Monday, March 24, 2008

Dinagyamation, the exhibit

Dinagyamation snapshots!

January 14-20, 2008
SM City Iloilo Lower Ground Floor


The Ilonggo animators (from left to right) Ronelo Ladiao, Amado caporal, Hyacinth Espin, Arnel Porcelo with TESDA-Iloilo Provincial Director, Lorena Yunque.

The BEQUEST essense!


The BEQUEST one-night screening at SM Cinema 7, 7pm, January 25, 2008

what's the best thing about the film?

*the very-first Ilonggo animated short film screened in the region's biggest entertainment mall and high-tech cinema, SM City Iloilo.
*the first innovative Ilonggo animated short film that combined the stunning format of 2D and 3D animation done in 6o days by not more than 15 animators and 10 assisting artists, with almost 30,000 drawings including finalized and rejected frames.
*the very-first animated short film of a world-famous festival in the Philippines based in IDFI director's article, Benito Jimena.
*the first commercialized and tri-media promoted animated project of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST) 2D animation graduates (Professional 2D Assistant Animators Training Program).
*The first-ever animated short film that strongly supported and advocated the important legacy of Ilonggo culture and tourism potential.
*The first animated short film that unviels the connection and origin of three historical events in the country that retold the religio-cultural beginnings of three world-famous festivals: Iloilo City's Dinagyang Festival, Cebu's Sinulog Festival and Aklan's Ati-atihan Festival.
* Finally, The BEQUEST according to research is the very first animated short film that directly promotes and made for a festival in the Philippines.


Photo caption:
Kuris&Ilongguhit animators with Engr. Roly Gambol, ICT Coordinator (center) and Karlo Sira, Kuris Animators dynamic adviser (5th from the left) during the screening of the film at SM Cinema lobby. Kuris animators members: (1st-4th from the left) Ronelo Ladiao, Aladin Lacsina, Diosdado Aguilar Jr., Ma. Racil Nacar, (1st-3rd from the right) Bryan Jandonero, Amado Caporal and Janelyn Minerva.

Kuris rocks SM City



Dinagyamation at SM City Iloilo
By Ronelo Ladiao






“Dinagyang turns anime as Ilonggo animators go global!”…highlighting the unique talents of PGMA-TWSP scholar graduates of Professional 2D Assistant Animators Training Program of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST), these promising animators will hold a weeklong animation exhibit at the Lower Ground Floor of SM City Iloilo from January 14-20, 2008.
Uniquely entitled “Dinagyamation” (a fusion of Dinagyang and Animation), the anticipated animation exhibit at the region’s biggest mall is a combined artistic force of Kuris Animation Unlimited and Ilonggohit Animation Studio. Aiming high to dedicate their artistic gifts to make history and contribute for the promotion Ilonggo culture, the exhibit is a tie-up promotion for the special one-night screening of the first animated short film of Iloilo Dinagyang Festival entitled “The BEQUEST: Origin Of Dinagyang” on January 25, 7PM at SM Cinema 7.
The exhibit will feature the original artworks and animated projects of the two groups of animators, their humble beginning, upcoming projects and dreams for the expanding animation industry in the country. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will officially open the exhibit on January 14 at 2PM. On succeeding days, various animation lectures and activities awaits other Ilonggo artists such as “Draw-A-Kuris-Character”. WVCST animation instructors will conduct the series of lectures and Kuris Animators will judge the three winners of the contest wherein they will receive gift certificates and must-have colorful Kuris posters. To avail free entrance for the screening of The BEQUEST or join the contest, mall goers and art enthusiasts should visit the exhibit booth and register from January 14-20.
So what are you waiting for, come and witness the biggest animation event in the region this Dinagyang season.
The event is presented by WVCST, TESDA, Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc., SM City Iloilo, SM Cinema, The Daily Guardian, GMA TV-6 and Deco’s Batchoy. Co-presented by Mang Inasal, Waffle Time, Crest Spa Aroma, Coffeebreak and Iloilo Producer’s Association and Crest Salon. Minor sponsors includes Panorama Printing Press, Salog Spa, Ciao! Pizza and Pasta Station, Crest Cafe and Nuat Thai Spa.

