Iloilo: The Iloilo Dinagyang Festival is poised to represent the Philippines at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan, from June 7-12, before joining other contingents for the country's Independence Day parade in Manila on June 12.

According to Philippines News Agency, the World Expo, held every five years, serves as a global gathering that emphasizes innovation and solutions to address global challenges. During a press conference, Dinagyang artistic director Eric Divinagracia expressed the significance of the invitation, stating, "It's not every day you are invited to perform at the World Expo."

The performance at the World Expo will feature Tribu Paghidaet, this year's festival champion, which includes 14 dancers and four drummers. They are set to perform a piece titled "Hinabol nga Kabuhi" (Woven Lives). Dinagyang assistant artistic director Elbert Ba±ares explained that the performance will incorporate the elements of fire, wind, water, and land to depict the lives of Ilonggos through fantasy, folklore, fiction, and imagination.

Divinagracia highlighted the futuristic aspect of the performance, emphasizing the theme of stewardship of the earth. The group will also participate in the Philippines National Day parade on June 7.

Meanwhile, Tribu Pan-ay, the second placer in this year's festival, will represent Dinagyang at the Parada ng Kalayaan in Manila. Their performance will revolve around the theme "Ang Pagtuo Kahilwayan" (Faith is Freedom), as part of a competition involving nine festivals nationwide. Joyce Clavecillas, executive director of the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc., mentioned that the Independence Day celebration will be attended by the President and other high-ranking officials.