By Prof. Randy A.Lero

Guests of honor and cultural leaders prepare for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the opening of the Saot Ilonggo Festival Costume Exhibit at SM City Mall, Mandurriao, on August 16, 2025.

The Central Philippine University Tumandok Dance Company joined the opening of the Saot Ilonggo Festival Costume Exhibit at SM City Mall, Mandurriao, Iloilo, on August 16, 2025.

Mr. Jay Treñas, Head of the Iloilo City Arts Council, served as the guest of honor and led the ribbon-cutting ceremony together with Prof. Ramil Huyatid, chairman of this year’s festival; Prof. Randy Lero of the CPU Tumandok Dance Company; Prof. Liberty Porras of the WVSU Irong-Irong Dance Group; Prof. Leomar Delos Santos of the ISAT University Dance Group; Prof. Jacobo Uy Simco of the MTC St. Therese Dance Group; and a representative from the Iloilo City Community College.

Also present at the event were representatives from the University of San Agustin, Mandurriao National High School, Iloilo City National High School, Grupo Manogsaot, Sidlangan Dance Company, and Indak Dance Company.

The program was hosted by Ms. Joyce Clavecillas, the city’s head of festival events.

The Saot Ilonggo Festival features 10 participating groups from different high schools, colleges, and universities. During the exhibit, the board of judges will select the “Best in Costume” among the participants. The featured costumes highlight the traditional Maria Clara attire, while the dances come from the collections of Dr. Petronila Suarez, the pride of CPU and former head of Health and Physical Education Department.

The Saot Ilonggo is one of the major highlights of the upcoming Iloilo Charter Day Celebrations, which will be held on August 25, 2025.