DMMMSU, spearheaded by the University Cultural Affairs Unit, in cooperation with the Office of Internationalization, Linkages and ETEEAP, organized a 5-day international short course on Philippine folk dances on July 4-8, 2022.
“This is one of its kind, and I am happy DMMMSU is hosting this in the ASEAN region”, said Mr. Ansgar Schaefer, TVET Integrated Expert and SEAMEO Secretariat, during the opening program.
Each workshop started with lectures on the history of Philippine dances followed by a demonstration of various folkdances.
“Pukol”, a Philippine folk dance which originated from one of the oldest native games among children in the Visayan Islands. Prof. Irene N. Gomez, the University Director for Cultural Affairs Unit, along with Mr. Danz Irvin Bello and Prof. Freya Umel, led the almost 160 participants from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Introducing the culture in Pangasinan province, Prof. Rusty S. Liclican, along with Mr. Benigno Roxas, Jr. and Ms. Juliet B. Nimuan, lectured and demonstrated the Biniskalan dance. Binislakan is a peculiar and flamboyant dance in the island of Luzon. Binislakan” in the Pangasinan dialect means with the use of coconut husks in dancing ti create rhythm.
Alitaptap, native to the Tagalogs, and originated from the province of Batangas, was
lectured and demonstrated by Prof. Ruchelle Flores, Dr. Kristian Ledda and Ms. Caye Janna Alaba.
Participants had their guided practice and mentoring sessions on Day 4; with a culmination program on Day 5 where they showcased their folk dance steps through a virtual recital.
Donned with colorful costumes and props, the participants were judged; and selected dancers were given awards and distinction for their best performances.
Dr. Rodelio V. Indong, the short course proponent, said that Season 2 may happen during the 4th quarter of this year due to many positive feedbacks received.
“Please watch out for Season 2 with a folk dance festival and ASEAN competitions coming this year”, said Dr. Indong. (JRBJ)