Sayaw Pinoy 2006, a success!
Dancing is a union of body and soul, a marriage of rhythm and grace, a link of history and what lies ahead. It can tell a story of love or hatred, of failure or triumph, of good or evil. It is quite similar to life. Sometimes, you are tossed up into the air. Oftentimes, you have to roll down on the floor. More often, the beat is fast yet at times it slows down. It is an irony. It can be dynamic yet relaxing at the same time, your body moves with the music as your mind unwinds.
West Visayas State University Cultural Center was transformed into a dance paradise last February 24, 2006 at around 3:00 p.m. Students and art enthusiasts gathered to see the much-awaited Sayaw Pinoy sa Iloilo 2006. Hundreds of students, teachers, and special guests from different schools came to witness the rare event.
The show commenced with a warm message of welcome from City Councilor Jeffrey Ganzon, who came in behalf of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas. After a few minutes of solitude, the maroon velvet curtain was finally raised. Doughlas Nieres' Powerdance then occupied the spacious stage with their 'Panalangin', an interpretative dance of praise depicting the life of Christ and the faith of His Church. The traditions of the Tiboli and the Bagobo were brought back to life by the Bayanihan Dance Company. Local performers then followed with their own version of Philippines' famous folk dances. The University of San Agustin's Kawilihan did the Idaw, Jota de Paragua, Maglalatik, Tinikling, and the Modern Jazz. The Hugyaw of St. Therese-MTC Colleges dominated the dance floor with Ragragsakan, La Jota Moncadena, Karatong, Sayaw sa Palaton, and Pasikat na Baso. The audience were astonished when a boy and a girl from Sartorio School for Performing Arts stepped into the spotlight and did a broadway-like ballet. Ms. Annie Divinagracia Sartorio, a former member of the Ballet Philippines, choreographed the Kawilihan and the Annie Sartorio School of Performing Arts. Her students amazed the crowd with their version of rhapsody and tap dance. The Irong Irong Dance Company proved their dancing prowess with Tarektek, Yakan Panglay, Pig-apir, Recuerdos de Capiz, Binasuan, Modern Jazz, and Hip Hop dance.
The Bayanihan, a company that was founded by Honorable Helena Z. Benitez in 1957, brought to Iloilo the classical and enticing folk dances. With their vibrant costumes and graceful dance steps, they surprisingly unfold history and culture right before the eyes of the Ilonggos. They performed 'Intramuros of Memories,' a dance drama depicting the the lives of Filipinos during the Spanish era. Their 'Excerpts from The Voyage of Love and Peace,' a story of the old-day love drama, also gained praises from the crowd. Bayanihan's People Under the Sun, a series of different kinds of traditional dances including the archaic muslim dances, was well applauded.
The Powerdance did the captivating and unique presentation entitled 'A Waltz'. In their 'MMMHHAAASSSHHUURRRAAAAHH,' they made the audiences burst into laughter by presenting a comedic scene from a common citizen's life . On the latter part of the show, the Powerdance satisfied the spectators with a dramatic dance showdown as they twist and leap with the OPM classics like Kastilyong Buhangin and Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of the participating schools, trainors, and the guest participants. The program was made possible by Gener Caringal, Head of the Committee on Dance, and by Shirley Halili Cruz, Project Director of the Sayaw Pinoy. Mr. Eric Divinagracia acted as the Master of Ceremony.
The Sayaw Pinoy sa Iloilo 2006 was sponsored by the City of Iloilo, Department of Tourism, Iloilo City Convention Bureau, University of San Agustin, Annie Divinagracia Sartorio School of Performing Arts, West Visayas State University College of PESCAR, and its local host St. Therese-MTC Colleges. The Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc., Mang Inasal, John B. Lacson Colleges - Arevalo, and St. Joseph School were the supporters of the said event.
Indeed, Ilonggos are blessed with unmeasurable talents, dancing is just one of them. Sayaw Pinoy sa Iloilo is a world-class entertainment at its best.