Kababayang Pilipino

Last Saturday marked not only the anniversary of Philippine Independence. Here in British Columbia, it was also the 12th anniversary of Kababayang Pilipino. KP is the name of a group of dancers comprised of young Filipino-Canadians. It was my second time to see their dance concert; the first was in 2003. Most of the members were either born or raised here in Canada, but at a young age were exposed to the beauty of the Filipino dances.

It was heartwarming to see these young Pinoys in their late teens and early 20's to be involved actively in promoting the indigenous Filipino dances. They may not be professionals but so evident was their passion for dancing that their show came out well. Their repertoire consisted of six suites: Pagsilang (Si Malakas at Si Maganda), Lumad (Dances of the Indigenous Communities of Mindanao), Cordillera (Dances of the Luzon Highlanders), Pista sa Barrio (Pastimes of the Rural Countryside), Nuevo España (the meeting of east and west influences), and Pangalay (Muslim Philippines).

Aside from the colorful costumes that drew “ooohs” and “aaaahs” from the audience, KP’s talented ensemble of musicians produced beautiful music with the use of the gangsa, kulintang, gandingan, agong, banduria, octavina and other instruments native to the Philippines. Their sound was truly a highlight of the show.

Two of the much-awaited numbers in the show were the dances of the kids who will most likely carry the torch of KP when they grow up. Right now, they are still part of the KP Children’s Workshop, of which my niece and nephews are members. Their numbers were called Ilocana a Nasudi (Ilocos Norte), which was about the chaste Ilocana women and Maglangka (Mindanao), which was originally a dance by the slave women of the Sultan. The audience just loved the children’s dances! Loud applause was proof of that.

After the show, we met the performers at the theater lobby. Like the feeling that their dances of Itik-Itik, Tinikling and Maglalatik brought about, the air evoked a jovial mood among one and all outside the theater hall. Parents and relatives beamed with pride as their sons and daughters who performed joined them at the lobby. I hugged my niece when I saw her and blew out kisses to my two nephews. They certainly did a good job in their dance.

For the Kababayang Pilipino group, I wish to thank them for keeping alive the Filipino pride in them even if they are miles away from the Philippines. Likewise, I salute their parents for inculcating in them the value of love for our rich culture through traditional dances, music and artistry.

Mabuhay ang Sining-Pinoy!