MANILA, Philippines - The Sining Katutubo Dance Assembly (SIKADA) from Pagsanjan, Laguna bagged silver and bronze medals in the recent Cheonan Heungtaryeong International Dance Festival held in Cheonan City, South Korea last month.
The country’s sole entry to the dance tilt, SIKADA’s showcased Ifugao and Igorot tribal dances from the Cordilleras. The troupe is a cultural awareness project of Laguna Gov. E.R. Ejercito and Pagsanjan Mayor Girlie Ejercito.
The group won second place in the world championship folk dance category and third place in the street dancing category participated in by 75 entries from 23 nations.
SIKADA is the only Asian group that made it to the Top 3 winners. It is also the group’s first stint in an international competition.
According to Gov. Ejercito, the victory has rekindled the pride not only among Laguneños but also among Filipinos in their cultural heritage.
He said that the troupe has succeeded in the transference of indigenous dance and music traditions from their ancient origins to the stage without sacrificing authenticity.
The 30-member delegation was led by SIKADA chair and president Delto Abarquez Jr. who is also Laguna’s international trade relations officer.
The group’s participation in the competition is also supported by the Department of Tourism, the Philippine Bayanihan National Dance Company and local government units in Laguna.