‘toothless tiger’

“Why am I so soft in the middle when the rest of my life is so hard?”

— Paul Simon

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

WE don’t believe that Uswag Partylist Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. is ready to commit a family rebellion anytime from now.

We also don’t believe that he will categorically allow the exposure to humiliation of the family business, which may have, in one way or the other, contributed in what he has achieved in life politically. 

He may have said something about the controversial P680-million Iloilo flyover project in Ungka, Pavia, Iloilo that made some pundits think he was in favor that it should be subjected to a formal House inquiry in aid of legislation after it was reported to be “sinking”, but he sounded like a “toothless tiger.”

The Ilonggo congressman appeared “ready” or “in favor” of the congressional investigation proposed earlier by fellow Ilonggo lawmaker Raoul Manuel of Kabataan Partlyist supposedly after being asked about his opinion on the subject matter, but he certainly lacked the will to walk his talk.

Ang’s words didn’t have the fire and brimstone; or, he had no fire in the belly when he made his opinion on the disgraced project initiated by the DPWH and completed by the construction firm owned by his uncle.

He can be menacingly looking like a behemoth animal, but the solon isn’t capable of swallowing whole any mammal or moving object in the wild life owing to his deficiency in fangs. Toothless in the wilderness is useless.

In prizefighting, the congressman can deliver a solid punch, but he lacks the instinct to kayo his foe.

 

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Let’s listen to some of his statements as reported by the Daily Guardian on January 17: 

—“I haven’t talked to [Manuel], that is welcome. Every congressman [can call for a] privilege speech or inquiry. I can, but I chose to talk directly to DPWH to resolve it.”

—“In fairness to Congressman Manuel, that is his right, and he can do that. If he wants to seek an audience by himself with the DPWH. [Manuel’s] inquiry, if we would be invited, we will join that.”

— “[DPWH] was already annoyed by us, but we’ve seen it, going home every week. I’ve seen that traffic has gotten worse, so if they have solutions, we have to fix that. […] [Bonoan] has had instructions, in fairness to them, to expedite that.”

“I heard [Bonoan] commit to talk about it, but to seek with landowners to widen the roads first, then they comply with their papers, because the DPWH will pay them, as far as this [right of way is concerned].”

“I think there aren’t many funds for right of way. There are fewer funds for ROW in the [General Appropriations Act] budget.”

Safe words from a careful solon. No lethal blows. Softie. No intention to knock the petal off the daffodil. 

 

-o0o-

 

Houston-based photojournalist Pinoy Legarda Gonzalez reacted to our story about the lack of proper recognition from some national media networks of the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City. Below is his in toto statements sent to me on January 17:

“I agree Migo Alex.  Whose fault is it? Who ever is handling the publicity committee of the Dinagyang festivities should take responsibility for this.

“You and I know that when I was Chairman of the Dinagyang Publicity Committee for 6 years, the Dinagyang festival was in the front pages of all the National Newspapers get [sic] to be featured in the National Television Networks Free. Why? Because we invited all their Travel Writers and their TV host and  Crews and give them full travel perks and accommodations in the City's top hotel.  All of these expenses from a measly P20,000 budget during the time. How did we do it? Connections in the business and media world.

“Nothing is free sa aton mga media. Bayad sila. Or gamay budget give the media people who will be invited Free Airplane tickets, Hotel Accommodation,  A stand-by van to take them around tourist spots in the City, Free Food and pasalubong from all the famous food destination in the City. All this we did through X-Deals.

During that time gina taga-an ako sang mga 3 airlines about 16 open airline tickets.  PAL, Cebu Pacific and Grand Airlines.

“Free Hotel Accommodations sa Hotel Del Rio and Sarabia Manor Hotel ang Amigo Terrace Hotel. Free Food sa Tatoy's, Breakthrough, etc etc etc.”

We don’t necessarily agree to everything he mentioned, but these were his own words and opinion.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local papers in Iloilo. —Ed)

Journalism and Dinagyang

“Festivals promote diversity, they bring neighbors into dialogue, they increase creativity, they offer opportunities for civic pride, they improve our general psychological well-being. In short, they make cities better places to live.”

