2006 National Folk Dance Workshop for Teachers

Many obstacles threaten the promotion and development of Philippine folk dance due to globalization and the overload from the information superhighway. Global pop cultures alter the preferences and interests of the youth. If this trend continues, a facet of the national cultural identity could die a natural death within the millennium. And the essence of being a Filipino could be lost in the mediocre practices of adapting foreign culture. Then we would be Filipinos no more.

Answering to the need are the exemplary roles of the Philippine Folk Dance Society, headed by president Josefina B. Guillen, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, headed by president Nestor Jardin. The two organizations successfully conducted the 26th National Folk Dance Workshop for Teachers last May 15-19, 2006 at the Tanghalang Francisco Balagtas (Folk Arts Theater), CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City where close to a thousand participants composed of PE and dance teachers, trainers, choreographers, directors and enthusiasts from all regions gathered to learn and revive the country's best folk dances researched by the National Artist for Dance, Francisca Reyes Aquino - the Mother of Philippine Folk Dances.

Central Visayas delegates, most especially coming from Cebu, did not disappoint in attendance. During the customary streetdancing in the closing presentation, the delegates danced the Mantawi and Sinulog to the collective beat of this year's festival host, Bacolod's Masskara Festival.

Dance Workshop

Twelve classic dances reminiscent of the old days and three new ones were given to the participants - Polkabal, Itik-Itik, Alcamfor, Cariñosa, Kuratsa, Los Bailes de Ayer, Binasuan, Maglalatik, Surtido, Habanera Botoleña, Imunan and Kandingan/Tadek, and Pagkililita, Pangibog, Pangalimango.

Striking a chord to the participants was the dance from Agusan del Sur called Pangibog with its ludicrous steps alluding to a sexual note. Itik-Itik, a dance imitating ducks of Lanuza, Surigao; Maglalatik, a mock war dance between Christians and Moors from Biñan, Laguna; and Kuratsa, adapted from the Mexican Curacha from Leyte, were all comical in nature. A display of Spanish sass and style were Habanera Botoleña from Botolan, Zambales; Surtido, meaning assortment, representing a nationwide scope of origin; Los Bailes de Ayer; Polkabal and a delicate courtship dance called Cariñosa.

Dr. Larry A. Gabao, past PFDS president, conducted a lecture in "understanding the movement and gesture of Non-Christian Dance (Ethnic or tribal dances). His lecture revealed that the dances and gestures of these tribal groups - Cordillera region, cultural minorities of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and Muslim groups - were a result of the characteristics and sentiments of the environs and tribal practices in which they existed. Naturally, if we have to stage these dances, we must take into consideration the unique characteristic of these dances.

Staging pre gala cultural shows within the week-long dance workshop were the famous Philippine Barangay Folk Dance Troupe, Umalahukang Diliman Theater & Dance Company and the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group.

Cebu delegates

Workshop was naturally fun since the interests of the delegates were geared towards cultural dancing. Shared moments enriched the gang of more than twenty participants that had made the stay a worthwhile experience. A bad experience, though, marred the visit when Mrs. Francita "Nene" Pacana, president of PFDS - Cebu Chapter, lost her cell phone and money to some questionable people within the Folk Arts Theater. Everybody had their belongings parked in front of their eyes, yet some seemed to sneak into other people's belongings even though security was tight.

This writer and some other delegates managed to enjoy something else with what little time was left after the daily workshop. The CCP, Bay Walk in Malate, Glorietta, Green Hills, Intramuros, Tutuban and Divisoria were places one does not dismiss when in Manila.

Teachers who arrived in Cebu days after the said workshop are now ready to echo the dances to their constituents. Thus, the noble objective of perpetuating folk dances into the lives of many will once again be realized. Kudos to PFDS!