Move with Pinas Makes All the Right Moves This 2022!
PASAY CITY 01 June 2022 – Movers from all over the world danced to the music of the rondalla as they learned the steps of the spirited and rhythmic La Jota Moncadeña as “Move with Pinas: An Online Philippine Dance Workshop”was officially launched on 28 May 2022.
Similar to “Move with Malong” of the previous year, Move with Pinas was launched as a way to bring Philippine culture to the mindset of Filipinos and non-Filipinos, as well as to showcase Filipino ingenuity, creativity, and resourcefulness through dance. The participants or Movers, learned the dance’s significant and historical background through the ‘Know Your Moves’ segment.
Enzo Zagala, the “movement guro” from the Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe, together with host Samm Alvero, demonstrated how to dance the La Jota Moncadeña, which originated from Moncada, Tarlac. He also showed the proper way of using the kalaste (castanets) to the beat of the rondalla.
Several dignitaries from Foreign Service Posts, as well as from Manila-based Spanish and Latin Embassies showed their support by attending and actively participating in the “Show Your Moves” segment. The British Consulate General in Chongqing, China, represented by Deputy Consul General Tim Standbrook and his wife Sophia, showed their graceful dance as a couple. Meanwhile, Minister Plenipotentiary Andrea Silvina Repetti from the Embassy of Argentina to the Philippines demonstrated her castanet clicking skills.
When asked to describe “Move with Pinas” in one word, Mortimer, one of the movers from Thailand, said that the first thing that came to mind is “flabbergasting” as it made her proud that Philippine culture is now making a significant impact on the world stage. Ten year old Judy from Palestine said that she had the most fun learning the dance and has found a new love for it. Moreover, Mr. Luis Morales, First Secretary (Cultural Affairs) from the Embassy of Spain to the Philippines, lauded Move with Pinas as a great initiative, where he not only learned the dance, but also the culture behind it.
The Move with Pinas episode was organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in cooperation with the Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe (PBFDT), and with the assistance of the Intramuros administration. END
Dance buddy Elijah Canlas takes the Movers back in time as he shares fast facts about the history of La Jota Moncadeña, a Philippine dance that originated from Moncada, Tarlac.
Move with Pinas host Samm Alvero and Movement Guro Enzo Zagala demonstrate to the movers how to dance the La Jota Moncadeña and how to use the castanets.
Deputy Consul General Tim Standbrook and his wife Mrs. Sophia Stanbrook dancing during the “Show Your Moves” segment together with Minister-Plenipotentiary Andrea Silvina Repetti showing her support
The movers struck a pose as they virtually celebrated Move with Pinas.