— David Binder

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

WE don’t understand why some national media networks continue to treat the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City with willful indifference.   

There has been noticeably an appalling degree of bias from some of these national media networks when it comes to giving our stupendous festival due publicity and promotion that cut to the heart of objectivity, fairness, truth and balance reporting that these networks pride themselves to adhere to, promote and possess. 

When some of them report about the celebrations in relation to the Feast of Senor Santo Nino in the month of January, they make it a habit of mentioning and giving credence only to the Sinulog Festival in Cebu and the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo. 

In many instances, they always skip the Dinagyang Festival—or pretend it doesn’t exist? Pretender que algo no existe?

Dinagyang Festival doesn’t need these national media network’s Stentorian voices to be noticed actually. But fairness comes with obeying the rules of media reporting and it’s not an attitude but a professional skill that must be developed and exercised.  

Sinulog was held on January 15; Ati-Atihan on January 17; and Dinagyang on January 20-22 (the highlights). 

They have similarities in many aspects such as the presentation of costumes and choreography of the dancing warriors; and they all put premium heavily on the celebration’s religious and cultural significance.

 

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The festivals in Cebu, Kalibo, and Iloilo are all considered as major events with their respective LGUs marshaling their resources and tapping private partners and media to rev up and further escalate the activities.

In the calendar of events for celebration of the feast of the child Jesus, it’s impossible to omit something that has become part of national consciousness, history and culture. 

There are other mini festivals and similar celebrations in relation to the paying of homage or launching of public display of love and respect to the child Jesus in Catholic provinces, cities, and municipalities all over the archipelago, but the Sinulog, Ati-Atihan, and Dinagyang have been known traditionally to be the biggest, most colorful, and widely extolled celebrations in the country frequented by devotees, local and international tourists, VIPs, prominent characters in showbiz and entertainment, culture and arts, tourism, and dignitaries from the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, UK, and Europe.   

When we were writing full time in the community papers in Iloilo many years back, we saw to it that stories about the Dinagyang Festival were given priority in the front page or prominent spaces in the special editions leading to the two-day highlights that usually fell on Saturday and Sunday.

 

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The week-long festivity was always awash with colorful and unique activities that promoted diversity, sports, entertainments, cultural programs participated by both the private and public schools, a beauty pageant, tourism-related events and the like. 

We were aware what the readers wanted and needed. Politics and other mundane topics were relegated unless earthshaking and explosive. 

Contemporary community journalists in Iloilo continue to sustain and improve the tradition; and they are more persuasive, methodical, and artistic in the age of social media.   

Dinagyang Festival is our civic pride and honor; the Ilonggo community implicitly is in the radar of international audience and we are always proud to be aware of having so much to show off when it comes to our rich heritage, culture and history. 

It’s our own way of helping tell the world how ecstatic and proud we are as Ilonggos to have the Dinagyang Festival, Catholics or non-Catholics, even if some national media networks think our festival belongs in the back page. 

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

    

When detractors eat their words

“When an underdog wins, they win for everybody, because somebody gotta come through that door and break it open and make it possible.”

— Saint John

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

IT was probably racially motivated when detractors of R’Bonney Gabriel tried to tarnish her reign as the first Filipino-American Miss USA back in October 2022.

Now, she’s the toast of the pageant world after winning the Miss Universe 2022 crown.

“It all happened so fast. When they called my name, I didn't realize I won. It was probably about five seconds and I'm not reacting. Then I felt that sash come over me. It was just such a rush of feelings and I tell people you kind of black out because there's so much going on. It was just pure, utter shock really," Gabriel said.

"I took that win home for my family, for my community, for Houston, for Texas, and for the Asian American community.”

Her mom is from Beaumont and her father, a doctor, is an immigrant from the Philippines. 

Preserving and celebrating her culture has always been a priority for the 28-year-old Gabriel. Although she never saw a state titleholder that looked like her, she never let that hinder her confidence.

It can be recalled that as soon as she was crowned as Miss USA 2022 on October 3, 2022, most of her fellow contestants walked off the stage and accused her of cheating without any shred of evidence.

