Consisting of more that 7,000 islands in the western Pacific Ocean, the Philippines has been called a melting pot.
A former colony of Spain and the United States, Chinese and Islamic traders were the first to make contact with the archipelago and the people indigenous to the islands, influencing a diverse population and a fusion of cultures.
To display the rich heritage and history of the Philippines and uncover truths about themselves and their identity, a group of first and second generation Filipino Canadians, mostly students and young professionals, have banded together.
The Kababayang Pilipino cultural performing arts group is based out of Vancouver and, with more than 30 performing artists and instrumentalists, they are well recognized for their ability and the high calibre of their performances, said chairman VeeJay Correa.
“We are one of the main dance companies in Vancouver with live music.”
A fundraiser for St. Ann’s Academy, the group will perform at the school tomorrow with a presentation of the traditional folk art forms of dance, song and drama in five suites accompanied by live music.
A glimpse of Filipino culture, each suite will highlight the culture of a region in the Philippines.
The first suite, Lumad — The Indigenous Communities of Mindano, depicts “ancient in origin but contemporaneous ethnic dances that imitate nature and life, but are at their core ritualistic.”
Dances from the mountains of the northern region dominate Cordillera — The Luzon Highlanders second suite.
Home to the largest cultural minority in the Philippines, the dances from this area preserve cultural identity, customs and lore.
Suite three, Sa Nayon — The Philippine Countryside, exemplifies and celebrates life in the rural lowlands.
These dances “are very joyous and very happy,” said Correa, and they mostly reflect everyday occurrences like work, life and love.
More than 300 years of Spanish rule characterize the fourth suite, Recuerdos De Ayer — The Castillian Era, which features dances that are more social, including the polka, waltz, jota, fandango and pasodoble.
Although traditionally European favourites, Correa said these dances have been “Filipinized.”
Adapted by Filipinos, they have become “softer, more rounded, more audience conscious and more gracious,” he said.
Finally, Mindanao Exotica — Muslim Philippines, the fifth suite, lays out a cultural fabric that is rich in colour and history.
In the 14th century, Arabic and Indo-Malayan traders made their way to the southern shores of Mindanao, bringing with them more than their wares.
New customs and traditions were adopted and gave birth to movements and music largely characterized by languid flowing hand and arm movements and mesmerizing beats.
The exotic dances of the Mindanao region are “very expressive and dramatic” and feature colourful costumes, said Correa.
“It will all be very dramatic, very expressive, very colourful and lively.”
“This whole show will give people a good glimpse of what the Philippines is . . . and will inspire audiences to to take pride in their heritage, whether it’s Filipino or not.”
This weekend’s performance is presented by Sacred Heart Cathedral and St. Ann’s Academy.
It will be held tomorrow at 7 p.m. in the St. Ann’s gymnasium, 205 Columbia St.
Tickets are $35 per seat and include a sampling of ethnic foods.
For more information or to buy tickets, call St. Ann’s Academy at 372-5452, or call Father Derrick at Sacred Heart Cathedral at 372-2581.
.jpg "Alcove Perspective")
