SOUTHERN BARANGAYS ARE NEW GILON-GILON CHAMPS

DAGUPAN CITY – The southern barangays clustered as one emerged as the new champions in this year’s ‘Gilon-Gilon ed Baley’ street dancing competitions held at the city plaza and along the city’s main thoroughfares on April 12.

This after besting five other barangay clusters during the grand showdown of street dancers which formally opened the month-long  2019  Bangus Festival this April.

The barangays that comprised Cluster 4 are Caranglaan, Bacayao Norte, Bacayao Sur, Mayombo and Herrero-Perez.

019 GILON-GILON CHAMPION . Members of Barangay Cluster 4 strike a victory pose after their passionate performance of telling the story behind ‘Gilon’ earns them the championship title in this year’s ‘Gilon-Gilon ed Baley’ street dancing competition. Cluster 4, composed of Caranglaan, Bacayao Norte, Bacayao Sur, Mayombo and Herrero-Perez, received the grand prize of P200,000, plus another P20,000 after being chosen as Best in Street Dancing. Barangay Captain Teresa Coquia of Cluster Leader Caranglaan, received the prizes from Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, 2019 Bangus Festival Executive Chairman Councilor Alvin Coquia, Vice Chairman Councilor Marvin Fabia and Event Chairperson Councilor Maybelyn Dela Cruz-Fernandez. (CIO photos by Jojo Tamayo and Arriz Fruelda)

Barangay Captain Teresa Coquia of Cluster Leader Caranglaan said they bested other clusters because their street dancers focused on telling the story behind ‘Gilon’.

“We chose to focus on the efforts and sacrifices made by our fishermen so that they could provide for the future of the children. That’s why we told the story of a fisherman’s son graduating because that’s what our parents and families here strive for, “  added Coquia.

For their passionate performance that earned the nod of the board of judges, Cluster 4 received the grand prize of P200,000 as well as the Best in Street Dancing award of P20,000 for a total of P220,000.

Cluster 6, composed of barangays Bonuan Boquig, Bonuan Binloc, and Bonuan Gueset, is this year’s 1^st runner-up after delivering an impressive performance despite the rain that poured while they were performing.

They received P100,000, in addition to winning P20,000 for being chosen as having the Best in Costume, for a total of P120,000.

Barangays II & III, Tapuac, Poblacion Oeste, I and IV of Cluster 2 received P80,000 for placing 2^nd runner up as well as P20,000 for being adjudged as Best in Musicality, for a total of P100,000.

Cluster 1, Cluster 3 and Cluster 5 each received P30,000 for landing 3^rd runner up, 4^th runner up and 5^th runner up respectively.

Cluster 1 is composed of barangays Mangin, Salisay, Bolosan, Tebeng, Mamalingling and Tambac; Cluster 3, barangays Calmay, Carael, Pantal, Salapingao, Pugaro and Lomboy; while barangays Malued, Pogo Chico, Pogo Grande, Lasip Chico, Lasip Grande and Lucao made up Cluster 5.

Event Chairperson Councilor Maybelyn Dela Cruz-Fernandez acknowledged the efforts of all 31 barangays in this year’s competition.

“Ang Gilon-Gilon ay parte ng makulay na kultura ng ating syudad – dahil sa pamamagitan ng sining, atin pong naipakita ang kakaibang sipag at determinasyon ng bawat Dagupeño,” added Dela Cruz-Fernandez.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, in her message, said the event as well as the Bangus Festival, continue to serve as reminders of the continuous blessings received by the city.

“Ang Bangus Festival ay patunay na ang isang lungsod na nagkakaisa sa damdamin at panalangin ay isang lungsod kung saan ang pagpapala ay liglig, siksik at umaapaw,” added Fernandez.

The Gilon-Gilon ed Baley was graced by Former House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr., Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia and GMA-7 Kapuso stars Rocco Nacino, Clint Bondad, Dion Ignacio, Paolo Contis, Sef Cadeyona and Vaness Del Moral. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)