“Bullying” was the only word to describe Gabriel’s predicament from her fellow American contestants.

There was a consensus among pundits who followed the controversy that the first Filipino-American Miss USA from Texas was bullied by beauties from other states who couldn’t accept defeat in the Miss USA competition and made unfounded allegations that the pageant was rigged.

 

-o0o-

 

Now that Gabriel won the Miss Universe 2022 to become the first Filipino-American winner on January 14 in New Orleans, the bullies must have eaten their own words.

Gabriel’s bad experience with the sore losers from other states was reminiscence of Miss Philippine-Universe 2020 Rabiya Mateo’s sad plight when some of her fellow contestants also accused her of cheating, an allegation that was never substantiated.

Like in Mateo’s case, Gabriel’s accusers were also probably motivated by jealousy and bitterness because they were beaten by an underdog, in this case a Fil-Am beauty.

A model and fashion designer who competed as Miss Texas USA, Gabriel is the first Filipino-American to win the prestigious beauty contest. 

Gabriel’s win as Miss USA was questioned by jealous contestants after the pageant was held as questions swirled on social media as to why most of the Miss USA contestants walked off the stage after the Fil-Am beauty was crowned.

Gabriel said she would “never enter any pageant or any competition that I know I would win.”

“I have a lot of integrity,” she told E! News.

Gabriel said she was open to talking to her fellow contestants.

“I want to be transparent, and I want everybody to know that there was no unfair advantage and nothing was rigged,” she stressed.

 “We are aware of the concerns that have been brought forth by this year’s Miss USA contestants,” the organization told The Post in an emailed statement. 

“We commend the women for bringing these issues to our attention and will always be an organization that encourages women to use their voice.”

“We firmly believe everyone has a right to express their thoughts and experiences without retaliation and bullying,” the statement said. “There are existing systems in place to ensure the fairness of our national competitions and as such we have begun an active review into this situation.”

In an Instagram post, Miss Alabama USA Katelyn Vinson hinted that the results were predetermined and she and others “never stood a chance” to win.

“It’s crushing and heartbreaking to have worked so hard towards a goal only to realize you never stood a chance,” Vinson said. “I had heard rumors but held onto hope. I kept working toward my dream because I didn’t want to believe it could be true.”

Miss Montana USA Heather Lee O’Keefe and Miss New York Heather Nunez also spoke out about what they said was favoritism shown towards Gabriel, including connections to a pageant sponsor and judge and spa services provided to her before she was crowned.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)

Iloilo flyover and Dinagyang: never the twain shall meet

“There is no comparison between that which is lost by not succeeding and that which is lost by not trying.”

— Francis Bacon

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

LET’S make this clear: the Dinagyang Festival has nothing to do with the construction of the Iloilo flyover in Ungka, Pavia. 

Dinagyang Festival is a cultural and religious event in honor of Senor Sto. Nino. The Iloilo flyover is a public works project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) built to help solve the monstrous traffic snarl in that highway.

It was not constructed to the tune of P680 million purposely for the Dinagyang Festival. Even without the flyover project, Dinagyang Festival is scheduled to be held annually in the third week of January. 

With or without the Dinagyang Festival, construction of the flyover was necessary because of the growing traffic congestion in the roads or highways that connect Iloilo City to the Municipality of Pavia.   

The timeline set by DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan for the structurally “defective” flyover to be reopened for public use was “before Dinagyang 2024.”

“Maligayang pagdiriwang ng ating Dinagyang. Unfortunately, hindi nakaabot itong Ungka Flyover pero sisiguraduhin namin na sa susunod na Dinagyang magagamit po ito,” Bonoan was quoted as saying in a Daily Guardian report during his visit in Iloilo City on Friday the 13^th.

We have a question for you, Secretary Boanan: Can the “sinking” Iloilo flyover be opened to the motorists before the Paraw Regatta 2023 in March; before the Victory Day in Panay and Romblon 2023 in March; before the Iloilo City Charter Anniversary 2023 in August; before the All Soul’s Day 2023 in November; or before Christmas Day 2023 in December?

If we ask the Ilonggos, most of them actually aren’t interested which event and date set by the DPWH should be considered as the timeline for the flyover’s reopening.

