Hinugyaw's Piyesta Korona -- Koronadal City's New Festival Brand

"Kanami Koronadal!" -- This is how the Koronadaleños greet each other during the 12^th Hinugyaw Festival and the city’s 72^nd Foundation Anniversary. 

"Hinugway Festival has its own brand and identity!" - Mayor Peter Miguel

 

Despite of the drizzle that early morning, a blast of festive mood reverberated in the entire city as they started their culmination day with the civic parade. This was followed by the open Drumline Competition which was participated by elementary and high school students from Koronadal City and its neighboring municipalities. Both a blessing and a test, the rain that poured that day also became the witness of how the people of the city celebrated their very own festival with pride and glee.

Eugenio Ranada Elementary School (Polomolok) bagged the First Prize for Elementary Category

Christian School of Polomolok went home as the Champions for High School Category

The crowned beauties of 2012 Hinugyaw Festival

The SOCCSKSARGEN Bloggers were so privileged to be part of the guest list. During the festival luncheon, we were also lucky to have an up-close-and-personal chat with Koronadal City Mayor Peter Miguel who also happened to be the Festival Director of Hinugway 2012. He gave us primer on the major highlight of the event which happened that night. He's so proud of their very own festival and excitedly revealed to us their plan of promoting Piyesta Korona as their unique brand. They wanted to be labeled as the Crown City since Korona (crown) exactly fits their city's name which is Koronadal. The Koronadal City is a sprawling community at the foothills of the surrounding mountain ranges that give a perfect illusion of a crown jewel set at the bed of a landlocked crater.

Projecting the Koronodal Sign. from left to right: Ms. Lynette (Sox Blogger), Sir Avel (Sox Blogger), Mr. Francis Sablon (Asst. Festival Director), Mayor Peter Miguel, Dr. Remo Aguilar (Sox Blogger), Aethan (Sox Blogger), Arze (Sox Blogger), Nanardx (Sox Blogger)

Piyesta Korona is composed of three major events combined in one grandiose evening -- their own version of Mardi Gras, an open street dancing competition and the Disco sa Kalye and Foam Party. The event became highly anticipated as this was formulated to be the most extravagant segment of the whole festival stretch.

The Mardi Gras was set to showcase the craftsmanship and the creativity of the Koronadaleños. Using any materials, this individual contest also became the photographers' delight as each participant flaunted their colorful festival costumes matched with their marvelous creations of crowns and all the props. There were thirty (30) participants who invaded the ramp that night. Winners took home "wow" worth of prizes aside from the prestige.

The amazing beauties of Piyesta Korona Mardi Gras

The winners of Mardi Gras with Mayor Peter Miguel

The Grand Prize Winner for Mardi Gras with the Sox Bloggers

The Street Dancing was an open competition. Nine contingents shown off different styles of routines including breathtaking stunts, artistic costumes and intensely hued props that focused on the main element - korona or crown. Each group has also it's own float bearing their own crown royalties as well.

Notre Dame of Sto. Nino bagged both the Grand Prize for Piyesta Korona Queen and for the Street Dancing Competition

The Disco sa Kalye and Foam Party is an annual habit during the culmination night. This took place at the last part of the show right after the fireworks and the proclamation of winners. This is open for public wherein the portions of the whole span of the major street of the city was filled with huge sound boxes and disco lights -- truly defined merrymaking.

True enough, Piyesta Korona is uniquely Koronadal. That very night, with its thrillingly beautiful production numbers, the sounds, the beat, the colors, the fireworks and the mood, it became the city's official brand of festival. Very impressive, it's another Mindanaoan's pride. 

Kanami Koronadal! Kanami gid!

thAEnk-worthy:

a) Hon. Peter B. Miguel, MD, FPSO-HNS - Koronadal City Mayor and Hinugyaw Festival Director

b) Francis Sablon - Asst. Festival Director

c) Judith Amido - Chairperson

d) Carlo Ebeo - Curator / Artistic Director

e) Avel Manansala - Sox Bloggers founder

f) Lynette Gallinero - Sox Blogger

g) Dr. Remo Aguilar - Sox Blogger

h) Arze Garcera - Sox Blogger

i) Nanrdx Zee - Sox Blogger 

j) Cresta Del Rio Splash Resort