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.