They don’t care if it’s a Valentine’s Day or a Halloween. All they want is to travel safely and smoothly and they won’t be late in their appointments and transactions when they pass by in the highway where the ill-fated flyover is now standing.

And, it may interest and give satisfaction to all and sundry if those responsible for bungling the multi-million project are held accountable and be prosecuted before the court of law, if needed.

-o0o-

I received an email from New York Governor Kathy Hochul, which she also sent to our fellow New Yorkers: 

Alex—I hope you’re having a fantastic start to the New Year. As we embark on 2023, I was proud to outline a path forward for our state in my State of the State address this week. I’m proud to say that the State of our State today is strong — but we still have work to do. 

Since I took office, we’ve made historic investments to strengthen and upgrade our infrastructure, build a world-class public transit system, create a strong public education system, confront climate change, fortify our health care system, help our small businesses, and create jobs across the state. 

It is on this foundation that we will make New York more affordable, more livable, and safer.  

In my State of the State Address, I outlined 147 key policies so that we can make the New York Dream a reality for individuals and families across the state now and for generations to come. 

I can’t wait to share more updates about the work we’re doing to support communities across our state. Visit governor.ny.gov to learn more, and if you aren’t already, follow along with our work on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Ever Upward, Gov. Kathy Hochul

-o0o-

I STARTED searching for my “American Dream” in California some 15 years go, thus the state of 40 million residents holds a special place in my heart until today.

Our hearts go out to our friends and relatives in Northern California  affected by the recent series of atmospheric river storms which continued January 14 (Saturday), reportedly leading to a levee breach along the San Joaquin River in Merced County, impassable roads in the Sierra Nevada and an evacuation warning southeast of Elk Grove. 

The Sacramento Bee has reported that California Gov. Gavin Newsom visited flooded areas and an evacuation center in Merced; a search on the Central Coast for a missing 5-year-old caught up in floodwaters from an earlier storm was suspended again by the latest rough weather; and requests for help with downed trees and other damage continued to pile up with county agencies.  

Sacramento County’s evacuation warning near Elk Grove, ahead of expected flooding, applied to Wilton, Rancho Murieta, Herald, Dillard Road and surrounding areas, it was reported.

The areas are reportedly near the Cosumnes River, which had severe levee breaks earlier this month, closing Highway 99, trapping dozens in their cars and killing two. County officials urged Wilton-area residents to evacuate Saturday afternoon, including livestock. 

It was reported further that the Cosumnes River levee is not the only vulnerable levee in the Central Valley. One along the San Joaquin River in Merced County broke Saturday morning, trapping eight horses and a dog. They reportedly required a water rescue.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

Coach Ditay, the swimmer who molded Olympian Nancy Deano

“Swimming has its educational value - mental, moral, and physical - in giving you a sense of mastery over an element, and of power of saving life, and in the development of wind and limb.”

— Robert Baden-Powell

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

BEFORE the Philippines participated in the US-led boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics, it sent only 14 athletes, its smallest delegation since 1932, to compete in track and field, boxing, shooting, swimming and weightlifting in the previous 1976 Montreal Olympics.

Nancy Deano of Dingle, Iloilo was the Philippine’s lone entry in the following events: women’s 400-meter individual medley, women’s 200-meter breaststroke, and women’s 100-meter breaststroke.

Deano, the fastest swimmer in Asia at that time, wound up sixth in Heat 1 of the 400-meter individual medley with a time of 5:34:89 behind Heat 1 winner and event bronze medalist Becky Smith of Canada (4:52.90); second placer Judith Hudson of Australia (5:00.25); third placer Anne Adams of Great Britain (5:09.60); fourth placer Ann Bradshaw also of Great Britain (5:10.82); and fifth placer Allison Smith also of Australia (5:17.51). Ulrike Tauber of East Germany won the gold and established the world record (4:42:77). Silver medalist was Cherly Gibson also of Canada (4:48:10).

