Accents
B.A.N.C. puts the Pinoy’s best foot forward (2)
Redding, California, USA—This is a continuation of last week’s column — how the Pinoy’s nationalistic spirit soared to its highest with the first Philippine Independence Day celebrations in the city of Redding, Shasta County. June 12, 2009, the 111th anniversary of Philippine Independence, fell on a working day in the States, hence the affair was moved to the next day, a Saturday.
Through songs, dances, and cuisine, the Bayanihan Association of Northern California (B.A.N.C.) reinvigorated love of country that used to be pleasantly taken for granted. B.A.N.C. made the Pinoy dig up his roots and heritage, and to take pride in them. The Rizal monument at the Luneta never felt more close than when one gazed at the mural painted by Dr. Hermes Mallari. It was a fitting backdrop for the cultural presentation of the Philippine Heritage Dance Troupe which took place in the afternoon.
The theme “Likas na Karunungan, Kakayahan, at Kahusayan” (native talent, ability, and expertise) was shown in full measure under the leadership of Encar Vegas, Cultural Program Director. Herself a dance participant, graceful Encar of the model’s stance, made the girls and boys in the community adept performers.
Emcee Jaime Calloway gave a comprehensive introduction: “This year The Philippine Heritage Dance Troupe, through the directorship of Ms. Encar Vegas, put together a production that presents dancing, singing, music, and narration. Through this, we hope to promote diversity, raise awareness in the community, and provide the audience and ourselves a broader understanding of our interpretation of the Filipino culture here in America.
“The Philippine folk dance history is not the history of a single national dance of one or two regions. These dances evolved from different eras and different regions which are distinct from one another as they are affected by religion and culture.” Thus, four different suites made up the cultural presentation: Cordillera Suite, Maria Clara Suite, Muslim Suite, and Rural/Barrio Fiesta Suite. Each was characterized prior to performance for a better appreciation of the Filipino’s rich ethnic culture.
“The Cordillera dances are ‘ritual-based’ with movements that are very basic and earthbound which project their close affinity with the earth. Their ritual ceremonies are performed directly on the ground to pay respect to the earth and all its bounty.” Igorot dancers came alive in Idaw with Jessica Damalerio narrating. I’d like to name the dancers in recognition of their efforts to promote Philippine culture via their dancing skills: Romulus Ongaco, Brandon Cervania, Bradley Cervania, Tyler Cervania, Toto Pecson, and Norman Garcia.
“The Maria Clara style of dance is named after a Spanish-style dress, and its performance includes Spanish footwork with Filipino modifications. Named in honor of the legendary female character of Dr. Jose Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere, Maria Clara remains a symbol of the virtues and nobility of the Filipino woman.” Tyler Cervania served as narrator. Spanish influence (we were a Spanish colony for 300 years, remember) made its mark in the four dances that followed. Paso Doble was performed by Carmille Garcia, Toto Pecson, Romulus Ongaco, Joseph Vegas, and Norman Garcia; Esperanza by Brandon Cervania with Kirsty Pecson, and Toto Pecson with Jocel Dopkins; Aray by Romulus Ongaco with Joe-ana Alvarez, Vincent Paler with Carmille Garcia, and Toto Pecson with Jocel Dopkins; Surtido by the husband-wife team of Joseph and Encar Vegas.
“The Muslim dance styles have absorbed Hindu-Malayan-Arabic influence. The dances are of a highly aristocratic character and are known for their mysticism, royalty, and beauty which are evident in their music and dance.” Introduced by Encar Vegas, Janggay, was performed by Kirsty Pecson. The Singkil Ensemble had Romulus Ongaco and Joe-ana Alvarez as Prince and Princess, Asik had Jocel Dopkins, and the Fan Dance had Shirley Martin and Linda Thomas.
“The rural and barrio dances are perhaps the best known and closest to the hearts of the Filipinos. These dances illustrate the fiesta spirit and demonstrate a love of life. They express joy in work, love for music, and pleasure in the simplicities of life.” With Toto Pecson as narrator, six folk dances graced the floor. Bulaklakan was performed by Kirsty Pecson, Jessica Damalerio, Ronelle, KC Quinit, Danielle Fisher, Andrea Connely; Sayaw sa Bangko byToto Pecson with Jocel Dopkins, Tyler Cervania with Jessica Damalerio, Romulus Ongaco with Carmille Garcia; Maglalatik by Brandon Cervania, Bradley Cervania, Tyler Cervania, Lilo Cervania, AJ Roulon, Brian Roulon, Shaun Connely, Jason Backner; Kuratcha by Norman Garcia and Joe-ana Alvarez; Pandanggo Oasiwas by Romulus Ongaco and Carmille Garcia; Tinikling by Tyler Cervantes with Jessica Damalerio, Jocel Dopkins with Bradley Cervania.
Across the Great Divide, national artist Fernando Amorsolo must be applauding the dancers. Typified by scenes in the folk dances just performed, it is as if his paintings of rural Philippines had come down from their picturesque frames. In our hearts, the unnamed composers of the Filipino songs rose in high esteem. Several of us in the audience sang, tapped, swayed to the choral group’s rendition of Pilipinas Kong Mahal, Bayan Ko, Ako Ay Filipino, Ang Dalagang Filipina, and the Tagalog Medley. (Rudy, my roommate, or the significant other if you please, couldn’t help with the raised clenched fist as Bayan Ko was being sung.) In the evening, the spotlight was on Philippine couture in a fashion show that further enhanced our country’s culture. Freedom Dance followed, capping the entire Independence Day celebrations.
Noteworthy to mention Fr. Ben de Leon, the guest speaker. Born and raised in the States, Fr. Ben set an example of young Filipinos whose ties to the Motherland are made strong by exposure to Philippine culture in activities such as what B.A.N.C. had just undertaken. We foresee more of the like that will show the best in the Filipino as we continue to bank on B.A.N.C. to put the Pinoy’s best foot forward. For 2009-10, the driving force is a composite of Jose Yusta, president; Brenda Hansen, vice president; Joseph Vegas, secretary; Thelma Lacanilao, treasurer; Celso Paler, auditor; Jane Lee, public relations; Jaime Calloway, social event coordinator; Celia Mayer, membership coordinator; and Patricia Connelly, fundraising coordinator. (Email: lagoc@hargray.com)