Street dancing opens Bangus Festival in Dagupan

FISH CATCH Dancers simulate the harvesting of “bangus” (milkfish) during the “Gilon-Gilon ed Dalan” street-dancing competition and parade in Dagupan City. The event opened this year’s edition of the Bangus Festival in Pangasinan province’s premier city. WILLIE LOMIBAO / Inquirer Northern Luzon

DAGUPAN CITY—A bangus  (milkfish) harvest dance called “Gilon! Gilon!” performed by hundreds of dancers, opened on Friday the monthlong Bangus Festival here.

The yearly festival will end on April 30 with a street party highlighted by the grilling of thousands of newly harvested bangus, the city’s famous product which is said to be the tastiest and juiciest in the country.

Six contingents, consisting of at least 100 dancers each, danced to the beat of the drums in their colorful costumes. Each group performed for two minutes in designated street points within the parade route.

“Gilon! Gilon!” which was first introduced as a street dance during the 50th anniversary celebration of Dagupan’s cityhood in 1997, depicts the techniques in harvesting bangus from the ponds.

These consist of “pansilew” (lighting), “tabiog” (splashing), “depak” (stomping of feet), “kewet” (bending of hands), “kemel” (catching fish by the hands) and “sitsit” (catching of leftover assorted fish from the already almost dry fishpond).

Other activities in the festival include a bangus international cuisine showcase, a bangus rodeo, and concerts.  Gabriel Cardinoza, Inquirer Northern Luzon