To prove she really was made of sterner stuff, Deano finished sixth anew in Heat 2 of the 100-meter breaststroke clocking 1:20.93 behind Heat 2 winner Robin Corsiglia of Canada (1:14.14); second placer Gabriele Askamp of West Germany (1:14.31); third placer Anna Skolarczyk of Poland (1:17.16); fourth placer Anette Fredriksson of Sweden (also 1:17.16); and fifth placer Kazuyo Inaba (1:17.20). Hannelore Anke of East Germany won the event’s gold (1:11.16); silver medalist was Lyubov Rosanova of Soviet Union (1:13.04); and bronze medalist was Marina Koshevaya also of Soviet Union (1:13.30).

And in the 200-meter breaststroke, which covered four lengths of the 50-meter (160 ft) Olympic-sized pool employing the breaststroke, Deano finished 35^th among 39 competitors from 22 nations with a time of 2:53.08.

Her clocking was about 20 minutes shy of gold medalist Marena Kosheveya of Soviet Union (2:33.35). Silver medalist was Marina Yurchenya also of Soviet Union (2:36.08); and bronze medalist was Lyubov Rosanova also of Soviet Union (2:36:22).

 

-o0o-

 

We remember Deano’s outstanding Olympic Games achievements because of her coach, Enriqueta Dato Locara, known as “Ditay” or “Ditts” to her family and friends, who recently passed away.

It was Locara, of Brgy. San Matias, Dingle, Iloilo, who helped shape Deano’s career until the swimmer reached the pinnacle of her Olympic dreams starting when she was making waves in the national competitions.

In the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Iloilo, meanwhile, Locara was honored for her legacy and contributions to swimming as a coach. Fourth District Board Member Rolando Distura sponsored a resolution expressing gratitude to Locara who died at 98.

She was born on December 1, 1924 in Dingle, Iloilo. Coach Ditay was married to Remegio Locara. They had three children: Rey, Joseph Noel, and Reta. 

According to Noel, coach Ditay learned how to swim in Jalaur River and later at the Moroboro swimming pool. During her college days at the Far Eastern University, she was recruited in the swimming team after clobbering other varsity swimmers; but her father, Isabelo Dato, wanted her to prioritize education over the pool. 

After finishing her BS Education, she taught at the Iloilo City College and became chaperone of the swimming team under coach Leon Tirol. They subsequently produced the first Ilongga Olympian, Heide Coloso. 

When she got married, coach Ditay continued to teach but decided to transfer in Dingle. She was assigned in Brgys. Alegria and Lincud. 

When District Supervisor Quirino Beriones put up a swimming team in 1967, coach Ditay was transferred to Dingle Elementary School where she sustained her passion as a swimming coach. 

She also formed the Dingle Swimming Team that helped pave the way for Dingle swimmers to be noticed and recognized in the region for winning various school competitions.  

Noel added that the first Dingleanon to represent the country in swimming was Teodoro “Ted” Maca, who participated in the age group competition in Tokyo, Japan.

Dingle swimmers also dominated the Western Visayas Meet and became champions in the Palarong Pambansa. When Dingle became known as the “Home of Swimmers”, coach Ditay was recognized by the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) as producer of champions. 

Since then, Noel said, children from surrounding barangays in Dingle were inspired to become swimmers. One of them was Nancy Deano.

Here’s how Noel narrated the golden days of Dingle swimming and his mother’s sterling contributions to swimming’s Renaissance in Dingle:

“Many swimmers finished their studies and became professionals thru swimming. As a coach, Mrs Locara was very strict especially during training. She trained her swimmers the whole year round. She spent her money to feed her swimmers and solicited from friends and relatives for swim suits and other needs. As a mother, she was very loving and caring. At home, she cooked her children’s favorite dishes and desserts. Her love of swimming did not end in her retirement at 65. She taught swimming for another four years at the WVSU main campus (PESCAR). After that, she conducted Learn to Swim sessions every summer sponsored by the Dingle LGU. She wanted everyone to learn  how to swim since the Philippines is an archipelago. She was the consultant of the Iloilo Sea Warriors Team and attended the Palarong Pambansa in Palawan and Luzon despite her age. At 95, she taught her cousin’s grandchildren how to swim, her last coaching. According to her, a coach should have a dedication in order to produce quality athletes.”

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)