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 to promote world peace and friendship.

Vancouver based Kababayang Pilipino cultural performing arts group is composed of more than 30 Filipino artists and instrumentalists. “They are well-recognized for their ability and the high caliber of their performances,” says chairman VeeJay Correa. “We are one of the main dance companies in Vancouver with live music.”

The group is presenting traditional Philippine folk art forms of dance, song and drama in accompanied by live music with ethic instruments.

A glimpse of Filipino culture highlights the culture of a region in the Philippines.

The Lumad, the indigenous communities of Mindano in southern Philippines — depicts ancient 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, is the home to the largest cultural minority in the Philippines… the dances from this area preserve cultural identity, customs and lore.

The group performs 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 characterizes Recuerdos De Ayer — the 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, 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 take pride in their heritage, whether it’s Filipino or not.”

 

For more info visit: www.kababayangpilipino.org.