DFA Gets Movers All Over the Globe Energized by the Spirited Sakuting of Abra in the Final Episode of Move with Pinas 

PASAY CITY 11 August 2022 – Thousands of movers all over the globe, including those invited by  the 94 Philippine Foreign Service Posts such as several dignitaries from Foreign Service Posts as well as from Manila-based European and North American Embassies, experienced and learned the Sakuting dance at the final episode of the online event, “Move with Pinas: An Online Dance Workshop” on 30 July 2022. Similar to the first episode which featured the La Jota Moncadeña dance of Moncada, Tarlac, movers danced to the music of the rondalla as they learned the steps of the energetic and spirited dance of the Province of Abra, the Sakuting.

Movement Guro, Enzo Zagala from the Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe, together with host Samm Alvero, demonstrated how to dance the Sakuting. He also showed the proper way of using the yantok sticks to the beat of the rondalla. Meanwhile, dance buddy Elijah Canlas took the movers back in time as he shared the significant and historical background of the dance through the ‘Know Your Moves’ segment. 

Former Guam Senator, Dr. Sam Mabini Young, lauded the initiative and noted that “the dance workshop is a brilliant idea about sharing Philippine culture.” When asked about his overall experience, Fajar Triperdana, Chapter Head of Polyglot Jakarta, remarked that “the event reinforced his interest in learning and experiencing foreign cultures.” Her Excellency Michele Jeannine Andrée Boccoz of the Embassy of France in Manila was seen enthusiastically learning the intricate steps of the dance, as well as properly tapping the yantok sticks. 

The Relentless Academy from Brunei also showcased their Sakuting moves and commended the “Know Your Moves” segment as fun and informative. A trip back to the Philippines was felt by the Vancouver PCG Dance Troupe as they learned new Philippine dances which they thoroughly enjoyed. 

Move with Pinas was organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe (PBFDT). The event was also made possible by the invaluable assistance of the Intramuros administration. 

This episode of Move with Pinas on the Sakuting is still available to watch on the DFA’s official YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZi7T673Zxk) and Facebook page (https://fb.watch/eQdlFUJEuT/). END

Movement Guro, Enzo Zagala together with host Samm Alvero warmly welcome the Movers.

Dance Buddy Elijah Canlas shares the significant and historical background through the ‘Know Your Moves’ segment. 

Movers from all over the World share their Move with Pinas experience.

From the stage to their Zoom screens, Movers strike their best Sakuting poses.