IDFI sets new rules for Dinagyang Festival 2008
A new set of policies and guidelines will be implemented by the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Incorporated (IDFI) for next year's Dinagyang Festival.
IDFI executive director Benito Jimena said that the changes will be adopted for practical and aesthetic reasons. "We have decided to change some of the rules as we are constantly thinking of ways to ensure that Dinagyang will always be world-class," Jimena stated.
Some of the major changes that the IDFI is expected to apply include the staging of the Ati competition in the afternoon instead of in the morning; and that there will be four instead of five judging areas namely, Freedom Grandstand, Provincial Capitol at the Bonifacio Drive approach to the Lapuz bridge, Corner Quezon-Ledesma and Maria Clara.
The changes are being done to avoid the long gap between the performance and the declaration of winners that is the competition will be done in the afternoon. "The judging areas were lessened so that the tribes can give the best performance without getting tired," Jimena also said.
The use of dark brown paint instead of black and the use of dark brown tights will now be allowed; further, only percussion instruments shall be allowed and drums shall be the main instruments, while locally made indigenous percussions may be used.
Jimena stated that performance shall not exceed seven minutes including setting up of props, entrance and exit and only be a minimum of 48 dancing warriors and 30 drummers per tribe are allowed.
In the determination of winners, the ranking system shall be employed. In case of a tie, the tribe that gets the most number of higher ranks shall be declared the frontrunner.
A separate judging will be done for the street dancing competition and specific areas for street dancing will be designated by the judging committee.
Jimena also averred that all tribes slated to compete will be provided with the new policies for their guidance. (EAM/PIO)