In celebration of the Hil-o-hanay 2023, the Provincial Government of Capiz under the leadership of Governor Fredenil Castro through the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, produced “Gab-i sang Maragtas” featuring Dali sa Capiz Cultural Show, in partnership with the Municipal Government of Sigma led by Mayor Dante Rizal Eslabon, the Sigmahanon Foundation for Culture and the Arts, Inc. (SFCAI) and the municipality’s resident community theatre and Galing Pook Awardee (Trailblazing Program), Dagway Sigmahanon Incorporated (DSI).
Staged at the municipal plaza grounds on June 23, the cultural show featured performances from the Dagway Sigmahanon Inc., Julliene Perez (Grand Winner, Bugal sang Capiz: Capisnon Singing Contest 2023), Joshua Azares (Mr. World Universe International 2023 and Capiz Tourism and Cultural Affairs Ambassador), Peter Jhon Acebuque (Grand Winner, Bugal sang Capiz: Search for Capiz Singing Ambassador 2020), Alexa Lei Mediodia (Runner-up, Bugal sang Capiz: Search for Capiz Singing Ambassador 2020; First Runner-up, Mutya sang Capiz 2023); Capisnon artist, musician and Tenor Raphael Bofill), the Ati and Panay Bukidnon Indigenous Peoples Community, Estefania Montemayor National High School of the Municipality of Dumarao (Grand Winner, Saot Capiz: Capisnon Folk Dance Competition 2023); Capiz State University Main Dance Troupe and Colegio dela Purisima Concepcion Chorale.
The show, directed and scripted by PTCA Officer and DSI President-Founder Alphonsus Tesoro, was divided into five scenes depicting the brief history of the Capisnons and their way of life, their braving through disasters and challenges and, the spirit of Hil-o-hanay through the changing times. It also aimed to add depth to the celebration by showcasing the Capisnon talents, creativity and artistry.
Cultural show was capped off with a community dance performance of the festival song Hil-o-hanay interpreted live on its new rendition by Josebio Alayon, Alexa Lei Mediodia and Kimberly Matillano.
The Hil-o-hanay is a celebration of the town’s virtues of sharing, giving, volunteerism and oneness. Hil-o-hanay is a local term that denotes the act of voluntarily returning a favor thus manifesting the Sigmahanons’ sense of community.*