BEQUEST is back!


The Bequest film showing at WVCST


THE Bequest: Origin of Dinagyang, the very-first Ilonggo animated short film which was first shown at SM Cinema 7 Jan. 25 is presently holding a four-day showing at the ED Tech Center of Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST) Feb. 26-29.The creators of the animation, Kuris Animation Unlimited, belong to the second batch of Ilonggo animators, who were scholars at the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo-Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-WVCST program. They did the film in collaboration with Ilongguhit Animation Studio.The extended showing is a response to numerous requests of those who wanted to see the film once again.
Various schools and universities in the city have been invited to watch the animated film in the hopes that its historical essence will make students appreciate the value of the distinct Ilonggo culture. The film is based on the article of Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. executive director, Ben Jimena. It boasts of an innovative two- and three-dimensional animation format and has been entered into the Animation Council of the Philippines’ Animation Festival this year. The animated film is directed by Ronelo Ladiao, Bryan Jandonero, Marx Ydroy Silva and Diosdado Aguilar Jr. in collaboration with their adviser, Karlo Sira. The film showing starts 10am-5pm. Viewers can come anytime within this daily schedule from Feb. 26-29 (except 10am -12pm of Feb. 28).

The BEQUEST makes history
By Ronelo Ladiao

Another historical event was made in Iloilo. The BEQUEST: Origin of Dinagyang, the very-first Ilonggo animated short film created by Kuris Animation Unlimited in collaboration with Ilongguhit Animators successfully held a one-night screening at SM Cinema 7 last January 25, 2008, 7PM.
More than 500 excited Ilonggo spectators showed positive response trooped at the region’s ultimate shopping and entertainment destination, SM City Iloilo to see The BEQUEST for the first time. The 20-minute 2D and 3D format animated short film done in 2 months with more than 35,000 drawings by 18 animators was based in the story concept of Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Director, Benito Jimena. The breakthrough animated film was directed by Ilonggo animators such as Ronelo Ladiao, Bryan Jandonero, Marx Ydroy Silva and Diosdado Aguilar, Jr. in collaboration with their animation instructor, Karlo Sira. Significant guests of the event were TESDA-Iloilo Director, Lorena Yunque, WVCST ICT Coordinator, Roly Gambol and Invictus Executive Director, Jigger Lotoza.
The BEQUEST is a magnificent story about a street child named Niňo who befriended the parish priest of San Jose Church days before the Dinagyang Festival. In their conversation, the Priest retold three separate historical events (Barter of Panay, Baptism of Filipinos for Christianity in 1521 and The Bequest or the arrival of Sto. Niňo de Cebu in Iloilo in 1968) to which the true religio-cultural origin of Dinagyang Festival came from.
Prior the film screening, a one-week animation exhibit entitled “Dinagyamation” from January 14-20 was held at SM City Iloilo lower ground floor. The animators are proud products of PGMA-Training for Work Scholarship Program implemented by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST).
Due to consistent demand from various social sectors and students, The BEQUEST will have another 4-day showing on February 26-29 at WVCST EDtech Center. Tickets are sold for only P10. For further inquiries and ticket reservations, you can email the animators at As usual, this unique event is presented by WVCST, TESDA, SM City Iloilo, Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc., Invictus, SM Cinema, The Daily Guardian, GMA TV-6, Ilonggo Producer’s Association and Deco’s Batchoy. Co-presented by Mang Inasal, Waffletime, Crest Spa Aroma, Coffeebreak, Pepsi, Picture City, RMN-Iloilo with special thanks to Panorama Printing Press, Personalize Expression, Salog Spa, Crest Café and Salon, Redwood Event Management and News Express.

