Kuris Animation Unlimited, Inc.

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.