Mabuhay
2013
By Chet Veitch
The Philippine Cultural Arts Society of BC (PhilCAS of
BC) is celebrating its 13th anniversary with a presentation of “Philippine Panorama...a mosaic of folk
dance and music on November 3, 2013.
Showcasing the various influences of Philippine folk dances and music, Panorama is a colourful and vibrant
expression of Filipino history, traditions, religion and culture. From the tribal music and dances of the
indigenous people of the Cordillera mountains, to the fiesta spirit of the
rural lowlands and the captivitating Muslim dances of the southern Mindanao and
Sulu Islands, Philippine folk dance is a representation of the regional,
ethnic, religious and ceremonial practices of the Filipino people. As well, the rich European influence of its
Spanish “conquestadores” is prominently featured in the Maria Clara suite (so
named after the heroine of José Rizal’s Noli
me Tangere). These dances were
hugely popular in the urban areas and reached its peak at about the turn of the
century. They are also characterized by
the formal attire of traditional “baro at saya”, with its long flowing skirts
for women, and the “Barong Tagalog” (hand empbroidered upper garment woven out
of pineapple fiber) for men.
Among the popular and more familiar Filipino dances
featured in Panorama are the tribal
“Igorot” dances such as Idaw, Among, Pinayegpeg and Banawol; Tinikling, Maglalatik,
Subli, and Kalapati from the Central rural region; and the epic Muslim dances
of Sagayan, Indarapatra, Kappa Malong-Malong and Vinta/Singkil. Hispanic-influenced dances include Polkabal, Mariposa,
Danza and Panderetas. Complementing the
Maria Clara series is the violin rendition of “El Canto Patriotico de Maria Clara” by Kimwell and Grace del
Rosario of Rosario Strings, along with vocal rendition of “El Mensaje” and a very famous folk song “Sa Kabukiran” by Salve Dayao, backed up by husband, Ed at
guitar.
“Philippine Panorama”
is sure to highlight many more rarely staged numbers, with awe-inspiring
costumes and music.
About PhilCAS
The Philippine Cultural Arts Society was established
in 2000 as an homage to Philippine culture and its people. Under the artistic guidance of its directors,
the husband and wife team of Nes and Tonette Gatus, along with a dedicated crew
of dancers, parents, and valuable volunteers, PhilCAS strives to promote
Filipino art, culture and values through music and dance. It reaches out to Filipino youth to raise
awareness and instill pride in their identity and heritage, and to create a
positive experience through personal development, leadership and discipline.
As a non-profit organization, PhilCAS has been a
prominent fixture in the social and cultural scene of its home base in
Richmond, British Columbia, and is proudly supported by its community and its
residents. PhilCAS is very active in
most community and charitable events, and has been recognized for its outreach
art programs and for contributing to Richmond’s cultural development. It endeavors to promote ties with other
mulit-cultural groups through cultural exchanges and workshops throughout
British Columbia and across Canada.
World renowned and ever popular among its audiences,
PhilCAS brings an immense visual experience to its performances, and because of
this, it is regularly invited to represent British Columbia and Canada to major
international folk dance festivals. This
is a well-deserved honour, having been highly acclaimed at these international
events, harnessing the respect and admiration of the international folk dance
community and audiences. Comprising of
mostly young Filipino-Canadians, PhilCAS members act as cultural ambassadors,
fostering camaraderie with their counterparts from all over the world, and
building a strong bond with other ethnic communities. They are truly excellent role models, not only
for the Filipino community but for Canada as well.
“Philippine Panorama” is a
cultural celebration. An event not to be
missed.