Gilon! Gilon is back!

The 2009 Bangus Festival kicks off with wild cheers from crowd-drawing street dancers clad in colorful and striking attires to depict bangus harvesting ritual through the Gilon!Gilon! street dancing contest on April 15.

Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, chairman of the 2009 Bangus Festival said young street dancers from 31 barangays will once again compete against each other to show which contingent reigns supreme through their well-choreographed dances as they sway in rhythmic movements how bangus is harvested in ponds and pens.

The best performers will be judged based on their dance steps, formation, ideas presented, grace and skills, creativity of their costume design and the energy level while performing, audience impact, among others.

Big cash prizes await lucky performers.

“We’re bringing back Gilon!Gilon! for our opening,” the vice mayor said.

She said this will also showcase various barangays as the performers are expected to showcase not only their dancing prowess and skills but also what their barangay can offer.

Gilon is a Pangasinan word for fish harvest.

Vice Mayor Fernandez said as soon as she was officially appointed anew by Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr., she immediately buckled down to work and met with several departments, sectors and sponsors to ensure this year’s festival success.

She said they have already lined up several events for this summer spectacle which remains as the biggest crowd drawer in Pangasinan.—Eva C. Visperas