Bayanihan Touching Lives Through Filipino Dance in Laos
The Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company performs the Sakuting during the National Day reception held at Don Chan Palace Hotel on 06 June 2018. (Vientiane PE photo)
VIENTIANE 03 June 2018 — The Philippine Embassy in Vientiane, Laos hosted the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company, led by Executive Director Maria Azucena M. Benitez, during the group’s first visit to the country from 03 to 07 June 2018.
The visit was the dance company’s first stop in its Greater Mekong Sub-region Tour, which includes visits and performances in Myanmar and Cambodia.
The Bayanihan conducted a dance workshop at the Lao National School for Performing Arts in Vientiane on June 05, where 30 students from the primary and secondary levels learned basic steps of traditional Philippine folk dances, Konant, Subli, and Lerion.
After the training sessions, the Bayanihan showed the students how the basic steps are incorporated in intricate dance movements during actual performances. The students then had recitals, and they were able to perform the three dances on their own.
Philippine Ambassador to Laos Belinda M. Ante expressed her appreciation to Bayanihan during the workshop for promoting Philippine culture and traditional dances in Laos.
The Bayanihan figured prominently during the diplomatic reception held in celebration of the 120th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence at the Don Chan Palace Hotel on 06 June.
During her speech, Ambassador Ante highlighted the reinvigoration of Philippines-Laos diplomatic relations.
The Ambassador also informed the attendees of Bayanihan’s role in fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Philippine cultural heritage, and expressed hope that the guests would enjoy the repertoire prepared by the dance troupe, which encapsulates the Philippines’ unique culture, as well as its commonalities with the rest of the world.
The Bayanihan performed the Tahau, Bagobo-Tiboli, La Luneta, En Recreacion, Habanera de Dilao, Mantones de Seda, Linggisan, Paunjalay, Kazilimut Malong, Asik, Singkil, Binasuan, Pandanggo Oasiwas, Maglalatik, Bakya, Sakuting, Subli, and Tinikling, to the amazement and delight of the guests.
At the end of the Bayanihan’s program, the attendees, including Guest of Honor and Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, were invited to dance with the members of the dance company.
The Bayanihan Dance Company was established in 1957 by the late former Senator Helena Z. Benitez, and became the repository of Philippine dances, dress/outfits, and songs. The group has won numerous awards, including the Tempio d’Oro (2002, 2005 and 2015), the Grand Prize in the International Folklore Festival in Sicily, Italy, and has performed in over 60 countries all over the world.
In appreciation and recognition of their pioneering efforts and international success in the realm of Filipino dance, the 10th Congress enacted Republic Act No. 8626, declaring Bayanihan as The Philippines National Folk Dance Company. END
For more information, visit www.vientianepe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/philippineembassy.vientiane.54?fref=search
Members of the Bayanihan make an impressive entrance before dancing the Singkil. (Vientiane PE photo)