Christianity and Sto. Niňo unveiled in The BEQUEST
By Ronelo Ladiao

After the legendary “Barter of Panay” was linked to the origin of Dinagyang Festival, Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Director, Benito Jimena in his article “Anacronism: The Barter, The Baptism and The Bequest” revealed that the arrival of Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan and his Spaniard crew in the shores of Masao 1521 led to the historical first mass in the Philippines. After Raha Humabon and 300 natives were baptized as Christians in Cebu, the image of Sto. Niňo was given as a gift to his wife, Hara Humamai by Magellan. For centuries, the holy image was worshipped by the natives that blissfully inspired the Cebuanos to create and establish their own famous religious festival called “Sinulog” every January. In 1968, the replica of Sto. Niňo was given as a gift or “bequest” by a clergy from Cebu to the parish priest of San Jose Church in . The arrival of the holy child Jesus was venerated and became a turning point in the history of Iloilo when a religious fluvial parade was established through merry-making wearing black paint similar to Ati-atihan of Aklan. In 1978, “Dinagyang” officially became an annual religious festivity and tourism attraction of the Ilonggos when former president Ferdinand Marcos urged provinces and cities in the Philippines. to establish their own festivals to strengthen the growing tourism industry in the country.
The baptism of the natives for Christianity and the arrival of Sto. Niňo in Iloilo city together with the legendary “Barter of Panay” as three separate historical events will create a distinct origin and face to the humble beginning of Dinagyang Festival more than the usual bombastic drumbeats, colorful costumes and energetic dancing in the street.
On Friday, January 25, 7PM, Ilonggos will finally witness “The BEQUEST: Origin of Dinagyang”, the first-ever animated short film of Iloilo’s world-famous religio-cultural attraction at SM Cinema 7. Kuris Animation Unlimited in partnership with Ilongguhit Animation will unveil a “life-larger” animated project that is truly Ilonggo by heart and soul. But before The BEQUEST, drop by at “Dinagyamation” animation exhibit which is on extended display at SM City Iloilo from January 21-27 to see the works of talented Ilonggo animators. SM City Iloilo is the region’s ultimate mall to hold the first-ever grandest animation event in the city. The BEQUEST tickets are exclusively available at SM Cinema on January 25 for only P20 free with a colored postcard.

Sto. Nino comes to life in a modern world


Who is Niňo?
By Ronelo Ladiao


WHO is Niňo?
The name reminds us of “Sto. Niňo,” the child Jesus Christ.
It reminds us of that cute little boy in the manger.
During the annual Dinagyang Festival, we see the image of this little boy raised by an Ati warrior during the climax of their performance
The holy child symbolizes innocence, undying hope, optimism and compassion to its believers. His presence makes Iloilo City’s cultural and tourism festival truly lively, significant and spirited.
But in our modern world plagued by economic depression, poverty and other social ills that makes life harsh, Niňo walks the streets of Iloilo City with queries on how his humble life should be lived with a purpose and understand the meaning of life.
He doesn’t bother to think if who won the election a few months ago; dream of owning an expensive toy or latest cellphone model; live in a comfortable home; or ask about why having lots of money makes life better.
He only wants to see the beauty of the day as it touches the wet cold street where he sleeps. He wants to fill his tummy with food, see people smiling as they pass by or visit the church everyday to pray.
His dreams are simple, his prayers have always been tireless and his sweet voice exudes compassion.
This is the story of Niňo who never gets tired walking in the streets of Iloilo City looking for a piece of life and reason to go on. His simple journey will lead to the rediscovery of a forgotten historical and cultural legacy most Ilonggos missed to understand.
He will befriended Fr. Achilles of San Jose Church and meet someone like him who has nothing to give but love.
Meet Niňo and his new friend in the First Animated Short Film of Iloilo City’s greatest cultural and tourism gem... prepare for the coming of “The BEQUEST: Origin of Dinagyang” this January at the region’s ultimate shopping and entertainment destination, SM City Iloilo.
Witness how talented Ilonggo animators such as Bryan Jandonero, Marx Ydroy Silva, Jaylord Villalobos and Brynh De Los Reyes breathe life and magic with their artistic gifts of animation.
For further inquiries, you may call KURIS Animation Unlimited or Ilonggohit Animation Studio at (033) 5080186 or text us at 09184822338 or 09274976748.

