USA Takes "Basura Busters" in SM City Iloilo

Theater. It is a type of art and entertainment that has been practiced way back our ancestors' time and until now, it continues to be performed in schools, big auditoriums, and even in small communities.

Theater plays are not only present for budding actors to have a venue for self-expression and showcasing of talents, but they exist because all the cast and crew behind a stage performance are itching to relay a message of social significance. They yearn to somehow affect and influence its audience to realize and act on the pressing problems that negatively affect the society.

Last time, a play entitled "Basura Busters" by the University of San Agustin (USA) Little Theater was presented in the activity center of SM City Iloilo. It talked about the importance of keeping our environment clean and friendly for its inhabitants. The characters were comprised of students from the said school who acted in a setting where mundane situations in a barangay took place - gossips, fights, and of course, the issue of improper garbage disposal. With the promising talent of these student theater actors,  the play had effectively provided awareness on how one must not take for granted the vitality of a green surrounding.

Coming with a Hiligaynon Script, "Basura Busters" will easily connect with Ilonggo viewers. 

Funny, modern lingoes are incorporated in the actors' lines to keep up with today's  language.

Caught up in Dinagyang 2013 Fever - Part 1

Dinagyang fever is on heat! Or maybe, is on fire! And yes, Ilonggos love the crazy merrymaking happening in almost every corner of the city. There are bands everywhere and people swarm the roads, making long walks just to get to where the fun is. Of course, foodfest is always a blast, filling the air with the smoke of delicious inasal and the smell of beer. Oh c'mon, this is Dinagyang! Get out of the house and experience the fun! At least, that's what I did. Here's my simple memory of Dinagyang 2013! Viva Senyor Santo Nino!!!

After watching the awesome fireworks in Sm City, my cousin and I headed to Plazuela. Oh my! It was jam-packed! With this big crowd, I hoped we would be able to find our friends who'd join us with the expected walkathon.

Large crowd in Plazuela

People caught up in Dinagyang craze in Plazuela

Then, we trudged downtown to find out what's new there. As expected, roads were filled with excited people. Thank God, guards were everywhere to ensure safety. Local bands started to play and tables along many food kiosks were now getting occupied by party-goers. We found the booths by SMART and they had all these cool cars with upgraded sound system lined up by the side. The sound really boomed with so much energy. Just fun-tastic!

Beautiful wheels with upgraded sound machines

Who wouldn't be in party-mode if you own this car?

A simple Volks can be turned into something precious as this.

Then, here came the highlight of the night - an adrenaline driven performance by the band Spongecola near SM Delgado. The lead vocalist, Yael Yuzon, wowed the ecstatic crowd with his hyperactive performance. He literally even walked his way to the audience. He climbed up the sound system to come nearer his fans on the left side of the stage, went up the left stairs to pass the footbridge, and was carried by a man on the shoulder just so he could reach the people on the back part. While singing, he was offered beer. I guess he gulped three bottles of it the entire duration of the show.

Yael Yuzon, vocalist of Spongecola,  giving an all-out performance

He goes to the audience with all his might and sings to them with all his heart.

Nice lights to those behind this show

Hope he'll not fall.

crazy crowd sings with Yael

This was January 25, just an appetizer for the main events on the next and the following day, but I already felt the fuel heating up. Thank God I went with my friends. I actually didn't know about these events happening. What I knew was that, once you travel the streets of Iloilo during the Dinagyang celebration, expect bands, late night partying, long walks, fireworks, food, and more food. = )