Dreaming, believing…

The Dreamers in Kuris

We call it passion. We see it as a chance to prove our artistry, our expression, and dream as Ilonggo artists who evolved into multi-faceted creative souls. We forged a team of dreamers who used their gifted hands to scribble something into reality. Somehow, we made history as the first Ilonggo animators who launched a short film depicting the story, the humble beginning, and the grandeur of Iloilo’s hall of famer, world-class cultural attraction-the Dinagyang Festival.

The dream project of Kuris Animation Unlimited, the second batch of Ilonggo animators is a product of the vocational course Assistant 2D Animators Training offered by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Iloilo in partnership with Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST) and Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI) was fulfilled on January 25, 2008. “The BEQUEST: The Origin of Dinagyang” was successfully premiered at SM Cinema 7 of SM City Iloilo with more than 500 enthusiastic spectators. Ilonggos truly proved that real talents can make history and passion goes a long way.

On the second volume and first issue of itravel Philippines magazine this 2010, the January-February Iloilo City and Dinagyang Festival double cover special issue featured the making of the animated short film in a spread sheet article. It also unveiled the hardship, perseverance, and artistic vision of the animators to complete the project in not less than 60 days with only 18-20 amateur animators working behind it.

After two years, the team of cutting-edge, innovative, and talented animators plans to reunite this year to enhance the short film for animation exhibition and somehow work for another small project that would continue their legacy. It is something they are proud of and indeed, it is seen through the eyes of the whole Ilonggo community how their passion brought them this far. But they know deep in their heart, that their story has just begun…

Read their story, rediscover Ilonggo’s cultural heritage, and be inspired to dream. Grab a copy of itravel Philippines magazine at Eddie Mar News and Magazine outlets located at SM City Iloilo and Robinson’s Place for Php 120.