Bequest revives a historical myth?


Legendary Barter of Panay retold in animated short film at SM City
Iloilo

What is the connection of the legendary Barter of Panay in the origin of
Iloilo City’s world-famous cultural event?
Though many historians argued the validity and existence of the legendary Barter of Panay in 13th century, they cannot deny the fact that it has already carved a lasting legacy in the minds of the Ilonggos for many generations. PanayThe mutual respect and friendship that existed between the 10 Bornean Datus headed by Datu Puti and the Aetas headed by Marikudo inhabiting the island is a significant tale that unveiled the origin of the people of eight centuries ago.
Sinugbuhan Iloilo) safely. The Borneans were warmly accepted by Aeta chief, Marikudo and his people. According to the legend, the 10 Bornean Datus represented by their spokesperson, Datu Puti is searching for a free land to escape the tyranny of Bornean ruler, Datu Makatunaw. Secretly fleeing in vast number of followers using their “balangays” (huge boat), they arrived in the shore of (San Joaquin,
To show friendship and peace, the Aetas entertained the Borneans with their festival dance called “Ati-atihan” in the middle of a sumptuous feast after the natives were pleased by their gifts. The bonding convinced Datu Puti to barter his prized possessions such as golden “Saduk” (broad brimmed hat) and golden basin in exchange for the lowlands of PanayManiwantiwan, Marikudo’s wife received a long gold necklace from Pinangpangan, wife of Datu Puti to conclude the greatest barter of all time.As agreed in the barter, the Aetas fled the lowland and live in the mountains. The Borneans divided the Island among the Datus to rule that led to the establishment of the present Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz and Antique provinces.
Many generations have passed but the legendary Barter of Panay continued to survive through oral history and became a living proof of our vast cultural heritage. The significant story also became the historical basis of the origin and establishment of Aklan’s world-famous Ati-atihan Festival every January.
But to clarify the misconception between Dinagyang Festival and Ati-atihan, the legendary “Barter of Panay” will become a key, an important pillar and a piece of puzzle to reveal the true origin of Iloilo City’s most-revered tourism gem artistically unveiled in its first animated short film entitled “The BEQUEST: Origin of Dinagyang”.
Western Visayas College of Science and Technology and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority trained group of 2D animators, Kuris and Ilonggohit animators embarked in a monumental project to create a breakthrough animated short film scheduled for a one-night screening at SM Cinema 7 on January 25 at 7PM. But before The BEQUEST screening, a weeklong animation exhibit uniquely entitled “Dinagynamation” is scheduled at the lower ground floor of SM City Iloilo from January 14-20. Mall goers will have a chance to see first hand the artistic works, meet the animators and take a glimpse of the making of the first animation short film of Dinagyang Festival.
Definitely, SM City Iloilo, the region’s ultimate shopping and entertainment landmark is the only mall capable of holding the biggest animation event this Dinagyang season.
The event is proudly presented by Western Visayas College of Science and Technology, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc., SM City Iloilo, SM Cinema, The Daily Guardian, Deco’s Batchoy and GMA TV-6. Co-presented by Mang Inasal, Crest Spa Aroma, Waffle Time, Iloilo Producer’s Association, Coffebreak, and Crest Salon. Minor sponsors includes Salog Spa, Panorama Printing Press, Crest Café, Nuat Thai Spa and Ciao! Pizza and Pasta Station.